Monday Musings on Personal Style and the Importance of B-Corps
The world looks bright and sunny from my spot on the couch today…just kidding; it’s gray and rainy. Cabin fever has set in pretty seriously while my husband and I continue to battle our latest case of COVID. Hopefully, we won’t kill each other before we can go out. Did I forget to mention that we returned from our cruise to our tiny apartment in Vancouver… rather than our normal-sized house in California? We’d still have cabin fever at home, but at least we wouldn’t be tripping over each other.
I’m not usually into thrillers, but I could not put this book down. It has a twist in the middle that kept me interested…just when I was starting to think a YouTube video would be fun. I do have squirrel tendencies, especially when stuck at home.
I spent far too much time scrolling the internet and social media last week. I want all-new skincare…I actually ran out of several things, so I’m making do with hand lotion on my face. I hate all my clothes, and my towels suddenly feel like cardboard. I’ve also been deep-diving into how companies do business and what it means to be a B-Corp, which, BTW, I like and respect.
What is a B-Corp
You may wonder what a B-Corp is and why we should be shopping from them. My deeper dive taught me that A B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a company that’s taken a hard look at the cutthroat corporate world and said, “We can do better.” They’re required to go through a rigorous certification process that assesses their commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
They weave concerns like fair wages, community impact, and environmental sustainability into their very DNA. They show that you can turn a profit without sacrificing worker rights or the planet’s health. Eileen Fisher is a certified B-Corp, as is Frank & Eileen, Athleta, Sunday Riley, and a host of others, which I’ll be exploring further. Do clothes from a certified B-Corp brand cost more? They often do, but remember, it ensures that the garment worker who made it was paid a living wage.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Eileen Fisher’s organic cotton gauze has arrived in some fun, unusual colors.
This Heliotrope color is so striking. I love it over a column of white accented with navy accessories in natural fibers and hammered silver earrings. This shirt also comes in Seaweed and Cascade blue.
Personal Style
A funny thing happened a few years ago. I stopped purchasing any clothes for my wardrobe that I couldn’t link for you. Some readers get really annoyed when I wear things I can’t supply the shopping links for. The upshot is that my style has taken a hit, and I’m missing some of the joy of fashion. I’m not alone in this because several of my blogger friends only buy what they can link too.
My style used to be an eclectic mix of pieces I picked up in fun boutiques, my travels, and have owned for decades. Most brands aimed at mid-life women do not speak to my taste, so I seldom wear them. When we were in Helsinki, my daughter had a blast trying on and purchasing a few unique pieces from up-and-coming small designers. I bought nothing because I couldn’t link to it. She thought I was crazy, and in retrospect, I agree with her.
Because here’s the thing: once my clothes are sold out, I can’t link to them anymore, which then reduces their value in my wardrobe. Since personal style is an expression of ourselves, it is unique to each woman. I don’t expect all of you would dress the way I do. In fact, I share tons of fashion here that many of you wouldn’t wear. My goal is to share style and fashion for many tastes and budgets and to show you how things can be styled to look modern. I will continue to share my real-life outfits but don’t shoot me if I can’t link everything.
What are your thoughts on supporting brands that are B-Corp and ensuring a living wage for their workers while helping reduce the impact on our planet?
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow.
As one who tries to shop ethically, I would love to know more about B-Corp companies.
I’m saddened to learn that you’ve restricted yourself to buying only items that you can link to on the blog and that that decision is robbing you of the joy you once had in fashion! I look to blogs like yours for ideas and inspiration, but not necessarily to buy the exact items that are shown. I love to see eclectic and unique items and urge you to shop for you, not just for us!
Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks so much Elaine!
I’d like to see unique choices. Is it possible to name the company though that made a boutique pice though?
I have never heard of B-Corp so that was interesting.
Wouldn’t it be fun if you could post those inspirational pieces as a special “Something Old, Something New,” feature every now and then? What about using a mix of old and new, so some things, or similar things, could be linked? We all have those pieces from years ago that could use an update.
That’s a fun idea
I’ll give another shout out for Eileen Fisher. I have several items and have had them for many years. I wear them frequently. Yes, the initial cost can be high, but if they remain new looking and stylish for 10+ years, that’s a winner! The quality of workmanship and fabric is amazing. I initially thought the styles wouldn’t be flattering on me and was surprised to find they were. Please wear what excites you and makes you feel special. I’d rather read your blog seeing creative clothing choices. I don’t care about the links. Usually the items are out of the color or size I want anyway.
I totally agree with you about EF. I’m still wearing pieces I bought eons ago!
I just wanted to say that I’ve made compliments to you before on your lovely way you accessorize your outfits sometimes in pictures and have asked about an item……yes I wish I could purchase but I would do the same thing and will purchase an item on my travels from a lovely boutique, so I get it…….it still gives us inspiration on putting an outfit together 🙂
Hope you’re feeling better and if it was me…..as soon as I could, I’d mask up and take a stroll outside………just saying.
I did mask up yesterday the took it off when I got to the bench. It felt amazing. I’m planning to do the same today. Our test are now showing negative!! Yay
It never occurred to me that your wardrobe would only consist if items you could link. I always assumed your personal wardrobe was filled with interesting, unique pieces. Please shop for your own style and show it to us for inspiration. My “older” wardrobe was full of unique pieces and I’ve missed that the last few years as many boutiques in my area have gone out of business. I do still try to shop Canadian brands when possible, as we tend to be a bit more European in our style.
I’m looking forward to seeing your refreshed style.
I really miss our boutiques. I used to count on them for the fun of shopping. I hope they can make a small come back. I hope you’re well!
I’m halfway through my chemo treatments – woohoo! It definitely is more difficult now as the last 3 years has really worn down my stamina. I did get out golfing with my gal pals yesterday, and that felt great. I hope you are on the mend from Covid.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
I would so enjoy seeing clothes that you love for inspiration.The idea that vintage can make your outfits unique would be fun to explore.Hope you are well soon
I’d encourage you to shop for what gives you joy and share how you wear it. Showing your own true style is the best example you can share with me. If I like it I will search for a similar item. I nearly lost myself trying to buy through bloggers’ links and then found myself with a wardrobe that doesn’t express who I am. I’d rather see the genuine you and find the genuine me!
That’s an excelllent point! Genuine is so important and feels the best!