As I was working on Sunday Style last week, finding links for outfits, I realized almost every brand was having a sale. Alex Mill, they never have sales! The impulse to shop was so strong. I spent a solid hour on the site. I didn’t buy anything.
I remembered this article I read back in May. This part really stuck with me:
We build our identities, in large part, through shopping. And the internet. Social media demands we constantly self-optimize, hone our presentation, and always offer the world a better version of ourselves. There is always a newer, cooler, more desirable version of ourselves to become, if only we buy the right products.
Being an extremely online person for the last 10 years, building a life and living around that identity, doesn’t just disappear overnight. That’s the part I’m still unraveling. Much of who I represented online was established through things and aesthetics, and I came to judge myself based on that.
As I scrolled through the Alex Mill website I started developing criteria to talk myself through my “need” to buy something. “Do you already have this exact item in a different color?” “Do you know your size in this because it’s final sale?” “Do you already have something that looks just like this?” “What happens if you don’t buy it right now?”
Giving myself that extra time to reflect before actually making a purchase has opened my eyes to how much online shopping has impacted the way I consume. It’s so easy to shop online, and even easier to forget the impact that buying new things all the time has on the planet and people.
At the same time I’m coming to terms with the reality that constantly acquiring new things doesn’t make me happier, and it doesn’t make anyone like me more either.
Some outfits I actually wore
We took advantage of the fresh snowfall to skin up Saskadena and ski down. It’s such a fun way to get exercise outdoors.
Wearing: Halfdays Jacket, Bibs, Smith Helmet, Smith Sunglasses
I wore this outfit twice last week. So comfy and cozy, and warm.
Don’t even remember what I did this day but I remember it was cold.
Wearing: Patagonia Jacket (this is an older version), Aritzia Sweater, Talbots Turtleneck (old), Madewell Jeans, Sézane Boots
Comfortable outfit for a day of calls and work.
Wearing: Faherty Cardigan, Negative Sweatpants, Crocs
One of the best ways to support my work is to share it with your friends! This post is public so feel free to pass it along.