Fashion- it’s a fickle friend. One day an accessory is a strict must-have and before you know it, it’s slumped in the costume box waiting to collect dust. What once made you feel stylish now makes you question whether you were inebriated when purchasing. Nowadays of course, we intend to be more conscious of succumbing to the world of fast fashion. However, we can all relate to at least one trend that undeservingly made its way into our outfits. The fact of the matter is, in the heat of the moment it can be difficult to distinguish a fleeting fancy from a timeless wardrobe addition. Fear not, we’re here to help.
Introducing Margo Paige, a fashion brand hot on our radar. They create sustainable, multi-functional, and fashionable products that allow your lifestyle and your ethos to be aligned.
We love their clear handbags over here at YCB. Their unique bags compliment any outfit, any season, and are responsibly made from the design to the packaging to your door. What’s not to love?
What’s more, the brand is reinventing athleisure wear to be elevated, chic and most importantly, sweat-wicking for those warmer temps. Margo Paige’s apparel is made from recycled materials that are lightweight, sweat wicking, comfortable and will easily pair with other items in your closet. Sustainable athleisure wear is on the precipice of the next “big” trend that will be here to stay.
Here are the three points to consider to help you shop more consciously in 2023.
How much use will you get out of it?
To begin, we’ll start with something we’re all undeniably guilty of. Let’s set the scene. You’ve gathered what you needed and you’re en route to the check out desk. By no mistake of the merchandiser, last minute temptations have been tactically placed either side of the payment queue. Uh oh, that diamonte shirt seems to have caught your eye. What’s an extra ten pounds to your shopping spree? It may seem like a no-brainer but each cheap and cheerful purchase adds up. The bold designs and poor-quality fabrics accumulate until your wardrobe is infested with a disease of clothing that is frayed and out of fashion after just a few wears. Instead, when participating in a bit of retail therapy, try to always stick to a seasonless look and resist the temptation of temporary wardrobe-fillers. Opt for pieces that are chic yet comfortable, versatile yet stylish. Take a look at the Mock Neck dress from Margo Paige for example. You can create a multitude of different outfits with this dress to make it suit any occasion.
Pair it with sandals for a cute summer look or with white trainers for a more casual ensemble. When the temperatures start to drop, layer it with tights and boots to transform it as winter-appropriate.
Is it designed to last?
The next point to consider when shopping is if it is truly made to last (more than a season, that is). We are often shamelessly similar to magpies when it comes to accessories. The shiny, sparkling-new pieces catch our eyes and draw us towards them. However, once taken from the guise of the display, the reality is often flimsy materials that reveal their true quality after just a few wears. Rather than fluttering away your money on multiple short-term pieces, invest in an accessory made with high quality materials, those which will stand the test of time. For example, Clear Recycled PVC is long-lasting and durable, so this stunning bag from Margo Paige is kept in your wardrobe and out of landfills for much longer.
Another design we’re swooning over is their Clear Cut Out Crossbody bag, sure to turn a few heads!
Is it from a Sustainable Brand?
Finally, ask yourself: Is the brand that you’re purchasing from an eco-friendly one? This is a factor that in this day and age, cannot be overlooked. These days there is a constant stream of fashion brands getting called out for damaging our very delicate and precious world, one after another. What’s more, according to Margo Paige, “studies show that 85% of textiles produced in the fashion industry end up in the landfill each year”. To help take a stand against this, they go for the approach that style should not be sacrificed for sustainability, and vice versa. They carefully select and source raw materials such as recycled clear vinyl, vegetable tanned leather, and ethically sourced hardware, that reduce demand for fossil fuel derived materials and have better end-of-life impact.
To conclude, when partaking in some retail therapy this year, the brands that practice environmental and social sustainability are the ones that you should be getting behind. It not only shows that the brand is ethical, but you can trust that the products are designed to last a lifetime and live up to whatever the occasion may be. What better way to shop consciously?
