Week Of Outfits Series: A Week Of Classic Wardrobe Staples With Alisson Simmonds From A Sustainable Mess
A Week Of Outfits With Fashion Blogger Alisson Simmonds
The Good Trade’s Week of Outfits Series highlights women that have personally inspired us to shop and live with intention. Each woman takes her own unique approach to slow fashion and demonstrates how beautifully sustainable fashion can come to life. Today we’re excited to share a week of stylish outfits from Alisson Simmonds, a sustainable fashion blogger at A Sustainable Mess!
// ABOUT ALISSON //
Age | 29 Location | Amsterdam, The Netherlands Occupation | Content creator, sustainable blogger, influencer Where To Find Her | Blog, Instagram Favorite Brands | ARMEDANGELS, People Tree, Filippa K, Organic Basics
“It wasn’t until I discovered flea markets that I went to stores less often and started treasure hunting. That was the start of my conscious journey.”
Fashion has always been a passion for me. Since I was in high school, I was always taking care of the clothes I wore and was busy figuring out how to combine them. For a long time, fashion was—to me—all about wearing the latest trend. I would go weekly to fast fashion stores just to see what was new and I would end up getting whatever was on sale. It wasn’t until I discovered flea markets that I went to stores less often and started treasure hunting.
That was the start of my conscious journey. At flea markets, I started realizing how many clothes there already were. I was feeling a little bad about the mass production of clothes, and then, I came across the documentary The True Cost. I learned about the impact of fashion on people and the planet. Fashion is the world’s second largest polluter. On top of it, most of the people making clothes are women between 13 and 35 years old.
In the factories, workers are treated badly; they get sexually harassed and sometimes even beaten by their bosses—and they earn less than $3 per day. They have to work under horrible conditions. Once I learned this and got to see the truth about fashion, I could not support fast fashion and unethical practices anymore. I felt that I owe that to all the women who don’t have the privileges that I have.
“I realized that fast fashion trends made me insecure about what my true style is. Instead of following trends, I started to be conscious about what my style is and did a big closet detox.”
My sustainable journey began four years ago. That is also when I started to share my outfits and conscious new habits on Instagram and, later, on my blog. I started rethinking the way I see fashion and the way I dress. I realized that fast fashion trends made me insecure about what my true style is. Instead of following trends, I started to be conscious about what my style is and did a big closet detox. I only kept clothes that I really liked and that made me feel good. By doing that, I realized that I like to wear black, white, and nude colors. And, every now and then, a print.
My shopping habits have changed. Now I buy clothes intentionally. I pause and ask myself if I really need that item. I do a mental check of how to combine a new item with those already in my closet. If I have any doubt, I sleep on it and decide later. Now I only buy clothes that are secondhand and from sustainable brands.
By shopping from sustainable brands, I am supporting ethical practices and empowering women. With this new shopping habit, I have changed my relationship with clothes. I buy only what I need. I have learned to fall in love with my clothes and make outfits with the pieces I already own. I have discovered my style and feel confident not following trends. By keeping my wardrobe small, I find it easier to get dressed every morning.
“I have learned to fall in love with my clothes and make outfits with the pieces I already own.”
// Find Alisson Online //
Website // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook
Photography by Marisa Elisa
Monday
When I became a mother and started working from home, I made myself a promise: I will always make time to shower and dress up. As a stay-at-home mother, it’s easy to want to be in pajamas all days. But when I wear ‘normal’ clothes, I feel better about myself. One of my favorite and easiest outfits is an all-black outfit.
Today’s Pieces:
Belle’s Club Amsterdam Tee Thrifted Pants & Jean Jacket Ethletic Shoes Artisan-Made Bag From Colombia
Tuesday
Tuesday is my working day. I work as a sustainable fashion influencer and blogger. Normally on Tuesdays, I work from my office in the attic or I go out to a coffee shop and meet fellow independent working women.
Today’s Pieces:
Organic Basics Tee Thrifted Pants Nae Shoes Denise Roobol Bag
Wednesday
In the middle of the week, I like to wear comfortable clothes. Wednesday is the day that I take care of my daughter the whole day, by myself. A basic blouse with a pair of jeans is my go-to outfit. After lunch, I like to go for a walk to the park. I always end up strolling around the flower market from my neighborhood.
Today’s Pieces:
Thrifted Blouse Vintage Jeans Hemp Shoes
Thursday
This is my second day off from mommy duties for the week. On Thursdays, I also work from my home office or from a coffee shop. I like to wear comfortable and more casual clothes. Somehow, when I dress more ‘business-y’ I feel more like a business woman. It sounds silly, but clothes have an influence on the way I feel.
Today’s Pieces:
Thrifted Blazer Thrifted Top Laetitia Earrings
Friday
Leather jackets are my favorite item for making any basic outfit look cool. This jacket is made from refurbished leather. My jacket used to be a sofa. 😉
Today’s Pieces:
Thrifted Top Pelechecoco Refurbished Leather Jacket Thrifted Jeans Ethletic Shoes
Saturday
A white basic t-shirt is my go-to item for any occasion. I can wear it with shorts to go to the beach, with fancy pants to go to a meeting, or with a pair of vintage jeans to go to the market.
Today’s Pieces:
Organic Basics Tee Vintage Pants Ethletic Shoes Thrifted Blazer Kerbholz Watch
Sunday
Sunday is my favorite day to chill out and do nothing. I like to go for a longer walk to the park or around the city I live in. If my husband is off, we will visit his family and have coffee and cake.
Today’s Pieces:
Dress Passed Down From Sister Nae Shoes Artisan Bag From Colombia
// Find Alisson Online //
Website // Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook
Photography by Marisa Elisa