Week Of Outfits Series: A Week Of Conscious Fashion With April From All Awear
A Week Of Outfits With April From All Awear
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 outfits from April Auger, the conscious blogger behind All Awear!
// A B O U T A P R I L //
Age | 35
Location | Richmond, VA
Job | Style Consultant & Content Creator
Where To Find Her | Website and Instagram
Favorite Sustainable Brands | Amour Vert, GAIA, and ABLE
Some might consider me an unlikely person to be involved in the ethical fashion movement. I have loved all things fashion-related from a young age and worked in the fashion industry right out of college. I also became certified as a stylist under the tutelage of Stacy London before starting my career in the nonprofit sector. Needless to say, I have amassed quite the collection of clothing and accessories over the years.
On a trip to Indonesia seven years ago, my perspective on consumerism shifted when an unsuspecting loss of luggage forced me to make do with the essentials I had in my backpack. I used the small stipend the airline provided to buy from local markets and artisans, most of whom were women. As trivial as it may sound, that experience changed the way I looked at clothing because it forced me to buy local, get to know the people who were directly producing the clothing, and think creatively with styling the items I had at my disposal. I was so moved by that experience that when I returned from the trip, I made a conscious decision to go on a fashion cleanse and not buy clothes for a year.
“ I believe we’re doing our society and, more importantly, our environment a disservice by suggesting that we shouldn’t be seen or photographed in the same outfit twice.”
This value of sustainability drives my approach to fashion blogging. I think with the rise of visual social media, fashion bloggers feel immense pressure to continuously create new content while never wearing the same outfit twice. That particular approach paradoxically is the antithesis of sustainable fashion. I believe we’re doing our society and, more importantly, our environment a disservice by suggesting that we shouldn’t be seen or photographed in the same outfit twice. I wear outfits more than once but style them differently to create a new, unique look. Hopefully this approach can teach readers to go back into their own closet with a creative eye to mix and match what they already own.
About All Awear
I started All Awear because I saw a gap in the blogosphere for ethical fashion bloggers who resonated with my feminine and classic aesthetic. Much of what is on the market has a minimalistic look; however, my own style has never been minimalist. For me, style is a form of self-expression, and my clothes are a reflection of my personality. In conducting research for my master’s thesis on ethical fashion brands, I learned that it is possible to still dress fashionably but for it to resonate with values of sustainability and artisan empowerment.
“My own style has never been minimalist. For me, style is a form of self-expression, and my clothes are a reflection of my personality.”
All Awear is dedicated to creating a community of aspiringly aware women and men who are passionate about making more ethical clothing choices and to spreading awareness of ethical and sustainable fashion. It is unique from other blogs in that it is meant to inspire people who are not necessarily aware that there is even a problem with the overconsumption of clothing or with fast fashion’s effects on the world. I strive to do this by drawing people in with beautiful images of ethical clothing while providing them substantive facts regarding fair trade and the unintended consequences of fast fashion. All Awear highlights ethical brands that on the surface might not appear any different from the brands that readers already wear; some readers may be surprised that ethical (or secondhand) clothing can actually be trendy and fashionable. If someone decides to make even one small change in their buying habits because of something they read or saw on All Awear, I consider that a success.
Find April Online
WEBSITE // INSTAGRAM // PINTEREST // Facebook
Photography for Monday and Tuesday by Lisa Skillman Watson of Aaron Watson Photography
Monday
Having worked in a professional setting for 8 years, I am still accustomed to dressing more formally even while working from my home office. I feel that I’m more productive if I take the time to get dressed for the day. This outfit is the perfect balance of business casual, and these Everlane pants have become my recent go-to item. The fit and flare are perfect!
Today’s Pieces:
J.Crew Blazer bought secondhand | Old Top | Everlane Pants
Everlane Boots | Vintage Purse | Old Gloves
Tuesday
I found this vintage wool sweater a couple of months ago while my husband and I were in Scotland. To my surprise, Scotland had an incredible assortment of vintage and secondhand stores. One thing you will consistently see me in is hats. The right hat can elevate any look by making it uniquely your own. Berets are definitely having a moment in fashion right now, but they have always been a staple in my wardrobe.
Today’s Pieces:
Vintage Sweater | Everlane Pants | J. Crew Coat bought secondhand
Everlane Boots | Vintage Purse | Old Hat
Wednesday
This week we are traveling south to Florida for the holidays and therefore I needed outfits for warmer temperatures. As previously mentioned, my style tends to be more feminine, and I feel most comfortable in dresses. Pairing this vintage jacket with the paisley dress creates a 70’s vibe.
Today’s Pieces:
Secondhand Dress | Vintage Jacket | Vintage Purse
Everlane Boots | Paloma Wool Earrings
Thursday
Finding workwear or dressier ethical clothing at a modest price point can be a challenge. This is why Amour Vert has become one of my favorite brands. Each collection they produce is beautifully crafted and reasonably priced. I purchased this dress last summer and have worn it numerous times.
Today’s Pieces:
Amour Vert Dress | Old Jacket | Old Boots | Old Earrings
Friday
I am a huge advocate of shopping secondhand. Some of my favorite pieces I own were bought either at a vintage or secondhand store. If there is a specific item you’re searching for, I would recommend checking on Poshmark (an online marketplace). I own this same dress in white and wear it all the time. I did a quick search on Poshmark to see if I could find the denim version, and voila, there it was in like-new condition.
Today’s Pieces:
Madewell Dress bought secondhand | Vintage Jacket | Everlane Boots
Vintage Purse | Paloma Wool Earrings
Saturday
This look is great for a day of running errands or exploring a new city. If you’re in need of a comfortable yet stylish walking shoe, I recommend Veja. I’ve gotten so much wear out of these sneakers.
Today’s Pieces:
Secondhand Dress | Veja Shoes | FEED Clutch | Hat Attack Hat
Paloma Wool Earrings
Sunday
I have long admired the work of ABLE (ethical brand out of Nashville) and even included them in my research for my thesis. Needless to say, I was thrilled when they sent me this jumpsuit and handbag to try out. The right fitting jumpsuit can be challenging to find as I’m fairly tall; however, this one fit like a glove. It also added the right amount of pizazz needed for an event I was attending.
