Week Of Outfits Series: A Week Of Ethical Outfits With A Story With Carly Gerber From Hippie + Heart
A Week Of Outfits With Carly Gerber From Hippie + Heart
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 Carly Gerber, the green living blogger behind Hippie + Heart!
// ABOUT CARLY //
Age | 27
Location | Chicago, IL
Occupation | Marketing Coordinator at Mata Traders
Where To Find Her | Instagram and her blog HIPPIE + HEART
Favorite Brands | Everlane, Reformation, Crossroads Trading, and, of course, Mata Traders
In elementary school, I lived in my Gap sweatshirts with the logo printed across the front, snap pants, and Adidas Superstar Shoes. If I wore that today, one might call elements of my look trendy. Back then, however, I had tomboy written all over me. Then, in middle school, everything changed. I became obsessed with fashion. One of my favorite ways to pass the time was styling my outfits for school.
“In disbelief that I didn’t know about the industry’s dirty secrets, like being a gigantic polluter and violating human rights, I became devoted to buying ethical fashion.”
When deciding what to study in college, I chose fashion and journalism. I pictured myself writing about fashion for a magazine one day. During my time at Columbia College Chicago, I was fortunate to have teachers who taught me about the not-so-glamorous side of the fashion industry. In disbelief, that I didn’t know about the industry’s dirty secrets, like being a gigantic polluter and violating human rights, I became devoted to buying ethical fashion.
Wanting to spread my knowledge to the masses, I launched my blog HIPPIE + HEART. To best understand my sense of style, breaking down the name of my blog is a perfect place to start. “HIPPIE” represents my sense of style, which I describe as refined hippie. “HEART” represents the ethical practices used to make the clothes I buy. What I’ve learned during my journey is that the term “ethical fashion” is broad and personal. HIPPIE + HEART is a light-hearted, judgement-free zone where I talk serious (ethical) fashion.
Most recently, I was given the opportunity to turn my passion into a career. I’m so honored to be the new Marketing Coordinator at Mata Traders, which partners with fair trade cooperatives in India and Nepal to create vintage-inspired, artisan-made clothing and accessories. For years, I’ve been a fan of the brand, so this is a dream come true!
Now, let’s check out my week of outfits.
“What I’ve learned during my journey is that the term ‘ethical fashion’ is broad and personal.”
// Find Carly Online //
Instagram // Blog
Monday
For work, I mix style with comfort. This jumpsuit is chic and so easy-to-wear. To juxtapose the romantic jumpsuit, I paired it with a leather biker jacket. Sticking with the moto theme, I slipped on pointed-toe leather boots, which are comfortable enough to wear throughout the workday plus on my commute.
Today’s Pieces:
Fauxgerty jumpsuit
Pelechecoco jacket
Everlane boots
Tuesday
When it comes to jewelry, much of my collection’s either vintage or artisan-made. These earrings by Larissa Loden are the perfect accessory when I want a subtle pop of color. I opted for a Mata Traders blouse, which went with the dusty-toned earrings perfectly. Since I’m all about stylish comfort, I wore jeans and flats.
Today’s Pieces:
Mata Traders top
Everlane jeans
Rothy’s shoes
Larissa Loden earrings
Wednesday
Recently, I’ve gotten into pairing silk blouses with long-sleeves. It’s a simple way to take a spring and summer staple, a silk blouse, and making it wearable for fall and winter. I’m big on juxtaposition, so I had fun pairing the silk blouse with sneakers and distressed jeans. I’m drawn to earrings and snagged these Mind’s Eye Design pair on a road trip through California. Now, whenever I wear them, I’m reminded of that fun trip—one big reason I love buying jewelry on vacation.
Today’s Pieces:
Reformation top
Secondhand jeans from Crossroads Trading
Veja sneakers
Minds Eye Design earrings
Thursday
Layering is a creatively simple way to wear the same garments without anyone noticing. Take this look for example. It could be worn with or without the Mata Traders patterned top. Either way, it’s a cute, work-ready look. But, I do love how the patterned top adds a touch of funk to the otherwise classic look.
Today’s Pieces:
Everlane sweater
Mata Traders top
Marine Layer skirt
Everlane boots
Haati Chai earrings
Friday
On Fridays, I tend to dress in styles that can easily transition from day to night. This look is great for a casual Friday at work and then for seeing a band at a local venue. For this Friday look, I paired a silk blouse with a long-sleeved top. To complete the edgy look, I paired it with a choker, distressed jeans, and moto boots.
Today’s Pieces:
Everlane turtleneck
Reformation silk tank
Secondhand jeans from Crossroads Trading
Akamae necklace
Everlane boots
Haati Chai earrings
Saturday
I spend the weekends seeing friends and family and running errands. I like to be comfortable while moving and grooving about town. This fall, my weekend uniform has been a leather jacket, long-sleeved top, jeans, and Veja sneakers. For this look, I wore my favorite tie-dyed top that I bought in San Francisco.
Today’s Pieces:
Pelechecoco jacket
Love on Haight top
Secondhand jeans from Crossroads Trading
Veja sneakers
Haati Chai earrings
Sunday
This look is called “Weekend Uniform Part II” ; )
