Sustain This!

<p>Welcome to Sustain This! A slow fashion podcast  that's about so much more than clothes. <br><br>Join us every Tuesday as your hosts Alyssa, Christina and Signe chat all things mindful consumption, personal style and the quest for building a more intentional life...and wardrobe! <br><br>Alyssa Beltempo is a sustainable stylist, Christina Mychas, a shopaholic turned minimalist-<em>ish</em>, and Signe Hansen is a colour consultant and slow fashion style coach. Together we will unpack the nuances of what it really means be a conscious consumer & find more joy in what we have right now. Let's go!</p><p><b><br></b><br></p>

Are you in a style rut? Here's how to get out of it.

In this conversation, we address the common struggle of style ruts, sharing personal experiences and insights on how to navigate them. We discuss the effects of life changes, organization, and choice fatigue, emphasizing the importance of dressing for ourselves.We offer practical tips for finding joy in your wardrobe again, from making small adjustments to the power of accessories. We also touch on how our daily habits and mindset can influence personal style.Our aim is to inspire you to embr...

11-20
30:34

How our style has evolved over the years

In this chat, we dive into how our personal styles have evolved over the years. We share our early fashion memories, the influence of friends, and how different life stages shaped our choices. We also talk about the struggle of keeping our style unique in a corporate world and how we blend past looks with our current wardrobes. Confidence in our style is key, and we’re all about evolving without over-shopping.We touch on the role of accessories, self-acceptance, and blogging in our journeys. ...

11-12
28:38

Fashion phrases and style rules that should be left behind in 2024!

In this chat, we tackle how fashion and personal style are changing and why it’s time to challenge those old style rules. We talk about redefining what “flattering” really means, dressing without worrying about age, and getting creative with color matching.Self-expression and confidence are super important to us, and we explore how our clothing choices impact our mindset. We discuss the need for intentionality in fashion, the limits of traditional rules, and how context can complicate what’s ...

10-29
33:13

5 wardrobe staples we still love after 5 years!

In this episode, we celebrate our favorite timeless wardrobe pieces and discuss their sentimental value. We chat about how personal style evolves, the emotional connections we have with our clothes, and why it’s okay to keep items that hold significance, even if we don’t wear them often. We also touch on the impact of fast fashion versus the value of slow fashion, encouraging each other to appreciate the stories behind our clothing.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Wardrobe Favorites04:45 The Power o...

10-22
36:41

Do style rules actually work, or do they make getting dressed harder?

This week, we explore whether style rules are timeless or just tied to current trends. We cover basics like balancing proportions, the rule of thirds, and the three-color rule, but see them as flexible tools rather than hard-and-fast rules. We also touch on how style rules change with different generations and how social media has expanded our fashion choices. Ultimately, we believe style rules can be helpful but should be adapted to fit our personal preferences and not restrict us. It’s more...

10-15
33:44

Thrifting is cool now, but are we doing it with a fast fashion mindset?

Watch the Tiktok that inspired this conversation here by @yvonnevictoria: https://www.tiktok.com/@yvonnevictoria/video/7416705389389040928?_r=1&_t=8q39F5pdU3y In this conversation, we dive into how our mindset around thrifting and secondhand shopping is changing. We talk about the impact of fast fashion, the thrill of the hunt, and why personal style matters. Together, we highlight the need for a shift in our consumption habits and explore the emotional side of shopping. We also shar...

10-08
28:31

Are luxury brands ripping us off?

In this chat, we dive into a recent scandal with Christian Dior and their production practices. We’re looking at the gap between the cost of making Dior handbags and their sky-high prices. We also touch on transparency issues in the luxury industry and whether high prices actually mean higher quality.We share our thoughts on why we buy luxury items and the need to question their value and quality. We’re frustrated with brands that charge a lot but deliver little, especially when we expect top...

09-17
29:05

Why You Need To "Choose Hard" for Good Style & Shopping Habits

Today, we are exploring the idea of "choosing hard" for better style habits. We compare cheap dopamine—like the quick pleasure from shopping and social media—with expensive dopamine, which comes from more effortful sources. We emphasize the value of shopping our own closets, tackling problem pieces, and putting effort into outfit creation. We also discuss the benefits of a dopamine detox to reset our pleasure levels. Our tips focus on practicing moderation and making thoughtful style choices....

09-10
30:16

Try this NEW way to pack that you've never heard of: the 3 day packing method

In this conversation about travel fashion, we explore the three-day packing method: essentials for day one, everyday wear for day two, and travel items for day three. It’s a flexible and efficient way to pack, and it works for weekly outfit planning too. We also explore some other methods, like the five-four-three-two-one approach, and discuss how engaging regularly with our wardrobes can help. We also chat about our packing experiences, the benefits of pre-planning outfits, and the value of ...

09-03
32:43

Ask us anything! Renting vs buying clothes, how we see trends, tattoos & who inspires us

In today's episode, we answer some of your questions! We get into some personal stuff like how we met, tattoos, and of course - some slow fashion goodness as well. We will be posting an intimate Ask Us Anything monthly in our online community over on Patreon - it's the best way to get in touch and meet like-minded people who love to live and shop slow!Find it below:https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast00:00Introduction and Patreon Shoutout07:28Exploring Circular Fashion Practices15:...

08-20
37:07

How underconsumption can teach us all to be happier with less

In today’s episode, we dive into the trending hashtag #UnderConsumptionCore and its impact across social media. We discuss its TikTok origins and how it aligns with minimalism. We also emphasize the need for nuance and caution against it becoming just another fleeting trend. Our conversation covers how guilt and shame can influence sustainable change and the limitations of short-form platforms like TikTok for deep reflection. We also explore the risk of turning under-consumption into a compet...

08-13
33:06

Are we in a slow fashion recession? The downfall of the slow fashion brand & how they are being set up to fail.

In this episode, we talk about why slow fashion brands struggle and often close down. Consumers usually go for price over sustainability, which makes it hard for ethical brands to compete with fast fashion. We discuss how advertising and social media drive our constant need for new clothes, and the allure of 'cheap dopamine'—a quick thrill that's addictive but unsustainable. We delve into how our personal mindset and actions are crucial to support slow fashion — it's about buying consciously,...

07-23
33:59

"To be sustainable, do I need to stop shopping altogether?" The importance of nuance in the age of all-or-none thinking.

In today’s catchup, we ponder whether stopping shopping altogether is necessary for sustainability and chat about our constant craving for new things. We get into the importance of avoiding black-and-white thinking and share some tips like making space, asking why, and setting boundaries when shopping. We also chat about the challenges slow fashion content creators face and have a quick vent sesh about the dangers of oversimplified views on social media. Ultimately, this episode is about choo...

07-16
31:52

What does it take to run a successful business in slow fashion? Ft Kristi Soomer, founder and CEO of Canadian slow fashion brand, Encircled

Listen to the full, unedited interview with Kristi on our Patreon ➡️ https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcastKristi Soomer is a visionary entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, known for her work as the Founder and CEO of the slow fashion travel brand, Encircled since 2012. With a background in management consulting, retail, and supply chain management, Kristi brings a wealth of expertise to the sustainable fashion space.As a Certified B Corporation, Encircled exemplifies Kristi's commit...

07-09
36:21

Our clothes are getting worse. Here's how to spot good quality pieces.

Why do our clothes suck these days? We have some ideas. But all is not lost! There are ways to find and choose good quality clothing no matter your shopping budget. In today’s episode, we share what we focus on when shopping for good quality clothes. We chat about fabric choice, garment construction, details, certifications and longevity. Since we can’t get enough of the topic, we also touch on what “timeless” means, and the value in re-wearing and caring for our clothes to extend their life....

07-02
35:39

What do labour rights have to do with secondhand shopping? feat. Emily Stochl of Pre-Loved Podcast

What do labour rights have to do with secondhand fashion? It turns out, a lot. In today’s episode, we talk to Emily Stochl, host of the Pre-Loved Podcast on labour rights activism and how it informs the secondhand market and our secondhand shopping consumption habits. One of our favourite takeaways from this episode is Emily’s encouragement to see ourselves as citizens rather than just consumers to advocate for systemic change. We discuss topics like a living wage, unlearning our traditional ...

06-25
33:35

How to use contrast to build chic outfits

What does contrast dressing mean? Is it the same thing as adding balance or tension to an outfit? Don’t worry, friends - we gotchu. In today’s episode, we de-mystify contrast dressing, the interchangeable terms behind it, and how it can be a key tool to building interesting outfits without buying more clothes. Chapters:00:00 Exploring Contrast Dressing in Outfit Creation03:23 The Interchangeability of Tension, Balance, and Contrast07:19 Personal Approaches to Creating Contrast in Outfits11:39...

06-18
35:39

Has the algorithm destroyed personal style?

Has social media ruined personal style? This was a tough one to answer - and our discussion may surprise you! Today’s conversation was sparked from an article in GQ magazine. We share our take and talk about the influence of Instagram and Tik Tok on trends, click to buy behaviour, and the constant pressure to consume and shop. We dig into the importance of experimentation, self-trust, and a strong sense of personal style. ARTICLE LINK: https://www.gq.com/story/chris-black-how-instagram-r...

06-04
31:47

Easy habits you can start today to level up your personal style

Is good style discovered through our daily habits? We think so. In today’s episode, we share all the tips to level up your style without shopping. Slow fashion and sustainable fashion is a mindset, and simple habits like mending, correctly storing, seeking regular inspiration, and playing dress up all inform our fashion consumption habits. Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Relationship Between Habits and Personal Style06:47 Habit 3: Pause Between Purchases and Integrate New Items15:33 Habi...

05-28
36:38

Listen to this before you buy luxury secondhand | Ft. The Handbag Clinic

So you bought a luxury handbag, now what? Do you treat it as precious cargo, or wear it out? We believe in the latter. Especially when companies like the Handbag Clinic offer exceptional repair and resale services to keep luxury goods in the market longer. In today’s episode, we chat with Charlotte Staerck, CEO of the Handbag Clinic, whose mission is to promote circularity within the luxury goods market through handbag repair, restoration, and authentication. We talk all things luxury handbag...

05-21
48:04

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