Celebrating Earth Day with sustainable style

From head to fashionable toe: Three brands I love—and love for what they're doing for the planet.

Welcome home hydrangeas | Photo cred: Me.

Fashion’s impact on the planet is undeniable. Sometimes, it can feel overwhelmingly so environmentally. I’ve never been a fan of fast fashion; I’d rather discover new treasures on my travels or find the local artist at the farmer’s market. But I also appreciate larger brands that are forward-thinking when it comes to their brand footprint.

It’s also about us as individuals, choosing how to dress and accessorize. I’m attracted to certain pieces for the story, others for the craftsmanship. Let’s call it… accessorizing mindfully, if that’s a thing. It should be a thing, in my opinion. And with that in mind, I’m launching my version of “Fave Five”, except in this case it’s three, but I digress…

Earth Day! It used to pass me by without a fleeting thought, despite living in “Beautiful British Columbia” where a lot of thought is put to our planet. While I was aware, I was more aware of who was on the latest cover of Vogue.

These days, I have children, and suddenly my view stretches further into the future. I’m more apt to literally stop and smell the hydrangeas potted outside my front door. I’m constantly in awe of how a few pretty blooms can be so welcoming. A daily reminder that no matter how much I’ve been lucky enough to travel this beautiful planet of ours, home is still prettiest. And yes, I know, hydrangeas aren’t particularly fragrant flowers, but it’s the ritual of it. The few moments I pause and analyze and just breathe.

And probably think about the new So Pretty Cara Cotter launch, Woolly Bear custom earrings, or next destination inspiration. All coming soon, Dear Reader. Just wait! Though I barely can, from excitement.

But more presently, in honour of Earth Day, I’m focusing on the beauty at home, around me, and currently in my closet.

So, pour yourself a glass of local sparkling (wine or water, this is a safe space!), and read on for my current favourite sustainable style.

Starting with Canadian footwear brand Poppy Barley.

A certified B Corporation, their Sole Purpose—now a fledgling Substack, check them out!—is the self-stated “luxury for the people and planet.” And people, these gorgeous shoes are comfortable. Their Social Heeled Sandal took on the cobblestones during our last trip to Spain for a family wedding—and won.

A brand I recently discovered and instantly fell head-over-heels with is Aloha Collection when we were in O’ahu. Cute island-inspired prints, a practical wet-dry fabric perfect for destination packing, and 5% of every purchase is donated to Hawai’i-based conservation organizations.

Another Canadian brand I discovered while watching one of my favourite shows years ago, Once Upon a Time, is Pyrrha. I could write a whole “As Seen On” essay about these beautiful talismans (and I probably will at some point). Each piece is handcrafted in their certified zero-carbon studio, and infused with meaning; not only symbolized in its etchings, but for the moments they symbolize.

Years ago on my birthday, one of my childhood friends that I was lucky to tour New York City with snapped one of the few pictures I love of myself (Thanks, Kris!)—and I happened to be wearing my Swan talisman. I’ll never forget that afternoon in Ellen’s Stardust Diner with my friend and her husband. The place was…unexpected. We laughed so much. I can’t wear that necklace now without thinking of that afternoon, the red vinyl booth, wildly alcoholic milkshake, and how while the place wasn’t what we’d expected, became even more entertaining because of what we made of it.

To me, jewellery isn’t just something to accent an outfit. It’s tiny fragments collected over a lifetime when revealed all together in a jewellery box, tells the story of its owner.

Sartorially yours,
xoKarin