Sustainability has undoubtedly become a fashion buzzword, and brands big and small are working on ways to reduce the waste of excess materials and even produce less volume. As a result of this altruistic shift, the notion of re-purposing garments, upcycling clothing, and GASP…buying used goods has received a lot of attention as of late. I have even heard the word “stigma” being thrown around on the fashion scene as a means to overcome the snobbery around the description “gently used.” 

As a woman in recovery, I eat stigma for breakfast; therefore, pre-worn fashion doesn’t have anything on me. 

In my ongoing quest to glean through consignment and pre-loved items, I have shopped a variety of online stores. One morning I came across a site called Dora Maar @shopdoramaar. Not only is the site dedicated to upcycling, but it centers on the guise of shopping from a specific fashionista’s wardrobe. I narrowed in on Sophia & Charlotte Brickley @yin2myyang mainly because their closet was listed as an option under the “shop for a cause” identifier.

This sister duo lends 10% of their profits to Shatterproof @weareshatterproof. A non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities & ending the stigma of addiction. Not that I needed an excuse to shop, but here you go. I scored a glittery Jimmy Choo crossbody and managed to donate to addiction recovery in one click. (I am not going to say winning, but winning!) Lending to the notion that sustainability involves re-purposing items and being selective on how and where we spend our money.

P.S.

When I got sober four years ago, I noticed my closet was stuffed with fast-fashion and trendy pieces. And none of it meant anything to me. So, I began to do a little moral/wardrobe inventory. Who am I, and what do I stand for? My life and personal style aren’t curated for I.G.T.V.

It’s genuine and authentic. I want to wear clothes that tell a story. Fashion with a purpose. Style that is emotive. In essence, I want to be me, but fabulously dressed. Stay tuned as I keep peeling back the layers inside and out.

Grace & Glam,

Kate

WALK YOUR TALK: This is our section of the site that celebrates fashion and the role it plays in our recovery. Getting ready for life can be just as fun if not more fun, now that we’re sober…because drunk never looks good. Join Sober Curator & Fashion Editor Kate Vitela as she walks her talk and continues to peel back the layers, inside and out, in her continued quest to get dressed for life.

Resources are available

Resources are available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.

The post As A Woman In Recovery, I Eat Stigma For Breakfast; Therefore, Pre-Worn Fashion Doesn’t Have Anything On Me appeared first on The Sober Curator.