Category Archives: Essays

i don’t think minimalism means what you think it means

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Leah

Minimalism is in. Capsule wardrobes; intentional living; clean lines; sustainable, closet-sized homes. But I hope you realize that the list I just spouted off represents two very different approaches to minimalism and that doing one doesn’t necessarily indicate anything about the other. … Continue reading →

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life moves pretty fast

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Leah

Two weeks ago, I was just shuffling along, driving my old car, working a regular shift at the coffee shop, and updating my blog according to schedule. But then my car broke down. Then I got an unexpected phone call … Continue reading →

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Hobby Lobby pro-life?

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Leah

I already talked about the Hobby Lobby case in various corners of the internet, but I realize it’s something I should address here because I take an approach few critics are taking, and it has a lot to do with … Continue reading →

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ModCloth: it’s not that great

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Leah

ModCloth, popular online retailer of vintage-inspired clothing, has a lot going for it: independent designers, an in-house collection, fair trade options, and diverse models and size ranges. But I don’t like them. I’ve placed a dozen or so orders over … Continue reading →

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you don’t have to feel it

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Leah

Have you ever wondered why nonprofits and fair trade organizations insist on including images of starving children, decimated village landscapes, and communities in tattered clothing in their promotions? It’s because they know that people make decisions with their feelings. The … Continue reading →

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spring cleaning

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Leah

An important part of sustainable living is avoiding unnecessary purchases. It’s something I hadn’t considered when I started my fair trade journey a few years ago, but it might be one of the most important habits to adopt in the … Continue reading →

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new article up on Relevant!

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Leah

Good afternoon. I’m excited to share my newest Relevant Magazine article, The Cost of Spending Less, with you today! Click here to read. And feel free to add to the discussion on the article page or here in the comments. … Continue reading →

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fashion revolution day & a sale

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Leah

Buy sustainable. Buy vintage. But really, there are many avenues for people trying to buy more ethically. And there are many layers to creating and promoting an ethical lifestyle. First, we have to change the way we think about clothing. … Continue reading →

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Fashion Revolution Day 2014

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Leah

Fashion Revolution Day is a movement. On April 24, 2013, 1,133 garment workers in Bangladesh were killed when the building where they worked collapsed. Tags inside indicated that several well-known brands had clothing produced at the site; domestic brands include … Continue reading →

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12 months, 12 goals

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Leah

Oh, goals. We make them and then life happens. When I started making plans for this year, I assumed I’d have a certain amount of wiggle room in by budget to explore fair trade and artisan made options. But then … Continue reading →

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