Dear Modern Thinkers,

This week, we talk about a modern way of shopping to reduce your carbon footprint, without compromising your personal style.

CONTEXT

You may think that your solo conscious action does not make a difference. Well, if millions of individuals take the same action, than together they are a real force for good.

What and how we buy, makes this difference.

In early 2018, I was still a mindless shopper. My closet was filled with clothes, including those with the tags still on.

I have completely changed, for the better. And I’ve never felt better since!

Today we talk about my top tips to be a Modern Shopper.

THE TIPS

1. Shop your own closet

How often do we stand in front of our closet, saying :

2. Figure out what exactly works for your style

The best way to become immune to ads for clothes not made for you, is to figure out what exactly works for you style.

Some cuts work better for you than for others and vice versa.

2a. start by understanding your body shape

Tool : tape measure

1. take measurements of your shoulders, chest/bust, waist, and hips.

2. use this information to identify a shape

3. take a piece of paper, scale the measurements to a ratio of 10:1 and connect the dots

4. now your body shape will appear

2b. move on to find your color palette: are you cool, warm, or neutral?

Tool : piece of white paper (or a white piece of clothing)

1. in bright, natural light, hold the piece of white paper/garment up to your face.

2. if your skin looks pinkish, you’re cool toned

3. if your skin looks yellowish, your undertone is warm

4. if you look better in off-white/creamy hues, you’re also warm toned

5. if you don’t look washed out wearing both colors, you may have a neutral undertone

3. Figure out what does not match you

Perhaps the best way to avoid ending up buying clothes you next need to return is this: figure out what goes on your NO-DEAL list (I just made that up).

Now you know what your body shape and color palette is. The Internet is also rich in information about what colors to avoid if you are cool/warm/neutral toned. The same goes for which cuts to avoid depending on your body shape.

Happy searching, it’s actually quite fun!

4. Put it in your cart and let it simmer for 2 weeks

Buying something new is not a bad thing. What matters is your intention behind the purchase. Remember, brands rely heavily on neuroscience to find out how to persuade you to buy their products - when the brand has no clue what your needs are.

So here’s a tip I’m borrowing from an advisor: put the item(s) in your cart and come back after 2 weeks. Put a reminder in your calendar. Then ask yourself how you feel and decide whether to empty the cart or to go ahead and check out.

5. Choose natural fibers

Much of our clothes contain microplastics. Microplastics are not only bad for the environment, they are especially bad for our health.

So, opt for natural fibers, such as:

• cotton

• linen

• hemp

• peace silk

• regenerative wool

as well as newer materials such as:

• lyocell

• plant-based cashmere

• plant-based polyester

• plant-based leather alternatives

I hope these tips bring you a calmer, more positive mind. Let me know if you have used them.

STAY MODERN.

Until next week,

Marije

p.s. this newsletter is powered by my startup Positive Fibers® - the home of fashion for prosperity. We’re going to launch in private soon. If you’d like to be among the first users, then sign up here to join the waiting list: www.positivefibers.com