The holiday shopping season has been in full swing for a few weeks and boy is it scary out there, especially on the weekends. I’ve been trying to get most of my shopping done after work because trying to get a parking spot at The Grove on a Saturday or Sunday is more stressful than going to the dentist.
Everyone has difficult people to shop for in their lives, mine is my dad. He prefers things to be made in America or countries other than the likes of China, Vietnam, and India, and I don’t blame him. The mark-up on items by brands like Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, etc., is disgusting compared to the quality of product you get when you spend a little more for something made in Italy or Canada or the USA; it will last you a hell of a lot longer. Anyway, do you know how freaking hard it is to find something NOT made in China?
On April 24, 2013, the Ranza Plaza factory collapsed in Bangladesh, killing over 1,000 people. Look at your clothing labels –H&M, Gap, Banana Republic, just to name a few, and you will see that a lot of them say “Made in Bangladesh” as well as other southeastern Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. It feels pretty shitty knowing that someone who made my H&M tank top could be dead for the sake of poorly made fashion.
The Ranza Plaza factory collapse was the biggest industrial disaster in the history of the garment industry, and ever since it occurred I’ve been trying to boycott labels made in countries where poor working conditions are known. Besides, if I buy a James Perse T-shirt that costs $10-20 more than a cheap H&M T-shirt, and is made in the USA it will last longer. There are certain things it’s hard to avoid buying, even with the best of intentions, but an 80-90% effort is better than none. I also refuse to spend good money on something made in Asia because I know it just won’t last as long as products I own from Italy, the USA, France, Canada — countries where there are hopefully more regulation standards (let’s face it, there are probably still sweatshops in the US that we are unaware of).
As much as my dad is a pain about shopping, he’s right. Too often we consume for instant gratification without much thought to the origins of what we are consuming. In a season of giving, it’s important to take time to think about these things. It’s so much easier to go buy a cheap tee at the Gap (even though their sizes are seriously whack), than to have to ponder dropping the dough on something nicer at Nordstrom. While you may have to have the latest Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, it’s time to start thinking about things that are just as cool and crafted by fashion designers in major garment cities like New York or LA instead of China; the quality is much more worth our dime. Now don’t even get me started on the make-up industry testing on animals . . .
Sara’s Top Ten Places to Shop
1. The Little Market: A fair trade online marketplace of handmade goods from global artisans, started by Hannah Skvalra and Lauren Conrad
2. James Perse: My new favorite go-to for cotton essentials, made in the USA.
3. BTC Elements: A favorite online store for eco-chic clothing and accessories.
4. Theo Chocolate: Chocolate is the best present you can give, but fair-trade is important for a crop that is often exploited.
5. Ecoist: Bags and accessories handmade from recycled materials like soda cans, candy wrappers and magazines.
6. Rifle Paper Co.: Environmentally responsible stationery, calendars, cards, journals, etc all made in the USA
7. Rosenthal Estate Wines: My new favorite vineyard has a line called “Surfrider” where a percentage of the cost goes to the Surfrider Foundation
8. A Dog’s Life: Perfect treats for pets and owners.
9. Adriano Goldschmied: Amazing jeans for someone you want to spend a little extra on. My mom can vouch for how life changing and comfortable they are!
10. Manolo Blahnik: For someone you really love, even if that’s just yourself. Made in Italy.
