Such a thoughtful approach ! I’m saving my budget for some pieces by CEA Capsule. I discovered the brand while living in Italy and everything is made locally in Veneto (and gorgeous) - it’s very new and I really want to support initiatives like this one which support the local factories and keep production extremely local
Oh, lovely! That's a really great way to look at it - putting your money where you want to. So many small, local producers have closed down because it's not feasible to keep going so they need our support. Otherwise, we'll be left with a world full of Zara and Shein.
I love this post and this takeaway: "If you can afford it, don’t put a blanket spending ban on 2025. Instead, spend your cash meaningfully. Starbucks, Amazon and Shein won’t notice that you’ve stopped buying from them. But your local coffee spot, independent book shop and clothing brand with a tiny team of highly skilled makers and artisans will."
I am so into this!! I love all these brands you’ve highlighted. I’m always seeking out unique and independent brands to support and I’m excited to check some of these out in further depth! X
Thank you for this post! Such an important message and Buy Less/ Buy Better is the approach I have fully embraced for the past few years. I take time to learn about the product before I buy it, and it is so so rewarding & satisfying to attach a story to a purchase, and to know where my hard earned cash goes.
I love that approach. The more knowledge we have about our garments the better. I find the pieces I have that kind of attachment to stick around in my wardrobe much longer than the ones I don't.
While I love buying from boutique businesses (especially local ones) and would hate to see them shutter, I don’t believe it is the responsibility of consumers to keep them alive. The garment industry is oversaturated with too many producers making too many products that few of us really need. There is an astonishing amount of new and used clothing floating around without a home—enough to dress a few planets’ worth of people.
Really, I think the onus should be on regulators to enable these brands to better compete with the multinational corps (e.g., incentives, tax breaks), and brands themselves to adapt their business models. As consumers, we have the agency to make better choices, but we are not going to shop our way out of the larger, systemic issues.
I completely agree with you but I think we all know that won't happen while those huge corporations are still highly profitable and call the shots, unfortunately.
Of course, we still need to be mindful about how much we consume, whether from a small brand or big. But positive action, even if it is on an individual basis, is much better than nothing at all.
I’m trying to be more conscious of my spending habits and not relying on the convenience of Amazon. Or impulse buying, which I do a lot. Having an all or nothing mindset just makes me want to rebel (even if it’s my idea) so I’m just going to try and do better.
Yes, I think an "all or nothing" approach makes it a lot more difficult. It's a bit like Dry January - I can never stick to it because I've "banned" myself, so it makes it a lot more tempting to have a glass of wine! Better, long-term habits seem a lot more manageable.
I completely agree with you- there’s too much “all or nothing” out there. Some content creators, ironically make a lot of money taking about spending no money- they’re known for this content. I don’t want to live in a community without shops, restaurants and coffee shops - support them.
Thank you for this! Excited to check out some of these brands. My favourite Australian/made brand (making enduring designs using natural fibres) is Caves Collect :)
Very reasonable idea! For international options see Maska, Gothenburg based natural fibre/wool designs. Really really good, product photos do not do them justice though.
Absolutely here for this and will always, have always, shopped this way. However, I know I don’t need anything new. I was kindly bought a Beyond Nine set for Christmas and that little thrill will sustain me as I can think of multiple ways to wear it through the seasons. I’m really going to try a no-buy year to reset and pass on what I’m not using, but I wholeheartedly support these brands and hope that those who need new things will look to them in the year ahead.
This is why I am on substack. To find the small interesting brands deserving of my $.
Very thoughtful and great post. My friends company is Le Tricoteur so she will be especially grateful.
Ahh, Rachael! She's wonderful, she's doing so much to keep the tradition of guernseys alive.
Such a thoughtful approach ! I’m saving my budget for some pieces by CEA Capsule. I discovered the brand while living in Italy and everything is made locally in Veneto (and gorgeous) - it’s very new and I really want to support initiatives like this one which support the local factories and keep production extremely local
Oh, lovely! That's a really great way to look at it - putting your money where you want to. So many small, local producers have closed down because it's not feasible to keep going so they need our support. Otherwise, we'll be left with a world full of Zara and Shein.
What an AMAZING LIST! I can't wait to dig into these new-to-me brands!
Enjoy!
I love this post and this takeaway: "If you can afford it, don’t put a blanket spending ban on 2025. Instead, spend your cash meaningfully. Starbucks, Amazon and Shein won’t notice that you’ve stopped buying from them. But your local coffee spot, independent book shop and clothing brand with a tiny team of highly skilled makers and artisans will."
This is brilliant and an essential message. I have bookmarked all these brands. Thank you for creating ever valuable content for us!! Xx
I am so into this!! I love all these brands you’ve highlighted. I’m always seeking out unique and independent brands to support and I’m excited to check some of these out in further depth! X
Thank you, Sogole! Those brands are all wonderful and so worth checking out.
Thank you for this post! Such an important message and Buy Less/ Buy Better is the approach I have fully embraced for the past few years. I take time to learn about the product before I buy it, and it is so so rewarding & satisfying to attach a story to a purchase, and to know where my hard earned cash goes.
I love that approach. The more knowledge we have about our garments the better. I find the pieces I have that kind of attachment to stick around in my wardrobe much longer than the ones I don't.
While I love buying from boutique businesses (especially local ones) and would hate to see them shutter, I don’t believe it is the responsibility of consumers to keep them alive. The garment industry is oversaturated with too many producers making too many products that few of us really need. There is an astonishing amount of new and used clothing floating around without a home—enough to dress a few planets’ worth of people.
Really, I think the onus should be on regulators to enable these brands to better compete with the multinational corps (e.g., incentives, tax breaks), and brands themselves to adapt their business models. As consumers, we have the agency to make better choices, but we are not going to shop our way out of the larger, systemic issues.
I completely agree with you but I think we all know that won't happen while those huge corporations are still highly profitable and call the shots, unfortunately.
Of course, we still need to be mindful about how much we consume, whether from a small brand or big. But positive action, even if it is on an individual basis, is much better than nothing at all.
I really really appreciate this message, Angharad! It’s a reminder that so many smaller retailers rely on thoughtful shoppers supporting them!
I’m trying to be more conscious of my spending habits and not relying on the convenience of Amazon. Or impulse buying, which I do a lot. Having an all or nothing mindset just makes me want to rebel (even if it’s my idea) so I’m just going to try and do better.
Yes, I think an "all or nothing" approach makes it a lot more difficult. It's a bit like Dry January - I can never stick to it because I've "banned" myself, so it makes it a lot more tempting to have a glass of wine! Better, long-term habits seem a lot more manageable.
I completely agree with you- there’s too much “all or nothing” out there. Some content creators, ironically make a lot of money taking about spending no money- they’re known for this content. I don’t want to live in a community without shops, restaurants and coffee shops - support them.
Thank you for this! Excited to check out some of these brands. My favourite Australian/made brand (making enduring designs using natural fibres) is Caves Collect :)
Ooh thanks for sharing, looks like Caves Collect has some great basics!
Very reasonable idea! For international options see Maska, Gothenburg based natural fibre/wool designs. Really really good, product photos do not do them justice though.
Fabulous knitwear! Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely here for this and will always, have always, shopped this way. However, I know I don’t need anything new. I was kindly bought a Beyond Nine set for Christmas and that little thrill will sustain me as I can think of multiple ways to wear it through the seasons. I’m really going to try a no-buy year to reset and pass on what I’m not using, but I wholeheartedly support these brands and hope that those who need new things will look to them in the year ahead.
That sounds like a healthy approach, Kate!
Thank you for this! The only brand I knew was beyond nine. The Guernsey jumpers look fabulous *promptly adds to wish list*