Monday Musings on Personal Style and the Importance of B-Corps
The world looks bright and sunny from my spot on the couch today…just kidding; it’s gray and rainy. Cabin fever has set in pretty seriously while my husband and I continue to battle our latest case of COVID. Hopefully, we won’t kill each other before we can go out. Did I forget to mention that we returned from our cruise to our tiny apartment in Vancouver… rather than our normal-sized house in California? We’d still have cabin fever at home, but at least we wouldn’t be tripping over each other.
I’m not usually into thrillers, but I could not put this book down. It has a twist in the middle that kept me interested…just when I was starting to think a YouTube video would be fun. I do have squirrel tendencies, especially when stuck at home.
I spent far too much time scrolling the internet and social media last week. I want all-new skincare…I actually ran out of several things, so I’m making do with hand lotion on my face. I hate all my clothes, and my towels suddenly feel like cardboard. I’ve also been deep-diving into how companies do business and what it means to be a B-Corp, which, BTW, I like and respect.
What is a B-Corp
You may wonder what a B-Corp is and why we should be shopping from them. My deeper dive taught me that A B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a company that’s taken a hard look at the cutthroat corporate world and said, “We can do better.” They’re required to go through a rigorous certification process that assesses their commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
They weave concerns like fair wages, community impact, and environmental sustainability into their very DNA. They show that you can turn a profit without sacrificing worker rights or the planet’s health. Eileen Fisher is a certified B-Corp, as is Frank & Eileen, Athleta, Sunday Riley, and a host of others, which I’ll be exploring further. Do clothes from a certified B-Corp brand cost more? They often do, but remember, it ensures that the garment worker who made it was paid a living wage.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Eileen Fisher’s organic cotton gauze has arrived in some fun, unusual colors.
This Heliotrope color is so striking. I love it over a column of white accented with navy accessories in natural fibers and hammered silver earrings. This shirt also comes in Seaweed and Cascade blue.
Personal Style
A funny thing happened a few years ago. I stopped purchasing any clothes for my wardrobe that I couldn’t link for you. Some readers get really annoyed when I wear things I can’t supply the shopping links for. The upshot is that my style has taken a hit, and I’m missing some of the joy of fashion. I’m not alone in this because several of my blogger friends only buy what they can link too.
My style used to be an eclectic mix of pieces I picked up in fun boutiques, my travels, and have owned for decades. Most brands aimed at mid-life women do not speak to my taste, so I seldom wear them. When we were in Helsinki, my daughter had a blast trying on and purchasing a few unique pieces from up-and-coming small designers. I bought nothing because I couldn’t link to it. She thought I was crazy, and in retrospect, I agree with her.
Because here’s the thing: once my clothes are sold out, I can’t link to them anymore, which then reduces their value in my wardrobe. Since personal style is an expression of ourselves, it is unique to each woman. I don’t expect all of you would dress the way I do. In fact, I share tons of fashion here that many of you wouldn’t wear. My goal is to share style and fashion for many tastes and budgets and to show you how things can be styled to look modern. I will continue to share my real-life outfits but don’t shoot me if I can’t link everything.
What are your thoughts on supporting brands that are B-Corp and ensuring a living wage for their workers while helping reduce the impact on our planet?
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow.
As one who tries to shop ethically, I would love to know more about B-Corp companies.
I’m saddened to learn that you’ve restricted yourself to buying only items that you can link to on the blog and that that decision is robbing you of the joy you once had in fashion! I look to blogs like yours for ideas and inspiration, but not necessarily to buy the exact items that are shown. I love to see eclectic and unique items and urge you to shop for you, not just for us!
Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks so much Elaine!
I’d like to see unique choices. Is it possible to name the company though that made a boutique pice though?
I have never heard of B-Corp so that was interesting.
Wouldn’t it be fun if you could post those inspirational pieces as a special “Something Old, Something New,” feature every now and then? What about using a mix of old and new, so some things, or similar things, could be linked? We all have those pieces from years ago that could use an update.
That’s a fun idea
I’ll give another shout out for Eileen Fisher. I have several items and have had them for many years. I wear them frequently. Yes, the initial cost can be high, but if they remain new looking and stylish for 10+ years, that’s a winner! The quality of workmanship and fabric is amazing. I initially thought the styles wouldn’t be flattering on me and was surprised to find they were. Please wear what excites you and makes you feel special. I’d rather read your blog seeing creative clothing choices. I don’t care about the links. Usually the items are out of the color or size I want anyway.
I totally agree with you about EF. I’m still wearing pieces I bought eons ago!
I just wanted to say that I’ve made compliments to you before on your lovely way you accessorize your outfits sometimes in pictures and have asked about an item……yes I wish I could purchase but I would do the same thing and will purchase an item on my travels from a lovely boutique, so I get it…….it still gives us inspiration on putting an outfit together 🙂
Hope you’re feeling better and if it was me…..as soon as I could, I’d mask up and take a stroll outside………just saying.
I did mask up yesterday the took it off when I got to the bench. It felt amazing. I’m planning to do the same today. Our test are now showing negative!! Yay
It never occurred to me that your wardrobe would only consist if items you could link. I always assumed your personal wardrobe was filled with interesting, unique pieces. Please shop for your own style and show it to us for inspiration. My “older” wardrobe was full of unique pieces and I’ve missed that the last few years as many boutiques in my area have gone out of business. I do still try to shop Canadian brands when possible, as we tend to be a bit more European in our style.
I’m looking forward to seeing your refreshed style.
I really miss our boutiques. I used to count on them for the fun of shopping. I hope they can make a small come back. I hope you’re well!
I’m halfway through my chemo treatments – woohoo! It definitely is more difficult now as the last 3 years has really worn down my stamina. I did get out golfing with my gal pals yesterday, and that felt great. I hope you are on the mend from Covid.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
I would so enjoy seeing clothes that you love for inspiration.The idea that vintage can make your outfits unique would be fun to explore.Hope you are well soon
I’d encourage you to shop for what gives you joy and share how you wear it. Showing your own true style is the best example you can share with me. If I like it I will search for a similar item. I nearly lost myself trying to buy through bloggers’ links and then found myself with a wardrobe that doesn’t express who I am. I’d rather see the genuine you and find the genuine me!
That’s an excelllent point! Genuine is so important and feels the best!
It was interesting to learn about B-Corps and I will try to be more aware of them and shop more wisely. I love your style and the inspiration you give us. I’ve learned to break a few of my fashion “‘rules” I’ve grown up with by seeing how you put things together, and I don’t care if something isn’t linkable. Wishing you and your husband a speedy recovery.
I can sympathize with your confined situation. We returned from a long European cruise only to end up with a bad respiratory virus. Not COVID, but we will be out of action for a few weeks. I guess the bright side is that we weren’t sick on vacation. Hang in there!
I’m so sorry to hear you’re sick and agree, thank goodness it waited until you got home to your own bed.It’s no fun to be sick while traveling
Very interesting information on B-Corp companies. I had heard about it in passing. I appreciate the more detailed information you gave.
It would be fun to see items from boutiques, even though we can’t buy them. We can learn from how you style them, and the look that you’re going for to fit your personality.
Hope you feel better soon.
I really enjoy your DRD days! Even if the item you are wearing is out of stock, I can often find and purchase an item on the site that I love. If we use your links and shop around you should still get credit when we purchase. Your unique purchases in small shops help to support small businesses. I live in a small town in Colorado and during Covid, all of our small clothing shops went under and have not come back. So did the restaurants but some new have started up. A unique piece worn with linked clothing is perfect fashion for me. Get well soon. I’m going to check out that book as I do love a good thriller. I hope it is on Audible.
I’ll be back to DRD soon 🙂
Thanks for the info on B Corps. Sounds like my kind of business to support.
My husband and I are recovering from Covid. You must feel better than we did. It was our first time getting it, after having every booster out there. Take care.
Ouch, I’m sorry. We only had it once before and I got hit badly that time. Feel better soon!
Thank you for talking about B corp businesses today. I am very interested in learning more about them, and I am going to plan how I can shop more from these businesses.
I understand why you would want to keep to linkable items with your business! From my own personal interest level, I think that if you are buying items in boutiques or during travel that don’t have links that’s ok and I would enjoy reading about it – I’d actually like to learn more about how to buy items that are not “mainstream,” and I’d be interested to learn what your process is. I hope that you and your husband are feeling better soon – take care.
That’s a great suggestion. Thanks
I hope your your bout of COVID is over soon.
I shop a Certified B Corp skincare company, Ursa Major. The products are terrific and the customer service is excellent. I purchase the Fantastic Face Wash and Golden Hour Recovery Cream on repeat!
Yay! I’ll check them out, thank you.
I love your style ideas, and have purchased many things from your links. That being said, though, I love to see your personal tastes come through too. It gives us all inspiration to find our own vibe.
(I recently discovered Frank and Eileen and am now kind of addicted!) Thanks for the deeper dive on B-Corp businesses.
The Cancer Charity we donate to is also a B-Corp. If we all did a bit better the world would have a fighting chance. Fast fashion is galloping ahead at an alarming rate.
Thank you for this article. It speaks to walking one’s talk. My parent’s modeled the way. During the Civil Rights era, my family did not shop, buy products or support service providers who failed to serve Black Americans and/or who did not treat their workers humanly. For the latter, think of the United Farm Workers boycott of specific types of produce. These practices stuck. And, they widened to include air, earth and sea and all that live on this blue marble. Sometimes, I fail. Still, the practices push me to live my values. What I buy, wear, plant, eat, invest in, give, how a resource is used is given thought. I am happier for it and thank my parents for the lesson.
Thank you for sharing that, Peggy. Your parents sound admirable.
I would love to see you wear what you love. Old, new, thrifted or from a boutique. I know you support yourself when we purchase from links – but I also like seeing how all kinds of clothes can be worn.
I’ll be sharing them more. Thanks Cathy
I look to you for inspiration. Although I buy many pieces from Eileen Fisher I also look for unique pieces to wear with Eileen Fisher or other brands. I like a mix of many things. I mainly shop at Nordstrom, JJill and when I want to hit the mall I go to Dillards. Post things that you love and things that will make a difference. You never know when that cute jacket from some boutique will go with an outfit from another store. My motto is be happy with what you wear. Always find joy!
Please include your unique and one of a kind purchases. That is what makes the blog fun. Sure we love it when we can see what you are linking to, but the un-linked items can serve as inspiration. And they usually support small businesses. I don’t have an opinion about B corporations but paying people a living wage is a great idea.
Hope you are feeling better soon. We are thinking of a trip to Vancouver because of your blog.
It’s a fabulous city to visit. August is gorgeous here
I just finished this book and thought it was great. The next book just came out – The Next Mrs. Parrish – Can’t wait to read it.
Jennifer, thanks for the information on the term B-Corp. i hadn’t heard the term before, but those values are important to me. Please shop for what you love, and share your discoveries with us, whether or not you can link them. I love the inspiration of unique discoveries and learning how to incorporate them into a basic wardrobe. The sunshine’s returning to the west coast in a few days, just in time for you to be free to get out again. Hang in there,
I will! Going to drag myself out for a tiny walk today. I was delighted to discover B-Corps for skin care and fashion. It breaks my heart to style an item I think was made by a child in a poor country.
I would much prefer seeing your unique style with items that you would choose, and you could link similar items, like when you cover different price ranges for something. Like maybe it’s your job to show us the latest at Talbots, but a peek at what you love and how you style it would be so refreshing, and you could be true to you, as we should all be. Hope you feel better soon!
Great thoughts! I would support B-Corp where possible. Feel better soon!
Thank you
Hope you feel better soon! Thank you for the reminder to shop ethically. I look forward to seeing some of the outfits you love and make you feel good, linked or not.
I look forward to seeing your unusual one of a kind pieces! Many wishes for a speedy healing.
Thanks Lisa
I am all for B-Corporations but products do generally cost more. I am alright with paying more if the product is higher quality. I think you should feel free to post items that cannot be linked. I follow to gain knowledge about fashion and to purchase. Get better and enjoy the view!
I feel pretty awful about the Covid/cabin fever story. As you recover and resume a more normal life, please mention it so I can feel more encouraged. Yes, absolutely I am interested in B-corp companies. And yes, absolutely wear what makes you happy. I love looking at those images, links or not. I live in coastal San Diego. May was 58°-68°, cold for me. I am still wearing turtlenecks with lightweight toppers. I haven’t worn a shirt sleeve tee since November.
I’m going to take a short walk today, rain or shine. I know it will help my mood and be good for my lungs. This is a weaker strain than last time but please be careful, it seems to be everywhere these days.
I’m in Seattle. Cold, windy and rainy. Still in down and gortex. Haven’t worn short sleeves since September. Had to shop summer.
I love that you have links to your fashion items but believe you are uniquely you so be that you! We will survive🤣
I look at your fashion links for inspiration, I won’t usually spend the $$$ on the brands you show. I look for classic styles in your choices but I like to wear the unique finds that not everyone one else can come up with. We are all individuals and fashion is meant to be a fun and creative outlet of expression.
Agreed! The personal expression can be so fun! It’s what makes us look unique
I just ordered the book! I can’t wait to read it. I get that you make money from readers buying from your links. Bute, it would be fun to post a picture now and then of you in one of your own unique outfits.
Thank you for your commitment to your blog readers but life is too short not to wear things you love. Even if we can’t purchase a specific item we still get ideas on what to wear and can shop for similar items! I think most of us relate to have a clothing budget, yours should be spent on what makes you feel amazing!!
It’s a shame when things sell out but a retail fact. Brands need to always make new so shoppers have something to buy. I’ll just get creative and show what’s new more in my dressing room diaries.
I second that opinion Cathy!
Interesting you mention how your buying habits have changed. Personally I miss the creative unique pieces for their inspiration. Yes I might be a little miffed if I really love something but not a deal breaker. At this point I prefer inspiration. (Certainly may impact your income.)
So sorry for your Covid not a great end to your fabulous trip.
Boutiques are a dying breed in my neck of the woods which I find sad. Larger retailers and our economy have really taken a toll on them.
Also – I hope you both you and your husband feel better soon!
Thank you. He’s feeling better so I can’t be too far behind. Of course, that means he probably got it first and gave it to me 🤣
Good morning Jennifer:
I have followed your blog for 4 years and love it. I personally don’t mind that you post items for which you cannot provide links. If i cannot find the item via links, which often happens as I live in Quebec, I appreciate the style ideas you provide. When I have looked at the Eileen Fisher clothing, I thought that the designs would be too boxy for my shape and $$$. I hesitated to order the items online without trying them on. I went to the only place in Quebec where Eileen Fisher is sold. After trying on the linen jersey tank and the linen box top (in Atlantic), they both came home with me. I have made the decision to buy quality and sustainable items and to do more with fewer pieces that I will always love and that will make me feel great. I am a active 69 years old. There is always something new to discover. Thank you Jennifer.
I’m so glad you tried them. How we style them makes all the difference. That Atlantic color is gorgeous!!
I’ve not heard too much about B Corp. My husband is a CPA and mostly works with C Corp and partnership businesses but of course every business should provide a living wage and do the best for the environment. I would love to see things you wear. Even if you can’t link them we can try to find similar things ourselves. That’s half the fun!!
I think you should buy what you like and if you can’t link it, we won’t mind. Passing on articles of clothing that appeal to you is a shame. Those are the pieces that really give you joy.
Sun is coming soon! 🤞🏼
I see spots of blue right now!!Yay!
Be well, Jennifer! Your post today had me giggling out loud. Squirrel tendencies😂😂😂 anywho, I have been there many times myself…wardrobes, makeup, hair, you name it. Kick that Covid and you’ll have a better outlook. Thank you for informing about B-Corps. Good to know.
Thanks Janette. Have a great day!
Thank you for introducing me to B-Corp. It makes me feel even better about the Eileen Fisher crepe travel pants I recently purchased. I’m going to look into this further. Next time you travel, please feel free to buy yourself items from small stores that you can’t link to. I once passed up on the opportunity to buy a beautiful skirt in Italy because I had decided I wouldn’t “waste money” on souvenirs. I still regret it! Hope you feel better soon, Jennifer.
Things we buy on our travels are the best souvenirs!
I’ve wondered for a while why you do not buy support Olsen clothing. Could it be because of their business practices?
To be honest, I’ve never been aware of the brand.
Please buy what you like. I don’t need links. If interested, I will search for similar items.
First, I hope you are feeling better in your ‘cabin’ and that your daughter can bring you goodies. I think supporting B corps make sense and appreciate your explanation. It makes sense to me that Bs would have higher costs | prices. I don’t think you need links for everything – buy what makes you happy too.
She is. Flowers too. Vanessa is so sweet.
Jennifer – B Corporation is great! However, I won’t be limiting my wardrobe choices based on that. AND I think you should feel free to display clothes on your blog from local stores, or wherever, that suits your personal style WITHOUT worry that you’ll lose subscribers if you can’t link it. Just put that disclaimer into the info at the beginning. You’re showing women style options – you’re not their personal shopper responsible for their wardrobe. I think you look great but definitely feel free to change up the blog with clothes/items you like that aren’t linkable. You & hubby feel better! 🙂
Thank Barbara! We see a light at the end of the Covid tunnel. Finally.
Hindsight IS better than foresight and being authentic to yourself is what makes you who you are. Please don’t lose that uniqueness just because it is ‘couldn’t be linked’. Personally, I’d love to see you, rather than a version of you that can be duplicated. That’s boring and no fun!
We all have special accessories/pieces of clothing that are unique to us. Just like you, I don’t expect you would dress the way I do. We can easily imagine our mix of pieces, that reflect our individual personalities, combined with your recommended items.
Kudos to you for going back to sharing your real-life outfits with your readers – whether you can link them or not. You be you!
Being authentic takes on more importance the older I get 🙂 Thanks CD
Hope you feel better soon. You should buy what brings you joy, not just what you can link. Internet is available to everyone and maybe we should do our own research if you can’t link something. There are many bloggers that if they can’t link what they are wearing link something similar. This blogging is a LOT of work and considering we get to enjoy it for FREE I think we have nothing to get annoyed at.
Thanks Rita. It’s not always easy to find similar items but I do try if it’s sold out.
I enjoy your posts. I don’t think it’s necessary to show your style with a link to everything. I read your blogs for inspiration only. Even with a link the item may not be available or even in my size. I also do a lot of thrifting and find things that I could never find in a regular store. Be true to yourself and inspire us!!!
Thanks Jody. Helsinki was loaded with second hand clothing stores. Even at the airport! It’s a great way to find unique pieces.
Hi Jennifer, You absolutely should buy and wear what makes you happy. Your blog won’t be worse if there are items you can’t link; it will be better because the missing purchase info will be replaced by inspiration. Unique items are the seasoning for an outfit. It happens all the time in home decor magazines. They list where to find the rug or the chair, but often artwork and accent pieces are one of a kind. The room would be boring without them. Thanks for trying to be so considerate of us, but go shopping for those pieces that have flair and have some fun! Feel better soon, Jo
I agree, they do add the flair. Thanks, Jo
Thank you for this post, Jennifer. I write being house bound with my foot in a boot, so I can relate to your cabin fever.
Your message about being aware of the practices of clothing manufacturers is so important to me. One of the things I can do to make a better world is to speak with my dollars. With a purchase from a B Corp, I spend with a manufacturer that shares my values.
You are correct that clothing from B Corps are frequently more expensive. I buy less and keep it longer. Given that the U.N. estimates that 1 garbage truck of clothing is dumped or burned around the world every second, that’s not a bad thing.
Finally, buy what you want to buy. Your life is more than your blog.
That’s a shocking statistic and makes me sad. We need to do better.
Hopefully you will both be better soon. You really should wear what makes you feel good not just what can be linked. Most people have boutiques near them where they can look for new pieces too.
While I understand the logic of only wearing what you can link, it sounds restrictive indeed. I for one would love to see what else you would wear if you took away that restriction. And more fun for you! I do love your DRD series, but hopefully you can branch out and bring more joy into your life.
Hope you feel better soon. Cabin fever is awful. 😊
I do enjoy DRD. It’s fun to see what’s new and play with combinations. I seldom buy them myself because I don’t want excessive amounts of clothes. It’s harder to get dressed with a clogged wardrobe.