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.
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.