In the past few months, after doing some serious style soul-searching, I have been transitioning my wardrobe to fit my more minimalist and eco-friendly mindset.
During one of many “closet detoxes,” I (re)fell in love with a pair of hunter green trousers I had purchased a few years back. To compliment the black detailing of the trousers I threw on a black tank top made from recycled polyester. That’s right, those pesky water bottles that tend to be thrown away after one use can be processed and made into a wool-like thread for our clothing. How cool! Plastic is a huge pollution problem and fashion is an innovative and unexpected way to keep it out of our landfills and oceans.
I purchased my leather bucket bag from an artisan market, and love the individuality and handcrafted detail it brings to any outfit. Comfort and functionality are any Fashionista/o’s best friend when trekking to class at 8:00 a.m. or rushing to meet friends for dinner. My Sseko ribbon wrap sandals have been a lifesaver when it comes to dressing up a simple ensemble for nearly any occasion. It’s hard to believe, but my favorite part is not the unbelievably cute and versatile ribbon straps, but the cause I support and stand for, quite literally, each time I tie them up and head out the door.
Going to college is something I am sure many of us have taken for granted. The mere name of the blog, CollegeFashionista is brought into conversation with such ease, due to the assumption that at our age, we will go to college or university in order to sustain ourselves past adolescence. This is our reality. For the woman of Uganda, things work a little differently. If you are lucky enough to be part of the 17 percent of girls who attend high school, you are given a short period of nine months to work and earn the money you need to attend university, upon completion. Because of the lack of opportunity available for women, only 2 percent end up continuing their education. We have the power to change this. Sseko is a company that advocates for the importance of education. By providing women “sustainable fair wage employment,” through construction of each sandal, they empower local, regional and even global change through the Sseko women and their education.
Fashion holds an unbelievable power when it comes to human rights and social justice. My style not only gives me the confidence to be who I want to be, but allows others to do the same. Shop for a cause! Wear it with purpose.
