Sustainability has been the buzzword for fashion brands over the past few years. Due to the highly visible spotlight of global warming, brands and consumers are a buzz to embrace more sustainable habits and processes. But it still leaves a lot of us thinking, what exactly makes a brand sustainable? According to the Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, a sustainable brand features “local sourcing and production, transparency across the supply chain, traceability of work processes and raw materials, environmentally friendly raw materials, safe working conditions, and fair wages.”
As you can see, the inefficiencies in the industry not only impact the environment around us, it also influences the culture it employs; with an estimated labor force of 3.3 million people, the impact is substantial.
The fashion industry has many complicated issues that will only balloon in the coming years. With that though, comes a plethora of ways for us to course-correct if we’re willing. A few sustainable buying habits include embracing the rental market with programs like Rent the Runway or Vivrelle or purchasing secondhand clothing over new ones. But as consumers, one of the most impactful steps we can take is ‘conscious fashion.’ It’s the most popular example of sustainability that puts the onus on the consumer to not only avoid fast fashion but to also use sustainable efforts in caring for their garments.
We can all do our part to help the environment. Below are several sustainable brands that are stylish, ethical, and worth it.
1.Local European, a womenswear label based in Los Angeles with a focus on timeless silhouettes with modern touches.
Where to Shop:: https://localeuropean.com/
2.Reformation, a womenswear label with the mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone.
Where to Shop:: https://www.thereformation.com/
3.Madewell, a denim-focused brand that recently branched out to men’s apparel as well.
Where to Shop:: https://www.madewell.com/
4.Everlane, a brand that sources the finest materials and factories for timeless products.
Where to Shop:: https://www.everlane.com/
5.Girlfriend Collective, an athleisure brand using recycled, biodegradable fibers.
Where to Shop:: https://girlfriend.com/collections/all
6.Megan Renee, a Los Angeles-based unapologetically feminine and bold women's brand.
Where to Shop:: https://shopmeganrenee.com/
7.Quince, high-quality products at radically low prices.
Where to Shop:: https://www.onequince.com/
8.ABLE, an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty.
Where to Shop:: https://www.livefashionable.com/
9.Aday, a minimalist capsule brand for maximizing life.
Where to Shop:: https://www.thisisaday.com/
10.Aritzia, a design house with an innovative global platform.
Where to Shop:: https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/home
11.Eileen Fisher, a womenswear brand that effortlessly combines timeless and elegant lines.
Where to Shop:: https://www.eileenfisher.com/
12.Cuyana, a label with timeless collections for the modern woman through carefully selected fabrics, precise silhouettes, and attention to detail.
Where to Shop:: https://www.cuyana.com/shop
13.Amour Vest, womenswear specializing in luxuriously soft-tailored styles.
Where to Shop:: https://amourvert.com/
Featured image by Getty Images
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube