Spring is in the air and patio season is here! I just refreshed our back porch by adding new pillows, rugs and faux flowers from Grandin Road. You may recall I partnered with Grandin Road in the Fall for new furniture and new fire-pit area. Check out this post for that reveal.
I am always drawn to black and white “resort” vibes when it comes to outdoor spaces. I added some pops of green and pink for color. It’s incredible how changing out rugs and pillows for the new season can totally transform a space. Grandin Road has such an incredible quality outdoor pillows and rugs at an affordable price point. This new Macey Outdoor Pom Pillow is just the cutest!
This Portland Woven outdoor furniture is SO comfortable and holds up amazingly in all weather! I love that these oversized chairs swivel. Our guests compliment how cozy these pieces are each time we entertain.
We enjoy this outdoor table several times a week during patio season! The table is lightweight, aluminum frame with durable powdercoat finish that looks like real wood! The chairs have built in cushioning for comfort. Grandin Road has a nice selection of umbrellas, too!
We also love to entertain around our Fulton Fire Pit. These stunning All-natural Teak Outdoor Adirondack Chairs are fantastic for any back yard!
Shop my full Grandin Road outdoor setup here! Happy patio season, friends!
According to Fashion Revolution, one garment is only worn 4 times on average. Why do we buy clothes that we barely end up using? Why are we throwing so many clothes away that are still in perfectly fine condition? One reason why fast fashion is terrible is that it makes us think that wearing something only 4 times is okay – or they make make clothes such poor quality, impractical to use or only serve a very short-term trend that it doesn’t feel good to wear them more than 4 times.
Fast fashion sucks – and this time I’m not even going to talk about the ethical violations and the environmental issues in production that are woven into the fast fashion industry, though they are obviously a big reason as to why fast fashion is terrible. This time I’m going to rant about how fed up I am with clothes being useless.
Case study: this top. I bought this second-hand a couple of years ago because I thought it looked nice. But oh boy have I learnt through the years that this just does not work as a piece of clothing.
First of all, it’s see-through. That was a huge trend a couple of years ago (is it still? I haven’t been inside a fast fashion store for a while…) and so many clothes were made out of see-through fabric. I feel uncomfortable with my underwear showing, so whenever I wear this top, I need another top underneath. So actually whenever I’m wearing this, I don’t really need to be wearing this, because I’m already wearing another top anyway.
Secondly, this is 100% polyester. It looks like such a nice and breezy shirt for a warm summer day. But since it’s 100% polyester, it’s literally like just wearing a plastic bag on yourself. Guaranteed sweat! No matter what the weather, this shirt will make me sweat because the material doesn’t breathe at all. Not only is this uncomfortable but also this means that after each time I wear this, it’s in need of a wash. More laundry means more water is used, and unless you use a microfibre-gathering washing bag, this also means more microplastics in our water streams.
Even though it’s recycled, it’s still plastic!
So why do I own this shirt that is uncomfortable to wear and has no good attributes apart from the fact that I think the print on it is nice? We’ve been taught to expect less of our clothes – all it has to do is look nice. If it breaks apart after a couple of uses, it has already served its purpose. If you sweat in it, that’s probably your fault for having sweat glands, not the fault of the manufacturer who thought it would be a good idea to use the equivalent of a plastic bag as a shirt. I’ve had enough of this. I want clothes that feel good and that will last many years of use. The fashion industry used to make those types of clothes, but with clothing production having doubled in only the last 15 years, the fashion industry is under pressure to produce more and more clothes at an increasing rate – unless we as consumers begin to demand less quantity and more quality.
I have recently been faced with a lot of evidence of how people buy way too many clothes. For instance this news story says that in Finland in the last year people have bought more clothes, but used less money on them – showing that fast fashion is still going strong. I have also very concretely seen the consequences of people buying way too many clothes. Last month we organised an installation made out of textile waste in the centre of Jyväskylä. We received textile waste from a recycling centre and I was surprised when I looked at what this “waste” was like. Almost all of the clothes were in fine condition – most were just basic or boring clothes that clearly haven’t interested buyers. Some of them had a stuffy smell, so it could also be that the recycling centre couldn’t sell them, since they don’t have the resources to wash the clothes. I was shocked at how all this clothing was on its way to be burnt. And that is by no means the fault of the recycling centre – they just get too many clothes and they are unable to sell all of them. I had a big bag full of these clothes after the display was done and I didn’t just want to throw them away – and I have realised that trying to recycle these types of clothes really isn’t efficient (there’s just far too much clothing waste, and often mixed textiles can’t be recycled anyway). So I decided to reuse them myself and am currently making a bean bag chair filled with these textiles.
Photos by Jyry Soininen
The textile waste display was organised as a part of Pro Ethical Trade Finland’s (Eettisen kaupan puolesta ry) #Lempivaatteeni (#MyFavouriteClothes) campaign. The campaign promotes love for our clothes and challenges the current state of fast fashion. Hopefully we will learn to demand more of our clothes and not buy something that we won’t like using just because it looks decent and will learn to love our clothes and wear them often and use them for years. If we do this, textile waste won’t be such an issue.
When asked about the origin of her brand, she recalls her late grandmother whom she names the brand after. “I am licensed in psychology, and I started taking classes in sombrería as a side hobby. It had nothing to do with my career back then. When I visited my grandmother in Spain during her last days, I spent so much time reading her letters in her home. I came up with the idea of creating hat-making classes because she had signed up for a course that she was never able to attend. Hats were an accessory that she liked very much.” With these new ideas in mind, Stephanie returned to Buenos Aires and turned this hobby into her current job and main passion.
Body positivity came far too late.
But reflections on how things were can be painful, a fire consuming your soul in a slow burn that lasts a lifetime. Diet culture is toxic. Terrifying. Harmful in ways that are too difficult to put into words.
I wish Oprah and Kirstie had had the support of the body positive movement back in those days. Things would have been different. Influencers would have been standing up saying, “Hey, you’re beautiful.”
Think of the tears they shed, body shamed day after day until they were forced to take drastic measures. I can’t imagine the sense of failure they must’ve felt.
For most of us, it’s impossible to understand the pain of being shamed by thousands of people. I still remember seeing a picture of Kirstie that had been taken at an unflattering angle with a headline saying “Fired for Being Too Fat.” Yes, that was an actual National Enquirer headline. It’s bad enough having people around you making judgments, much less tabloids.
It wasn’t OK to simply be yourself. Women hadn’t yet stood up to say, “Enough is enough. We deserve to be celebrated just as we are.”
Now, we have celebrities like Lizzo and Ashley Graham who are essentially saying, “Screw diet culture. You are OK. You’re beautiful just as you are.”
We have cover models like Tess Holliday showing that you don’t have to be a size 2, or even a size 10, to grace the cover of a major magazine. You don’t have to be any size at all. You just have to be you.
We have publications like Curvicality that are specifically dedicated to the body positive movement, to showing real women with real bodies. To celebrate beauty in every stretch mark instead of trying to hide the art that is the ever-changing human body.
But we still have a long way to go. The days of body shame are far from gone. We must continue to push to make sure that no one is shamed the way Kirstie and Oprah were. Both of these amazing women were beautiful at any weight. Size does not determine beauty.
So today, we celebrate Kirstie’s memory. We love you, Kirstie Alley! You contributed to opening the eyes of society. Your smile, talent, comedy and charisma will shine on forever.
And for the record, you were a damn beautiful fat actress.
Ahhhhhh. It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? I’ve been living on Instagram and TikTok and have really been neglecting this space, haven’t I? If you’re still here and reading, wow. I fully anticipate only one person to read this (hi, mom. lol) so if you aren’t my mom, HI! It’s good to see you! lol
I’ve been on a pretty big break from content creation in 2022, having experienced from burnout after 10 years of nights and weekends dedicated to styling, shooting, editing, and posting. I’ve also gotten back into dancing, which has been great for my mental health but has also taken up a good chunk of my free time! I recently snagged this outfit on sale though and wanted to share it before it’s totally sold out. You might have already seen it on my Insta, but thought I’d memorialize it here! 🙂 The sizes for the jacket are low stock but the joggers (which are the real star here) are still available in most sizes, and for 40% off!
Fit notes: I’m wearing an XL in the pants and find them true to size! The jacket is an XXL, which I also found true to size. The phone crossbody strap is pretty plus-friendly (adjustable to 55″ in length), and the bodysuit is a size 2XL, which runs very fitted, but has a ton of stretch!
If you made it all the way down here, thank you! 🙂
A few snippets of digital ephemera and IRL recommendations I’ve enjoyed lately…
1/ JONY IVE’S SEXY AI. If anyone can make A.I sexy, maybe it’s Jony Ive, whose company IO is being sold to OpenAI to create desirable devices (think pendants, eyewear…) for the age of AGI (artificial general intelligence). Read more in the NYT (gift link).
2/ CENTRE COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR. Heading to Paris menswear week in June? A retail destination to bookmark is the new Centre Commercial Outdoor, from the co-founder and creative director of Veja and Centre Commercial, Sebastien Kopp. Opening early June, the store will stock cutting edge running-as-lifestyle brands including Satisfy, Unna and District Vision. Follow them here.
3/ LANCOME JUICY TUBES are back again (again).
4/ IN THE AMERICAN WEST. I can’t imagine what it must be like to see Avedon’s masterpieces up close. On show now at Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson until October 12 (top).
5/ GAUTHIER BORSARELLO. “My indulgence? Taking naps – like 20 to 30 mins, which I do even in the office. I close my door and I have a little nap in my Le Corbusier chair, then go back to work.” Everyone’s fave French vintage tastemaker is this weekend’s The Aesthete in HTSI (below). Read more here.
6/ PAULO ROVERSI’S NEW BOOK sounds like a stunner.
7/ RITZ NEWSPAPER ONLINE ARCHIVE. Who knew the entire archive of 70s and 80s Ritz newspapers (below) is online for free viewing? (At least for now…) Certainly not me.
8/ BALLY ON SALE. The Simone Bellotti Bally sale is on! There are some fab steals on the bags and shoes for my US readers. (UK sterling, not so much.)
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Richard Avedon; Gauthier Borsarello by Thomas Chéné for How To Spend It; Ritz archive
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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Second-Hand Markets: Where Leather Tells Its Stories
Walk into any vintage store or browse through second-hand marketplaces, and you’ll notice something remarkable: leather goods dominate the landscape of well-preserved vintage accessories. This isn’t coincidence – it’s a testament to leather’s unique material properties and the circular economy in action.
What fascinates me about second-hand leather markets is how they validate everything we know about leather’s longevity. While synthetic materials often show their age through irreparable damage, vintage leather items frequently appear not just functional, but enhanced by time. A well-made leather bag from the 1960s might show subtle creases and color variations that record decades of use, yet remain structurally sound and completely serviceable.
The abundance of vintage leather goods also tells us something profound about material lifecycle. Unlike modern synthetic materials that often deteriorate beyond repair within years, leather’s biological structure – particularly in full-grain items – allows it to maintain integrity across decades. The collagen fiber matrix that gives leather its strength doesn’t just endure; it adapts to use patterns, developing a personalized fit and finish that synthetic materials can’t replicate.
This durability creates a unique phenomenon in second-hand markets: leather goods often retain both their functionality and value. A vintage leather briefcase might sell for prices comparable to new items, reflecting both its remaining utility and the acquired character of well-aged leather. This value retention encourages preservation rather than disposal, creating a self-sustaining cycle of reuse that epitomizes circular economy principles.
The repair factor plays a crucial role here too. Many vintage leather items in circulation today have undergone multiple repairs or restorations, demonstrating how skilled craftsmanship can extend a product’s life indefinitely. You might find a belt from the 1950s that’s had its buckle replaced or stitching renewed, yet retains its essential character and utility. Try achieving that with a synthetic belt that’s cracked or delaminated.
This vibrant second-hand market doesn’t just offer sustainable shopping alternatives – it provides empirical proof of quality leather’s longevity claims. When we invest in a well-made leather item today, we’re not just buying a product; we’re participating in a material tradition that could extend far beyond our own use.
Revival Runway supports, promotes and celebrates Melbourne’s Queer Talent. It was quite y accident that I ended up at Abbotsford Convent, thanks to my friends Tim Neal and Nathan James (both photographers). I met them while photographing street style at Melbourne Fashion Week and decided to hang out at “one more show”!
I was not expecting to have so much fun photographing this runway show. It was more of a celebration! The support from the audience was palpable with hooting and cheering. The garments were full of colour and personality. All models, make-up artists and photographers were volunteers. I almost got thrown out of the venue before it started because a firebrand blue-haired lady walked up to me and quite assertively asked me, “And who exactly are you?” Thankfully Tim jumped to my rescue, and I stayed!
Glad I did because this was an absolute delight. Scroll away!
I don’t quite know everyone on the fashion scene in Australia yet but, the fashion designers who showcased at Revival Runway are Isadora Nim, Wilson Jedd Adams, Milky Plug Kid, Queery This, Design by Jade, Baaqiy, Chelsea Farquhar and Foot, and the performance was by Amber Scates.
And the last photograph is of Gabe, who was one of the guests at the show and after having seen Gabe at several other shows at MFW, I was besmirched by the personal style.
Revival Runway can also be found on Instagram. Follow them to find out about their next event and how you can support and donate.
To commission me for photography assignments in Australia, email me on [email protected] or text/call on +61429048917. I have been a professional photographer in India for over two decades and specialize in events for luxury & lifestyle brands. I also create content for brands, I write, and I paint and am represented by an art gallery.
Related
Summer is here, and the fashion is bright and fabulous as always! Here’s a little round up of what I’ve been wearing lately – both here in the UK and some of the outfits I wore in Turkey.
My blogging bestie George of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust wore this dress on her birthday earlier this year, and when I saw it I knew I had to have it! It reminds me of my beloved Lyra dress, and I love the fresh aqua colour. I got this in a size 22 (I am currently a size 22/24) because ths fit is roomy and the skirt is flared, and the skirt falls over my knee (I am 5’8).
Come summer nothing beats a white cotton dress, and I just love ths broderie anglaise maxi from Marks and Spencer. The frill at the bottom is a cute little design quirk, and makes this dress feel extra prairie-like, while the straps are wide enough to easily cover a bra. I am wearing a size 24, which fits bang on for me. I think a 22 would have been a little snug.
Belt – really old, soz
I am currently absolutely obsessed with any and everything yellow. And I love a good stripe, so this maxi was a no brainer. It’s a 22, and while the fit is good, I still find that dresses that button over the bust pretty much alway gape, no matter how they fit, every time you move. My mum is way better with a needle and thread than I am so she stitched from the empire waist seam upward with tiny little stiches, and it did the trick! I paired it with a tan belt for a little more waist definition.
Basket Bag – last season (similar here) (AL)
These shorts are my first in YEARS! I used to love shorts, but I struggled to find ones that fitted and didn’t accentuate my belly. I went into the New Look flagship store on Oxford Street with George a little while ago, as the kind team there had invited us in to pick some gifted items. And this is where I miss shopping in store – because I just tried them on on a whim. I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to like them. But hey! I totally loved them.I sized up to a 26 as that was the size they had and I wanted them really nice and loose and comfy, and I think the fit is perfect. I paired them here with an oversized black vest (also a size 26) and I have to be honest I just love this look!
Last summer I started wearing crop tops and this summer I am totally hooked! This cute little broderie jersey crop top is a size 22 and fits perfectly. I am going to get A LOT of wear out of it this summer. The skirt is from ASOS (was part of a co-ord set and I am kinda regretting not getting the top too now) and is a tropicl jungle dream in a generous size 24.
These linen look dresses from New Look are absolutely perfect in hot sticky weather. The buttons are faux, so no worries about gaping, the fabric is super breathable, and the straps are a decent width for covering your bra. New Look have done them in a load of colours and prints in both the straight and plus size sections. I have three and I am pretty sure I am going to be wearing them loads this summer. The size 22 is spot on on me.
Another New Look dream dress, this time in a pink, blue and lime check which is so bright and cheerful it makes me feel like a childrens TV presenter in the best possible way. Once again I am wearing a size 22, which is a great fit.
One of my fave looks from my trip to Turkey, I love the pairing of this navy gingham skirt with the pale pink of the bardot broderie top. The skirt has pockets (yay!) and is super versatile as it goes with so many different things, and I also love the tie waist detail. I am wearing a size 22 in the pink top. The magnificent bag is from indi brand Guns and Posies, and is a wonderful floral rainbow of joy which also goes with everything, thanks to all the colours!
I adore a maxi and this statement red one is simple but fabulous.I wore it while George and I visited one of our Azure Bopo Babes, Hester, for a lovely weekend in Winchester and felt comfortable, cool and comfy. I accessorised with a basket bag – they’re everywhere this summer and I love them – and a big statement elephant necklace (I’ve had it for years, some big earrings and big sunnies. Never knowingly understated…
Luxe Earrings – Wish
Gold Clutch – Dune (borrowed from lovely Hess)
While in Winchester we took a rather impromptu trip to Ladies Day at Salisbury Racecourse – our lovely hostess Hess suggested it just the day before, and all things considered I think I scrubbed up pretty well considering the 24 hours notice. Thank goodness George had some absolutely stunning CC Millinery Creations on loan that we could wear. Definitely upped the outfit game infinitely. It matched perfectly with my new (gifted) Lyra dress in Blush The Lyra comes up big so I am wearing a size 20. I added some luxury bitch looking earrings I got on Wish and a pair of pale pink ballerina pumps, and I was good to go.
We arrived late, which meant the fancy crowd was certainly rather worse for wear (always funny) and the entire event was closed with a set from a Little Mix cover band. And then on the way to the taxi rank after our relatively sober selves got to walk the drunken stagger of very fancily dressed ladies in heels, and gentlemen all suited and booted giving up and sitting on the grass. So much unexpected last minute awesomeness and hilariousness!
So yeah, that’s what I’ve been wearing lately. Which is your fave? Let me know in the comments…