Where Fast Fashion Took My Wardrobe

[@LyLy-ct9ib]

I just love how open and real you are! It’s truly a very real journey and normal, real people everywhere are going through the same thing. It’s just perfectionist judgmental people who comment and make you think you’ve abandoned your values, when you clearly have not. I would hasten to say not to be so hard on yourself when determining that you “could have chosen to wear another thing” (example, orange blazer/pink blazer or many of the others). I saw how you lit up when you told the story of the orange. Maybe now, afterwards, you feel like it wasn’t necessary to wear it, and you technically could have worn the pink one instead for that day, but I’ll bet that the emotions that you got from the orange one, and the skip in your step that day, were irreplaceable to some extent. There is something to be said for balancing practicality with our love for the art of fashion. Sometimes art and emotion will win, and that itself can be one of your values (and it’s not selfish to think so just because online trolls may tell you so). Being artistically and emotionally inspired helps you to be your true, authentic self and to do such good things in the world. There is much value in that! I really enjoy watching Hannah Louise Poston, who walks this line as well.

[@mmclennon]

I completely commend your transparency and openness. I don't even think we deserve It, but want you to know its appreciated. You are a human like all of your viewers, and we shouldn't hold you to a higher standard just because you post online. That's all! xx

[@NajaSierra]

Thank you! As long as there's a camp that appreciate it, I'm going to keep going like that xx

[@emmy8526]

A thing you’ve mentioned in several videos as a trigger is "just wanting to go in and buy something" of clothing, which is why the high street shops like H&M and Zara are appealing, because it feels like less money per item. Perhaps try switching that urge to treating yourself to e.g. a coffee in a nice café or something like that - a relatively low cost experience that may hit the same way (and coincidentally offer a place to wear some nice clothes you already own). Great video! Thanks for being so forthright (:

[@NajaSierra]

Really good idea xx

[@Ingrid0410]

Indeed!! I get the shopping urge so much , end up buying a ton of shit clothing from TJMaxx, (getting better at it) and I’m finding going to get a coffee cures this angst. We women are complicated. We shop when we dont feel love. We shop

[@Aileenwasright]

I just want to say that I completely relate to the struggle of trying to shop for clothes for a season that you hate. I always feel underdressed and basic or too casual during the summer and never at my best. It’s just hard trying to find elevated every day looks so I get why fast fashion pieces are tempting.

[@gabrielletoliver7187]

I feel the same! The layers I lean on to feel more elevated and like the outfit is “complete,” I can’t as comfortably lean on in the summer. Still figuring out how to elevate in this hotter months.

[@sarahthatcher123]

I love how you are honestly sharing your journey and not heavily editing just to look like you have it all together. Your journey and process is so relatable and encourages me because I have ups and downs and set backs and struggles. Thank you, thank you,thank you!

[@kat_thefruitbat]

Your honesty and transparency is always greatly appreciated and valued, and it’s wrong for anyone to hold you to the highest standard! ❤️ No matter where the item comes from, nor the reason it didn’t work in our wardrobe, we all find ourselves with mistake purchases because no one is perfect. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The important part is that you bought these items with good intentions, and now you have admirably exercised humility by assessing and learning from those decisions, and you’ve gone above and beyond by sharing it all with us so that we can learn from your experiences as well! ❤️🤗 If you replace any of these items with higher quality versions or make a general purchase that isn’t fast fashion (secondhand, vintage, a sustainable brand, or something that’s generally more well constructed and longer lasting), it would be interesting to see how they compare to these fast fashion items in terms of physical appearance, quality of construction, and cost per wear! 😊

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I spent four hours today bagging up, for donation, a lot of the H&M and other fast-fashion pieces I got online during the lockdowns. I was more selective before, but got so bored, depressed and lonely in my 2.5 years isolation, my Mom died during that time, that I lost my judgement. Many were just worn once, some never, but I kept overheating and getting skin rashes in those cheap synthetic fibers and I ended up showering and changing into better-fabric items to get through the day. The others didn’t survive the first wash, careful as was. I stopped buying these “cute styles” in inferior-quality versions, they just don’t get worn. It was a bit gut-wrenching to see all those stylish things (and money) go, but at least I learned an important lesson and have now reformed my purchasing habits. I now buy just a few high-quality items that I love, with the same monthly budget. My favorite brands are Lily Silk, Quince, etc.

[@NajaSierra]

I can 100% relate to the process you went through! I am also really enjoying my LilySilk pieces. So sorry about your mother ❤

[@drawingout.net-vmcg]

Super video Naja! 🙌 Love your honest analysis of your shopping habits and I'm learning so much from the journey you are on. Much appreciated. So interesting to observe and note that you could have paid more for the 8 items you really needed and gotten good quality pieces instead of buying 23, 15 of which you no longer value. There is much learning there for all of us.

[@missmegs37]

being kind to ourselves along our journey and recognizing even a bit of progress is really important for us to keep going! so dont be so hard on yourself and thank u always for sharing it with us :)

[@mindovermatter6664]

Much appreciated video! Like you, I struggle with spring and summer and don’t want to spend as much money for these seasaons as I do for fall/ winter. One thing that I’ve done in the last couple of years is to buy summer clothes on Sale late in the season from a little better quality brands to avoid fast fashion. I Really like how you always take your time to go back and reflect on your purchases - if everyone did that we would probably all consume very differently. Great job with this video!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

That’s why H&M is so tempting, they have the styles and the prices!

[@NajaSierra]

Ohhh boy

[@tinylittlebutstillalion4101]

I cannot speak about Sarah, because i have never bought anything from there, but from H&M you can get some pieces that are really great as well as a lot of pieces that when you wash them once they are ruined. You have to look really closely and sometimes you are just lucky. I have a lot of knitted jumpers from H&M that i have had for years and they still look new, i think that by knit pieces it is pretty easy to see and feel if they are going to last. With other things it is often Hit or miss. You never stop learning. Really like your channel ❤️

[@Aileenwasright]

I’ve had the same experience with other fast fashion brands. It’s probably like 90/10 ratio of cheap pieces that will disintegrate to decent quality pieces with longevity. I have about a dozen pieces total from Uniqlo, Mango and Zara. Some are 8+ years old that I wear and wash often and they all hold up. You just have to be VERY selective. However, I don’t think shoes and accessories are ever worth buying from fast fashion brands.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I think she means Zara.

[@ellexusse]

I think making mistakes is part of the journey. I have been trying to be minimalist all my life and I am constantly starting over. But I learn more and more about myself with the process. And when you give Grace to yourself you have the capacity to give grace to others

[@tinasarafinas4962]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video and how transparent you are. The way you track your purchases and cost per wear is really eye opening for us who would like to practice more mindful consumption when it’s not always so easy. So thank you!!

[@amandaamanda5398]

The fun of having lots of clothes is to be able to style in many different ways and explore different silhouettes and color combinations. Take your orange blazer as an example. The black top you paired it with was killing the orange color. Could try pairing the blazer with an all-white outfit, or a light-to-mid grey tonal outfit. Orange colors generally work well with greens of similar shades & saturations. Surprisingly, oranges work very well with certain shades/hues of pink too.

[@bylauraott]

I love your videos ! Honestly since I watch your channel I have learned so much and Im more conscious about my online shopping addiction. Every time Im about to purchase clothes I remember your tips and advises and now Im also conscious about how much I wear something. Thank you Thank youuuuu !!!!

[@lainelee3632]

Perhaps when you see an item you are thinking of buying you can go back to some questions you ask yourself, you may have talked about it in the past, or other conscious consumers have asked, questions like : How many things can I pair it with? Do I foresee myself wearing this 30 times? If I don't get this, what can I wear instead that's already in my wardrobe? What will happen to this garment when I declutter it (do we really need to add more rubbish to this earth, if we are not willing to keep it why do we expect others to accept it)? There's also the subjective feelings we can change... We think an item doesn't look good anymore (because it has shrunk, change colour etc) but actually other ppl may not see it that way when we wear it. Because they look at us as a whole. While we look at each garment knowing all its flaws because we know it more intimately. So perhaps we should say hey this isn't perfect looking but it doesn't need to be. I still look fine overall. Or a trusted friend can give you the feedback. We readjust our expectations to be happier. Regarding fast fashion, I have no idea why ppl are so hung up on it. Personally, fast fashion wouldn't be fast if you don't treat it as such. Pretend it is expensive, consider hard before you buy. Know its quality and guess its longevity, after a while we should be expert at guessing. Once bought, use it for a very long time. All my fast fashion items lasts 2-3 years at the very least. Some up to 5 years. It's only fast if all we do is just keep buying and decluttering so quickly, ie in under a year. Then we have to ask ourselves, what mistakes have we not learn from that? This idea of dressing ourselves, in a way that pleases us, expressing ourselves well in our look and values.... Just such a complicated womanly journey 🤣. Good luck to all of us.

[@sister-kira]

Love this review and your honesty! It would make more sense to me financially and according to your values to buy second-hand/thrifted items (fast fashion brands or not) to create a small cottage/lake/beach capsule with items that aren't as precious.

[@Liv-hj2jg]

I Love the honesty and how realistic this is! I would say I have a minimalistic wardrobe and try to only add high quality pieces that have natural fabrics but sometimes it’s hard to wear them because in „life“ you sometimes need something that isn’t that delicate or that you can trash. Also I am a messy cook so my clothes will get stained unfortunately! That’s why sometimes it’s appropriate to have fast fashion pieces. There are a few items that I have that I constantly gravitate to - that are fast fashion - that haven’t lost shape, look good on me and then there are high quality pieces that I don’t like anymore. It’s never just black or white. Generally speaking I’d rather have good quality pieces and i think non-fast fashion items are better but especially during summer, where things get more sweaty and dirty it’s beneficial to have fast fashion pieces! In Winter it makes more sense to get the high quality item, wool, cashmere, etc because that also keeps warm (instead of polyester)

[@Luftballon1970]

Great video, like always :) My example on this topic: Everyone is talking about white t shirts and how they are a staple, so i bought some. Stupid. I dont like it bc they are to casual. But money was not wasted since i just use them for working out and for sleeping. Sometimes you can try to find a different use for it. Use it as beach cover up, or to layer or something else (depends on the item). Zara is actually the worst quality. It is okay to make mistakes. Fashion can be fun, too. Btw: Could you make review of your Hermes Evelyne? I maybe want to invest in one and i would be interested in your opinion.

[@matchabecs]

Love this! The way you break things down and experiment really helps me to think more critically about my closet and shopping habits

[@clary7661]

I love this video, thank you for talking so honestly about your journey. I totally empathise with you. I find myself now quite good at being selective about what to buy, but occasionally still mess up. It’s normal, it’s human. I’m happy you learned from this year. Here’s to more growth in the future. ❤❤

[@amyli092]

I found you when I was still in a phase of struggling to figure out my own style, and while your color palette is a lot different from mine, your thoughts and insights have been very much valuable to me! One lesson I've learned early on when shopping for my wardrobe is that waiting before making a decision can really be helpful, but there's also been instances where it was love at first sight, and I knew that the garment would fit me with minimal issues. It really just takes time to develop your intuition and to hone in on that consistently when making any kind of purchase, but it's okay to make mistakes as well ❤️

[@NajaSierra]

Very well said!

[@melissa7334]

Love your candid analysis videos.

[@sarahmiley6569]

Go easy on yourself ❤ I’m sure you learned a lot about what you like and what you don’t because you are so mindful, and you take the needed time to to really think about it. You’ve been very transparent about how you’re still trying to figure out your summer wardrobe. In a lot of ways I think it’s wise to not spend a lot on things you’re not sure about. I think you did some self exploration and that’s ok! I think it will help you as you move forward on your intentional style journey.

[@DevinaHeriyanto]

Looking at those prices, I feel lucky to live in a country where there are many local brands offering much higher quality pieces with similar price range as fast fashion. H&M is actually expensive here so it's not tempting at all. I kinda get what you mean by buying cheap things so you can wear it without caring too much without it getting stained or destroyed, though.

[@abbyrodgers7753]

I feel like I had a similar year when it came to fast fashion. I had been building a wardrobe I loved and tried to either thrift or invest in good quality, intentional pieces. And then I got pregnant! So I had to buy essentially a new wardrobe for early pregnancy, late pregnancy, postpartum and late postpartum. I was buying out of necessity because nothing fit, and I was making a lot of exceptions for fit, material, colors, etc. because i just needed something to get by. I ended up buying a lot from brands like Old Navy because I could not afford to buy quality pieces 4 times over. Now I'm left with a wardrobe of make-do items of low quality. Sometimes fast fashion is necessary, but I'm not very happy with my wardrobe now. I don't know a good answer 🤷‍♀️

[@NajaSierra]

That's so interesting! Signe from Use less comes to mind. She also ended up adding more pieces that she wanted to, the year she was pregnant.

[@Chicandsmiley]

This was such a cool concept for a video - I have never seen someone break it down this way and it was so insightful! It’s very refreshing how honest you are about your purchases and which ones were “worth it” or not. I feel like you’ve mentioned before that you will sometimes shop secondhand but I think you said it was online which makes it impossible to try on before buying. Do you have secondhand shops nearby you that you can go to in person and shop? I have a fair amount near me and I find myself shopping there 95% of the time vs going to fast fashion stores since the prices usually end up being about the same but the secondhand shops sell higher quality for much cheaper since it’s pre-owned. Maybe this could be a solution for balancing price and quality?

[@TheLifeTidy]

I also feel really good about my winter wardrobe but always feel less confident or less inspired when summer arrives. Figuring it out is definitely a process, and in some ways maybe it's better to figure it out with less expensive clothes and then buy higher quality ones when you find something that truly works?

[@michaealmeida1789]

Wow! I Loved this. Definitely food for thought.

[@thisolskitown1921]

A great video and such a good practice of looking back and assessing your items. I am curious to see your findings on pieces you really felt were conscious investments when you bought them. Sadly I don't think buying sustainable investment pieces are a sure thing either, from this point of view.

[@shellbell8062]

Girl you've gone too far this time and we are going to have to call the fashion police! Just kidding :) You are entitled to dip your toe in fast fashion and make some mistakes. And you have a point with buying some things lower quality for taking to the lake etc. I have a great wardrobe and regularly look for something "crappy" to walk the dog in or to bake a cake in. You need those pieces. And actually mistakes happen with more expensive pieces too. I have made a lot of expensive mistakes and put things on eBay or in the charity still with their tags on. I think it's inevitable unfortunately.

[@beekeliger]

I really love your transparency, and you are on a journey and its okay, that you dont make always the best decissions. Time is always the answer. And I think the colours have different meaning and feeling, so I dont see the Orange blazer is equal to the pink. I bought too many pieces this year, because I learned so much and I didnt love my old clothes and there were way too many pieces on my wishlist. The quality, fabric, cuts etc. And even if I love most of them, I feel a little guilt, because I cannot say its slow fashion, even if I purchased them for long term. And for the experimental phase, you need to really consider the price. I made a few expensive mistakes this year, okay I can resell them, and it was a really good lesson, but I think its better to invest in something when you have a proof of concept. But your preferences and your body can change over time. Or you can be extra careful but someone steals it or the washing machine attempt murder on it. 😀 And as you mentioned, you need some less nice pieces, what you can trash a little. I opt for second hand, for the experimenting. But sometimes it can take a really long time to find the exact one you want. And fast fashion can be easier in this case. And its not shameful to try some. Im happy, that I was able to skip it in first hand, but still buying it secondhand sometimes. And for example & other stories is so much better in quality, but still HM group, so the ethics are questionable. But if its a well tought out purchase and you wear it a lot, I think its not the worst choice. Im building my wardrobe with tought and love, and I really love that most of the pieces have deeper meaning for me. If I bought from a small business or in a vacation. I love when I know a little the previous owner of the dress. I think everybody should do their own system. And you have a really great one. Its really inspiring, enjoy the journey! Fashion is fun. :)

[@krys1933]

Your channel is awesome and I appreciate how much effort you put into analysing all aspects of your purchases. All the best from Australia.

[@janelleespinosa6247]

I love your hair and makeup during this video. I believe you have a few layers in the front, and you defined your eyes, really looks great. Thank you for this really great video, I always enjoy them.

[@lalaland8185]

This video ring very true to me. I go through long stretches of curating and adding high quality pieces, to find I get bored and want a few fast fashion pieces to spice things up. Then I wear those fast fashion pieces a couple times and regret the decision :/

[@NajaSierra]

I wonder if this is just going to be part of the cycle.

[@KaylaLahti]

I can relate to not feeling good about summer. Summer is also challenging because I feel like what I'm wearing is always on display since I can't hide under a coat. A few years ago I moved to Estonia, and the summers here are so short here that I feel like I barely get to wear my summer clothes, so I underinvested in that part of my wardrobe for a long time. I've finally invested in some good pieces, and a few fast fashion things with mixed success. I did splurge on a white linen shirt after trying on a ton of them, and no regrets. It did get a sunscreen stain once but it came out in the wash. It's been one of my best purchases. Also definitely recommend COS for linen trousers. Pricey but cut well and washed perfectly.

[@NajaSierra]

Thank you for the COS recommendation!

[@evalindell2757]

I am going to think of you if I feel like buying fast fashion. It feels like it is worth it when you see it & its’ price. But then, if you buy it, it is not worth it at all! Thank You for sharing! I hope to stay out of fast fashion and and think of you as/if I get tempted 👍❤️

[@Ingrid0410]

I think yd look great if you cut your short👍👍👍 how do you keep track of how many times you wore an item??? Do you keep records?? Where r u from my dear?? Happy 🎄 Christmas! Your video made me want to de clutter so thank you!!

[@kateyk4340]

Long time follower here....wow! great video! you are looking great!

[@Ingrid0410]

I already can say my vote is for 20 pieces of H&M clothing that is, because you eat a hotdog spill mustard on an expensive blazer or sweater its ruined. Handbags different story, buy best you can afford, ups any outfit👍👍but not 10k for an Hermes bag, unless yr a millionaire thats simply ludicrous! A nice quality Italian bag is beautiful!! Hot pink is such a gorgeous color on us Nordic blondes!!!!are you in Germany??? I must say H&M does make excellent linen blouses👍👍👍

[@MejgJanssenTV]

What to take from the video 😅.. buy cheap if you are not sure, so you can try if it works for you, if it does, buy high quality, if it does not work for your wardrobe donate it and never buy again. It would have been much worse to spend on excellent quality and then find out that the item is not working for you.

[@randam4005]

I love the blue patterned crop top, is that still a linkable item?

[@NajaSierra]

It's on my site www.najasierra.com/my-closet

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

H&M cotton shirting fabrics are of the lowest quality I’ve ever seen. They pucker like mad, even without washing, and can’t be ironed successfully. Their woven viscose is the same, plus it’s really limp. These fibers are two I usually love, but quality is everything, there are excellent high-quality versions of these fabrics elsewhere. For a while, I only shopped their Premium line, but those items aren’t very good values, low quality for a fairly high price and often blended with synthetics, what’s the point of that? The next H&M category I’m going to declutter is their cotton and viscose shirts, pants and dresses, I did sweaters today and am worn out!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

H&M linen is better.

[@ryeofoatmeal]

I wonder if other average consumer notice the quality issue of zara and h&m at all... those two brands are expensive where I live so I never buy them here. but when I study abroad, they are very accessible. so i bought them in joy. I totally can tell after one wash the garments shrink. no matter what material, be it cotton it's shrinking to 1 to 2 size smaller. and the shape is off too. the more you washed, the worse it gets

[@kathyesargent9088]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CorinnaOnTheRun]

Could have got 8 for $92… but you didn’t know. That’s the key. So some of that money is what you spent on proof of concept education.

[@lindaalden2867]

I stopped buying black tops from h&m as I find they fade quickly.

[@_inflection3209]

Buying pieces of clothing with the intent to trash them seems counterintuitive. It's not good quality so who cares? You're just throwing money away and polluting while you do it. I have no qualms with people who buy fast fashion because it's what they can afford. But taking care of that piece as best you can for as long as you can is the way you can practice sustainability while doing so.

[@Knitsbymoomz]

Omg, imagine if everyone did track their wardrobe with purchases, costs, wears etc. The horrors we would face! But at the same time, imagine if we all did that. I think HM and Zara and other fast fashion brands wouldnt survive actually. Thanks for the eye opener 🫢