As spring approaches, it can be tempting to seek out “cheap and cheerful” items from fast fashion retailers or to order from online shops whose prices seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, many of these products are so trendy and of low quality that they are soon discarded. A recent study showed that Ontarians generate 500 million kilograms of textile waste a year, much of which is in like-new condition.
With clothing consumption growing at an alarming rate, the fashion industry is now responsible for almost 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of the world’s wastewater. Fast fashion is often made of inexpensive plastic-based fabrics, such as polyester or nylon, which do not biodegrade and stay in landfills forever. It is also notorious for exploitive labour practices, including slave labour, child labour, and incredibly hazardous work conditions.
There are many ways to avoid the downfalls of fast fashion and divert clothing from landfill. The simplest is to keep and wear your clothes longer. If you need that fashion fix, buy pre-loved or high-quality clothes that will last, ideally made of natural fibres and manufactured in Canada. (Editor’s note: Shopping sustainably can be a challenge for folks who don’t fit into so-called straight sizes, so if you know of any local, sustainable clothing options that are more size-inclusive, let us know in the comments!)
Below are just a few fun, sustainable, local options created and run by Ottawa women.
Boutique Cornerstone’s Annual Sale
Pssst. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. If you want to buy gorgeous clothes at an affordable price while supporting a great local cause, do not miss this sale! The event began when its three founders, Anna, Andrea and Katie, asked their friends and neighbours to donate their gently used clothes and accessories to raise money for Cornerstone Housing for Women. Last year, Sheila Whyte, owner of Thyme & Again, joined forces by offering her shop as a venue; this year, Stephanie and Lindsay, owners of Howard Jewellers, are designing a unique bracelet, with 100% of proceeds going to Cornerstone.
Designer items available for less at Boutique Cornerstone. Photo provided.
“I’m so inspired by the generosity, compassion and thoughtfulness of the women who are involved,” says Anna. “I know that when everyone has a roof over their head, when we know women are safe, we become what is truly a community that looks out for one another.”
Boutique Cornerstone takes place Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, from 10am-3pm at Thyme & Again, 1255 Wellington St. West.
Bee You Creative Styles
Situated in the heart of Sandy Hill, Bee You is a treasure trove of consigned clothing for adults and children of all shapes and sizes. Jess, the owner, moved her operation from Carp into the core last year, selling everything from ball gowns and bomber jackets to bath salts and books on men’s style.
Jess at Bee You Creative Styles. Photo provided.
Entering Jess’s store feels like a warm hug—in the colder months, she offers customers free tea and cookies, always having time to chat. Her store is inclusive, eclectic, and cozy, decorated with comfy benches if you need a rest, and filled with hand-crafted products for sale by local makers, as well as secondhand vinyl and books.
Bee You Creative Styles is at 323 Somerset St. East in Sandy Hill. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday.
Apricity Sox
As a Mongolian Canadian, Saruul understands winter and how to dress for the cold. Whenever she would travel to Mongolia to visit family, she would return with yak and camel wool gifts for her friends. These products were so popular, she decided to start a small business called Apricity Sox, selling super-warm Mongolian yak and wool socks, mitts, leg warmers, and tracksuits in various sizes.
Saruul, owner of Apricity Sox. Photo provided.
Saruul, who also works in corporate finance and accounting, recently added upcycled kids’ clothing and blankets to her line, which she makes from old wool and cashmere sweaters. She also sells beautiful secondhand wool and cashmere sweaters for adults, which she repairs by hand.
You can find Apricity Sox at markets around Ottawa, or you can order online.
Influencer Alyssa Beltempo
It can be hard to avoid the temptation of buying into changing trends and seasons. Alyssa Beltempo makes keeping and wearing your own clothes a lot easier. Her weekly video posts show you how to shop your closet, turn your old clothes into new outfits, and even make your fast-fashion clothing last longer.
Alyssa Beltempo. Photo provided.
Based in Ottawa, Alyssa left a career in finance to become a freelance fashion expert and now has more than 230,000 followers on her YouTube channel. As said on her website: “Embracing slow fashion yields a smaller closet full of pieces you actually wear all of the time, a powerful boost of confidence when getting dressed, and a solid dose of love for the planet.”
Flock Boutique
Whenever I feel like treating myself to a new item of clothing or jewelry, I head over to Flock Boutique. The founders, Christina and Bridget, are leaders in sustainable fashion in Ottawa, selling long-lasting, Canadian-made items for almost 20 years. Designers themselves, they wanted an outlet to sell their own creations, as well as those designed by other women.
Flock owners Bridget and Christina with a happy customer. Photo provided.
Today, the small, friendly Westboro shop stocks items up to size 2× from more than 150 Canadian designers and makers. Some of my favourites include Annie 50 and Eve Lavoie out of Montreal and Wine on Sundays and Birch Jewelry from here in Ottawa.
Flock also has their annual Legendary Trunk Sale from Thursday, March 30, to Monday, April 3.
