Last Sunday I crossed the French border to see my friend Gianna at Maison des Temps in Kauffenheim.

She’s not only my wonderful yoga instructor and friend but also a multi faceted entrepreneur, working on her latest project, a plant based hair & skin care line called Les Roots . Gianna is a classic inside out beauty with a rare quality: She’s not only talking about sustainability, she’s living it. Most pieces in her wardrobe have been there for many years, she rarely acquires anything new. I even found Dr. Martens which she bought twelve years old. Many pieces are gifts from artist or designer friends, some are heritage items from her mum.

I asked Gianna to put aside “?” clothing (toss or keep) first. When I arrived, everything was arranged neatfully and in easy reach so we could start with the styling process immediately. We created 10+ outfits and realized there were only four items to give away to someone else (mostly related to unflattering color). As follow-up, I created a list with some lacking key pieces like a black belt, a crossbody bag etc.

Personally, I have never seen anyone who wears clothing as long as Gianna does, except for my mum maybe. As I am trying to keep my styling process as sustainable as possible, only filling true gaps at the end of each session with personal shopping recommendations, I am excited about what I have seen. There is hope, we might be on the right path, there may be a shift of priorities. This styling session also sets an example that once you’ve acquired YOUR own individual personal style, you don’t need to add much. Once you add less, you’ll be able to focus on quality without making compromises and wear only pieces you truly love.

Several friends and clients told me that during lock downs and quarantine, their motivation to buy clothing was really low. Many people took the chance, cleaned up their closet, resold, donated and felt some sort of relief afterwards. Before the nightmare happened, I always asked myself “How can I, as a stylist contribute in order end this nightmare of massive consumption which leads to no point at all”. Being a natural optimist, I think COVID-19 may have some positive side effects. It might change the way we live and consume forever. As a stylist I obviously I like clothes, but I like people more. Wrong buying manners are not only a problem for our vulnerable environment, but also for our mental health. I recommend to take your time and reflect on the following questions ALWAYS before you buy:

• Do you often find yourself buying more then you need?

• Do you see shopping as sort of entertainment?

• Do you use shopping as substitution because your missing out on something else, not feeling fulfilled?

• I know, it’s not always easy to be that honest with yourself. If you answered at least one of these three questions with “yes”, you really need to stop and rethink your cravings. Now review the following questions:

• “Do I really need it?”

• “Do I have other items which go with it?”

• “Does color and cut suit my skin andbody type”

Cheap clothes are everywhere. You find T-Shirts or sweaters for 5 EUR, cities are filled with discounters (not only related to clothing but also services and food, but that’s another story). All of these items are produced by workers who are being paid close to nothing and the production of mass quantities has major impacts on the environment. Well, we all know, but tend to ignore. Of course, everybody has a different budget related to income and and personal situation. But with sites like Vinted, Yesterday Domani or Depop, high quality garments are accessible for most of us. From a young age, I’d rather give items a second life, than compromising design and quality. The ideal consequence of mindful shopping is to buy less and better. If you do so, it will have an impact living a fuller and happier life. Only items that bring real honest joy should have a place in your wardrobe. How do you feel about it? Would you agree?