For Austinite Emily Fenves, shopping was once a familiar routine: scroll, click, purchase, try on, keep or return — repeat. But after having children, the longtime social worker turned influencer said something shifted. Feeling unfulfilled, she did a complete 180.
“I started researching overconsumption in general and became obsessed with it,” said Fenves. “I realized how much we don’t know, and much of that is because brands intentionally don’t want us to know the negative consequences of the fashion industry. I felt compelled to share my learnings.”
Fenves started her blog and Instagram, The Lander Line, to educate others about sustainable fashion and how they could partner to make a dent in the industry with her.
“This is where I became really thankful for my background in social work, because it helped me communicate with no judgment or shame,” said Fenves. “Change can’t come from shame, but from inspiration.”
Fenves shares she was particularly inspired by a Copenhagen think tank’s “Rule of Five,” which challenges consumers to only buy five new pieces of clothing each year. The rest? Secondhand, thrifted, gifted, and the like.
“This rule really takes dollars and metrics away from the industry’s production and focuses on fashion already in circulation,” said Fenves.
It’s Fenves’ third year following the “Rule of Five,” and she particularly likes to choose her items from small Austin businesses or those with ties to Texas. If you’re looking to join her, she’s rounded up some of her favorites (both for new and second-hand items):
HarperSage
4803 Burnet Rd.
A gorgeous collection of ethically made designs for all body types, manufactured in India by a woman-owned factory.
Billy Reid
1202 S Congress Ave.
A pillar in the sustainability space, Billy Reid designs for longevity using only high-quality, natural fibers that you’ll want to reach for over and over.
Love Craft
1107 E 11th St.
A shop dedicated to the idea of slowing down, intentional dressing, and embracing inclusivity and creativity. Love Craft carries some of the best names in sustainable fashion, many of whom are changing the industry through grassroots action and design.
Good Company
918 W 12th St.
A local Austin favorite, Good Company offers in-house lines that are produced and manufactured in Los Angeles, as well as other slow fashion brands, local jewelry designers, and pops of vintage pieces.
MOSS
705 S Lamar Blvd.
Fenves’ “go-to” for luxury second-hand pieces that she can wear daily, as well as for special occasions. She says you’ll always find something special that you’ll want to add to your second-hand collection.
Lauren Owen
904D W 12th St.
A new face in the Austin vintage scene, Lauren Owen is a collection of vintage western wear and second-hand high fashion pieces. Everyone in Austin needs to stop in!
Honey Hill Market
1800 W Koenig Lane
Serving amazing vintage and secondhand contemporary pieces, Honey Hill Market is exactly what Austin needs: a place to explore your personal style and feel uniquely creative.
Pecos Jane
1008 Wheeless St.
The vintage luxury gems you’ll find at Pecos Jane are unmatched. It’s a go-to for one-of-a-kind conversation pieces to add to your vintage collection.
Collected by Blackbirds
1508 W Koenig Lane
Combining vintage and slow fashion designers, Collected by Blackbirds has become a destination for community and celebration. They also offer a charming collection of gifts and home goods that everyone will enjoy perusing.
And, if you’re looking to get started with sustainable fashion and shopping, but aren’t sure where to start, Fenves also shares some of her best tips for starting your journey.
Comb your closet
Before you start shopping, go through your current closet. See what you aren’t wearing and think about why you don’t choose those pieces. It’ll help you avoid overconsuming in the future, and it’ll help you pick pieces you truly love in the future!
Look at the materials
According to Fenves, polyester and synthetics don’t sustain well or last long. She recommends looking for durable natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, silk, and cashmere.
Be on the clock
If you’re new to thrifting or shopping second-hand, start going to these shops and set a timer. Start with some wishlist items and see if you can find them secondhand while on a timer. It’ll make shopping second-hand less overwhelming and give you a goal to work towards.
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