Do you have style intentions for 2024? Here's how to set them | Episode 34 Sustain This Podcast

If you didn’t learn anything from the past year, did it even happen? We’re not trying to be dramatic, but we love some good reflection so that we can move forward with intention. This applies both to style and life, and today we’re sharing what we learned in 2023, how we want our style to evolve, and how to stick to our style intentions for 2024. Do you set style goals or intentions? Let us know!
Happy New Year and welcome to Season 2! ✨

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SIGNE HANSEN

CHRISTINA MYCHAS

ALYSSA BELTEMPO

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

[shelleyschultz]

Couldn’t agree more about the quality of clothing going downhill. Even a higher end European brand I was loyal to for years is now stocking polyester items. It makes more sense for me to shop secondhand and invest in tailoring. Loved this episode ❤

[debbiew]

2023 was my year of only buying thrifted items. I found these have become my favourite items because thrift shops have so much more variety than the limited selection of what is “in season” at the mall. Also, I am sensitive to fabric textures and preworn items are often more comfortable. More of the same for 2024 and donating another box of little worn items.

[christinebrooker]

I think you can buy items that you later regret because of the mood you're in at the time.
Also, putting an outfit together is one thing, confidence is what walks it out of the door. I've had this when it's been for a party, the outfit would surprise others so you revert to your usual. This is not the real you.

[szfrj]

Thanks for this! I don’t know anyone in my ‘real life’ who is interested in these things to the same level that I am. Lovely to have like minded company through the podcast

[lynneglazzard]

I’m pleased to have made some new intentions and I’m grateful that I can review my wardrobe. I’m recycling some of my clothing and refining my colour palette. I have a lot of colour so will reduce that slightly as my taste has definitely changed, Thank you all so much for your conversation and inspiration

[AlexLouiseWest]

Great podcast, and it was lovely to hear Apollo’s contribution! I teach singing, and my cat joins in sometimes 🙀

[larachristie]

I have been on a brilliant journey through following all three of you lovely ladies. I have decluttered the noise and found my capsule wardrobe and am now very careful what I add, even second hand. I totally agree with supporting local businesses, I have used Etsy allot recently for handmade gifts and I treated myself to two skirts, one per year which were hand made in wool and the other a summer wrap skirt from linen. I adore both and love the story behind them. Thank you so much ladies for sharing your stories with us. Never underestimate the importance and impact you have. You are a true inspiration and blessing 💐

[BeautifulDreamerK]

In 2023, I was so tired of everything. Like everyone, I had so many items in my closet but nothing to wear. My body changed around covid and hasn’t been the same since. That and fertility medications made a difference. I work a hybrid schedule, so it makes more sense to add more wfh loungewear. In my mid to late 20’s, I focused on spending quality clothes vs. the quantity yet even when I need to work in person or go to career events, I can never find anything to wear and the sizing is never right.

I now crave simplicity and neutrals. I think I’m going into my Carolyn Besset era. It’s easy, classic, and can match with everything. I’ve also done an online color analysis to confirm my season and narrow down what colors would be best for me so I won’t waste money, feelings, and energy purchasing clothes I don’t need.

[renaezelmar]

Learning basic sewing is definitely not too much to ask! Hemming pants/a skirt I would say is actually easier than darning a sweater. Minus the sewing machine part...

[MisssPandora]

Is this episode gonna be uploaded on Spotify?

[amyli]

Sometimes, it's really easy for me to become influenced by my surroundings when it comes to what I decide to wear, and building up resistance from that is difficult. Throughout the last year off and on, I've noticed that it's been easier for me to assemble an outfit around a pair of leggings, or even just leaving the house with sweatpants on (which I only did once in all fairness here). I feel like if my life wasn't so busy in balancing both work and still being in school with only 2 classes left to take, I'd be able to be more consistent in putting together outfits that actually make me feel good about myself. About half the time, I'm just too tired to even bother.

So to cap off what I'm learning here about my style habits at least, I want to start enjoying the process of getting dressed again and really put forth more time and effort into making sure I feel my best in what I'm wearing. I know that my mental health tends to benefit from this sometimes, but other times, other tools may need to be utilized more often. Finding balance when your schedule already feels hectic isn't always easy. 😮‍💨

[evahalkova]

Hi ladies, and welcome back in the new year! 🥰🙏❤️
Just wanted to ask, is there a problem with Spotify? As I can't see this new episode there. I wanted to listen to it in public transport and I had to watch YouTube instead. Thank you 🙏

[SallianneHines]

An inspiring video ladies! Signe, you had mentioned learning things about summer clothing but didn't elaborate, and I've heard you say in the past that you find dressing for summer more challenging. Me too! Would love for you ladies to talk about the seasons and how you deal with the challenges of each.

[jkg]

Christina's Year-in-Review sparked this idea💡: 52 (52 weeks/year) outfits reflecting your activities throughout the year. A reflective exercise: Ex for me 13 lunch outfits, 13 dinner, 13 athleisure, 5 special occasion, 2 beachside, 4 layered winter, 2 steamy summer.

[alisonpugin]

Loved this! So much inspiration everyone! I started to sew in 2020 .. I learnt a ton from YouTube (Tomkat Stitchery taught me so much). My corporate wardrobe is now 80% me made .. pants and button down shirts .. I just haven't had the nerve to try a blazer but I made a lined winter coat and a trench. A lot are independent patterns like from Love Notions .. I now go to shops and pretty much walk on by the badly made clothes especially the fast fashion .. I know I can do so much better and it fits me as I want it .. win win !! Has been worth the learning curve! 🎉🎉

[eburawka]

While watching this, I tried calculating how many outfits I already have in my wardrobe. So I quickly calculated ONLY THOSE ITEMS I COULD REMEMBER ON THE SPOT which turned out to be 20+ tops (shirts, tops, blouses, sweaters) and 20+ bottoms (skirts, jeans, other types of pants). So just technically I have 400+ outfits to try, and this is without even layering, switching shoes and accessorising!!! Add 10 dresses and 4 layering pieces and it gets to
(20*20 + 10)*5 (4 items +1 for no extra layer) = 2050 unique combinations WHICH IS 5.5 YEARS without repeating an outfit (10 years if I do the same with summer pieces, 20 years given I spend half of my days in sportswear or pyjamas 😂).
And yet I often have a feeling that I need to buy something new to 'refresh' my wardrobe...
If we stop and think about that, it is just INSANE!!!

[sandiscalmanini]

One of you inspired me to get a rail for clothes and luckily I had one my daughter didn’t want. I’m in a no buy year. I have a wardrobe rail, it has a couple of shelves for shoes, accessories too. It makes shopping my closest fun. It helps me work in favorite pieces based on my week ahead. Lately I’ve tried the 3x3x3 technique for my weekly trip into the office and is working exceptionally well. I still giggle that you 3 found each other since ❤ you each are my favorites 👋🔥♥️and ‘go to’channels. Sustainable fashion is my jam this year.

[jl]

I am so excited to hear you are thinking of doing an episode on new clothing getting worse. The fabric content of clothing has changed to everything and anything blended with polyester. Especially wool coats - based on my own experience and what I've heard from others this year, 100% wool coats (new) were almost impossible to find, even at premium prices. One of my intentions from last year that I'm carrying into this year is focusing on natural fibers only (thrifted and/or new) and doing that has REALLY slowed down my consumption - simply because its hard to find. Another intention of mine is the same as what Signe said - less online and more in person, for so many reasons. I do have a few really small boutiques on Etsy that do handmade and vintage that I support but my shopping circle has gotten much smaller. So glad to have your podcast back in my weekly listening rotation I love your conversations!

[sigriddjernaes]

Is there a reason I can’t find this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? 🤔

[tinaw.]

Great discussion! Regarding the decreasing quality of clothes, I have noticed this as well. For example, 15 years ago I bought a lot of basics from J Crew—I still have jeans and cashmere sweaters from that era that look new. I didn’t really like the company’s designs post-Jenna Lyons, but last fall decided to check them out for a few basics. As you ladies noted, the fabrics were inferior, and the clothes were very poorly made—I found them of lower quality than fast fashion brands, yet still at an elevated price. I returned everything. Fifty years ago, even “cheap” clothes were well sewn and had buttons of shell or horn; now many higher-end brands have poorly sewn garments with plastic buttons made by workers who don’t receive a living wage.

My shopping these days is a mix of a few high street basics, occasional new luxury purchases, and primarily luxury and vintage items bought pre-loved. My primary criteria are: Is the item my style and is it made to last?