Hey Fika Fam!
Emma here, and today I want to talk about something that’s often just an afterthought, something we literally loop around Myselves without much thought: belts. I know, I know, it’s not exactly the flashiest topic in sustainable fashion. We talk about organic cotton dresses, upcycled denim, innovative vegan shoes… but belts?
For a long time, I was completely guilty of overlooking them. They were just... there. A functional necessity, a way to keep my favorite jeans from sagging, or to add a little definition to a flowy dress. I'd grab whatever was cheap, whatever matched, whatever I could find quickly before heading out the door to meet friends at a café in Kensington Market or catch a streetcar downtown. And honestly, for years, my belt drawer was a graveyard of peeling pleather, stretched-out elastic, and buckles that mysteriously detached themselves. It was a fast-fashion fiasco in miniature, and I didn't even realize how much it bothered me until I started digging deeper into my own sustainable journey.
I distinctly remember this one belt. It was a wide, black, faux-leather number from a huge chain store at the Eaton Centre, probably bought on an impulse during a sale in my early twenties. It looked great for about two weeks. Then, slowly but surely, the "leather" started to peel off at the edges, revealing a rather unglamorous fabric backing. The buckle, a chunky silver, began to discolor. Within a couple of months, it looked less like a chic accessory and more like something the cat had attacked. I’d wear it anyway, trying to hide the peeling bits, because what else was I going to do? Replace it with another cheap one that would just fall apart again?
This wasn't an isolated incident. I had a collection of similar offenders. Belts that would crack, belts that would stretch out so much they were useless, belts that stained my clothes with their cheap dyes. It was incredibly frustrating. I loved fashion, I loved expressing myself through clothes, but these small, seemingly insignificant items were constantly letting me down. They embodied everything I was starting to dislike about fast fashion – the poor quality, the disposability, the constant need to replace. I knew then, even before I had the language for "sustainable fashion," that there had to be a better way.
My real deep dive into sustainable fashion started around five years ago. I was exploring everything from ethical denim production to the devastating impact of microplastics. During this time, I started looking at *everything* in my wardrobe with a critical eye. And that's when I found myself staring at my belt collection, the peeling pleather mocking me from the drawer.
I began researching. When it came to leather, I learned about the environmental impact of conventional tanning processes, the worker conditions in many tanneries, and the sheer amount of water and chemicals involved. For synthetic "vegan leather" (which is often just plastic), I learned about its non-biodegradability and the microplastic issue. It felt like a double-edged sword. On one hand, traditional leather had its ethical and environmental baggage. On the other, many synthetic alternatives weren't much better in the long run.
It was a proper "aha!" moment, sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of coffee one rainy Toronto afternoon, scrolling through articles. I felt a real pang of guilt, realizing how much I’d contributed to this cycle of disposable accessories. But more importantly, I felt a surge of determination. If I was going to truly commit to Fika Looks and a more mindful wardrobe, belts couldn't be an exception. They had to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Finding ethical belts wasn't as straightforward as finding a great fair-trade sweater. It required a bit more digging, a bit more patience, and a lot of asking around. My quest started right here in Toronto.
I started by exploring second-hand options. Kensington Market, a treasure trove of vintage finds, became my first hunting ground. I spent hours sifting through racks at shops like CMyage My Love and some of the smaller, unnamed vintage spots. My first ethical belt find was a beautiful, well-worn leather belt from a vendor near Augusta Avenue. It had character, felt incredibly sturdy, and I knew it had already lived a long life. It wasn't "new," but it was new to me, and it was a responsible choice. This belt, with its slightly tarnished brass buckle, is still a staple in my wardrobe today, proving that quality truly lasts.
Next, I looked for innovative materials. I’d read about Pinatex (pineapple leather) and mushroom leather, and I was fascinated. I discovered a small Canadian brand online, based in Montreal, that was using Pinatex for their accessories. I ordered a sleek, minimalist black belt. When it arrived, I was so impressed! It felt surprisingly soft yet durable, and I loved the subtle texture. It was a bit pricier than my old fast-fashion belts, yes, but the quality and the story behind it made it worth every penny. I've had it for three years now, and it still looks fantastic – no peeling, no cracking. It's my go-to for dressing up an outfit.
I also explored local artisans. I remember stumbling upon a booth at the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market a couple of summers ago, where a local craftsman was making belts from upcycled bicycle tires. My mind was blown! The texture was unique, the look was edgy, and the story was incredible. I bought a slim dark grey one and wear it with everything from jeans to my more casual dresses. It's a fantastic conversation starter, and it truly embodies circular fashion.
For ethical leather, I sought out brands that were transparent about their sourcing. I read up on vegetable-tanned leather, which uses natural tannins from plants for a less toxic process. I found a small leather goods shop in a quaint little town outside of Toronto during a weekend getaway, which sourced their hides locally and did all their tanning and crafting in-house. I invested in a classic tan leather belt there – knowing exactly where it came from and how it was made gave me such peace of mind. It’s built to last a lifetime, softening and developing a beautiful patina with every wear.
So why all this fuss about belts, you might ask? For me, it’s about so much more than just a functional accessory. It's about:
Next time I’m getting ready for a stroll through the Distillery District or meeting a friend for brunch in Leslieville, and I reach for one of my treasured belts, I don't just see a piece of leather or Pinatex. I see the journey, the research, the responsible choices, and the long-term commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes.
It's these small, intentional shifts in My daily lives that collectively make a huge difference. So, what about you? Have you thought about the story behind my belt? Maybe it's time for a little belt audit. I'd love to hear about my own ethical accessory finds!
Until next time, stay stylish and sustainable!
Warmly,
Emma Chen
Founder, Fika Looks