Hey lovelies,
Pull up a virtual chair, grab my favorite warm beverage - for me, it's a perfectly brewed oat milk latte from my local spot near High Park - because today we're diving into a topic that's truly close to my heart, and one that has fundamentally reshaped my relationship with my closet, my wallet, and even my own well-being. We're talking about mindful shopping habits.
For those of you who've been with me since the early days of Fika Looks, you know my journey into sustainable fashion wasn't some grand, immediate epiphany. It was more like a slow, steady percolation, much like the perfect cup of coffee. And a huge part of that journey has been learning to shop with intention, to really think about what I'm bringing into my life, rather than just accumulating things. It's a practice, not a destination, and honestly, it's one of the most rewarding shifts I've ever made.
Let's be real for a moment. My past self, especially my early twenties self living downtown Toronto, was a serial impulse buyer. I remember countless weekends ending with a new bag or a trendy top from a fast-fashion store I'd ducked into, usually after a stressful week or just because I was "browsing" at the Eaton Centre. My closet, a modest space in my old Annex apartment, was perpetually overflowing. It was a chaotic mix of things I sort of liked, things I'd worn once, and things still bearing tags. I'd stand in front of it, overwhelmed, often lamenting, "I have nothing to wear!" It was a paradoxical nightmare: a full closet, yet a wardrobe that felt empty of true personal style or joy.
The turning point wasn't a single dramatic event, but a series of small, nagging feelings. I started noticing the sheer volume of waste around me, the fleeting trends, and the almost disposable nature of fashion. I watched documentaries that opened my eyes to the human and environmental cost of my shopping habits. I began to feel a deep disconnect between my values - caring for the planet, supporting ethical practices - and my actions as a consumer. It felt… yucky, for lack of a better word.
That's when I started asking myself, what if I could change this? What if I could build a wardrobe that genuinely reflected me, my values, and brought me lasting joy, not just a fleeting retail high? And so began my dive into mindful shopping.
At its core, mindful shopping isn't about deprivation or never buying anything new again. For me, it's about consciousness, intention, and connection. It's about being fully present in the act of consumption, understanding the story behind an item, and ensuring it truly serves a purpose in my life. It's a practice of asking crucial questions before making a purchase, transforming a potentially thoughtless act into a deliberate, empowering choice.
It's about cultivating a relationship with my clothes, seeing them as companions on my journey, not just disposable commodities. It's about respecting the Resources and labor that went into creating them. And honestly, it's made getting dressed in the morning so much easier and more joyful.
Here are some of the habits I've cultivated over the years, practices that have truly changed the game for me. Maybe some of these will resonate with you, or inspire you to start my own mindful journey!
This is probably the single most impactful habit I've adopted. If I see something I *think* I want - whether it's online or in a boutique I stumbled upon in Kensington Market - I don't buy it immediately. Instead, I add it to a mental (or sometimes physical) wishlist and give it 30 days. It might sound extreme, but you'd be surprised how many "must-have" items lose their allure after a few weeks. That trendy floral midi dress I almost bought on a whim at a Queen West shop last summer? By the time the 30 days were up, I realized I already had a similar style, and the initial excitement had completely faded. This pause helps me distinguish between a fleeting desire and a genuine need or long-term love.
I used to chase sales and trends, ending up with a closet full of flimsy, poorly made items that would fall apart after a few washes. Now, I prioritize quality. This doesn't mean everything has to be designer; it means looking for good fabrics, strong stitching, and classic designs that will stand the test of time. My wool coat, for example, purchased a few years ago from a local Toronto brand during a winter market, was a significant investment. But it's beautifully made, keeps me warm through My brutal Canadian winters, and still looks brand new. Compare that to the three cheap, synthetic coats I'd have cycled through in the same period. It's a cost-per-wear philosophy that truly pays off, both for my wallet and the planet.
Before I even think about buying something new, I "shop" my own closet. This sounds simple, but it's incredibly effective. I dedicate a morning to really looking at what I already own. Can I style that dress differently? Can I mend that button or take those trousers to my fantastic tailor in Little Portugal? Often, I rediscover forgotten gems or find new ways to combine existing pieces, sparking creativity and reminding me that I truly do have a lot. This prevents duplicate purchases and helps me appreciate what I already have.
Oh, how I adore Toronto's secondhand scene! From the curated vintage shops on Ossington and Queen West to the sprawling Public Butter, Value Village, and unique finds at local markets, there's a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Buying secondhand is one of the most sustainable ways to shop, giving clothes a second life and diverting them from landfills. I still cherish a vintage silk scarf I found at a tiny shop near Bloor and Spadina years ago; it's a unique piece with a story, and it always makes me smile. The "hunt" itself is part of the fun, and the feeling of finding something truly special, something no one else has, is incredibly rewarding.
This is where my sustainable fashion heart truly beats. Before I support a brand, I do my homework. I look into their ethical practices, their commitment to environmental sustainability, their transparency. Are they paying fair wages? What materials do they use? Do they have initiatives to reduce waste? Toronto has so many amazing local brands that are doing incredible work in this space, and discovering them has been a joy. It takes a little extra time, but knowing that my purchase aligns with my values makes it infinitely more satisfying. It's like choosing to support a local coffee shop over a big chain because you love their ethos.
To keep my wardrobe from creeping back into chaos, I try to adhere to a "one in, one out" policy. If I bring a new item into my closet, an old one has to go. Sometimes it's even "one in, two out." This forces me to be incredibly selective about new purchases and ensures my closet stays curated and manageable. Those items that leave my closet are always donated to local charities or given to friends who might appreciate them, extending their life even further.
Mindful shopping isn't about perfection – it's about progress. Some days I nail it, other days I slip up and make an impulse purchase. But overall, these habits have transformed not just my wardrobe, but my entire relationship with consumption. I feel lighter, more intentional, and genuinely happier with what I own.
If you're just starting this journey, be patient with yourself. Start with one habit that resonates with you and build from there. Every mindful choice counts, no matter how small it might seem.
What mindful shopping habits have worked for you? I'd love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below!
Shop consciously, friends!
XOXO,
Emma Chen
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.