Organic Spring Clothing Under $50

If you’re anything like me, you understand the importance of shopping sustainably but sometimes struggle to justify the higher price tags of eco-friendly clothing. Of course, the most sustainable shopping is no shopping at all, but that’s not always fun or realistic.

This is where Pact comes in: for prices similar to full price-Old Navy, you can buy comfy staples made with organic cotton. Although Pact manufactures outside of the U.S., the brand is committed to sweatshop-free labor. Sounds pretty good right?

Pact Organic Clothing Under $50 Pact Organic Clothing Under $50 Pact Organic Clothing Under $50 Pact Organic Clothing Under $50

Shop: Button Back Tank Dress | Wrap Dress | Cropped Pocket Leggings | Strappy Back Tank

And their clothing is cute and classic too! I picked out pieces that would be perfect for spring and summer, and everything shown above costs less than $50. (Pact offers free shipping on orders above $75, and free returns too!)

You can never go wrong with a classic striped dress, and between a shift and wrap dress, you’re guaranteed to find a silhouette that suits you. Colorful tanks are another summer staple. Finally, as someone who WFH, I’m devoted to leggings and I refuse to buy any that don’t include pockets for my phone.

Any other eco-friendly but affordable brands I should know about? I’m also a fan of United By Blue, which is based in Philly! If/when I order from Pact, I’ll be sure to share my thoughts!

~ Sarah

Spring Refresh

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit | Shades of Sarah3

It’s been a long time since I have devoted any time to my little space on the Internet.

By all accounts, 2018 was a ~year~ and 2019 has been flying by so far. This is what I shared on my personal Facebook after the New Year:

Last winter was rough, with a broken heart and broken bones (unrelated) and a life-changing medical diagnosis. (At one point, I was seeing a physical therapist, therapist and psychiatrist all at the same time.) By December, I was settled into my first house (my first mortgage payment was due January 1st, which is some subtle symbolism). In between, I reconnected with old friends and made new ones, started a new job, went to four concerts and who-even-knows-how-many sporting events, went on two great trips to Florida, got my first tattoo, snuggled with a lot of precious dogs and turned 28. For the first time in a really long time, I feel like my life is moving in a positive direction. Who knows what 2019 has in store, but hopefully it includes some more sleep and less emotional whiplash.

I can now report that my sleeping habits are no better this year than last. To review what may have been buried in those ramblings (and is relevant to my blogging career):

  • I started a new job last summer (and bought a great dress to celebrate). I’m a staff writer at Luxury Daily, which means that yes, I get paid to write for a living. We’re a small staff, so we all write a lot. I also work remotely in Philadelphia most of the week, which means I’m spending a lot more time in hoodies and leggings.
  • I bought a house! Many thanks to my parents for helping me out with the down payment and their support over the years. I closed in November and moved in later that month. I’m pretty much done unpacking, but still have a ways to go when it comes organizing and painting.

I think those are the main reasons why this blog has been super quiet for awhile. I’ve missed blogging though, and I’m brainstorming new things to write about! Any suggestions? Do you want to hear more about WFH, or house hunting or having dogs as a twenty-something?

Watch this space! But in the meantime, here is one of my favorite early spring outfits (and yes, we’re still having chilly 50-degree days):

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

I shot this look with Audrey in Old City last month. Thank you, Audrey! Tell me about your spring go-tos! You can never trust spring weather in Philly!

Thank you to anyone and everyone who reads here!

~ Sarah

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Cardigan: LOFT | Sweater: LOFT | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Kohls | Beanie: Five Below | Bag: Century 21

Feels Like Fall

Sweater, Vest, Corduroy Leggings Outfit | Shades of Sarah
Sweater, Vest, Corduroy Leggings Outfit | Shades of Sarah
Sweater, Vest, Corduroy Leggings Outfit | Shades of Sarah

A few weeks ago, my friends and I spent a mostly sunny afternoon at the Navy Yard for the Pour the Core hard cider festival. It was one of the first days that really felt like fall, so I pulled out some of my seasonal favorites.

I love this tunic sweater. It’s comfy while making me feel put together, and it’s long enough to wear with leggings. Speaking of leggings, corduroy leggings are one of my secret weapons. I especially love them in olive. When it gets colder I wear them with riding boots, but for now I can tuck them into my combat boots,

In the past, I had my doubts about vests, being a Floridian unaccustomed to layering and all. Well, turns out they can make all the difference as temperatures fluctuate on a blustery day. I’m also glad that barrettes are trending again, because my hair cannot handle being windswept.

Anyone have a go-to outfit for the fall?

~ Sarah

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Sweater: Old Navy | Vest: Old Navy | Leggings: similar | Boots: Primark | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Bag: Target (similar)