💌 Style Mail: A simple way to let your voice be heard

You have the power to create change

Feb 25, 2025

Over the past few weeks (has it only been a few weeks?), I’ve often wondered, '“what can I do right now?” As a stylist who guides people on how to feel great in clothes - is there something I can do that has a different kind of impact? And I’m not discounting the strength of wearing what you love (I talked about this in my most recent free post). But I’ve been wondering if there’s something else.

Then I realized - as part of what I do, I show people how to shop better. And how to shop mindfully & with intention.

So, if you’re wondering what else you can do - you can influence companies & corporations with how you spend your money. Because choosing where you spend (and don’t spend) has the power to create change.

The general idea is spending very consciously - putting your $$$ into companies that align with your values. If you believe in DEI, shop at brands that have active DEI initiatives (and avoid brands who have recently rolled them back). If supporting marginalized communities is important to you, buy from minority-owned brands.

This Friday, 2/28, there is a general economic blackout planned (more details below) - with the goal of showing that we can have an impact on the economy when we want.

Participating in economic blackouts & boycotts will look different for different people. You may easily be able to participate in week-long brand boycotts - or you may be able to shift your spending away from certain brands entirely. Instead of using specific big-box stores for most of your needs, you can pare back your spending to what’s only available there. You may have access to minority-owned brands in some categories, but not in others. From a style & clothing perspective, you may want to focus more on what you already have & start a low-buy or no-buy for the next several months.

A couple of things about this. First - no matter how you participate, do it intentionally - or as I often say, “shop on purpose.” Target may be your weekly go-to - but if you don’t agree with their practices, don’t accidentally spend all your $$$ there (when there are other options in your neighborhood).

Second - this may be inconvenient. But it’s a simple way to stand up for what you believe in. Because choosing where you spend is a straightforward way to support companies you agree with (and stop giving to companies you disagree with).

And if one of your goals is to be more intentional & spend less on new clothes - here are my best tips for enjoying your wardrobe & creating outfits that you love (without shopping).

🗒️ Style Notes

You may have heard people say, “shop your closet.” But what does that even mean? And how can you get started?

Here are 5 ways you can shop your closet & create fresh outfits with what you already have.

Read the article

If you’re used to going shopping every time you feel ‘blah’ about your wardrobe - it’s time to break that habit. Because you don’t need to shop to enjoy your style.

Check out 5 small steps you can take to upgrade your style (without shopping!).

Read the article

Do you have pieces in your closet that need to be altered before you can wear them? Don’t let that be an obstacle.

Read this for 5 things you should know about tailoring your clothes.

Read the article

🕶️ Style Tip

If you have things in your closet that you’re not wearing (but you’re not sure why), here’s a simple strategy:

Try it on. Best case scenario, you’ll rediscover an old favorite & get it back in rotation. Worst case scenario, you can deal with the reason you’re not wearing it (like it needs an alteration, you’re missing what to wear it with or it’s finally time to donate it).

And if a simple try on doesn’t provide a quick answer - wear it for a day. And you’ll definitely remember how much those shoes hurt. Or that the top always gapes open when you bend over. Or that your jeans bag out by the end of the day.

💵 The 2/28 Economic Blackout

If you’re asking, “why an economic blackout?” - I think the above image explains it well. It’s to show that we can have an impact on the economy by not spending.

The main idea is to not spend (or limit your spending as much as possible) on Friday, 2/28. Do not spend at big corporations - specifically Amazon, Target, Walmart & similar. Do not buy gas, do not go to restaurants. If you must shop, limit your spending to essentials & buy only from small & local businesses.

Here’s how I see it - participating in the 2/28 blackout is one simple action that we can all take. If you are already calling your representatives & talking to friends & doing all the things - this doesn't add anything else to your plate. And if you have yet to do anything (or aren't sure what to do), this is such an easy place to start.

To quote something I recently heard from AOC:

"Every small action matters. There is not one act that will save all of us. It is going to be the constant pressure & commitment to save our democracy.”

So, this is just the first blackout. There are specific week-long company boycotts already planned for the coming months. But we have to do what we can & keep up the pressure if we want to be heard.

I’m seeing news of the blackouts/boycotts from various sources - but The People’s Union on Instagram seems to be the hub (this post gives dates for upcoming boycotts/blackouts).

Will you participate in the 2/28 economic blackout?