mission 2025: protect the 🌎 from fast fashion

INSIDE: Sandro micro shorts, the cutest handmade ceramic shot glasses, and tons of sustainable shopping options!

Jan 03, 2025

WELCOME TO THE FIRST FRIDAY OF 2025 🌟🌟🌟

I was talking to my friends, and I have decided to live in the full delusion (but maybe not!) that this year is our year. I feel like years that end in odd numbers always have cool vibes?? Because I don’t know about y’all, as many cherished memories as I have of 2024 (see wrap-up IG post below!), I was ready for her to end.

And speaking of the new year, I have been hard at work at my New Year’s aspirations (according to the ever-wise The Drama Club, we are doing aspirations this year because “goals” can be counter-productive, which I can attest to!). I will say, I used ChatGPT to plan out goals and strategies after seeing this TikTok… and it was actually so helpful.

One of the things it helped me identify is that it’s really important to me this year to focus on building up a high-quality, sustainable basic wardrobe and staying as far away from trends (and expensive pieces that actually are bad quality, TheGemDen totally reshaped my thinking on this).

SO this first newsletter of the year is decided to sustainable brands (and thrifts ofc). Two resources that were super helpful to me in this were Good on You’s directory and The Good Trade’s sustainable brand guide, which was just updated a few weeks ago.

So with that in mind… onto the good (and good for the planet) stuff!

B.N.W.T.

1. Freya Top from Omnes, $29 (sale)

First and foremost, let me say, I LOVE OMNES! I lost sight of it a bit this year, but it is such an incredible price point for trendy, sustainable clothes. And second, I have been questing after a top just like this, and I will be snagging it!

Honorable mentions from Omnes:

This insanely stunning long green coat for $119
This knit sweater with a raspberry graphic that I think will be absolutely perfect this spring for $45
This “Copenhagen denim” shirt for $53

2. Fitted Micro Rib Organic T-shirt from Yes Friends, $20

My take is that this is the ideal shirt to go under big sweaters and cardigans which I have been searching for – will let y’all know!! I also am just simply obsessed with the concept, the price point, and the vibes behind Yes Friends. Not to mention, you can literally vote on what you want their next collection to be!

Honorable mentions from Yes Friends:

A whole cozy, sustainable PJ set for $55
The long sleeve version of this ribbed tee for $27
Their cutie branded beanie for $13 (because I believe the beanie is BACK, people!)

3. Dream Lounge Pants from My Mum Made It, $89

If you have been reading ASTC for a bit, you know how much I love the story of this brand – not technically made by the owner’s mom, but she started hand-sowing everything for vintage markets. Also, note that everything is 30% off now with code HOLIDAY2024!

Honorable mentions from My Mum Made It:

Their now-iconic super puffy tote for $120 (couldn’t not mention her!)
Their branded rosette crewneck for $99 (because I have never seen a prettier logo)
These perfect beachy or lounge shorts for $68

4. HOPE Organic Cotton Jumper from Komodo, $79

If you’ve ever Googled sustainable shopping options, you’ve probably seen Komodo! They’ve been at it since 1998 – and I feel like every time I scroll, I find at least five statement knitwear pieces that I love like this one (an impressive ratio to me!).

Honorable mentions from Komodo:

This stunning burgundy houndstooth blanket scarf for $49
These white trousers with a super fun button detail for $70
Another very cool, intricate knit sweater for $79

5. Darla Knit Top from Reformation, $59

I am sure all of us have a LOT of feelings about Ref (and reminder, this is one to check the full materials list on before you buy!)… but we cannot deny that Miss Ref is probably the most popular and beloved eco-brand. And I will say I do enjoy a ton of their pieces, especially the amazing color of this top!! And when Ref is having a big sale like they are now, who are we not to take a peek?

Honorable mentions from Reformation:

Another knit going-out-type top (this time in olive green, I couldn’t decide which one to feature and went with blue) for $59
Their basic long-sleeve tee in taupe for $55 (I do think their basics game is really strong)
The denim halter top that went viral this past summer that I am still not over for $89

Get Thrifty

1. Aritzia Sherpa Coat, Size S on Depop, $75

Fun fact, I actually found this coat on Phia (see below)!! I was looking up this Abercrombie one I really like and found this thrifted Aritzia version I like even more.

2. Anthropologie Heart Necklace from Curtsy, $24

I am already mentally zooming right through January (least fave month, I’m so sorry my Capricorns and Aquariuses) into February, and I think this could be so, so cute for a lil Valentine’s or Galentine’s fit.

3. Versace Cloth Tote from Vestiaire Collective, $85

Is she a little camp? Absolutely yes. But is she a Versace tote for UNDER $90 with peak Tanya from Mamma Mia vibes? Also yes :)

4. Sandro Mini Shorts from Vestiaire Collective, $74

I have decided I am all in on the micro shots and tights trend, and I think these could be SO good with sheer black tights and a heel.

5. Vans Multi-knit Cardigan, Size M on Depop, $17

Ok, maybe I am losing it, but I feel like this paired with a white tee peeking out and some really solid denim could be really cool for early spring??

Shop Small 4 Ever

1. Handmade Pidgeon Bag Charm from Mala Ustvarjalnica, $20

I cannot even fully explain it, but I am SO fixated on this cute lil bag charm – I just feel like as a New Yorker who was raised amongst the pidgeons, I MUST put this on my all-black leather tote to match my all-black outfit like this is the moment my life has been leading to lol.

2. Interlocking Tiny Letter and Zodiac Sign Necklace from DD Jewels, $18

I know I’ve already talked about this one, but I recently got complemented on mine hehehe (I have the L + Libra in silver) so I wanted to share again!

3. Retro Boxing Baby Tee from Saddle Up NYC, $34

If you couldn’t tell already, now that the holidays have passed, I am working hard to appreciate this quiet, cozy, chilly time of the year… but right now, I am just really craving springtime and wearing cute tees like this one.