By: Francesca Mundrick
We all have articles of clothing that we have owned for what seems like forever. We wear these pieces continually throughout our lives. Beyond what must be quality, style, and durability, we keep this clothing due to the positive feelings, comfort, and nostalgia associated with them. Close your eyes and think of at least one special piece of clothing. Perhaps it was something that you owned in childhood- something comfortable, a special color, connected to a hobby, something that you physically grew in. Perhaps this clothing is something that you have now in adulthood- something that has seen you through important progressions, life events, and exciting times. Perhaps you are wearing that special item right now.
Clothes are not just things that we buy aimlessly to cover our bodies. Clothes are part of human expression. The clothes we choose are intentional. These pieces of fabric support our identities and bring us closer to taking the conscious version we have of ourselves to be presented physically to others. Clothes are human art- they are a part of ourselves and our life journey.
Having a relationship with specific articles of clothes is important. Perhaps all of our clothing should be this way. Instead of buying many replaceable items that fill our closets and homes, we should have a handful of meaningful, durable, and lasting clothing items that fit our styles physically and spiritually. Why do we need to buy meaningless items when we can choose better and have something that is a lifelong?
Hope Seeker Spotlight: Christa Ciociola
Follow Christa @thedancinnomad !
Christa is the first WEGSS Hope Seeker Spotlight! Christa is a very inspiring woman- she is true to herself, grounded in nature, confident, unafraid, and always searching for adventure. Many people in this world struggle to live their truth, to harness their sense of freedom and independence, and to dare to explore new horizons- Christa has mastered all of these things by taking chances and living in the moment. Originally from Florida and presently living in Colorado, Christa has lived and worked in multiple US States. She is a thriving activist for a natural, sustainable life. She lives minimally with a low resource usage and spends most of her days outdoors searching for new experiences. On your life journey, use Christa as an example for taking chances and living in your truest form.
One of Christa’s main passions is sustainable fashion. She will soon be pursuing a graduate degree in Sustainability. Christa was asked to do an interview for this Hope Seeker Spotlight for her unique perspectives on sustainable fashion, thifting, reusing and repurposing clothing items, and creative fashion.
The following is an interview with Christa Ciociola. Christa was asked to choose one article of clothing that (1) she has owned long term and (2) that holds positive memories and experiences of her life journey. Her response to this prompt is below.
Fran WEGSS: Tell me about the clothing item that you selected!
Christa: “I have been traveling every Summer weekend here in colorful Colorado before it gets too cold! I went to a concert this weekend with your fashion article in mind. I wore my special skirt, that is probably one of my favorite and oldest articles of clothing that I own. I wear it all the time and it is still in perfect condition from about 15 years ago. It is a Spanish brand called Desigual. I was actually so inspired by the fabric, design, and color that I have made replicas of this skirt in different colors. This brand focuses on the “handmade” appeal and utilizes hand stitching in many items in their collections. Although these items are still mass produced in China, for the most part, they are finished by hand in Spain and then shipped all over the world. I actually had the opportunity to work for this company in 2016 as a Visual Merchandiser, and they even give you free clothing from their brand to wear as your “uniform”. I was very stoked about that, because their clothing is definitely not affordable to someone in the lower middle class. I enjoy the way this skirt fits and flows, and can almost go with any shirt I own.”
Fran WEGSS: Where have you worn the skirt that is significant to you?
Christa: I have worn this skirt probably all over the world. I take it with me on every single vacation or excursion where I plan to do something fun such as go out on the town, go to a concert, or even dress up for a fancier occasion such as an art show or fancy dinner.
My favorite part about it is I can wear it with a casual tank top and flip flops, or dress it up with a kimono and some sassy heels!
Fran WEGSS: Do you have positive memories and nostalgia when you see the skirt?
Christa: Yes absolutely! I would say mostly associated with different bands I have seen wearing this skirt. Also dancing in this skirt for probably hundreds of hours, and the fact that it somehow still fits me perfectly after 15 years and looks exactly the same.
Fran WEGSS: Do relationships with clothes matter?
Christa: One hundred percent they do in my eyes!
I used to be one of those people who just went to Goodwill with really no intent or purpose but to maybe find an article of clothing that fit and looked good on me. Now that clothing is so cheaply made, and practically disposable these days, I’m extremely selective with what enters my closet even if it costs two dollars. This is because number one, I am a fashionista with a lot of fit and fabric experience under my belt; I know which fabrics are quality by just touching them, and I always look at the tag before a purchase for where it was made and what it is made of. This is partly due to how much resale value has gone up in the past few years, and I’m also extremely environmentally conscious with synthetic fabrics such as polyester (while being washed, polyester sheds its synthetic fibers (plastic) and eventually ends up in our waterways or the ocean). I want to avoid synthetic fibers at all costs! Also, because I want to wear a beautiful piece for ten plus years and it still looks the same.
Number two, I like print, color and quality. It needs to be all three for me actually, not just one or the other. I don’t ever go to the store and buy a whole outfit just to wear for a vacation or special occasion. My closet is so closely monitored now, I am finding that pieces that have no correlation match perfectly and I never had any intention on wearing them together. Another thing I really pride myself in is having a 365 day seasonal wardrobe in a 95 square foot space is very difficult, especially if it’s actually fashionable and good quality. This was necessary when I left my apartment with a smaller sized closet and moved in a 16 foot camper with two tiny closets. I have a fashionable outfit for snow, summer, rain and beyond, and I always feel like I am expressing myself greatly through these garments since it is pretty hard to judge a book by its cover. I like my cover, even if I am truly a nudist!
Christa Ciociola, Colorado, wearing her favorite skirt, August 2023
Do you have a piece of clothing that matters to you? Share your clothing story with us at Tell Your GSS!
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