Stella McCartney says fast fashion is getting away with murder. Industry experts and professionals agree - it's destroying the planet and clearly not worth all of the problems it is creating.

But most consumers of it - are either unaware or couldn't care less. If it's on the racks, it must be okay, especially if it's at the right price. It's much like fast food - available everywhere, but apparently no good for anyone.

What's the remedy? I've personally managed to avoid purchasing a good deal of it by relying on my tendency to just hold on to clothing that I like and already own. I have just enough leftovers from the 90's to keep me on trend and in style. Most of the time you'll find me in yoga pants and T-shirts anyway.

One thing I've stubbornly held on to with my own designs is my desire to create one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted work. When I choose materials for jewelry I try my absolute best to steer clear of metals and bead which contain high levels of lead, which what  you will generally find in inexpensive and mass produced jewelry. I use mainly acrylic yarn in the hats and other accessories I make, with the occasional cotton fiber here and there. This helps me accommodate customers and clients with allergies to wool. 

I'm not interested in knocking any other business's practices. To each his own. But I definitely believe in the value of handmade. The personal touch means everything to me and I hope it does for you as well.