Beauty vs. Consumer Ethics

These looks are from this blog.  I like them because they're put together by a talented stylist who knows how to send a strong aesthetic message through her clothing, and they still look affordable. 

My conscience bothers me quite a bit when I shop for clothing in the mall (think under-paid labor).  I try to tamper that by buying some second-hand pieces, as well as some pieces that are good quality and will last for quite a while, thereby allowing me to consume less.  Sometimes I just don't have the money to spend a ton on some super-ethical hand-made pair of jeans, so I try to minimize the amount of mall-shopping I do, while at the same time not sacrificing the kind of look I want to have.  In other words, buying second-hand jeans makes my butt look saggy.  Everything cannot be bought from the thrift store.

These looks remind me of clothing and accessories that I have purchased second-hand over the years.  The blue and yellow shoes, for instance, and the floral blouse and denim jacket are very similar to items that I currently own.