Fashion That Gives Back: Building a Sustainable Future, One Sparkle at a Time

Fashion That Gives Back: Building a Sustainable Future, One Sparkle at a Time

March 01, 20255 min read

Imagine if money were a person walking into the room right now. How would you feel? Would you eagerly greet them, or would you feel a sense of anxiety or hesitation? Would you welcome money with open arms, or hold back, unsure of how to connect? This moment of reflection reveals so much about our relationship with money—and, more deeply, our sense of prosperity.

As female entrepreneurs, we have a unique opportunity to redefine prosperity beyond revenue or growth. Prosperity, for many of us, goes deeper than income. It’s about working in alignment with our values, purpose, and well-being. I’m here to share that prosperity is a way of being—rooted in fulfillment, spirituality, and a healthy relationship with people and money. I call this the Redefining Prosperity™ Model. Let’s explore how to create a vision of prosperity that speaks to our purpose and strengthens our financial foundations.

Sara Jane Abbott Fair Trade

By supporting fair trade brands and shops like See Jane Sparkle, consumers can make a positive impact on the lives of those who create the pieces we wear. Fair trade certification ensures that workers are paid a living wage, that there is transparency in the supply chain, and that environmentally friendly practices are used in the production of clothing.

In recent years, the fashion industry has seen a shift towards more ethical practices, including the promotion of fair trade. Fair-trade fashion focuses on ensuring that workers involved in the production of clothing and accessories are paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and are treated with respect. This model is a direct response to the unethical practices of the fast fashion industry, where workers, particularly in developing countries, often face exploitation, poor wages, and unsafe working conditions.

See Jane Sparkle is not just another boutique with trendy, fast fashion. The focus on fair trade and global sustainability gives us a mission to share with our customers. This partnership creates meaningful work for our Artisans and in turn impacts generations to come. It still gives me chills to see how we truly can make a different empowering one sparkle at a time.

I love discovering new partners and shining the light on their greatness. We have the opportunity to let these women know we have their back.

When we talk about empowering women through fashion, we are recognizing that the industry has a profound impact on women’s lives, both as consumers and as workers. Fair trade fashion not only offers women the opportunity to work in safe and fair conditions, but it also provides a platform for women-led brands and artisans to showcase their work. By buying from these brands, consumers are supporting female entrepreneurs, craftswomen, and designers who are striving to make a difference in their communities. This is why my focus for See Jane Sparkle boutique in downtown Skokie goes beyond the Northshore. We are working with over 150 women in 12 different countries and partnering with them to create an ecosystem that is sustainable. This impact also creates change for generations to come and that is something we all should be part of.

Another best practice is building a capsule wardrobe. By contrast, this focuses on quality over quantity, promoting a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to dressing. A capsule wardrobe is more than just a fashion trend—it's a conscious and strategic approach to building a wardrobe that not only reflects your personal style but also promotes sustainable fashion choices, including empowering women globally. The concept of a capsule wardrobe involves curating a limited selection of versatile, high-quality, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of outfits. This approach to fashion not only reduces waste and consumption but also encourages confidence in how we dress. When coupled with fair trade practices and a focus on women’s empowerment, the capsule wardrobe becomes a powerful tool for change, both for the individual and for the global community. My new fashion line Cabi is the perfect example of a line that is high quality and classic. Typically, a capsule wardrobe consists of a set number of clothing items—often 30 to 40 pieces—including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. These pieces are chosen based on factors like personal style, lifestyle needs, and the ability to mix and match, allowing the wearer to create numerous outfits without having to constantly purchase new clothes. I love to style my clients and help them build the perfect capsule wardrobe.

Another option to build a wardrobe is by renting clothes. Companies like Rent the Runway and Nully (Anthropologie) have emerged as an innovative and practical alternative to building a traditional wardrobe, offering a fresh solution for those who want to enjoy fashion without the long-term commitment or financial burden. In the context of the modern fashion world, where sustainability, flexibility, and variety are increasingly important, renting clothes offers a way to experience a diverse wardrobe without spending excessive amounts of money or contributing to the environmental costs of fast fashion. This trend has become especially popular for those looking to curate a capsule wardrobe without the upfront costs associated with purchasing high-quality, timeless pieces.

Fashion with confidence is about feeling good in your clothes, not because they are brand new or trendy, but because they make you feel like the best version of yourself. When you carefully select each piece for your capsule wardrobe, you're making decisions based on your own tastes and needs, not the fleeting whims of fast fashion. This sense of personal style and confidence transcends the physical garments themselves. It’s about self-expression and owning your unique aesthetic, and it helps to foster a positive relationship with fashion.

In conclusion at its best, fashion has the power to be a force for good. A capsule wardrobe, when combined with fair trade principles and an emphasis on women’s empowerment, becomes a tool for social change. It allows individuals to make intentional fashion choices that reflect their values and create positive impact. The simple act of curating a thoughtful wardrobe can have far-reaching effects, from supporting ethical labor practices to fostering confidence in one’s own personal style.

Ultimately, fashion is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and doing good. By embracing a capsule wardrobe and supporting fair trade fashion, we can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and empowering fashion industry. This approach not only benefits individuals but also has the power to improve lives and create opportunities for women across the globe, helping them to thrive, grow, and achieve their full potential.

 BIO	
Sara Jane Abbott is a Fashion Designer & Stylist with over four decades of experience working with some of the largest retailers in the world. But more importantly with a fair trade mission, she's the Founder & the Chief Sparkle Officer of See Jane Sparkle a new boutique in the Chicago area.

Creating impact and a sustainable ecosystem the boutique partners with over 150 women in 12 different countries creating meaningful work and in turn empowering generations.

Sara Jane Abbott

BIO Sara Jane Abbott is a Fashion Designer & Stylist with over four decades of experience working with some of the largest retailers in the world. But more importantly with a fair trade mission, she's the Founder & the Chief Sparkle Officer of See Jane Sparkle a new boutique in the Chicago area. Creating impact and a sustainable ecosystem the boutique partners with over 150 women in 12 different countries creating meaningful work and in turn empowering generations.

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