Do You Stand Behind the Brands You Wear?

Is there a brand that you admire? Or that you’re loyal to?

Lately there has been a lot of controversial trends that have made people question the brands that they are loyal to. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, search “Gucci blackface” on Google and I guarantee, you’ll get it. As young adults, we typically look at the price tag and not the brand when we shop. At least I do. There are also a number of us who have already fallen in love with designers that we want to be loyal to. My best friend and co-founder of Mandy Grey Lane, Greysi, is KNOWN for her love of all things Kate Spade. (Fun fact: Her name was Kate Spade in my phone for a couple years).

You may not have a brand preference when shopping for clothes or accessories, but there’s always a store or style we gravitate towards. Do you know what that store stands behind? Or supports? Do you care?

Reminiscing on Brand Phases

As a teenager in high school I went through the preppy, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister (sale section) phase. I would always borrow my best friend, Sashenka’s Sperry's to tie it all together—thank God for boarding high school and sharing closets with all your friends.

When I went to college, I loved street wear (still do) and bought my first pair of Jordan's and Timbs that I wore with my snapbacks, retro jackets and crop tops. Now, three years out of college and one year into my career, I'm trying to dress mature but fashion forward. I typically gravitate towards blouses, unique denim and shoes with personality - thank God for an office that let’s us dress casually.

Supporting Brands, On a Budget

If I had to choose a brand or store that I love the most, it would have to be H&M. H&M seems to always nail the fashion forward, modern but “mature” look without making me pay too much for it. I also love H&M because they have a program that encourages people to recycle their clothes. They also sell sustainable, ethically sourced clothing through their “Conscious” brand. I hope that they continue in this direction and make more of their clothes this way. H&M is a brand I believe in and stand behind.

I also love Zara because it takes fashion one step further. Zara lets me show my crazy side with prints, studs, ruffles and more. Zara gives me “runway vibes” without making me spend an arm and a leg to own it. Zara has also been eco-conscious about their footprint and have started to use recycled materials as well.

Brands that Make an Obvious Statement

The Wing is a company that supports the advancement of women by creating work spaces and communities. I have become obsessed with their positive and empowering messages on their shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other accessories. Not only is this a company with great style, but it’s a brand that supports a cause that I am passionate about.

Discovering your "style" is a part of figuring out who you are, and knowing who you are makes finding a clothing brand that you can connect with, a lot easier. Do you stand behind the brands you wear and support? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

With love,

- Amanda Nicole