You can call me an eco fashion blogger. A green fashion blogger. A sustainable fashion blogger.
Or Eco Warrior Princess.
I will and have responded to any one of those titles!
And as a proud eco blogger, I’d have to say that there’s not many of us in Australia. I’d even venture to say that there’s not many of us in the world.
Of all the fashion and style bloggers out there, our voice is the least heard. This is changing, of course, as society becomes increasingly concerned about sustainability and environmental issues but this still doesn’t change the fact that we are completely outnumbered.
So when I engaged in an online conversation with Heather Davis of Reverie 17 blog, I was thrilled to learn that she shared the same philosophy and is doing her bit to advocate slow fashion in her neck of the woods, across the pond in one of the largest of the Western World, the United States.
Photo courtesy of Heather Davis
Consequently, as a fellow Eco Warrior Princess, I knew I needed to feature her in my blog and she agreed. And this is what ensued…
1. What inspired you to start your blog?
I first started to blog in 2010 as a “side project” that I thought would look cool on my resume, since I wanted very badly to work in the fashion journalism industry. That fashion blog landed me many great opportunities, but ultimately, I fell out of love with it about a year later. Since then, I’ve started a couple of blogs that went nowhere because I didn’t have a true passion for the content I was writing about. Thoughts change, people change, I just changed! After freelance writing in different areas (DIY, culture, fashion, events) for a couple of local magazines, I decided it was time to start a new blog with fresh content. Now, I have Reverie 17, a lifestyle blog for the free-spirited, eco-friendly fashionista. I’ve never felt so passionate with so many ideas!
2. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I graduated from a Liberal Arts University in Chicago in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising. Even before school ended, I was quite the workaholic. I currently manage a children’s boutique, copy-write and blog for a new online marketplace called Maven Collection, work one day a week at a women’s boutique, freelance write for two local magazines, babysit, and still somehow find time to blog! I’ve always been one to wear 1,000 different hats, and I really couldn’t imagine only wearing one. I’m also getting married this October to the most amazing person in the world, which is very exciting!
3. Where do you see the future of sustainable and ethical fashion?
It’s definitely getting better! Designers and consumers are much more aware of human rights, environmental movements, and the economy than ever before. There are so many factors that play into what people buy, and I think sustainability and ethics are now the biggest of these factors.
4. What challenges do you face as a blogger?
I currently work 5-6 days a week, so time is always a challenge! I set my alarm early, even on my days off, so I can write posts and market my blog. I’ve found that writing posts in bulk is the best way, and then I’ll schedule them throughout the week where I see them fit. Blogging is so much more work than non-bloggers could ever imagine! It’s a full-time job in itself.
Photo courtesy of Heather Davis
5. How do you maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle?
I try my hardest to maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle. I’m still living at home with my parents for a couple more months, so sometimes it’s extra hard to keep eco! Ultimately, my goal is to not to over consume, and I recycle everything I can! I’m always donating my old clothing, accessories, books, etc. I avoid using bags as much as possible. I use old magazines as wrapping paper, and always keep old tissue paper and ribbon. I buy as much organic as I can afford. I am also a proud member and supporter of the Surfrider Foundation, and have been for a few years now! I think it’s important to contribute to non-profits like these! They are what help make the world a better place.
6. Who are your favourite eco and ethical designers/brands?
I really try to buy as many eco and ethical products as possible, whether it’s a tank top, notebook, or a piece of jewelry. I really like brands like Indigenous, TOMS, Greenola etc the list goes on! I love finding new lines. I tend not to stick to just “favorites” since there are so many out there! They all deserve a fair chance, and no matter what, I know my money is going to a good cause.
7. Your favourite inspirational quote?
“Never stop believing in dreaming, and never stop dreaming of believing. That is what gives us hope, and what keeps us alive” Dreams are my everything – dreams at night, daydreams, and my goals and wishes for myself. It’s so important to believe in yourself and your dreams, because if you don’t have dreams, you have nothing.
Heather’s story really resonated with me so I hope it left you inspired too. And if you want to know more about her or follow her blog, just click on the link here.
