The Approved List 001: Bold, Maximalist, and Sustainably Yours
Sustainability styled the maximalist way
Welcome to this preview of The Approved List—your definitive guide to curating a wardrobe and lifestyle that’s both luxurious and sustainable. From clothing to must-have resources, consider this your go-to for guilt-free indulgence.
There are many routes to sustainability, but the most effortless gateway is through cultivating a defined personal style. When you know who you are through what you wear, the endless cycle of trends suddenly becomes less overwhelming. Instead, your wardrobe becomes a refined reflection of you—a collection of pieces that carry significance and purpose because they are an extension of your identity.
Building a wardrobe with intention is no overnight task. It requires patience and precision. That’s why I turned to style grids—my secret to manifesting my dream closet. As a former Polyvore devotee (though never quite mastering those collage aesthetics I obsessed over), returning to style gridding feels like a divine second chance. But this time, I’ve armed myself with The Style Bible, a tool that has not only given me clarity on my ideal wardrobe but also a deeper understanding of who I am and the woman I’m becoming. With this perfect trifecta—style, identity, and aspiration—my dream wardrobe is well within reach.
Of course, it’s not just about looking good. Feeling good matters just as much. I’ve always been somewhat of a fabric snob, but recently, my standards have evolved even further. Over the last year, I’ve purged my wardrobe, keeping only the pieces that hold the same space in my heart as my cavapoo, Melly. And believe me, that’s saying a lot—I’m obsessed with my dog! Now, my wardrobe is just 20% of its original size, but each piece feels more aligned with the woman I am today.
This purge sparked a challenge in me: to create a wardrobe that consists of 80% natural fabrics and 20% sustainable synthetics—either second-hand or already in my collection. This balance gives me room to appreciate my current favorites while staying committed to circular fashion practices like thrifting and consigning, all while prioritizing fabrics I feel best in: cotton, linen, silk, wool, and cashmere.
When curating my style grid, I grade garments like a teacher—natural fabrics that decompose effortlessly get the A+, while purchasing brand-new synthetic pieces ranks at the bottom of the scale. I source from luxury retailers like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Farfetch, MyTheresa, Bergdorf Goodman, and Net-a-Porter. They make it easier (and more aspirational) to find stylish, high-quality pieces made from natural fabrics—no endless scrolling through synthetic options.
When it comes to accessories, I allow myself a bit more flexibility. I only invest in pieces I see lasting a lifetime—items I can eventually pass down to my future children. So, you may spot a few synthetic materials in my accessories here and there, but rest assured, each one is chosen with longevity and intention.
Each outfit in my grid starts with an idea, whether it’s my nostalgic love for early 2000’s Disney stars or a daydream about my future on a junior board for an arts foundation. Sometimes it’s as simple as a screenshot of a striking garment that caught my eye on Instagram. From there, I craft looks that not only reflect my style but the life I’m designing for myself.
Now that you know the vision and guidelines, let’s dive into the looks.
Note: Some links are affiliate and a small commission may be earned with your purchase :)
Monday:
Artfully Elevated: Junior Board Meeting at the Arts Foundation
Top: 70.1% Recycled Viscose 18.6% Recycled Rayon
Jacket: Cotton 36%, Polyester 19%, Polyamide 17%, Acrylic 13%, Viscose 11%, Wool 3%, Polyester film fiber 1%
Skirt: Thrifted Leather
Sunnies: Acetate
Purse: Leather (Second-Hand)
Earrings: Pearl
Shoes: Satin
Tuesday:
Romance in Bloom: Lunch Date with My Lover
Dress: Cotton
Boots: Leather
Scarf: Silk
Sunnies: Acetate
Earrings: Pearl
Purse: 44% Linen - 44% Cotton - 12% Acrylic / 100% Cotton
Wednesday:
West Coast Hustle: LA Meeting with My Agent
Top: Wool
Pants: Cotton
Hat: Straw & Cotton
Belt: Calf Leather and Hair
Bag: 69% Polyurethane - 31% Polyester / Lining : 100% Cotton
Sunnies: Acetate
Earrings: Diamond
Shoes: Leather (lambskin, calfskin)
Thursday:
As If: Showroom Walkthrough
Top: Rayon
Skirt: Cotton
Gloves: Silk & Viscose
Socks: Cotton Blend
Hat: Wool
Sunnies: Acetate
Earrings: Diamond
Purse: Leather (Second-Hand)
Shoes: Calf Hair and Leather
Friday:
After Dark: Don Toliver & Teezo Touchdown Concert
I know Teezo recently left the tour but I said I was manifesting here!!!
Top: Cotton
Jacket: Mongolian Cashmere
Skirt: Already in my closet :)
Sunnies: Acetate
Earrings: Diamonds
Purse: Calf Leather
Shoes: Leather
That wraps up the first edition of The Approved List! Now it’s your turn—let me know in the comments which outfit speaks to you the most. Was it the boardroom-ready look or the concert vibe? I’d love to hear how you incorporate sustainable pieces into your own wardrobe. Don’t forget, links and detailed item breakdowns will be exclusive for paid subscribers in future posts. Until then, keep curating with intention and style!
xoxo,
Eekkk just jumped on your feed, sustainable maximalism so my style, subscribing!! 😊
Do you have any recs for a black leather heeled boot!? Mine from Steve Madden broke and I need a new reliable pair🍸⭐️