Anzac Day 2018

Australian War Memorial x Westfield Sydney exhibition 

Today, we commemorate all of our soldiers. Not only do we honour the original ANZACs who were involved in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War, but also all of our service personnel involved in the wars thereafter. This also includes our Indigenous, women, ethnic minorities and our four-legged heroes such as horses and dogs. We will always remember them. 

LEST WE FORGET 

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Who Made My Clothes

It's been five years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh with the death toll of 1134 people and approximately 2500 injured. 

That man-made disaster really was an eye-opening moment that made not just myself as a consumer, but fashion brands as well, to re-evaluate about our decision-making processes when it comes to the garment and fashion industry. 

Somewhat far removed from the reality of the working conditions behind each garment, because all I see is the end product sitting nicely in the shopping mall waiting to take place in my wardrobe. 

However, as a daughter of a (former) refugee, I'm quite aware of the sweatshop conditions with long hours for little pay, that a lot of Asian refugees in Australia have taken on as work because of their lack of English speaking skills but have strengths in sewing apparel. I'm sure this case is pretty much the same in other parts of the world. So, I can't begin to imagine what the possible factory working conditions are like overseas in a third-world country where most of my clothing pieces were made in. 

Being brutally honest (and disappointed at that), I've failed to become more conscious and make more responsible shopping decisions. I told myself I will no longer buy from fast-fashion shopping chains and have completely failed. It's actually not a good feeling, even though I have slowed down a little over the last 12 months. I guess it all really comes to down to discipline. 

The "Who Made My Clothes" campaign as a part of Fashion Revolution Week (23-29 April) is a refreshing reminder of sending out the message; to really consider the working conditions and supporting the well-being of those hard-working people who physically made your clothes. 

Whilst completely avoiding fast-fashion items or items made in a third world country is almost an impossible action to take, it's worth noting that you can make more ethical decisions based on the Ethical Fashion Guide published by Baptist World Australia. 

Click here to download.  

Alternatively, you can check out global brands in the Fashion Transparency Index 2018. 

I aim to buy less and choose better from now on. 

Lots o' Love, Linda

Mama's Great Escape

As a daughter of an immigrant (or more specifically, a refugee) and being far removed from my mum's life experiences, anything to understand her life, heritage and journey is important to me. 

All kinds of feels when I visited this very spot where my mum, aunty and cousin began their refugee boat journey to escape Vietnam's Communist regime during the 1980s. 

So, this would have to be one of the most significant and memorable experiences during my previous trip to the motherland, Vietnam.

It takes another level of courage to put your life at risk to jump on a fishing boat at night with no certainty that you will make it alive on the other side. I understand that many Vietnamese didn't make it through their journey to freedom. So, I can't begin to fathom on what they had to endure during the whole ordeal. 

It always make me wonder how different my life could've been if it wasn't for my mum's bravery. Who knows, aye? Would I even be here at all? 

My mum, aunty and cousin landed in Malaysia where they stayed in a refugee camp before they were accepted into Australia. So, thank you to the late former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, whom at the time implemented a refugee policy that accepted them and resettled them (along with thousands of other Vietnamese refugees) into Australia. 

For that, I am grateful. 

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Decluttering...

It's been three years since my last post about cleaning out my closet. I have found myself back at square one, where I have accumulated even more stuff since then as I developed unhealthy and irresponsible shopping habits over the years, which then meant more clutter and stress. 

I'm actually very disappointed that I let myself to relapse like this but this time, it's easier to let things go. It took me a while but I had to be brutally honest with myself and asked "am I really gonna wear this again?", and when the answer was no, it had to go. 

So, I asked myself the following questions;  

• Does it suit my style?

As I've grown a little older and a little bit more wiser (and a little wider), I've realised that my style has definitely changed. I am no longer into patterned prints, bright colours or excessive florals that used to overflow my wardroble. Those fleeting trends that seem to be on trend one minute then completely forgotten the next minute don't appeal to me (eg: ruffles, gingham print, peplum, platform pumps). 

I'm trying my best to steer away from fast fashion in the attempt of being more socially aware of its impact. I'd rather stick to core, solid, staple and classic pieces that I know that I'd still be rocking years down the track. 

Classic pieces over fleeting trends, always. 

• Does it fit properly? 

My body weight and figure had fluctuated over the previous years, which is why I end up having so many different sized clothing. I had accumulated clothing that ranged from AU size 4 to AU size 10. I even had the bad habit of buying clothes that weren't my size, just for the sake of having it (which was probably just an ego thing - irresponsible shopping). 

Now, that I'm a little older, I'm seeing changes in my body. And, instead of beating myself up about it, I have come to acceptance that I just can't fit into some of my clothes anymore.

So, there you have it. I ended up donating my pre-loved items to my local thrift store, which I really hope they get more love. Some of these are items I've been hoarding for 10 years. It's still an ongoing process though, cause I still have too many things.

Nevertheless, it's a small but proud moment to finally let these go.  

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Press for Progress

Image via Instagram: @LangLeav

Happy International Women's Day! 

This year the theme for this significant day is #PressforProgress. 

It is not about "hating men" or believing that women are superior to men, it's about putting the spotlight on gender parity. The discrimination, limitations and lack of representation of women that prevents us to reach our full potential still exists around the world today, both economically and socially.

Instead of competing and putting each other down, women from all over should be celebrating women's progress and contribution to the world, as well as empowering all types of women. 

Shout-out to the strong women past and present, who paved the way for us and those who continue to fight for (and with) us. 

Here's an illustration that I like: 

Ramya Sriram 

Lots o' Love, Linda