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Samantha Chown Johnston

Inspiring you to love & wear your wardrobe

About Me

 Hi, I’m Samantha Chown Johnston, but call me Sam.

I’m a sustainable fashion creator, digital wardrobe enthusiast, and the voice behind Finely Crafted—a weekly newsletter helping you choose less but better with sustainability, quality, craftsmanship, and joy in mind. I’m also a Canadian expat based in Austin, Texas. 

I’ve spent the past few years curating a more intentional relationship with fashion, travel, and consumption. What started as a personal shift—shopping secondhand, tracking my outfits, and experimenting with capsule wardrobes—has grown into a space where I help others embrace slow living and conscious consumerism.

I believe in the power of rewearing, repurposing, and refining your personal style through what you already own. I also believe that we can have a beautiful, expressive wardrobe without overconsumption—and that sometimes, the most creative styling happens when you stop shopping.

Alongside my work as a creator, I’m an angel investor supporting women-led businesses in sustainable fashion tech and climate innovation. I’m passionate about backing founders building a more sustainable and equitable future for our closets and our planet.

What you’ll find here

  • Tips for building a conscious wardrobe (without sacrificing style)
  • Digital wardrobe tools and outfit tracking strategies
  • Sustainable fashion news and slow fashion brand spotlights
  • Minimalist travel tips and thoughtfully crafted packing lists
  • Resources for shopping less, rewearing more, and loving what you own

If you’ve ever stood in front of a full closet thinking you had nothing to wear—or found yourself impulse-buying yet another version of something you already have—you’re not alone.

I’ve been there too, and I’m here to help you build a wardrobe (and a life) that feels more like you.

📰 Join me on this journey—subscribe to Finely Crafted and get weekly updates delivered to your inbox, filled with inspiration, ideas, and intentional living tips that actually feel good.

You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest for daily inspiration.

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Sam, a sustainable fashion and lifestyle creator based in Austin, TX. Here you'll find sustainable fashion news, digital wardrobe tools, and slow living tips to help you buy less, wear what you own, and live intentionally.

Newsletter

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Finely Crafted, to help you shop with sustainability, quality, and joy in mind.

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An all blue outfit styled for the 75 Hard Style Challenge

How the 75 Hard Style Challenge can transform your personal style 

What makes a sustainable buy?

How a digital wardrobe can change your shopping

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Neutrals 🤝 Metallics Went to my first perform Neutrals 🤝 Metallics 

Went to my first performance at the @balletaustin and pulled some old favourites from my closet for the occasion. 

I bought this textured velvet top in 2012 as a “going out top” and it continues to serve its millennial purpose 10+ years later. 🤭

#slowfashionstyle #slowfashionhabits #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
March hits a whole lot different when it’s sunny March hits a whole lot different when it’s sunny 🫢

1. First trip to Round Top
2. Exploring new haunts
3-4. This old fave of mine is now my new identity 🤠
5. Hunting for antiques at Blue Hills
6. Taking in the @balletaustin 
7. Some of my pieces are now available on @byrotation 
8. Artisan pop-up @southtonorth.co 
9-10. My first rodeo and longhorn 🤘🏼
11-12. Wearing some longtime and secondhand faves 
13. Treasure hunting @honeyhillmarket 
14. Secondhand @agolde jeans fresh from the tailor 

——

#slowfashionstyle #slowfashionhabits #slowfashionootd #lovedclotheslast #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
You won’t find your style if you’re constantly You won’t find your style if you’re constantly ordering *just one more* thing to fill that imaginary wardrobe gap or if you’re always chasing trends. 

When I moved to Austin six months ago, I made a commitment to live in my wardrobe instead of buying for a new city and climate. 

Slowing down gave me space to reflect, get creative, and reconnect with what I actually love to wear—the pieces that feel like me.

It’s paid off. I’m (sooooo very slowly) adapting to the heat, tapping into the local vibe, and still feel like myself getting dressed every day.

If your closet feels full but nothing feels right, maybe it’s not more you need—but less noise. Get creative and play around with what you already own & love. ❤️ 

#slowfashion #nonewclothes #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #austinstyle #ootdinspo 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
Heading into my 8th summer with this dress.🌞💛

The power of buying pieces that suit your personal style is that they grow with you. I’ve worn so many iterations of this outfit, I’ve lost count. And many more to come.😌 What are you rewearing this spring and summer?

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, summer outfits, ballet flats
First time in Round Top; Hide my wallet 🫢 Just First time in Round Top; Hide my wallet 🫢

Just over an hour east of Austin is a little strip of antique dealers and venues hosting small businesses like vintage sellers, small fashion brands, jewelry makers, and more. 

A few of my faves:

@eastendsalvage 
@terracottacowboy 
@gathergoods 

Have you been? ✨🤠

———

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, antiques, Blue Hills
A spring office look to have on repeat. 🔁 I c A spring office look to have on repeat. 🔁 

I changed the buttons on this white blazer from a horrid brown to a monochrome white. And honestly, it might be the smartest thing I’ve ever done. 🤭

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, office outfit, studded belt, what to wear to work
These jeans might be my best secondhand buy 💙 These jeans might be my best secondhand buy 💙

Pro tip: Buy a size up so you know they’ll fit and then have them tailored. These have been hemmed and taken in at the waist. 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle #75HardStyleChallenge 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, cuffed jeans, pearl necklace, office outfit
Scenes from my first SXSW 🤘🏼🥺 So fun to Scenes from my first SXSW 🤘🏼🥺

So fun to experience it with my twin. Now that it’s over, I’m already scheming how to do it better next year. Leave me your tips! 

———

#lifeabroad #sxsw2025 #rewearthat thrift style, festival looks, summer style
This linen dress on repeat + a spritz 🫒🌞 Sl This linen dress on repeat + a spritz 🫒🌞

Slow fashion outfit details:

• sunnies - 5 years old
• dress - 5 years old 
• loafers - 9 years old
• bag - 6 months old 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, summer outfit, linen dress, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
No office to go to but I’m still wearing a blaze No office to go to but I’m still wearing a blazer.

Wearing a $15 100% wool blazer my husband secretly bought for me after I put it back on the rack at the thrift. 🫶🏼🥺

——

What to wear, office outfit, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage

#slowfashion #slowfashionstyle #slowfashionblogger #sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionblogger #thriftedstyle #secondhandstyle #secondhandfirst
What I wore this week. 🌞🍒🤍 I love spring What I wore this week. 🌞🍒🤍

I love spring weather & it’s finally here to stay in Austin! Here’s a look back at everything I wore to @sxsw from cooler mornings to balmy nights. Still working my way through the #75HardStyleChallenge — getting dressed every day using only what’s in my closet. 

———

Spring outfit, office outfit, what to wear to work, cuffed jeans outfit, classic style, what to wear, secondhand, thrifted, vintage

#slowfashion #slowfashionstyle #slowfashionblogger #sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionblogger #shopsmallbusinesses #thriftedstyle #thriftblogger #secondhandstyle #secondhandfirst
Everything I wore to @sxsw part II Here to norma Everything I wore to @sxsw part II 

Here to normalize getting dressed for big events using what’s already in your closet. No panic buying. No stress. Simply leaning on pieces you love and want to rewear.

Everything tracked using @myindyx

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
What I’ve been wearing to my first @sxsw 🤠⚡ What I’ve been wearing to my first @sxsw 🤠⚡️

Headed on a work trip soon? Here are tips for dressing for a conference in warm weather:

- Wear natural fibers to help regulate body heat. Try silk, linen, cotton, etc.

- Bring a layer like a blazer for the heavy AC in meeting rooms and conference centres 

- Wear comfy shoes! Loafers, flats, chic sneakers all work.
Keep moths and other pests out of your clothes 👋🏼

1. Grab some fabric pouches (keep the ones that come with jewelry!!)

2. Fill with dried herbs that moths hate: bay leaves, cloves, rosemary 🌿🪴

3. Store in your closet or drawers to keep clothes in tip top shape! 

——

#lowbuyyear #sustainablestyle #rewearthat #slowfashion clothing care, sustainability, diy, personal style
Pretty sure I could spend all day here ❤️ Whe Pretty sure I could spend all day here ❤️

Where to thrift in Austin:📍Honey Hill Market

Visit @honeyhillmarket for an incredible selection of western items and neutral basics in natural fibres like linen and cotton for that Texas heat. 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle
Some February faves 🤍🍒 Nearly done the #75H Some February faves 🤍🍒

Nearly done the #75HardStyleChallenge and am having more fun than I expected getting dressed with what I already own. I also committed to a low buy year—only adding 25 items or less—and figured I’d be itching to add to my closet by now. Happy to report no purchases made this month!! 

Tracking all my outfits using @myindyx 

Do you have any shopping / styling intentions for this year? Let me know! 👇🏼

#25in2025 #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo wardrobe staples, spring outfit ideas
This plus add sunscreen. Been dying for a reason This plus add sunscreen.

Been dying for a reason to wear this secondhand @proenzaschouler dress. The @atxopen is in town so I couldn’t miss my opportunity to sport some tennis whites. 🎾🤍

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo spring outfit ideas, summer outfit
Your sign that you’re never too old to try somet Your sign that you’re never too old to try something new ✨❄️🎿

After being a very casual snowboarder, I figured my 30s were the time to return to skiing. Fast forward to a quick trip to Colorado where I stepped into some skis for the first time in 25 years. 

Hit some fresh powder, survived accidentally taking a blue run and après-ed very successfully. Colorado, we’ll definitely be back. 👌🏼🥂🗻

Slow fashion outfit details:

• jacket @perfectmomentsports via @poshmark 
• ski pants @arcteryx (5 years old)
• googles borrowed from friends
• sunglasses @lespecs (5 years old) 

#sustainablefashion #apresski #rewearthat #ootdfashion #ootdinspo #skistyle #colorado
Week one of my #75HardStyleChallenge Finally get Week one of my #75HardStyleChallenge 

Finally getting around to digitizing my wardrobe using @myindyx and I am obsessed!! 

Being in a new city / new climate is helping me get creative with what to wear. Can you tell I’m really excited about loafers in January?!😅

#outfitroundup #outfitideas4you #personalstyleblog #whatiworethisweek #75hsc #mirroroutfit #secondhandfashion digital wardrobe, wardrobe tracking, slow fashion
A moment of gratitude for 2024 ✨💫 Some of fa A moment of gratitude for 2024 ✨💫

Some of fave moments this past year: multiple visits home, exploring Montreal, celebrating friends’ milestones, incredible live music and the small moments in between.

——

2024 recap, Pinterest inspired, living abroad
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