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Samantha Chown Johnston

Inspiring you to love & wear your wardrobe

January 21, 2025

How the 75 Hard Style Challenge can transform your personal style 

An all blue outfit styled for the 75 Hard Style Challenge

Ready to rethink your wardrobe? The 75 Hard Style Challenge will push your creativity and help you rediscover your personal style—without buying anything new.

December 29, 2024

25 in 2025: My plan to shop smarter and wear what I have

Learn how I’m embracing slow fashion in 2025 with a 25-item shopping plan that prioritizes mindful consumption and sustainable choices.

August 30, 2024

No New Clothes: The benefits of a 90-day shopping hiatus

No New Clothes and its benefits

Reducing your shopping with the No New Clothes challenge can have a transformative impact on your finances, well-being, and the environment.

August 11, 2024

The best laundry detergent for hand-washing clothes

How to hand wash your clothes, featuring a striped button down shirt in a basin with soapy water

Simplify your laundry routine with the best detergent for hand-washing your clothes to keep them fresh and pristine. 

December 29, 2023

My style goals for 2024

Style Goals for 2024

The style goals I’ll be focused on in 2024 to refine and elevate my personal style. What style goals will you be setting for the year ahead?

May 30, 2023

What makes a sustainable buy?

These tips will help you determine a sustainable buy on your journey to having a well-built conscious closet. 

May 2, 2023

How to hand wash your clothes

How to handwash clothes

Hand washing is the best approach to protect your delicate garments, keep each piece pristine and extend its lifecycle.

March 18, 2023

How to refresh your closet for spring 

Sharing tips on how to do a closet refresh and edit your wardrobe to get ready for spring and a change in weather. 

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.

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Outfit Roundup 001

An easy spring look, two ways

Women reading cellphone; Sustainable Fashion Apps

7 Sustainable Fashion Apps to Build a Wardrobe You Love  

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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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