Introducing The Blog
Relaunching my personal blog on Blackbird-- and being able to share my 'consciously curated lifestyle' in a more intentional way-- is something I have wanted to do since we opened this last year.
Blackbird came to life because I wanted to combine all my passions into one concept; It’s all things fashion, travel and interiors while simultaneously supporting sustainable brands that are founded by creators who believe in the same "less is more mentality" as I do.
Climate change and how it affects the planet, wildlife and marginalized groups is at the very top of our concerns at Blackbird. The sheer amount of consumption by 1st world countries, particularly the top 10% of those living in them, is overwhelming. As we know, that wasteful lifestyle has a trickle effect that is felt in full force by 3rd world countries and poor populations. Whether its extreme weather and drought, or the living and working conditions of the people producing the clothing and furniture sold by fast fashion/interior companies.
At times we feel we are powerless and there isn’t much we can do… but I’m here to tell you our power lies in our spending. Where we put out money, what brands we choose to buy from--while also choosing to shop vintage and second hand is absolutely crucial. Just one pair of denim takes up to 2000 gallons of water to make (ironically, more if they are distressed) and when you think about the lack of clean drinking water in many countries around the world-- its hard to wrap your head around.
There are already enough clothes on the planet to cloth the next 6 generations-- yet waste fills the Atacama desert, while plastics and chemicals from products fill our rivers and oceans. It’s not just a climate change crisis but a health crisis too.
At Blackbird, we intentionally source clothing and interior pieces that are timeless and neutral, so they can be worn and used in many ways, for many years. Our mindset is "the more you wear something, the less you buy, and the better off the entire planet."
Most brands we carry use recycled and/or upcycled materials, hemp and other methods to bring you the most incredible fashion without devastating our natural resources. We love to source vintage furniture, and reupholster with fabrics made from natural materials. We avoid anything with harsh chemicals and plastics as we know that has an effect on not only our bodies, but our minds.
Traveling has always been a huge part of my life and has truly inspired everything I do or create. Most brands at Blackbird are based internationally-- exposing Kansas City to new perspectives in the fashion/interior industries. Our rugs come Soufiane Zarib-- handmade in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We also carry quite a few Ukrainian brands-- a beautiful way to support from afar with our "buying power." We source sustainable sheepskin from California-- ethically derived and cleaned without chemicals and used to re-cover vintage furniture. Blackbird hosts many local artists as well, as we feel community is most important.
Supporting the planet while also bringing you the most incredible women, minority and LGBTQ+ owned brands is our way of giving back and making small differences along this journey of life. I hope you follow along for an experience that is truly one of a kind-- and every bit of my heart and soul.
Xo,
Amy