This is Claire’s Story: Choosing Quality Over Quantity by Claire McCaughey, Owner of Ms. Green Jeans Horticulture.

These are strange times we’re living in. COVID-19 has definitely made me spend more time reflecting on what’s important and what’s essential. It’s also reinforced some of my philosophies as a consumer. One of my long-standing approaches to what I buy, whether clothing or household items or even food, is to choose quality over quantity.

Changed over time

My younger self would often buy a lot of clothing on a whim because it was the latest trend or on sale. I spent a lot of money but was somehow never satisfied. Over time, however, I found I wore certain quality items more frequently while the “whim” items sat in my closet. Ultimately, buying quality over quantity has saved me money. I’m spending more less often. And, I no longer have clothes that just take up space in my closet.

Claire in her garden with her grandmother’s teacup

The older and wiser me doesn’t buy on a whim anymore. I choose fewer high quality beautifully-designed pieces. Then I wear them over and over again. COKANNA clothing perfectly fits my philosophy – high-quality fabric, wonderful design and fit, and well-chosen colours. I accessorize with a new scarf or piece of jewelry or shoes. But, my COKANNA pieces are the starting point for my wardrobe. And, I have almost all of them!

Claire is wearing the Carolyn reversible sundress

If not now, when?

This brings me to a second associated philosophy that not only applies to my clothing but how I would like to live my life every day. I call it “If Not Now, When?” thinking. We should use the good china every day because if not now, when will we ever use it? Let’s bring out the special teapot that belonged to our mother or grandmother because if not now, when? Go ahead and wear that beautiful timeless COKANNA clothing every day instead of our worn jeans or old shirt because if not now, when? Things like quality clothing and beautiful teapots are meant to be used and enjoyed every day, not stored away for a special day. As we all know, life is unpredictable. Make every day a special day.

I agree with Claire

Claire, I totally agree. We’re of the era when our bridal registries consisted of china, crystal, and silverware. And, what did we do with all that good china, crystal, and silverware? We carefully stored it away in china cabinets and silverware chests. Only bringing it out on special occasions. Eventually I didn’t even bring it out for those special holiday celebrations. A) I didn’t want anything to break, and B) I got tired of washing everything by hand because it was too delicate to go in the dishwasher. What??? How ridiculous is that?

Use the teapot, wear the dress

So, when my marriage fell apart and we were dividing up all our worldly possessions, I decided to take the good china and silverware and use them as my everyday dishes. They now go into the dishwasher. Life is too short, too unpredictable to not enjoy our finest things. So, as Claire says, use the teapot and wear the dress! Even if you’re working from home and not going out anywhere, wear the dress. You won’t regret it.

Claire is 5’3″ and wearing a Size 1(S) in the Carolyn Sundress

If you’re of Claire’s mind and looking for good quality, comfortable, and stylish clothing, then check out COKANNA. It’s ethically made in Canada, even the fabric is custom knit in Ontario. I’m currently featuring the Carolyn reversible sundress. Use the coupon code “coffee shop” at checkout to get 10% off.

I’m ready to shop!

Until next week,

~ Colleen

I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer.

I create COKANNA Canadian made bamboo clothing for women that’s all about comfort and style.

Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer’s metastatic breast cancer support, education, and advocacy work.