Fast fashion is out, sustainability is in
Darling x Dashing Boutique on Charlottesville’s downtown mall is a hub for quality pre-loved clothes, some still with original tags. Dashing is the year-old, masculine counterpart to already-established Darling Boutique. Patrons are supporting over 100 local artisans of self-care products, giftable tchotchkes, and fashionable accessories in addition to shopping for clothes more intentionally.
The entire inventory is available online. Opportunity for store credit is made available through their clothing drop-off program where people can channel an “old to me, new to you” mentality and feel good about where their clothes are ending up (not in a landfill). People’s size and style variations are taken into consideration, making Darling x Dashing a safe space for anyone to explore self-expression through fashion.
Owner Linnea White has a message to share. White said, “I grew up in a family that was very thrifty anyways. I was the youngest of four. We always went to yard sales. Second-hand was a way of life, so it was very natural.” She said that being homeschooled in her childhood allowed her to enjoy a fun, slower, and more intentional education, which was enriched by going with her mother to local, artisanal craft shows.
Today, she pays homage to hard-working local artisans through an ever-evolving selection of mindfully made and sourced cosmetics, incense and candles, jewelry, moisturizers, bath bombs, hair accessories, and more. Some of these local artisans include Fredericksburg’s hand-dipped incense cones by Commonwealth Provisions, Harrisonburg’s Seed and Soil handmade botanical jewelry, and withSimplicity clean and organic beauty products like face serums and vegan nail polish. Also available are shampoo bars and CBD bath bombs by Rappidan’s Little Flower Field. For every purchase of 920 jewelry, based out of Richmond, $1 gets donated to suicide prevention, and this list is barely skimming the surface. The whimsical and aesthetically pleasing stickers, mugs, and disco balls spark joy to those passing in and out of Darling x Dashing.
For people starting or already on a sustainability journey, White says her biggest advice is a reflection of Anne-Marie Bonneau’s quote, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” White adds, “Anything you do to make progress is good.”
The store is located at 115 1st St S, Charlottesville, VA 22902. They are closed on Mondays, and their number is 434-202-0664. Check out their website.
