You are here: Home / Archives for Fashion

How to Style Recycled Clothing

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Customers view t...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

So you have decided that you are tired of living in a society that simply takes from its environment without thinking of ever giving back. Well, you should be commended because that kind of thought comes with sacrifices. Some big, some small, and some are just unexpected. One of the unexpected sacrifices is your wardrobe. You want to be stylish but it’s hard when you are using recycled clothing. Never fear, because you can look hot no matter what you wear. Here’s how:

Accessorize

Yes, this is the fast track to looking good no matter what. Just a few things accented will help you go from geek to chic in no time. You can start by finding different hats and different colors that will make your outfit pop. Now, you will have to get a little creative with things like shoelaces and belts, but these things are just a part of making your outfit the hottest it can be.

Colors

Just like with Halloween costumes, you can be assured that your ability to go bold with your colors will help you stand out in a crowd. It’s not just what you wear but more importantly it’s how you wear it, so make sure you are thinking vintage. There is nothing that draws more attention than vintage clothing worn right. Mixing it with some modern day clothes in a brightly colored ensemble will be what you need to make a bold and stylish fashion statement about your commitment to the environment.

 

Filed Under: Business, General Tagged With: , ,

How to Fashion Recycled Clothing Outfits

Fashion today is largely dictated by the whims of large companies just trying to push a new product line. Thankfully for eco-friendly clothing fans, the vintage look is now in, and hopefully it is here to stay. Here are some tips and tricks for how to make a cute vintage outfit made from recycled materials.

Start at your local thrift store or consignment store. Although shopping at thrift stores can be difficult, because there is such a large volume of unwanted clothing, the experience can be worth it if you have enough time to hunt. Check the jewelry section – at first glance it may look like a glass case full of Grandma’s ugliest brooches, but linger here, and see if you can’t find a gem among the dross. Sometimes you might find a piece of unusual jewelry, or perhaps something that could be fashioned into a wearable piece of art.

Next, comb the scarves and hats section. Vintage handkerchiefs can be a great way to dress up an outfit and add a little flair. A floral or similar pattern could be worn as a headband, or worn around the neck to complement a dress or sweater. Also, look for a large width or thin belt – outlandish is okay when it comes to accessories, because these can spice up an otherwise bland outfit.

One of the most helpful aspects of vintage fashion and the recycled fashion look is that your outfit does not have to match. To repeat: your outfit does NOT have to match. Instead of worrying about finding the perfect shade of purple shoes to go with your purple cardigan, think in terms of color schemes. Purple shoes might look fine with a light blue or gray cardigan. Try stripes over flannel, or paisley with floral. It’s important that your outfit has an overall theme, but not as important that ever item matches in the traditional sense. Check online or at fashion magazines for ideas of color schemes and mismatching outfits, then go and create your own.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Recycling Tagged With: ,

Environmental Clothing, Fashionable Relief

The Earth flag is not an official flag, since ...

Image via Wikipedia

It’s the most surreal of images — clothing woven from tangles of moss and leaves, accessories carved from discarded branches. The eco-friendly ideal has swept across all facets of the world, including fashion; and the concept has left many individuals confused. Environmentalism is thought to be a collection of hemp fibers and clumsily cobbled styles (good sense has never been known for its design). Too many believe it to be unworthy of their time, their dollars and their artistic sensibilities.

The truth is quite different, however.

Eco-friendly clothing is not — despite what many assume — a disregard of fashion. It’s instead a compromise between the looks individuals want and the protection the environment needs. This allows it to succeed.

Defined simply, this form of style provides two distinct philosophies — recycled materials and organic choices. Both names offer easy explanations:

Recycled Materials: Fabric that has been passed between individuals, swapped from closet to closet is considered eco-friendly. This spares pieces from simply being tossed into the trash and forgotten. They are instead used again and again.

Organic Choices: Wares that have been shaped from biodegradable materials and natural fibers (such as cotton or linen) are deemed eco-friendly. These also boast inks that cause no harm to the soil or water.

These classifications don’t force fashion to be abandoned, however. They instead merely define it to practicality. Color, pattern and texture survive (and flourish). They’re simply without the aftermath of lingering fabrics and dangerous dyes. And this makes them essential for the Earth and the future.

Protection has never looked so good — or been so easy to achieve.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Recycling Tagged With: , ,

Searching for Recycled Fashion Stores in Your City

If you are conscientious about the environment and want to make sure that you incorporate eco-friendly clothing into your wardrobe, one of the best places to start shopping is at your local thrift store. Thrift stores typically hold hundreds or thousands of used clothing items, many of which can be made into fun and fashionable outfits. Sometimes you will find clothing items that you could never have found anywhere else.

However, it can also be a challenge, and very time-consuming, to sift through the rows of used clothing in search of something that will work for you. Consignment clothing stores, vintage clothing stores, or buy and sell clothing exchanges might be a better fit for you. These stores offer recycled clothing based on individual donations or in bulk from sale items at other stores, but they are more careful to weed out the clothing that is of low-quality, damaged, or would most likely be considered unfashionable to their customers. Prices are generally a bit higher than at thrift stores, but the quality of clothing is better and you are more likely to find something that fits your style.

If you are searching for a specific type of clothing, such as baby clothing, there might be a consignment store or an exchange between mothers at a mom’s group. Ask friends or do a quick online search to see if there are any eco-friendly recycled clothing stores located near you. During an online search, try different keywords such as “recycled clothing” or “consignment stores” plus the name of your city.

Buying eco-friendly clothing is an important step in the trek towards sustainable living. Resold clothing helps minimize the demand, and therefore the supply, for new clothing manufacturing. No matter where you buy your clothes, make sure that you are making smart choices about your fashion. Research the clothing manufacturer to see what their labor policies are.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: , ,