Eco-Fashion?

Wow-what a response to yesterday's posting! Thanks for all the feedback!

In yesterday's posting, I mentioned "not dressing like the typical environmentalist." Although now that "green" has become the new thing, I think there are many more individuals who dress in a more earth friendly manner without wearing burlap or Birkenstocks. There's nothing wrong with either of those in my mind however. One thing that I have found to be interesting though is that frequently over the last year, I have felt that my commitment to the planet has been questioned by the way I put together the outfits that I wear.

I have mentioned on this blog before that one of my favorite shows is What Not to Wear, even though I recognize that keeping up with fashion can be detrimental to the Earth. I do believe that we can and should reuse, recycle, and repurpose old garments into new however (I am always amazed at the individuals who can repurpose old garments into the most stylish new ones), and I am waiting for the day when true recycling of fabrics becomes commonplace. However I truly believe you can be both "green" and stylish, and I take pride in trying to look as put together as possible. (Although there's always a day for sweatshirts and worn-out jeans too...)

As a child, I grew up visiting thrift stores and wearing some hand-me downs from various relatives. Wearing second-hand goods has always been a way of life. Thus it should be no surprise that at least 35% of my clothes are previously used. I also believe in finding a good bargain when I shop for new clothes-although I will occasionally splurge on a garment or two. As previous posts have demonstrated, I also believe in extending the life of the items that I do own. Thus I have altered tanks and shirts to fit my now slimmer frame. I use the precautionary method of duct-tape on the inside of my flats so that my toe nails can't poke through. I sew up small rips, replace buttons, and occasionally will dye clothes to extend their life. And when it's all said and done, I will then pass on what I no longer wear to others and for resale. (Or with the case of my sad hole-y underwear, I will cut them up for quilt fabric scraps.)

In the last 4 months, I have been the recipient of several cast offs from my cousin and two friends that are near my same size. I especially love this type of free shopping!

One of the biggest changes that the simplicity movement instilled in me was teaching me to pare down the clothes that I own however, and to refrain from buying beyond what is needed (although I do still struggle with this from time to time). So while I have a couple trendy pieces, the majority of what I own mixes and matches with most everything else. Moving to the city also made me invest in flats (of which I've fallen in love with neutral ballet flats) that go with any outfit, are easy to pack, and can be worn for miles and miles of city walking. The other key thing I focus on (especially being from the PNW) is layering. Layering to me is represented by a stack of tanks and a stack of sweaters, as they go with just about anything.

However beyond paring down and focusing on versatile pieces, the best change has come in my ability to pack. For most trips, I can now make it with just a back pack. All it takes is a pair of pjs (boxers and a cami), a pair of jeans, a couple tanks, 1-2 sweaters, a casual dress or skirt, neutral flats, enough undies and 2 bras, a sweatshirt, my cosmetics bag, a good book, and maybe some running shorts and shoes for hiking. Stuff it all into a stow away back pack and you're good to go.

So just to prove my point, here are some examples of normal outfits to me:

This is something I would wear to class or just out and about during the week. The jeans (Banana Republic and very figure flattering) and sweater are from Goodwill. The embellished tank underneath was something my mom picked up (I believe it was cheap and probably not eco-friendly from Ross). The shoes are gold ballet flats that go with anything, have been duct taped, and have many physical miles on them.

This is something I would wear to work. The sweater was given to me about 3 years ago from my best friend once she was tired of wearing it. The tank underneath I bought 3 years ago also and was taken in this winter to fit better. The skirt is linen (a more natural fiber) and is from a eco-friendly brand I picked up at Ross. The shoes are the same as above.

This is something I would wear out and about, although I wore it to church on Sunday also. The tank underneath I got at Goodwill. The dress was a recent freebie from a friend. And the shoes: revert to the first outfit-just a different color and with even more miles.

So if you keep in good shape and use for years what you do buy new, if you swap clothes with family and friends, if you re-use and repurpose the garments that are already in existence, and if you clean them all in a more earth-friendly matter, then I really believe you can be green with style.