Cut down on waste by cutting up or otherwise repurposing forgotten duds into fab new pieces. By Danna WEiss
EvEry yEar we go out and buy new things to be trendy or because we just can’t resist or you know all the other reasons why. Then one day we realize we never wore all those clothes. We may think about the blown money, time lost searching through the piles, and the space everything took up, but we rarely think about the waste in general— which is sad for the environment and our wardrobe as well!
our fashion green gene. There we can simply remake our old duds to form some fab new pieces.
You know that top where the waist fits great, but the collar is odd? How about a “V” neck?
where you love the fit, but that “T” neck is kind of stretched out. Chop a boat neck, fold it over and insert elastic. Whoa—this top used to only go to work, now it will go out on the town!
Or that favorite dress that’s too snug in the tush? I see a blouse here! Be creative and have fun with this approach.
Not only are we creating more landfill waste, we’re adding to the pesticide problem as well. Cotton grown in the U.S. alone accounts for 25 percent of the pesticides used in this country. Buying less or buying organic and eco-friendly is a way of treading more lightly on our dear earth.
Here are three styles to kick off a new wardrobe rescued from the depths of your closet. It just takes a little sewing or tailoring:
The Winter shorts Take those great-fitting pants where the hem is too short and lop them off at the knee. Hem. Add a chic pair of tights, boots, a cute sweater— and a green fashionista is born.
The Poncho Remember that scarf you bought because you loved the print? You didn’t care that it was a bit too large and figured you’d just find a way to wear it? Dust it off, cut a hole in the top, throw it over your head, and wear something black underneath. Belt that baby to make one hot-looking office queen!
How do we do that? Step one begins in your closet. I know, that’s a terrifying place, but we need to get in there to maximize
You can’t imagine how liberating this green repurposing is! Just remember to leave seam allowance, plot before you cut, and save your leftover fabric for other items or rags. 0
The Off-the-shoulder Top Just take any of your snug-fitting cotton tops. You know the one to choose—
Danna Weiss, shown here, is an eco-life stylist and TV host.
RE-FASHION: For a new off-the-shoulder top, a few snips and a little elastic work wonders.
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