Eco Ideas for Updating Your Wardrobe
Whether you follow fashion trends or not, spring is a time when a lot of us find the need to shop for some new clothes. When I shop, my first stop is always a second hand store. In LA, I really like Wasteland and Crossroads Trading Company. If I can’t find what I need at a second hand store, my next choice is finding the most eco company I can that makes what I need. Check out the Kind Style section for some of my favorite eco-friendly brands and be sure to post any style recommendations or questions in the style section of the forum.
How I Shop For Bear
When I was pregnant, my girlfriends shared with me their old maternity clothes, and gave me hand-me-down clothes for Bear. For my baby shower I asked people to bring stuff their kids had grown out of instead of buying new stuff. Two friends who have boys gave me most of the clothes Bear wears. As he has grown, I’ve passed these clothes along and it feels really great. I remember having tons of hand-me-downs when I was little too. Yay, mom!
You can also try making kid's clothes with this super simple guide to making eco-fashion for kids.
A Cool Idea: Host a Clothing Swap Party
A great idea is to ask around and see if your friends are interested in getting together for a clothing swap party. The way it works is everyone brings all the clothes they no longer need –clothes they would have donated or given away. Set up all the clothes in your living room, and start “shopping.” Try things on, take pictures, have fun! You can draw numbers and take turns or just make it a free for all. Serve kind snacks, or make it a potluck.
I know of someone who does this with her girlfriends every year on Super Bowl Sunday – she calls it Lady Bowl. Sounds so fun!
What are your eco-shopping tips?
Share in the comments below.
21 comments
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My wife likes to shop at this new vegan online store called Grape Cat. They have Vaute clothing and Matt & Nat bags and wallets. It is at http://www.grapecat.com -
aca en chilito pasa todo lo contrario estamos eliminando cosas de verano y buscando cosas para invierno -
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Also, I organized a clothing swap at a gallery here this past Winter for moms, kids and babies and it was great! Also, so much hard work! About 30 people came and we had so much left over to donate to the domestic violence shelter. -
For kid parties, people love buying presents. I think they think that's how you show love. If i ever asked for hand me downs as presents, they wouldn't listen. In fact, they'd be thinking, oh she's poor and can't afford it, and would buy even more. Or they'd cover hand me downs, just because, but wouldn't see that as a present. They'd still buy something on top of it. It doesn't help being a single mom either. I can, in fact, take care of him just fine and LOVE second hand shopping, but think it often comes with a stigma, unfortunately.
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My girlfriends and I have been doing swap parties once or twice a year for the past 5 or 6 years. It's so much fun and such a great and kind way to get "new" clothes (and housewares/makeup/candles/etc). I hope your post encourages more people to do it. -
Hiya, Alicia. If I need a coat or some item like that, I often go first to a second-hand store too. Great minds think alike, eh? Seriously, you can pick up a good bargain in them, and I dare say, especially in LA, Alicia! Yayyy!
If I have clothes to give away, I take them to a charity shop so someone can get use of them.
Have a great weekend, Kind Lifers, but especially of course, the wonderful Miss Silverstone! xo. -
My women's circle that meets once a month had a clothing swap in the fall. We are also planning one for the spring. We had one of our biggest turn outs and everyone REALLY had a great time. Not only did we get to mix up our wardrobes, the left over items that didn't find a home were taken the next day to A Better Way, our local women's and children's shelter. What a way to pass it along!!! Thanks for bringing up this wonderful way to reduce, reuse, and spread a little joy!
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Thank you for sharing this and being such a great role model. This is how I shop and live too. I am fortunate enough to have a few like-minded friends/family members and the kids clothes and ladies clothes keep on coming (and getting passed on as well). I rarely need to buy brand new and I love not contributing to the cycle of waste. Unfortunately, I don't feel this lifestyle is the "norm" and I am happy to see you spreading the word. Surely your reach is broader than mine and will have a greater impact. Keep up the great work!!!
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Love the clothing swap idea! I really need to start doing this. I'm always attempting to condense my closet down to what I actually wear or like. It's funny how long I've held on to items that would be perfect...for someone else! Every month or two, I'm donating bags and bags. Now I'm trying to be super conscious of what I buy. Only when I'm in love with something!
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