Hi, everyone!
I hope you’re having an amazing week!
We’re just at the end of the last week of January 2018, can you believe it? I wanted to write about what I’ve been doing lately to update my wardrobe while reducing carbon footprint. As a baby boomer, I like to keep fantastic clothing pieces and accessories that were real investments at the time I bought them. I guess it was something I learned at home. Shop your closet and start doing something about reducing our own carbon footprint emissions.
On the other hand, I started to read a lot about Carbon Footprint and how clothing impacts the production of CO2 emissions. After last year’s natural disasters, we learned about and, or experienced; I decided to be more conscious about my purchases while taking steps to reduce my carbon footprint. Having some great designer pieces carefully kept in my closet throughout the years, helped me to wear them these days, look quite trendy and, make something about reducing my carbon footprint generation.
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Shop your closet!
When I looked into my closet I found my Sonia Rykiel navy blazer that has always been one of my favorites; it has very structured shoulder pads, is oversized, and is double-breasted. I got lots of compliments one day I wore it to attend two different events, and also on my social media channels. Nobody thought it was vintage from the 90’s/ early 2000’s, and when I told those who asked, they agreed with me on not letting it go. I paired it that day with navy wide leg trousers I bought almost two years ago, and everybody thought it was a power-suit. I’ve worn it on different occasions paired with jeans, dresses, and skirts and it always catches everyone’s eye.
Since I’ve got rid of the pounds I wanted to lose, yay I did! I decided to look into some storage boxes to see what could I keep, what to donate and, also what could I sell at a consignment. I found some D&G pieces that could be great to wear now. There are more vintage clothes I’ve been using lately with the same effect on people. You’ll see some of them in future posts.
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Transform those garments with potential in something unique and fabulous
On the other hand, as I read this article from on Goodonyou, another thing you should do is update those clothing pieces that might seem outdated or have potential by making some DIY adjustments or take them to a good tailor for stylish alterations. That is something I have been doing lately, and I’m having fun, not only seeing the improvements I’m making to it but also because I enjoy those relaxing moments. Currently, I’m embellishing a gorgeous Michael Kors tweed jacket I bought when I came to live in Miami, with feathers and it is starting to look: A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
In fact, this giving a second life to a garment isn’t new to me, I’ve been doing it all my life. It was very common in the Venezuela I grew up, as well as in Spain, to have an excellent dressmaker. I remember going out with my mom and my sisters to buy exquisite fabrics to go to the dressmaker so that we can have beautiful, unique clothing that fitted flawlessly since it was custom-made. Also, as I grew up, whenever I got tired of a clothing piece I went to the dressmaker usually with a drawing of how I wanted to transform it. It feels so good to change something old into a new fantastic clothing piece! I also love the fact that when you do those transformations to a jacket, a dress or any garment, it is going to be unique, nobody will have it!
The truth is that we need to be more environmentally conscious and since we all love fashion and style, just think about what you can shop in your closet and try to style it in a modern way. You can also alter it but if you do not sew, take it to a good tailor to avoid ruining it.
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When going shopping look for investment pieces
Another thing you can do to reduce carbon footprint is to buy great quality investment pieces. These shouldn’t be necessarily “expensive designer pieces,” but made of excellent fabrics, real leather, and excellent craftsmanship.
If you go shopping with investment criteria, you’d only buy clothes and accessories you wear throughout the years. When shopping for clothes, think about fabric, cut and excellent tailoring, not necessarily brands. And if you’re going to buy accessories, think about design, quality, and materials.
To find investment pieces, you can always go to a consignment store where you’ll be able to see and feel their current condition, touch the materials they’re made of and how good they fit you.
Another thing you can do is to buy local, support emerging designers, and businesses not only has a positive impact on your city or state’s economy, but it is also a way to reduce CO2 emissions.
Are you into reducing your carbon footprint? Do you like to transform clothes and make them unique?
Did you enjoy this post?
Please let me know so I can come up with more stories like this one,
Xoxo
