![\"dress](\"https:\/\/maydayglow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/dress-clean-v2.jpg\")
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In part one of this post,<\/a> I provided loads of information\u00a0about how the majority of the clothes we wear are made; it’s not pretty and not surprisingly, cheap merchandise comes at great expense to people and the environment.<\/p>\n In exchange for reading through that heavy post, I promised I’d\u00a0bring positive solutions to part II…so here they are!<\/p>\n Cleaning Up Your Closet<\/strong><\/p>\n In the 1930s, the average American woman owned just nine outfits. Fast forward to today and the average woman purchases around 60 pieces of new clothing and shoes each year. Just between 1999 to 2009, the volume of clothing purchased by Americans grew by 40%. \u00a0While the amount we buy has increased, recycling rates have not. This excess leads to average of 54 lbs of recyclable clothing and shoes thrown out by each person, each year. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that out of all reusable materials, textiles have one of the lowest recycling rates<\/a>\u00a0and the U.S. trashes around 85% of all textiles produced.<\/p>\n Just like detoxing your beauty routine doesn’t mean you have to look like a greasy hippie (unless that’s what you’re going for – #savewater), creating a more sustainable closet doesn’t mean giving up your\u00a0style. It does<\/em> mean\u00a0buying a lot less, but I guarantee that you’ll invest in pieces that you will love and cherish for years.\u00a0The fabulous designer and eco-fashion pioneer,<\/a> Vivienne Westwood, says it best:<\/p>\n New clothes are fun. I promise, I know from first hand experience that it’s going to be tough to walk by an Urban Outfitters and not walk in to see what’s on sale.\u00a0But when we\u00a0make more informed\u00a0buying decisions, we shift our behavior as consumers, recognizing the external forces that make us feel like we don’t have enough. There is a way to have a stylish closet, support clothing retailers with good ethics, and have a new outfit for every special occasion in your life. \u00a0I now stick to what I truly need and do my research before purchasing. I find that I have a lot of basics with a twist that can be dressed up or down. \u00a0My style\u00a0has evolved and improved since I’ve been more intentional about what I add to my closet.\u00a0I pair a classic item with a quirkier, vintage one. Here are some tips that have helped me\u00a0create a closet that reflects my values and save money:<\/p>\n Host a clothing exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n If every woman in America swapped rather than shopped for just 30 days, it would save\u00a0one billion pounds of landfill waste.\u00a0My friends and I have seasonal clothing exchanges and we are all frequently surprised at the gems we’ve discovered that were hidden away in each other’s closets.\u00a0There are also large scale clothing exchanges that happen; check out meetup.com for clothing swaps in your area.<\/p>\n Shop small<\/strong><\/p>\n Supporting local shops and\u00a0designers means a more transparent supply chain. If you want to know the origins of the textiles, you can just ask the designers. Look up\u00a0eco-boutiques in your area or check out the awesome online retailers (see some of my favorites, below). There’s a great artist and design fair, Unique LA, that takes place twice a year and features local and some eco-friendly designers. Check them out here!<\/a><\/p>\n Get picky<\/strong><\/p>\n Be honest with yourself and only buy items that fit well and that you truly love. Soon after I started to plan each clothing purchase, I realized how many times in the past I would buy something even though I didn’t really like\u00a0it. I’d rationalize the purchase, saying “well, it’ll fit after I lose 8 lbs”, or “it’s on sale, so I’ll just get it”. And that’s how I ended up with a closet brimming with stuff, but never anything to wear. \u00a0Now, I pay attention to how I feel; if it isn’t 100% flattering, I will not feel\u00a0confident in it, and I know I won’t wear it\u00a0very much.<\/p>\n Let a professional re-imagine your closet; for free<\/strong><\/p>\n Look at blogs and websites for ideas. I like to dream on Net A Porter <\/a>for high-end looks that I can recreate with what I have in my closet. Have a crisp white button-down? Find one on your favorite fashion bloggers or brands to see how it’s styled and recreate it with similar items you probably have in your closet.<\/p>\n Make like Cher and digitize your wardrobe<\/strong><\/p>\n How many times have you bought something only to get home and realize you already own something way too similar that you forgot about? Well there are apps to prevent that from happening ever again. Remember Cher’s automated outfit chooser in Clueless? Well, duh, there are apps for that IRL, guys. Check out these\u00a0closet organizer apps <\/a>that make\u00a0it easier for you to\u00a0mix and match\u00a0pieces, creating new outfits with what you already have.\u00a0Many of the apps let users view each other’s closets and dish styling advice.<\/p>\n One item in, one item\u00a0out<\/strong><\/p>\n If I take something home, whether new or used, I\u00a0have to get rid\u00a0of something I already own. This has probably been the most helpful commitment to not only recycling my clothing and preventing waste, but also, to decluttering my closet. If I’m not willing to part with anything I already own, then that probably means that I don’t really need whatever it is I’m about to buy.<\/p>\n 5 Tips for Thrift and Vintage Shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. NEVER go looking for something too specific<\/strong><\/p>\n Limit to one requirement; skinny jeans? Okay, you’ll probably find a pair.\u00a0Grey-washed skinny jeans? You’ll probably leave frustrated. I often browse if I just need a closet perk and stay open to finding unexpected gems.<\/p>\n 2. Look for off-season wear<\/strong><\/p>\n You’ll find the least picked-over sections at markdown prices. Be ready\u00a0to buy a heavy coat in the middle of July.<\/p>\n 3. Do a quick scan of the “featured” items<\/strong><\/p>\n This includes\u00a0items on mannequins, in windows, hanging up on the walls, and\u00a0designer pieces kept behind the counter. \u00a0This is where you’ll find mid to high-end designer stuff. One of my prized possessions is an A.P.C. black bomber I picked up for $40. You may strike out but try again on another day. That’s the fun of shopping second hand!<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0Be a label snob<\/strong><\/p>\n Try your best to pass\u00a0on the “fast fashion” brands. Places like Crossroads and Buffalo will resell Forever21 and other cheap brands for almost as much as they are new (which still, isn’t much). This also sends the message to the resale buyers that you, with your discriminating\u00a0taste and strong ethics, would rather buy well-made pieces that have longer wear\u00a0than buy some 21 year-old’s doudy ex-clubbing wear.<\/p>\n 5. Look for quality<\/strong><\/p>\n If someone asked me to\u00a0describe the qualities of a well-made garment a few\u00a0years ago, they would’ve received a blank stare. \u00a0Now that I buy for quality, I examine pieces before purchasing, both new and used. Now that I check, I’m amazed at how many times I’ve seen seams already unraveling on new items, still on the rack. \u00a0Allow for some gentle wear and tear on good-quality used items. Most of the time it can be hemmed or cleaned, or taken in\/out by a tailor. Test the\u00a0zippers – they should glide without any catching. Look for high-quality linings in dressy items like jackets and pants. Here’s a great guide to\u00a0<\/a>help you find clothing that will last.<\/p>\n My favorite consignment\u00a0and vintage shops in L.A.<\/strong><\/p>\n I’ve made this list to feature relatively affordable consignment shops. If you’re seeking high-end shops (think vintage Chanel – maybe one day…le sigh), check out this great list<\/a>!<\/p>\n Playclothes<\/a>\u00a0– Well-curated, truly vintage clothing, arranged by decade. Expect to pay $30-$80 per piece.<\/p>\n Crossroads in Silverlake<\/a>\u00a0– Great finds from low to high-end brands. Plenty of LA-based designer samples\u00a0end up here.<\/p>\n Hutch<\/a>\u00a0– A tiny,\u00a0hidden gem vintage clothing and furniture shop; unique items that are reasonably priced<\/p>\n American\u00a0Way Burbank<\/a>\u00a0– Clothing and furniture. Everything here is true thrift store pricing, which means hit or miss, but if you’re willing to search, you could find true vintage items for under $10 bucks.<\/p>\n Melrose Trading Post<\/a>\u00a0– A boho lover’s\u00a0bazaar every Sunday. You’ll find used\/vintage clothing, along with upcycled\/used furniture, art, music, and some\u00a0weird stuff you never knew you needed.<\/p>\n American Vintage in Echo Park<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0My husband geeks out over their\u00a0vintage menswear. He’s found Redwings and an official military-issued peacoat.<\/p>\n Jet Rag $1 Sundays<\/a> – I’ve yet to brave this event, but I’ve heard good things about it from others. Be ready to dig through piles and piles of clothing for one or two gems, but at a price you can’t argue.<\/p>\n Need something new?<\/strong><\/p>\n These are some of my favorite sustainable clothing brands! The following meet some or all of the these criteria:\u00a0Made in U.S.A or if made internationally, transparent about how clothes are made and textile origins; partnerships with local artisans are fair and sustainable. Eco friendly textiles: uses renewable materials, eco-friendly dyes and treatments or reuse\/recycling existing materials into their pieces.<\/p>\n Nisolo Shoes<\/a>\u00a0– men’s and women’s shoes<\/p>\n Zady<\/a> – chic, timeless women’s basics<\/p>\n Gustin Denim<\/a>\u00a0– men’s selvedge and raw denim<\/p>\n Alchemy Goods<\/a>\u00a0– upcycled bags and totes<\/p>\n Raleigh Denim<\/a>\u00a0– men’s selvedge and raw denim<\/p>\n Nudie\u00a0Jeans<\/a>\u00a0– men’s selvedge and recycled denim<\/p>\n Raven & Lily<\/a>\u00a0– women’s clothing and accessories with a global vibe<\/p>\n Reformation<\/a>\u00a0– on trend women’s apparel<\/p>\n Alternative Apparel<\/a>\u00a0– athleisure basics<\/p>\n Della<\/a>\u00a0– bags and accessories<\/p>\n Baggu<\/a>\u00a0– bags & accessories<\/p>\n Ethica<\/a>\u00a0– collection of clothing, shoes and accessories from sustainable brands<\/p>\n Le Souque<\/a> – accessories and home decor from indie eco designers<\/p>\n Naja<\/a> – gorgeous lingerie<\/p>\n Veja<\/a> – ethical athletic shoes for women, men and kids<\/p>\n PACT Apparel<\/a>– women’s, men’s and kid’s basic undies and intimates<\/p>\n![\"vivienne](\"https:\/\/maydayglow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/tags.jpg\")
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