Sustainable Fashion

The idea of sustainable fashion is somewhat of a juxtaposition. Fashion at its essence is constantly changing whereas sustainability implies stability. However I am firmly of the belief that the majority of clothes we buy are sustainable. In that if you don't like it I'm sure someone else will!

Doing regular raids of your wardrobe will make sure you keep it fresh. It will remind you of the good things you have and by getting rid of things you don't actually wear you might make better outfit decisions when you can see your options! The primary way you can make your wardrobe as socially conscious as yourself would be to donate things you don't wear to a charity shop.

However some items of clothing cost you so much money or you are so emotionally invested in them, letting go is too hard and charity shops are just not an option. There are a few different ways you can get something back from what you put into your wardrobe.

The simplest of these is to get involved in, or organise your own clothes swopping party with some of your girlfriends. Let me say this has to have been one of the funniest afternoons I have ever been involved in! Piles of clothes, accessories and shoes were scattered all over my tiny apartment and you would hear sporadic squeals of delight when someone pounced on a gem AND it fit! Months later my friends and I are still wearing each others goodies with delight!

The next step up is the Swopshop in Templebar, run by a lovely lady named Adele. This is a treasure trove of all things from vintage prom dresses to Cavalli suits. Here you bring in the good stuff, that ridiculously expensive dress you wore once to a wedding, that jacket your mother bought you but you despise and those heels that never really fit but were the bargain of the century! Adele will get to know you and will even point out items she thinks might suit you (and she is good at it!). Last time I went in I got a beautiful skirt from warehouse with the tags still on for less than 1/10 the original price and I rid my wardrobe of a tote bag of stuff I haven't worn in at least the last year.



The most extreme of wardrobe clearance options is one I partook in recently in an attempt to downsize from 2 massive wardrobes to one medium sized wardrobe. To sell at Closet Clear Out you rent a full/half rail (60/30 items) and display your wares for a Saturday afternoon. You can sell any clothes, shoes or accessories you want at whatever price point you want. For those just looking to get rid of things at any price this is ideal as you get plenty of bargain hunters. This way you will get cold hard cash for some of your lovely things. Be warned you will want to buy everything on your neighbours rail!



Feeling motivated to tackle that bulging wardrobe yet?