Wardrobe Refashioning
Perhaps it’s because the weather is so beautiful. Perhaps it’s because vegetables are sprouting in our
garden. Whatever the reason, I’ve been feeling creative. While surfing the internet one day, I found video instruction for turning a t-shirt into a cute tank top. The video insisted with a few scissor snips and a some stitches you can transform your old clothes into new clothes.
The video got me thinking about my overflowing wardrobe. Keep in mind when I say “wardrobe” I’m not talking glamorous. I admit I have many clothes, most well worn with the occasional stain. I’ve enjoyed wearing them, I’ve calculated the Value Equation (or price-per-wear), and now they’re just blah.
USA Today recently reported the National Retail Federation statistics show Americans spent more online for clothing than computers last year. And 10% of those purchases were online. Clothing is the last place I plan to spend money but I lately I’ve been focusing on sprucing up my image. So I googled “wardrobe refashioning” hoping for more ideas like the t-shirt video.
I was surprised to find this incredible site about the 2007 Wardrobe Refashion project. Participants make a 2, 4, or 6-month pledge to essentially not buy any new clothing. There are a few exceptions of course…like underware and shoes.
This is the answer to my wardrobe overhaul vision. My family owned a fabric store when I was a kid. I grew up restocking patterns and spinning the racks of buttons. My mom created outfits, and with her help I learned to use patterns and make alterations. I even remember sewing Barbie doll clothes from her remnants.
The next round begins in June. With a tiny budget, mounds of thriftiness, and encouragement from other participants, I look forward to creating my custom style for the summer! If you’d like to participate follow the instructions on their site.
How do you keep your wardrobe fresh and stylish? Share your tips and tricks with Queercents readers below.
I save money by not shopping. Well- to be more specific- I do not “go to the mall” as a weekend event. “Needs” become much more defined on a personal level rather than influence from the shopkeepers. And sadly, often what I define as a need on my personal level is not what I’d find. My tastes are more conservative than what I’d find out there- so I really must rely on online, catalogs, or my own skill.
And then, since shipping takes more $$- I end up deciding its not worth it.
Once in a great while, I will feel that my clothing choices are becoming humdrum- and I might set out to buy one or two items at a discount store available to me downtown near my workplace. Last big splurge was $45 for 3 dresses- which had their original tags as being in the $60 range EACH.
As a large woman, secondhand shops etc, are not much of resource for me.