One minute you’re in, the next minute you’re out- says everyone in the fashion
industry including models, designers, merchandisers, etc. It’s a little bit scary how fast it
moves sometimes. It’s like the same classics are always in, but done in a different way!
And then the next thing you know, you run out of closet space after a single Nordstrom
run. I’m going to be that one heroic person who saves you from this dreaded fashion
tornado. And how am I going to do that? By first giving you, the reader, researched
information on fashion waste and how to be more environmentally generous during the
holiday season. I’m not going to lie, it’s not cute. But it WILL help you make the right
decision for yourself on which brands to fund and how you can be a part of the solution.
For starters, one of the best ways to limit the landfill is by going thrift shopping.
According to Fortune.com, the thrift industry is supposed to reach $10.3 billion in
revenue for 2020. And rightfully so. It’s crazy. There’s so many thrift stores all across the
country, you’d have to really look to somehow NOT see one near you. And if somehow
you haven’t discovered one, there’s plenty of online options. For example- ThredUp,
Swap.com, thrifted.com, Etsy, etc. I will say, there is a common misconception. That thrift
stores are outdated, that the clothes in them are ratted or worn out in some way.
However, virtually every online thrift store has frequent trend reports. Thredup not only
has reports, but also the best brands for certain price points, as well as helpful market
information. And no, before you come at me this isn’t sponsored, I just love ThredUp. Not
only are there trendy online stores, there are also plenty of in-person options for the rest
of you daredevil fashionistas.
*Pro tip: if you go, match your mask to your outfit!*
Popular ones are Uptown Cheapskate, Goodwill, and Plato’s Closet. You should try them
out sometime.
Aside from alternative shopping options, there are also alternative repurposing
options. And with coronavirus blended with the holiday season, saving money is more
important than ever. Repurposing is when you take something like a sweater for
example, and maybe turn it into a pillowcase, a different shirt, or even a fuzzy pair of
socks! It can be fun, as long as you are okay with spending a good amount of time
crafting whatever it is you’re crafting. For me, there comes a point where you feel over
it, like a get it over with, like they’re just going to rip-it-open-anyway type of point. Like a
“Holy cow, I still have to do gifts for 7 other people!” feeling. Yeah. It’s really stressful
sometimes. But, this is also a special time of year. Imagine seeing their face when they
open the gift you worked so hard on! MhmHm. #Worthit. But what if I don’t want to craft
you ask? Don’t worry I have a potion for that- toy donations, give to kids at church, write
notes, or buy cookies (my choice obviously).
With all this in mind, I have one request. There’s one line I want you to remember
if you don’t read the other stuff I wrote- less focus on the crazy news, more focus on the
crazy Nu. Nu possibilities, new methods, and most importantly- a Nu View on fashion
sustainability. One of openminded-ness and reusability.