Fashion Without The Environmental Footprint

By Em Allen on January 15, 2013 in Other

Whether it’s sold at vintage stores like Grandma Takes A Trip or consignment stores like The Frock Exchange, pre-loved clothing is not for everyone, no matter how eco-friendly.

Thankfully those who care about the planet but have an aversion to wearing the clothes off other people’s backs can now breathe a sigh of relief. Designers and high-street stores are embracing eco-friendly fabrics made from organic cotton, tencel, hemp and bamboo.

One of my recent clients, Sarah, wanted a style transformation to begin the New Year but didn’t know where to find clothes that would create as little environmental impact as possible.

As a stylist I meet a lot of working mums in the Eastern Suburbs just like Sarah – they know what they like but don’t have the time to run around trying to find it. This is when a personal stylist makes good sense. I can show you where to shop, what things are worth and what works for you. In a day we can achieve more than most busy people have time to fit in over a month (or three!).

With Sarah we began with a quick wardrobe edit, which revealed a hint of an edgy past, buried by mothering. Despite a full wardrobe, Sarah was in a fashion rut – she wore pretty much the same five outfits to work and her weekend wardrobe looked tired. In fact, since becoming a mother the biggest factor affecting her outfit selection was whether or not it was clean.

Sarah tried on items while I assessed their workability, created a pile of giveaways and came up with a shopping list. The shopping list is critical. Most people make fashion purchases impulsively and wind up with a wardrobe full of clothes but with few complete outfits.

After a two-hour shop, Sarah’s purchases – including eco-friendly items made from tencel (David Lawrence) and organic cotton (Bassike) – were integrated into her wardrobe to create twice as many complete outfits as she had before.

On the streets this month I found…

Name: Sonia
Occupation: Sales manager
Lives: Brighton-Le-Sands
Fave Item This Season: Sass and Bide’s ‘Africa’ tote
Street Style: Sonia looks smokin’ in a lemon dress and leather neckpiece by Magdalena Duma, boots by RMS and an Ohara bag.

Name: Rebecca and Razor
Occupation: Interior stylist
Lives: Bondi
Fave Item This Season: Hat from Bates London
Street Style: Rebecca wears a jacket from Tuchuzy, singlet by Museum, shorts from Jatali and shoes by Anniel. She carries a travel mat by boutique pet brand www.sashandme.com.au. Razor’s collar and leash are also by Sash and Me.