Sometimes less really is more, especially when it comes to our wardrobes. In fact, some professional women and bloggers have made a lifestyle choice opting for a permanently clean closet in exchange for a minimalist wardrobe consisting of their most significant separates. And with Shop Drop 2016 underway this January, now is the perfect time to explore the concept of sparse, more sustainable style.    

If the idea of minimalist living intrigues you, but the thought of jumping headfirst into the stereotypical austere existence consisting of less than 5 pairs of shoes – gasp! – frightens you, then you’re actually the perfect candidate for taking the Shop Drop pledge and partake in 30 full days of retail restraint. This means, rather than ditch the majority of clothing you already own, simply agree not to add to your current collection, aside from consigned, thrifted, or swapped fashion, for one month, beginning in January 2016.

The Shop Drop challenge is being hosted by Rachel Sarnoff over at Mommy Greenest, and is sponsored by the largest online consignment and thrift store thredUP, with the intent of this public project aimed at breaking the fast fashion cycle. Sarnoff’s blog has some interesting facts regarding the impact our retail habits and clothing have on the environment that are worth sharing:

• The average American woman spends $60 on clothes and trashes six pounds of textile waste each month.
• If the 160 million women in America took the 30-day shop drop pause, nearly one BILLION pounds of landfill waste could be saved.
• If 1,000 women sign up (the Shop Drop pledgee goal) for the challenge, then 6,000 pounds of textile waste, on average, would be saved.

So, if thrifting for clothes and accessories more often, or simply deciding to shop and own less altogether sound like some techniques you’d like to use in order to whittle down your wardrobe, then it’s important to know what steps you can take to accomplish your goals. Although the Shop Drop challenge is a great place to start, we’ve got some other suggestions on how to get started with minimalism for a more streamlined, sustainable wardrobe that’s still big on style.

Below, we have highlighted several conscious fashion tips from popular minimalist living blog Into Mind, combining her invaluable advice with a few suggestions from us. This little list should undoubtedly provide you with some useful advice on how to begin approaching the lifestyle.

• Into Mind states that a wardrobe is not minimalist because of a smaller size, neutral palette, or lack of patterns or details, but because it follows the key of idea of minimalism, which goes like this: purge everything that doesn’t make you happy or enrich your life, and make room for the things that do.
• Rather than cram your closet full of purchases made on a whim or a bunch of bargain buys (like fast fashion) that you only sorta kinda like, really take the time to think about what works best for your lifestyle, your body type, and your personal style. We say: make sure you’re spending your cash on something worthy – a piece that won’t find its way into the trash after a few weeks of wear.
• Into Mind emphatically states that a minimalist wardrobe shouldn’t be misconstrued based on the idea that it’s supposed to be tiny, and that the number of pieces you actually own are up to you, but should adhere to a quality over quantity notion.
• Start the sorting process by isolating all of your favorite pieces (the ones you wear again and again) and create another pile for the things you haven’t worn in a long time. Then, figure out the differences between these two piles (color, fit, style, etc.) so you can determine why you wear some more than others in order to avoid making the same buying mistakes in the future.
• Check out Into Mind’s excellent guide on how to build the perfect wardrobe utilizing the site’s ten basic principles, like selectivity, definition, authenticity, etc., that are too practical (and awesome) to ignore.

Consider testing the waters of a minimalist wardrobe by challenging yourself to Shop Drop 2016’s goal of 30 consecutive days’ worth of retail restraint. This will definitely help you get a feel for the less-is-more-lifestyle, allowing you to slowly ease into the concept rather than jumping in feet first.

What do you think about the Shop Drop challenge? Could you thrive on a minimalist wardrobe, or just survive? Do you think this lifestyle helps or hinders your creativity? Let us know what you think on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Hanging Clothes via Shutterstock

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It’s no secret that consignment shops can be fashion gold mines. “Is that a Dolce&Gabbana dress for $75?” Yes, dreams can come true. But beyond the wallet-friendly style porn of such establishments, the conversation is turning to the eco-chic side of vintage.

Fashion pathfinders have been going in this direction for a few years now, to reduce waste and introduce mission-focused elements to the way they conduct business, or the products they sell. Betabrand, among others, has a policy of creating creating seasonal, one-time products with any fabric that’s left after making clothes, rather than letting it go unused. The fundamental environmental plus-side of consignment shops, however, is rather intuitive: Recycling.

That seems to be the bottom line of Greene Street, a quintessentially SoHo-esque boutique that emphasizes, above all else, the ecological benefits of consignment shopping. Though Greene Street has several tri-state area locations, it’s this one, with its brick exterior and close proximity to the likes of Chanel and DSQUARED2, that truly stands to make eco-chic effortlessly fabulous. “When you shop at Greene Street,” states the retailer’s blog, “you’re finding one of a kind, quality pieces and helping to eliminate the estimated 68 pounds of clothing that can be discarded by the average person yearly.”

Stylistically, there isn’t much that sets Greene Street apart from others in the consignment space. The model is simple: Bring in your high-quality, used items, and earn 40 percent on whatever is sold. It is, however, unique in its emphasis on eco-fashion, especially in this lower Manhattan neighborhood. In large part, SoHo carries what some describe as an aspirational character, embodied by the super-wealthy shoppers that frequent the area. Greene Street, however, leverages its adjacency to such a coveted setting, to advertise an opportunity for consignors to make a profit for good. It speaks to the “quality, not quantity” philosophy echoed by designer Vivienne Westwood. If clothing is made and treated well, as high-end pieces often are, it benefits both the buyer and the seller: The former, because it lasts longer (at a discount, no less), and the latter, because it’s more likely to resell. Either way, because this practice reduces the need to procure newly-furbished clothing, the planet comes out as a clear winner.

It could be said that Greene Street, which was established in 1997, is something of a pioneer in the green consignment space. While similar shops are beginning to appear, at least two of which contain “EcoChic” in their names, few seem to really emphasize the environmental benefits of consignment quite like Greene Street does. It paves the way for further mission-focused opportunities, such as partnerships with like-minded social enterprises, and a model for retailers, new and existing alike, to follow.

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Image: Greene Street Official Facebook Page

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The fall shows are over and though we won’t see those collections in stores until the end of summer, we still need to start busying ourselves with the tasks at hand.

As eco-fashionistas looking to reuse and recycle to maximize our wardrobe’s potential, now is the time to get a jump start on incorporating the trends that will flatter an independent sense of style.

Designs shown at this year’s Green Shows prove producing clothes sustainably and ethically is no longer a style compromise for contemporary eco-designers. But, with the economy seemingly teetering on a pair of cheaply-produced heels, be extra-discerning with your remaining clothing budget. Thanks to vintage, thrift and consignment stores, rounding out your eco-designs with a few second-hand finds is a thrifty and environmentally sound solution.

Happily, the 2010 trends lend themselves beautifully to the creative urban rummager. Ranging from menswear for women to layers and decorative patchwork (yes patchwork) here are some of next seasons most easy-to-green trends:

Marc Jacobs fall 2010, Courtesy of Elle

Menswear: Borrowing from the boys has been an enduring theme. Beyond the vest, the boyfriend jacket is still a strong option because it so effectively pulls together a diaphanous spring look when slung over the top. While in the menswear section, keep your eyes open for a velvet dinner jacket. Fall’s velvet crush is most flattering as a tailored piece but the fabric is really everywhere.

Mothlove, fall 2010

Layering: Working equally well Spring or Fall, were a profusion of looks anchored by the presence of tissue-thin knit turtlenecks. You can utilize this layering piece to take existing items from the specific to the seasonless. Create a neutral background you can contrast with the pop of a colorful, revealing, or avant-garde piece on top.

This look played out with many designers showing dresses over trousers and, more daringly, socks with sandals. While a great excuse to unbox last years summer shoes early, it requires paying close attention to the subtleties; ensure sandals are chunkier than the socks. For the most leg lengthening effect, wear nude colored socks. Alternately, replicate the rock and roll effect of the bootie trend by matching socks with the color of the shoe.

Trenches Reworked: In uncertain times we often look to the classics for reassurance. This take on the trench has a decided twist though. Appearing cropped and swingy at the waist, reworked as vests, or simply cinched with a contrasting dress belt, there are many options for remaking a cast-off trench coat. For the uninitiated sewer, your tailor can help.

Chloe fall 2010, courtesy of Elle

Patchwork: A rustic look that’s not for the sartorially faint-hearted! Just ask the Partridge Family! Patchwork, as a decorative motif, has returned in outerwear and across denim lines. If you’ve ever fancied yourself beginning a sewing project, this is the season to get out the bag of scraps.

Of course, the point here is fashion is meant to be fun! If all this is starting to sound like hard work, don’t worry. One catwalk trend is low effort and entirely democratic; apply a swash of vibrant red lipstick and sport it like the models, with minimal make-up. Try a natural, paraban-free variety such as RMS beauty’s Lip2Cheek: Rapture or Josie Maran’s sheer-red shade, Devious. Both in recyclable packaging no less!

Top photo Burberry fall 2010, courtesy of Elle

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