Maybe you’re ready to hit the ground running with spring’s new fashion trends but are concerned about the ecological impact of your wardrobe overhaul. From vibrant neons to statement stripes, there are several new looks on the list that, if acquired, could potentially put a dent in your wallet and on the world around you.

Fortunately, you can incorporate these popular pieces without forfeiting your fashion fantasies. With some ingenious DIYs and invaluable tips, we’ll be sharing different ways to green your favorite spring trends. Be sure to use this guide in tandem with this post, so you can make the most out of your endeavors.

1. Romantic Lace

This trend is all about the soft and feminine side of things contrasted with something edgy. One way to achieve this is by sifting through your closet to find pieces that you could add lace to. A pencil or midi-length skirts would be perfect candidates for a revamp. Plus, you don’t even need to buy brand new lace. Check thrift stores for lace pieces or the fabric store for remnants. And take a cue from Honestly WTF on how to turn a basic slip dress into something fabulous. Toss on a faux leather jacket to complete the look. 

2. Stenciled Stripes

Bold black and white and colorful stripes are trending for spring. Luckily, this look is easy to recreate. By using some painter’s tape on an old tank or t-shirt, you can breathe new life into a stale piece. I Love to Create has a simple and easy tutorial on doing exactly that. We could also totally see this turning into vertical stripes on a plain, flat front skirt, or even as a horizontal detail across a pair of jeans.

3. Customized Bra Tops

We’re totally predicting that this trend is going to spread like wildfire over the next few months, so be sure to get your mitts on some bralettes and bra tops that you feel great in. For this particular look, we suggest repurposing a sports bra by pairing it with your athleisure looks—you can even add lace embellishments to the cups and band for extra special personalization. Nevertheless, sporty undergarments are in, as are simple bra tops that resemble your basic shelf-style or wrap around bikini tops which could be worn in lieu of buying something new. If you already have a black bra lying around, and are feeling inspired, the cage bra tutorial from Hello Gwen is a must-see!

4. Crafty Florals

Bold florals are taking the fashion world by storm, and with a little patience, you can turn everything solid in your closet into a garden party garment in no time. Fabric paint, a few homemade stamps in different shapes, and a small brush for adding details can easily fill an entire skirt, or small sliver of clothing, like a collar and cuffs, with plenty of flowers. The tutorial from Mr. Kate is a great jumping off point for getting your ideas out of your head and onto the canvas. Oh, and it uses a thrifted white button down, too.

5. Peek-a-Boo Shirting

Ah, yes, the button down shirt. A wardrobe staple that is always evergreen means it probably won’t be difficult to get your hands on one or two or ten of these. Heck, you can even raid your man’s closet—we won’t tell!—because oversized is in, as is a fresh take on cut outs. Take the tutorial from Plan B, for example. It features cool, no-sew cut outs that you can add to any button down.    

6. Revamped Athleisure

With an ’80s/’90s street-inspired jumpsuit and tracksuit vibe happening on the runways, you might be able to pick up a few interesting finds from thrift stores. Otherwise, you can definitely DIY a few pieces. Color is in, so freshen up your solid leggings with a vibrant geometric stencil and some fabric paint like The Pretty Life Girls did. Tie in your tops by using a hint of the same pattern somewhere on the front or back. Repurpose thrifted t-shirts by turning them into tanks, or if you’re handy with a needle and thread, add some colorful patches and fabric details to your current collection.

7. Neon Dye

This fun new trend has a lot of potential. Bright, bold, and unapologetic, neons have a place in a spring or summer wardrobe. With some naturally sourced dyes, or store bought if you really want that blinding shade of yellow, then you’ll be well on your way to creating a unique masterpiece. Look for sheer tops in light colors that will take dye easily. Round up white clothing, like dresses, skirts, and even pants, which can usually be found—and spotted easily—in the sea of second-hand colors. Play with the dye process. Dip dye, tie dye, or ombre, rather than saturate the whole thing like she did at Itty Bitty Impact. That’s turmeric, by the way!

Which of these DIY hacks are you going to try first? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 7 Fab DIY Eco Hacks to Get the (Green) Look: Spring Trends 2017 appeared first on EcoSalon.

Reduce waste and put a personalized touch on your holiday gifts this season with these DIY gift bags. These rustic stamped bags make the perfect vessel for all your holiday gifts and the recipients will love that you made them yourself.

These DIY gift bags are fun and easy to make! Involve your kids for a fun crafting session and teach them the importance of recycling while you’re at it.

The waste that accumulates during the holiday season is largely due in part to gift wrap and shopping bags. According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash during the holiday season. If just three presents per American family were wrapped in reused materials “it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.”

By repurposing shopping bags into gift bags, you reduce your holiday waste and save money. The only cost you’ll have for this DIY project is the accessories like washi tape, stamps, ink, and ribbons. But you can reduce those costs (or avoid them altogether) by reusing materials from past gifts.

Gift bags are preferable to the environment than wrapping paper since wrapping paper is torn apart upon opening. Gift bags, however, can be reused for years to come. Encourage your gift recipients to reuse the bags instead of disposing of them after.

There are also alternatives to using tissue paper in gift bags. You can use already read newspapers or magazines neatly crumpled instead. If you get some weird glances at the holiday gift exchange, simply explain that you are choosing to reuse materials in order to cut back on waste.

Tips

I like to use Anthropologie bags when I make these since they are solid and sturdy enough for reuse. You can cover the store logo on the bag with a strip of decorated washi tape. If you don’t have any extra shopping bags on hand, then you opt for brown paper craft bags made from recycled materials.

If your reused gift bags and/or tissue paper are wrinkled you can make them look like new again with an iron. Heat an iron over low heat with no steam and then press the bags and tissue paper until the wrinkles are gone. Be sure to turn off the iron after and move it away from the bags and paper.

You can also make this project even more eco-friendly by making your own stamps from wine corks! Pair them with eco-friendly stamp pads made from non-toxic ink to avoid harsh fumes from chemicals.

DIY Gift Bags

What You’ll Need
Shopping bags
Washi tape
Holiday themed stamps
Stamp pad
Recycled gift tags
Ribbon or twine

Directions
Flatten your shopping bag and place it on a hard surface. Press a stamp into the ink pad and then press the stamp onto the bag. Make sure to press evenly to ensure the ink fills out the stamp shape. Repeat until desired design is achieved.

Place a strip of washi tape over the shopping bag logo. Trim the tape so it hits the side of each bag.

Let the stamped bag dry for about 10-15 minutes. Once dry, flip the bag and repeat above on the other side. Let dry for 10-15 minutes more.

Decorate each gift tag with a matching stamp and tie onto the bag strap with a piece of ribbon.

Fill decorated bags with gifts and top with recycled tissue paper. Happy gift giving!

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Images via Karissa Bowers

The post Super Simple and Chic DIY Gift Bags: Reduce Your Holiday Waste with Style appeared first on EcoSalon.

Part of the appeal of spring and summer is hitting up a really good yard sale or flea market – not only is it good for the environment but it’s also hella fun, especially when you find that special piece. So, check out my tips below for a majorly successful trip.

Growing up I’ll never forget the panic that set in every time I saw one of those little hand-drawn signs while riding shotgun with my mom. It almost always meant a sudden slam of the brakes, a quick flip of the blinker, and a figurative middle finger to the poor soul who happened to be behind us at the moment. My mother didn’t just have FoMO, she had FoMOOYS, otherwise known as Fear of Missing Out On Yard Sales.

She and I did this for many weekends throughout my childhood, often scoring some of the best household furnishings for a fraction of the retail price. Mom definitely taught me a thing or two about how to haggle, how to be selective, and how NOT to drive, so now I have the opportunity to pass those tricks of the trade on to you. The tips below are designed to make yard sale and flea market navigating fun, successful, and safe for a bargain-filled summer. Enjoy!

1. Early Bird

Sorry night owls, the early bird really does get the worm when it comes to snagging the most sought after pieces. Planning your route in advance, checking newspapers and the internet for sales, and arriving when the doors open are your best bets for snapping up the most popular items. This also means: don’t even think about going out on the night before! Bright eyed, bushy tailed, and hangover-free is how you want to attend flea markets and yard sales, and try to get out there on opening day to avoid having to shop the “leftovers.”

2. Cash is King

The chances of being able to use a credit card or personal check is slim to none at these types of sales, so having plenty of cash on hand, with a few bills in each denomination, is the best bet for getting the best deal. Being able to put your money where your mouth is, on the spot, is a great bargaining tactic. Remind the seller that you’re paying in cash by saying something like, “I can give you X dollars, cash, for such and such.”

3. Size Matters

Delivery isn’t a guarantee, so make sure that the size of what you’re looking for fits the size of your vehicle. There’s not much worse than realizing you can’t fit that treasured credenza in your compact especially if you’re miles from home. Ask a friend with an SUV or truck to come with and offer to buy breakfast. Also, a measuring tape and predetermined measurements of where your items will live is a must.

4. Quality Control

Just because you’re buying second hand doesn’t mean your purchases shouldn’t be up to par. Don’t buy furniture that has major flaws, like deep scratches or broken legs. Also skip out on poor construction, particle board, and any items that have bugs or bug droppings. Clothes should be free of stains and holes, and whatever you do – don’t buy used cosmetics.

5. Deep Breath

You may know you’re scoring the deal of the century by snagging two authentic Eames chairs for next to nothing, but try to contain your enthusiasm. Until the deal is closed, sellers have the right to change their minds. Remember, this isn’t antiques roadshow, so try not to rub in just how much more money the seller could be making for your items.

6. Fuel Both Tanks

A car running on empty is unacceptable for a day filled with treasure and bargain hunting, but so is an empty stomach, so fill up your car and your belly before departure. Also keep a stash on hand, a mini cooler is best, because staying hydrated and having snacks is the key to avoiding dips in blood sugar and putting a damper on your stamina and negotiating skills.

7. Last Call

This is for when you happen to still be shopping at the end of the day and sellers are eager to pack up. Many people will let things go at a bargain in order to avoid having to repack the item into their trucks, or it’s the last day of the sale and they just want everything gone. The special finds may be gone, but practicality still exists with this technique.

Are you ready to score some deals?! Share your favorite yard sale and flea market finds on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Furniture via Shutterstock

The post 7 Tips for Summer Yard Sale and Flea Market Shopping Success appeared first on EcoSalon.

Turn those sweaters you’ve been meaning to drop off at the fabric recycling bin into functional and fashionable items using these repurposing ideas.

We’ve all felt that sinking feeling when something happens to make our most comfiest of sweaters unwearable. Whether its a hole developing in a super noticeable spot (I am not above mending a hole in the armpit) or whether its a stain that didn’t come out from that super stain-y yellow curry (true story), the fact of the matter is that stuff happens. Comfy sweaters are unfortunately an ephemeral  phenomenon, and every good thing must come to an end. Don’t despair though, your sweater can live on. All it takes is a little inspiration, creativity and some clever repurposing ideas to transform your favorite sweater into a useful upcycled diy project.

From hot water bottle covers to arm warmers and everything else in between, here some ingenious repurposing ideas for reusing your favorite (or not so favorite) sweaters.

9 Repurposing Ideas for Old Sweaters

1. Sweater Patchwork Blanket – Cuddle up under a super warm and cozy blanket you make from repurposed sweaters. Collect sweaters from the thrift store or ask family and friends for contributions.
2. Hot Water Bottle Cover – Whether you hurt your back or need to warm up the bed sheets, a hot water bottle is a useful thing. Add a cover using made from and old sweater to make it more presentable.
3. Cool Bangle Bag – Turn a frumpy sweater into a chic bag using this easy project.
4. DIY Sweater Pillows – Who doesn’t need a few more cozy pillows on the sofa? Make some up from those older sweaters.
5. Sweater Mittens – You won’t have to mourn the loss of your favorite sweater, instead you can turn them into your favorite mittens.
6. Boot Cuffs – Boot cuffs are a great way to add some texture and color without adding bulk by actually wearing bulky socks.
7. Asymmetrical Sweater Wrap – Turning a sweater into a fashionable wrap is a super clever repurposing idea.
8. Arm Warmers – Turn sweater arms into practical arm warmers.
9. Lampshade Redo – Add some texture and color to a boring lampshade with this project idea.

Related on EcoSalon:

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Top Image: South Granville Live

The post 9 of the Best Sweater Repurposing Ideas Just in Time for Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.

Many of us survive off of bottled water and often drink other beverages out of plastic bottles. And, they’re hard to avoid.

Quite simply, it’s difficult and expensive to satiate all your thirsty needs with beverages packaged in glass, especially if you travel a lot. But even when you use plastic bottles, there are ways to extend their life cycle beyond one beverage.

Oftentimes, local faucet water quality is low enough to raise safety concerns, making bottled water the next best option – to say nothing of the convenience of an on-the-go plastic bottle beverage. However, the result of plastic bottle usage is that we are filling landfills with waste that could otherwise be re-used. Not to mention the health risks associated with exposure to plastic.

Here are 4 unique and fun ways to upcycle plastic bottles.

Before we dive into what you can do with used plastic bottles, let’s look at where we are today with a few astonishing statistics. Some 50 billion bottles of water are purchased each year, and despite existing recycling programs, 80 percent of these bottles end up in landfills. About 17 million barrels of oil are used to make bottled water annually. Bottled water costs 1,000 times more than tap water and the plastic leaches toxins into the water, which has been linked to reproductive problems and even cancer.

Upcycled Ideas for Plastic Bottles

1. Decorative Flowers

Cut off the bottom end of the plastic bottle, a few inches up its length. Then, use scissors to cut strips, from the cut edge to just below the cap. Fray the strips by pulling them up and flattening them, creating a petal-like effect. Use a marker or paint to decorate the “petals” and you’ve got yourself a flower. Make several flowers and connect them together with wire to hang them around the house or in kids’ rooms.

2. Water Sprinkler

This is just pure genius. Attach the top of the bottle with the end of a hose. Fasten the two together so that the hose perfectly enters the bottle without any leakage and that it is exceptionally secure in place. Poke holes at the bottle of the plastic bottle and turn on the water. This apparatus can be used to water plants or for play.

3. Paint Project

The bottom of most plastic bottles also has a flower appearance. Dip the bottom of plastic bottles into various colored paints and press them against paper to create consistent flower designs. This is a great craft activity for children who will be proud of their clean-cut and colorful designs!

4. Food Storage

If you don’t have a Zip-Lock bag around, take a regular plastic bag and make your own seal-savvy feature. Cut the top of plastic bottles a few inches down the throat. Store grains, legumes and other food products in a plastic bag and push the top of the bag through the underside of the cut plastic bottle and up through the open top. Press the edges of the bag down and over the edges of the circular opening and secure the cap. You’ve got yourself an easy-to-open-and-close, tightly-sealed storage bag.

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Photo Credit: Steven Depolo

The post 4 Ways to Upcycle Plastic Bottles appeared first on EcoSalon.

Hong Kong based upcycling brand, Lastbutnotleast, is stepping up to the plate to take a swing against mass production, inferior quality, and unethical working conditions with their inventive upcycled clothing ideas.

Today it’s almost too easy to go to a chain retail store and find an article of clothing for super cheap. You can find an item such as a shirt for as little as five or ten dollars. Fast fashion is an obscene epidemic the industry and more upcycled clothing ideas like Lastbutnotleast are changing the way we view fashion.

The dedicated enthusiast behind this movement is fashion designer, Toby Lam, who has observed the fashion industry first hand with all of its skeletons hiding in the closet. Lam’s dream of a happy marriage between style and sustainability became a reality in 2013 with Lastbutnotleast. The purpose of Lastbutnotleast is to not only present fun, new upcycled clothing ideas, but to also raise awareness of how dangerous fast fashion is to us and our environment and shed light on the unfortunate practices in the industry. There must be a better way to handle clothing that’s either old, no longer a trend, or damaged, and Lastbutnotleast is showing us how.

Clothing items that no longer serve a current purpose can be sent to Lastbutnotleast with the person’s new and refreshed idea for the garment. Lastbutnotleast will offer design sources and then go through the brainstorming process. With a deposit, a sketch of the new look is made and once the client gives consent, alterations can begin. Then VOILA! Just like that, you have a top that was formerly a pair of pants!

Lastbutnotleast’s upcycled clothing ideas are always unconventional and uncommon, in the coolest ways of course. It can take anything and transform it into something completely unfathomable. Shirts become pants, pants become a dress, you name it and it can be done just like magic. No fabric or material is ever wasted either. Any leftover scraps are constructed into added details on a garment.

Bringing the attention back to the concept of fast fashion for a moment, mass produced items that come at a cost of enslaving human beings, torturing our animal friends, and trashing our planet is outright inconceivable and unacceptable. Is there really even a point to buying a $9.99 top that will be worn once and then tossed in the garbage to sit in a landfill for years? Is it okay to force someone against their will to stitch labels for over half the day with just a few coins as compensation? Why are beautiful, innocent animals being abused or killed for human vanity? Think about it.

Through the efforts of Lastbutnotleast, we are given an opportunity to start turning things around for our earth and our future while supporting a small business. We need to start considering the fact that if we don’t stand up for the sustainability of our world, we will exist in a very dim factory-like environment. Lastbutnotleast has come to us at the perfect time to help us protect our surroundings, our animals, and our people.

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Image via Lastbutnotleast

The post Lastbutnotleast’s Upcycled Clothing Ideas Will Have You Thinking Twice About Cheap Fashion appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnGet your mod podge ready ladies for these rad DIYs on how to revamp your old shoes and make them into modern cool shoes.

Extend any shoe’s lifetime and create your own style — with these foundational tutorials, the possibilities are endless. Dream, glitter and glue away.

1. Dolce Gabbana Embellished Shoe

Too much? Never. Have fun with this embellished shoe tutorial via love maegan.

2. Dipped Chanel Toe

Scuffed toes? Turn any shoe into a nod to mega-brand Chanel with these Dipped Chanel Toe via Stars for Streetlights.

3. DIY Maison Martin Margiela x Converse 

Just paint ’em white! If Maison Martin Margiela did it for Converse, why can’t you make your own cool shoes?! via Converse.

4. Doily Wedges

Ingredients: Mod Podge, Lace and Patience for these Doily Shoe (with great video tutorial) via Makezine.

5. Twinkle Toes

Click your heels together and transport them to a long lasting life of glitter and glam with Twinkle Toes via A Little Glass Box.

6. Comic Book Heels

POW! just took a whole new meaning with these Killer Comic Book Heels via iron spy.

7. Leopard Print

Lusting over a basic outfit with the perfect pair of cheetah shoes? DIY! Great video tutorial on how to get it just right via Maksimized and detailed description on how to draw realistic leopard spots via Mr. Kate.

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The post 7 DIY Ways To Turn Old Shoes into Cool Shoes (Again): On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Turn your old bras into awesome new accessories and garments with these fun and easy DIY projects.

Don’t throw away your old bras just yet – you may find that one of these 5 amazing DIY projects is the perfect solution for your faded, torn or broken bra. Whether all you can salvage are the straps, or maybe you just want to vamp a boring bra into a chic bralette, these projects are the ticket to keeping your old bra from going in the bin.

1. Upcycled Bra Strap Headband from Spincushion Those strappy headbands that look so simple but elegant can easily be made from an old bra strap, and even embellished with a fabric flower or some vintage buttons. Use plain straps for a clean and preppy look, and printed ones for a more stylish touch.

2. DIY Bralette Top from Chictopia Got an nice bra that  you don’t really wear that often but can’t bear to throw away? Or maybe one of your bras has lost its straps but you can’t really wear it without them. Well this bralette top is the perfect feminine addition to your Spring/Summer ’14 wardrobe  and can be customized for your personal style.

3. Scented Bra Pouch from Craftbits A simple and cute way to recycle your bras is by turning them into a little potpourri pouch for your lingerie drawer. Just choose your scent of choice and turn your old bra into a sweet, little pouch.

4. Bra to Bathing Suit DIY from Tasha Delrae Finding the perfect bikini top can sometimes become a challenge – if only you could find one that fits as perfectly as your favorite bra! This DIY tutorial will teach you how to do that in your bathing suit fabric of choice. Make a pair of bottoms to match too!

5. DIY Adjustable Bra Strap Bracelet from [a few good things] Another super cute way to upcycle your bra straps is by turning them into a simple but classy bracelet. Personalize yours with a bead or embroidery. These are a wonderful gift, and one that no one would ever guess came from a recycled undergarment!

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Images: Spincushion, Chictopia, Craftbits, Tasha Delrae, [a few good things]

The post 5 Awesome DIY Projects to Upcycle and Recycle Bras appeared first on EcoSalon.

ColumnAccessorize any outfit with these ten DIY jewelry brooch projects you can easily make at home. 

Each DIY jewelry brooch project below is super easy! Add a pin or even magnets (so not to poke holes in any shirts or dresses) to the back of each brooch for an instant accessory. Customize with feathers, colors–just have fun and let your creativity play!

1. Flower Pin Brooch

This very easy DIY flower brooch is brought to you by the United Blogs of Benetton. Really just a matter of glueing the pin on and finding the right flowers at your local craft store, it will spruce up any white button up. You can pin them along the collar or in a cluster on the chest.

2. Decoupage Badges

An ode to David Bowie, this DIY tutorial by Rookie Mag can be great starting point for any brooch you want to make. Using a wooden base, Mod Podge, bar pins, and whatever pictures you want, it’s a super easy guide to creating a colorful brooch.

3. French Pouf Chiffon and Tulle Flower Brooch

One of our favorite’s, this French pouf chiffon and tulle flower brooch by Love Maegan is a delicate statement accessory. And, as with all these DIY brooches, you can pin them on to a belt or in your hair too!

4. BBQ Brooch

This BBQ Brooch by P.S.- I made this, is perfect for thrifty recyclers. Made from napkins, plastic forks, a coaster and whatever bedazzle you want to add, it’s a summery pop of fun.

5. Bejeweled Flower Brooch

Fabric scraps, glitz jewels and time is really all you need for this bejeweled flower brooch by Go Make Me. The project is originally intended for a headband, but you can glue a pin or magnets to each flower to create a brooch.

6. Felt Flower Brooch

This felt flower brooch tutorial by Cynthia Shaffer not only explains how to make a felt flower brooch, but also how you can dye the fabric to vary it’s color. Why not take it a step further and use natural dyes?

7. Vintage Brooch Corsage

A Beautiful Mess calls this DIY brooch project a “dressed up version of a floral brooch.” You can follow their entire tutorial, or simply add feathers to a brooch you already own.

8. Pearled Knot Brooch

Very classic and clean, this pearled knot brooch by My White Idea originally sprung out of a Mother’s Day present project. Sailor glam? Why not!

9. Detachable Flower Pins

A fresh, simple DIY project that you can pin to your shirt or even on your bag like shown above. This detachable DIY project by Matter of Style reminds us of the flowers on Marc Jacobs’ Daisy perfume, but even better because it’s created by you.

10. Baubled Brooch

Inspired by Tom Binns’ neon necklaces, Cupcakes and Cashmere explains how to spruce up a vintage brooch by adding nailpolish to color its gems. Choose what ever colors you have at home to upcycle a found brooch.

Want more DIY? See Also:

DIY: 10 Stylish Handbags You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

10 DIY Bracelets To Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Things To Do With An Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 Pretty Little Clutches

images from the DIY sites

The post DIY Jewelry: 10 Sartorial Brooches You Can Easily Personalize: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Nationally, 11 million pieces of clothing are thrown away each year: This week’s On Trend is a nod to Sass Brown’s new book, ReFashioned: Cutting-Edge Clothing From Upcycled Materials, featuring 46 designers who are using pre- or post-consumer fabric waste to create beautiful fashion. 

Fabric production takes a ton of resources and energy to produce, so getting the most out of every piece makes sense. While it’s true that one person’s rubbish is another [ecologically-inclined, outside-the-box, responsible person]’s treasure, the magic spin these designers put their found materials through are so transforming you’d never be able to tell someone once wanted to toss it. This is upcycling at its best. 

1. Denim denim Rug by Nudie Jeans

Using only 100% organic cotton, and ensuring “anyone who participates in manufacturing” is paid a living wage, Nudie Jeans is a rockstar company. But as their denim denim rug shows, they care about the end of lifecycle process too. These rugs are made from old, worn out Nudie denim. The discarded jeans are first cut into strips, then handwoven using indigo dyed thread (the same thread they use in their jeans).

Nudie Jeans, $599

2. Anna by From Somewhere*

From Somewhere is one of the best known fashion labels using pre-consumer textile waste. They’re most famous for their Speedo dresses made from the Olympian swimsuit LZR Racer Elite’s overstock material after regulations banned the style. Their more recent collaboration with TopShop and Reclaim to Wear transformed surplus stock into new garments that were sold in limited editions. This shirt is a beautiful example of how From Somewhere reclaims fabric waste from high end fashion brands “bringing quality and craftsmanship to ‘exquisite rubbish.'”

From Somewhere, 220 GBP

3. Let’s Ketchup Card by Bloomin

This card is adorable, a little quirky, and a great way to connect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. How is this upcycling? This card is not only made with 100% post-consumer paper (really, who needs to new when you can reuse), it’s also filled with wildflower seeds! Truly the card that keeps on giving.

Bloomin, $3.50

4. Reclaimed Wood Cookbook Stand by Stacy Borocz

A beautiful (practical!) addition to any rustic kitchen, this butcher block cookbook stand will excuse your cookbooks from being held open with an olive oil bottle. To make each piece, Stacy Borocz travels around Europe reclaiming timber and upcycles them into home decor pieces. This single piece of sturdy wood could have be gathered some any old building, and each tells a different story.

Uncommon Goods, $115

5. Baby Chicken Earrings by PearlReef

Who would have thought something as grimy and used up as bike innertubes could be turned into adorable chick earrings?! Each set of upcycled earrings are custom made, and you can even work with the designer and order a specialized pair. (Unfortunately, baby chicks not included.)

Etsy, $15

6. Division Tunic by Piece x Piece*

Piece x Piece “is a personal response to the overwhelming amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. Every year, thousands of sample fabric swatches are discarded each season and up until now it has been difficult to imagine a useful purpose for them.” And yet, Elizabeth Brunner, founder and head designer of the label, has masterfully filled that gap with her work, addressing the problem piece by piece. Each garment is made in San Francisco in limited quantities.

Piece x Piece, $290

 7. Nippleocalypse Dress by Rachel Freire* (main article image) 

This designer designer transforms a true waste product, cow nipples (!), into something truly romantic.

Want more On Trend? See Also:

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Covering Up With Ethical and Organic Leggings: On Trend 

Personality Pops With Patterned Pants: On Trend

Classic Trends in Dichromatic Black and White Sophistication: On Trend

images from the brands, collage by Juliette Donatelli with featured design by Rachel Freire*.

*Designers featured in Sass Brown’s new book

keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsiLK

The post The Unbelievable Value of Upcycling Clothes 7 Ways: On Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.