Revive Brisbane happened last Friday & I was fortunate to be one of the speakers, talking op-shop shopping, 2nd clothing and keeping unwanted clothing out of landfill. Brisbane City Councils Waste Management department is behind the Revive pop-up fashion festival because Australians currently send 6,000kg of clothing to landfill every 10 minutes! Seriously what!
I walk my talk so could wear anything from my wardrobe but thought if I demonstrated what was possible and included it as my commentary, it would have a better impact. So I set myself a challenge: Find an outfit from an op-shop to wear and refashion it in some way.
Monday July 20, I volunteered at Suited to Success, so afterwards I shopped in their store.
I found a backless dress, fully lined with some long fringing at the hem. New with tags sold to me for $10.
Now the thing I LOVE about upcycling things is that most of the fiddly sewing has already been done for you. The lining is made, the zip is installed, buttonholes are already stitched and hems are in place. All I had to do was a little tweeking to fit me. So you can do this yourself, here are the steps I took.
I also bought the t-shirt from Suited to Success for $5 – a Aniye By already upcycled by the designer, but a great example of what you could do at home. Matched with my own Gucci shoes bought in Florence back in 1993. Walking my talk!
I hope this inspires you to do some refashioning yourself at home. Maybe you have a garment in your own wardrobe you would like to change into some thing more wearable. Challenge yourselves this week to upcycle something and enjoy wearing it.
Enjoy your week.
Cat xo
