Tag Archives: Fashion

How we can make fashion greener

October 23, 2017 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 33 Comments

Recently I found out that the fashion industry is among the top 5 most polluting industries in the world. It never occurred to me that clothing could destroy the ecosystem so bad, yet alone be among the top 5. To be honest, I was shocked!

 

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I’m perfectly aware of the efforts being made by some organizations and some countries in ensuring that companies are environmentally friendly. Some companies have keyed into the importance of protecting the ecosystem. But how about the fashion industry? What measures is the fashion industry putting in place? What are the fashion retailers and designers doing to make fashion greener?

I did quite a bit of digging and found out how we can make fashion greener.

 

Eco-friendly fabrics

What’s fashion without fabric? That is the live wire of the fashion industry. From the production, dying and sewing, you need to have the fabric to make that amazing outfit. Although attempts were made by designers to use other materials like plastic or pieces or metals in their creation, fabric is the most commonly used.

It was only natural for greener fashion to start with eco-friendly fabrics. Science has made it possible to use fruit and vegetable waste as ingredients to produce eco-friendly fibre. Imagine wearing outfits made of apple pulp waste and citrus waste. Some fashion designers have started using those fabrics for their outfits.

A lot can be done in a lab. For instance, scientists have been able to create bio-fabricated leather. Others were able to successfully produce cloth from spider silk. It’s amazing to see how far science has developed.

 

Using recycled materials

I find fashion quite resourceful. While doing my research I came across a fabric called Denimite. This is a recycled material made from polyester, glass and denim. It’s blue just like denim but with an effect that represents marble tiles.

Materials like Denimite are not only eco-friendly, they also helps to encourage recycling culture. It’s quite innovative and Denimite has been used by fashion designers as well. It’s nice to know that it was well-received.

There has been a spur among more manufacturers to recycle other materials to create amazing fabrics for clothing items. Nylon and plastic were used to produce fabric for outdoor gear. There has also been news that synthetic rubber was used to create boots.

 

 

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Properly disposing clothing items

Manufacturers and fashion designers are not the only ones responsible for making fashion greener. We the consumers also have a part to play in making fashion greener.

It was recorded that clothing worth billions of pounds is discarded each year. Sadly, most of those clothes end up in the bin. If you want to safeguard your environment, then you need to do something different.

There are millions of people who are in need of decent clothing. Instead of throwing your old clothes away, you can donate them to people in need. You may also sell your clothes or gift them to someone else.

 

How do you make your fashion greener?

Ever Thought About Starting Your Own Clothing Line? Here’s What You Need to Know

October 21, 2017 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , , , , 23 Comments

Have you ever found that perfect clothing line and just felt as though the designer drew inspiration straight from your head? It is almost as if the clothes were designed specifically for you because they fall so in line with your likes, dislikes, designs, and taste.

 

 

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It might even cause you to feel a little frustrated because you see how popular it is and you think of how you could be on the designing end of that clothing line. But, guess what? That designer felt that same way at some point. At one point in the life and career of that designer, they were new to the trade. They didn’t quite know what was going on or where to start. And, they probably even found themselves envying over other designers that they thought they could only hope and dream to be.

Even large clothing companies, like GCGme, had to have a beginning. The matter of the fact is, we all have to start somewhere. And, if you feel that fire and passion to join the fashion industry and start your own clothing line, then, by all means, use that fire and passion to create something unique and new. Put that drive to good use and reach for the stars.

But, if you are truly thinking about starting your own fashion line, although the fear won’t magically disappear, it never hurts to be prepared with a little advice first:

 

The commitment is real

You’ve probably heard the saying, “the struggle is real.” Well, when it comes to starting a fashion line, the commitment is real, too.

There will be a lot of trials, tribulations, and frustration along the way. So you need to determine from the beginning if you are in it for the long haul. And, while it might sometimes seem like the biggest challenge in your life, the reward will be even far greater than that.

So, start out knowing that you will need to spend several hours drawing and re-drawing your designs. You will need to be dedicated enough to visit fashion shows, parks, clothing stores, and art galleries for inspiration.

To truly design a fashion line that is from the heart, you need to be prepared to fully engulf yourself in this new commitment.

So, don’t forget – the commitment is real.

 

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You need a gotta-have-it item

The key to reeling people into your clothing line is to develop that must-have item. You have to develop that one article of clothing that nobody can live without. Then, this will take customers from loving that item to them thinking “why not try these out, too” when it comes to your other pieces.

It can be anything from a skirt to a shirt. But, start by developing that one key item that your clothing line is centered around.

Start with a prototype

It is probably no secret to you that manufacturing clothes are not cheap. And, while it might be your best work yet, there is still no guarantee that everyone will just fall in love with it. The competition in the fashion industry right now is fierce. So, you need to be sure you know what market you are getting into.

Instead of just making everything and throwing it out there, start by developing a prototype to show potential buyers what they are looking at. Not only does this save you some money in comparison to developing several of the real thing, but it might just be the deciding factor that lands your brand a spot in your local clothing store.

 

The Internet is your friend

Of course, just about every fashion designer wants to have a brick-and-mortar store. A solid, physical store that has their name plastered everywhere and is just a unit full of their products. But, the overhead on a physical store is quite high.

So, start by setting up an e-commerce store. The Internet is your friend and e-commerce is simply selling your products via the Internet. There are several sites you could use to sell your product at first. Then you could eventually get your own site to market your product using a web hosting platform such as Shopify. It saves you a ton of money, you can operate from home, and honestly, what customer isn’t shopping on the Internet these days?

 

The Final Touches

Nobody said starting your own clothing line would be easy. But, it will most likely be worth it regardless of the outcome. The experience and opportunities you will be presented with will help you in several aspects of life, for years to come.

 

Have you ever thought of starting a clothing line? Did you go ahead with it? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

*Collaborative post.

Navigating Office Dress Codes

October 20, 2017 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 24 Comments

Office dress codes can be pretty difficult to navigate, and knowing what’s suitable for the office, without falling asleep or getting fired (it can happen) feels almost impossible. If you don’t work for a company or in an environment that promotes individuality, or the open interpretation of the latest fashion trends, then chances are; getting dressed in the morning will become a frustrating task. Outfit inspiration is one thing, but actually knowing what to wear, is another.

 

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Standing before your closet, panicking, repeatedly asking yourself; can I wear my jeans or can’t I? You love-hate your sweats and you just wish you could go to work in your pajamas, after all, it’s a trend now, right? Your confusion turns to hate and your hate into heat, now you’re hot and late but still not clothed.  This results in hauling your ‘back-end’ into super speed, throwing on whatever clothes fit, whatever is close by and clean. Shoes that fit, sometimes even ones that don’t – a smorgasbord of things that make you happy and hopefully make a cohesive outfit.

How do you adhere to rules, yet clothe yourself in a way that works for your body, for your lifestyle and your personal taste? A professional setting solicits a certain attire, but it doesn’t have to be boring, and corporate clothing can sometimes carry an air of sleepiness or worse; put unwarranted restraint on our ability to clothe ourselves. But we shouldn’t let it hinder our creativity and self-expression.

A woman who works five days a week has to come up with two-hundred and fifty-one outfits a year. That excludes weekends and champagne-worthy occasions. If you’re fashion forward, you’ll understand how much extra stress this puts on you, because, of course, you need to be the best dressed you, all year round! Covered, comfortable, muted and professional are all words that come to mind when you hear ‘office attire’, but corporate wear isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

 

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Different companies, and different job titles require different ‘uniforms’. If you work in the medical field or you’re looking to work in the medical field, take notes now; you will wear a uniform to work. This always sound really bad, like the words ‘back to school’ after the summer holidays, but come Monday morning as I stare blankly at my cupboard I wish I was putting on my grade school uniform.

Another bonus to wearing a work uniform is a major saving on clothing and you can avoid landing in major debt. If you feel good about yourself you’ll be more productive. It’s something about the boost of confidence that improves your work ethic. So, it’s important to feel great when at work, that’s why taking a few extra minutes, to get yourself ready for the day, is not frowned upon.

But, no matter what your company does, or what their dress code is, your outfit should not be subject to figure flattery or what the male gaze might call sexy (secretary sexy), but should rather say “I am a professional, stylish woman, with a killer sense of personal style – thank you”. You may not make the rules but you do have a sense of creativity and a sense of identity worth celebrating, despite the context. It’s about pushing your boundaries, not breaking them.

Here are a few tips to help you rock your work attire every day.

 

Small Adjustments

Tiny styling adjustments will transform your outfit from shabby to chic with only minor adjustments. Except the popped collar, there is no room for more fashion failures in the office. But rolled jeans or all the way button shirts are the perfect example.

 

Keep it Personal

Remember to keep it personal. Don’t be afraid to add your own personal style touches. This will make you automatically feel better about whatever it is you’re wearing. If you can resonate with certain pieces, it will immediately put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

 

Accessories

Accessories are the perfect way to make your outfit feel good enough for the office and for after work drinks. The right sunnies, some oversized earrings, a couple of sparkling necklaces, or a few mood rings, will make you feel like there was enough thought and effort that went into your outfit. Which is enough to wear everywhere and anywhere – including work.

 

Bland isn’t Bad

There is nothing boring about navy, white, grey and black. Although looking at that sentence alone makes me feel a little flat. It’s all about how you pair them. Mix and match textures and prints in these colours and feel safe knowing you’re adhering to the rules, while being unapologetically fashionable.

 

Don’t be Scared

Knowing your dress code may be daunting . I am sure the link to the code of conduct has been emailed to you a thousand times. But you’re still unsure of what it said or if you even received it. Knowing the rules and regulations of your dress code, will allow you to bend them in a way that benefits you and your sense of style. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. If you’re going to spend two-hundred and fifty-one days working, you may as well feel good while doing it!

 

What do you think of office dress codes? How do you dress for the office?

 

•Collaborative post.

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