Living a “greener” lifestyle is the goal of many people these days. By understanding the impact of what we purchase and how we use it, we make more informed choices. This responsiveness has led to legislative changes worldwide and the formation of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition whose primary job is to create a database for every company involved in clothing manufacturing, and monitor how the products they make affect the environment. This global operation will lead to environmental improvements to the clothing and fashion industry across the planet.

But do you ever ask yourself, “What can I do to help the “green” machine in my neck of the woods?” By shopping at Goodwill you are doing your part, one treasure at a time. This keeps incredible, usable items out of landfills, while also helping to fund the vital programs Goodwill provides for your community.

My mom would call it “making something out of nothing.” Creativity and style is all about taking the green ethic a step further with your fashion statement. I’m not talking about the color green. Instead, it’s about the idea of reusing, repurposing or upcycling items that can be found at your local Goodwill Store & Donation Center, into new and better items.

Remaking clothes is not a new concept. For example, the tailoring business was a very lucrative trade in days gone by, simply because people did not replace their clothing when they lost or gained weight, or hemlines changed. Rather, people worked with what they had. You can’t argue with that practical way of thinking. Nowadays, the fashionable trend for thrift shoppers is to go out and specifically look for things that they can make into new garments for either themselves or their family. For those wanting to learn more, there are classes and reinvention workshops available, and even websites dedicated to reclaiming fashion that’s past its prime.

Even if you’re not handy with a needle and thread, there are resources online and at the local library that can guide you through project ideas in simple, easy-to-understand ways. Below I’ve assembled a fine tuned list of books and websites that are really helpful, encouraging and even motivating. Deciding how to best reuse something fantastic that I’ve found is definitely a challenge sometimes, but with a little help, it’s so much fun. Do your research and start shopping at the Goodwill Store & Donation Center for materials to start your own fashion upcycling journey!

WEBSITES

http://www.newdressaday.com/ This website is very unique, in that the author remakes things every day. She also dispenses advice and publishes pictures of her reader’s projects that are made using her instructions.

http://www.instructables.com This site allows readers to upload their instructions on how to make a variety of things from other sources, including fashion. It’s a very good resource for the crafty-inclined or upcycling curious.

BOOKS

Find online or at the local library near you for more ideas on wardrobe transformation!

Altered Clothing: Hip Fixes and Transformations with a Needle and Thread, Paperback. Kathleen Maggio (Author).

Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt, Paperback. Megan Nicolay (Author).

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special (Spiral Bound) Faith Blakeney, Justina Blakeney, Anka Livakovic, Ellen Schultz (Authors).

Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters, (Spiral-Bound) Stefanie Girard (Author).

Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags, Paperback. Faith Blakeney, Justina Blakeney (Authors).

ReSew: Turn Thrift-Store Finds into Fabulous Designs, Paperback. Jenny Wilding Cardon (Author, Illustrator).