Sustainable style thread?

[FleurNancy]

I can't find one of these running. I am trying to dress more ethically/sustainably by "shopping my wardrobe", only buying second hand from charity shops or eBay and going for a make-do-and-mend/reinvent approach with stuff festering at the back of my wardrobe. Is anyone doing similar?

I'm pleased with how it's going so far and have found quite a few accounts to follow on Instagram. I've also tonight finished cross stitching a motif to cover a darned hole in a t-shirt and have bought some Dylon machine dye to dye 3 off-white tops which each have stubborn stains on but which I still like and would wear if it weren't for the stain.

I do struggle with the shopping my wardrobe aspect as I'm not always very good at putting outfits together from what I've already got but I'm getting better! And possibly more adventurous too!

I love ebay... Too much though! Need to cut down on bidding.
I've successfully slimmed into some things I haven't been able to get into for a while. Cleared out the crap from my wardrobe so can actually see everything. I have a rule of wearing one item a day I haven't worn in a while. Keeps things rotating and good for finding new combinations of outfits. I look for gaps in my wardrobe to fill when shopping eg I knew I needed denim shorts and had just chucked a long sleeve black top so that's what I looked for next, rather than browsing aimlessly.

What colour are you dieing (sp) the tops? Sounds good.

I'm doing this I've been trying to have a capsule wardrobe for a while and am getting there.

I have a list of things I want which I keep searching eBay for. It's handy having certain things that I know fit, especially with trousers - like I know which Gap jeans fit so can do a search for them. And I know what size H&M and Next trousers fit so can search for them too.

I ended up going for smoke grey dye. I had wanted a bottle green but wasn't convinced by the two dark green options they had. Might not work but the tops will never get worn otherwise so worth a try. One is quite viscose-y so not sure how it will take though.

Love the idea of wearing one thing each day which hasn't been worn in a while, will try that. I'm going to wear my freshly cross stitched top today I think. I'll post a photo as I'm really pleased with it.

I do a lot of this although not, if I'm honest, just for ethical reasons. It's also because second hand is the only way I can afford to buy the kind of clothes I like. I don't use Ebay though - once clothes have been worn and washed I want to see them for real before I part with my money. I know I'd get sucked into that cycle of buying things that aren't right and having to sell on, and I spend far too much time online as it is. Charity shops are very random round here but we do have an excellent dress agency and I'd be stuffed without them.

I find viscose takes to dye pretty well but watch for any stitching as that will almost certainly be polyester and won't take the colour.

Have to say I only buy new on ebay after receiving some items in poor condition - if they are listed as used it's risky. Still loads of brand new bargains to be had. The denim shorts I just bought were £11 Inc postage. Same as the ones I saw in store last week for £20. Got some brand new leather uggs for £60 and I'm certain they are genuine... Would have been £150 new.

Love the idea of customising! Must try this.

Yes, the sizing is always a risk on eBay. I need to learn to stick with what I know.

Here's my customised t-shirt. There was a little hole which I sewed up then cross stitched over. So pleased with it!

FleurNancy that's amazing!

I like the idea of this... I have been making my own clothes lately - some are new material but also trying to reuse material we have lying around. Still learning - some ideas have worked better than others!

Thanks Felix! I'm going give the machine dye a whirl tomorrow... And see what else has holes in!