More Recycled Treats

I want to pick up where I left in the previous blog post and show another couple of garments which I managed to find at the Leeds Community Clothes Exchange .

I had for at least a couple of years been looking for something like this beautiful bolero, and there it was just hanging in the top section at the June clothes exchange. As I often wear dresses but don’t want to bring a long-sleeved cardigan everywhere I go, I believe that this type of clothing is an excellent solution.

This old-pink crochet bolero only goes half way down my back, which is perfect if when wearing my purple dress that has a little bow which ties half way down the back. This way it allows the bow to stay visible and not just looking like a random lump underneath a standard cardigan. This garment may not keep me warm but it’s pretty and it’s a smart choice when going for dinner parties.

Next up is this knitted light pink cardigan with its interesting shape. It has long sleeves and is longer in the back. As there are no buttons, I instead clip my blue fabric flower to it. This is another great option when wearing a smarter dress or top.

Recycled Treats

One of my highlights is to go down to 25 spaces in Leeds for the monthly ‘Leeds Community Clothes Exchange’. One of my friends works there and I will hopefully soon be volunteering there. It’s usually the last Saturday of each month. However, thanks to a grant, the space is currently being refurbished.

It’s a great concept where people bring their clothes and accessories down to this little place and then exchanges them with other people’s items. This does not only enhance the community spirit but also fulfills the aim to ‘reduce consumption and raise awareness of unethical consumer habits’ as written on its Facebook fan page.

Since moving out of my last house and going through all my hundreds of garments, which I never really use, I managed to get a whole bin bag full of clothing. So I will be dragging that down to the August clothes exchange.

First time I ever went, about a year ago I think, I managed to get this amazing knitted blue/turquoise poncho that I wear all year around. It’s convenient when sitting around a late evening fire as well as when going shopping.

Last month I brought four garments (one of my favorite dresses which was too small, two tops and a tang-top) and obviously got to choose four new ones. I got this lovely 60s inspired dress with a lovely pattern in white, black and yellow. What I like the most about this dress is that I can wear one of my short lace skirts underneath it, which makes it look like a tutu. Also, I do love the neck line which makes me look a bit slimmer on top.

Nana's Wardrobe

The best place to find a stylish vintage garment that no one else has, is your mum’s wardrobe from the 50-80s, or in my case; my grandmother’s wardrobe. My 80 year old nana from a small little village in Sweden had the greatest fashion sense of all time I would say. I have many times rummaged her wardrobes for shoes, bags, dresses and so on. Although, my nana was really skinny (and still is) and had a great figure, while I am stuck with my plus-size curves, therefore, I couldn’t fit in all of it.

One of my favourite findings is a beautiful long-sleeved black dress with green flowers on it. This dress, with its high collar and green buttons all the way up to the neck, is made from a very elastic and thick fabric. Unfortunately, the tag is long gone so I won’t be able to describe the fabric better than that.

I have used this dress hundreds of times since I found it, around 16 years old of age, therefore, it’s been washed many times, but it still looks the same.

A few years ago I told my nana that this is my favourite garment and that I would cry if I lost it. Nana then laughed and told me she bought it between the 60s and 70s for a funeral! Now, I was a bit shocked since this is a very short dress and if you undo the buttons, frankly, I think it’s a bit too revealing for funeral. Well all I could say was “good for you nana” and thanking her for not throwing it away and letting me find it 40 odd years later!