Style Fix

I’ve heard of dumpster divers. I’ve even heard of freegans and people who dig in dumpsters behind food suppliers to find their meals. Then in the artistic world, I am familiar with making art from “found objects,” meaning that you use materials that might otherwise be considered trash.

But fashion from trash? That’s a new one to me, but it’s not new to Haute Trash, a nonprofit that has been turning trash into high fashion since the 1980s. (Hmm … maybe that’s what bebe was attempting to do with their 2007 dress that looked like a torn trash bag.)

When founder Susan “Polly Ethylena” Lamela was discouraged by low quality expensive clothing, she put together a fashion show where high quality designs were made out of trash bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and duct tape. Today, the Haute Trash fashion shows continue, using refurbished materials including paper, old raincoats, construction site fencing, bottle caps, wrappers, computer parts, and so much more.

Haute Trash has several talented fashion designers, both young and, um, less young, and puts on several fashion shows along the west coast of the U.S. throughout the year. Upcoming events include:

* Oregon Country Fair, July 10-12, in Vaneta, OR. This is Haute Trash’s 10th year of performing at OCF!

* Summer Nights street festivals in Nevada City, CA, Wednesday evenings in July. Look for the 2010 calendar, postcards, and clothing and accessories all made by Haute Trash designers.

* Nevada County Fair on August 14, at 5:30 p.m., in Grass Valley, CA. This will be Haute Trash’s sixth year showcasing at the NCF.

Photo taken by Doug Bulger at the Sixth Annual
ReStore Show.

For one day only this weekend - Saturday, May 23 - Old Navy’s ubiquitous, bright colored flip flops for adults and kids are on sale for just $1 per pair! I already have about ten different colors from previous summers, but this sale means that I can replace my black and my white ones that have holes worn in the heels and still afford to grab some new colors, too!

Back in October 2008, when we were all thinking about winter boots, Payless was planning an earth-friendly spring collection with Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network’s Planet Green fashion and beauty expert and author of Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty, as the footwear brand’s eco consultant.

The Payless green shoes collection - zoe&zac - has arrived!

The sandals, flip-flops, wedges, girly sneakers, mary janes, and brag that they are first and foremost stylish and affordable … and then they just happen to be green.

“The most common misconception about sustainable fashion,” said Oakes, “is that it comes in one color and looks one way - neutral, boxy, baggy, shapeless. The best sustainable fashion is invisible and that’s what zoe&zac is all about.”

The shoes are “designed to leave a smaller (carbon) footprint” by using sustainable materials including:

* organic cotton
* nickel-free hardware
* faux leather and suede
* hemp
* jute - a strong, glossy plant fiber
* recycled rubber
* water-based and nontoxic glues
* elastic made from recycled plastic
* tagua nuts - known as the “vegetable ivory”
* eco-smart packaging, too! - boxes made from recycled shoe boxes and soy inks

Plus, every pair off women’s and girls’ shoes in the collection retails for under $30! For a limited time, Payless donated $1 to plant a tree with the Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign for each pair of shoes purchased. Unfortunately, that special has already ended; however, $1 will be donated for each reusable tote that you buy from Payless to carry your new eco-chic shoes home in, now through December 31, 2009.

Yesterday I dreamed about four “wishful thinking” pieces for spring from 3.1 Phillip Lim worth over $2,000. Today, I am getting a little more realistic and trying to find some affordable alternatives that, while they will likely be noticably lower in quality, mock Lim’s elegant asymmetric draped tops and dresses. Unfortunately what I quickly learned is that the inexpensive stores and brands have not yet picked up on the flowy asymmetrical look. I did, however, find some statement making pieces for less.

This watercolor print wrap dress by Daisy Fuentes will certainly give anyone’s wardrobe a springtime pick me up. It’s on sale at Kohl’s, so the price changes daily. For now, the $54 dress is on sale for $32.40. The cut is a classic one that will never go out of style and the pattern is reminiscent of the painted look that I loved last spring.

Over at Gap I found a flowy tank for cheap - just $16.99 right now - that actually includes some tailoring details so that you look curvy rather than like a parachute. Plus, a bow on one shoulder alludes slightly to an asymmetrical nature. It is also available in a minty green stripe.

At American Eagle you can snag this tank top in five different colors for just $24.50 each. This royal blue shade is easily the most sophisticated, paying homage to the many designers who have played up blue and white this season. I’d be sure to try this one on before buying though; AE pictures have gravely misled me in the past (just ask the tank tops hanging in my closet with the tags still on them).

I have not lost a single pound of weight this year. I have, however, turned almost all of my fat and flab into toned muscle. I have slimmed down a lot - and none of my clothes fit me anymore! I knew I needed to invest in new clothes that fit, but being on a budget I also knew that I had to find the best deals.

So I have been waiting and waiting for Kohls’ Lowest Prices of the Season. Kohls may change their prices more often than most people change their underwear, but when they declare them to be the Lowest they aren’t lying. Plus, I feel that Kohls is the best quality-to-price ratio. And yesterday started the season’s lows - so I went shopping!

I bought a few new shirts, a pair of sandals to replace some grubby ones, but mostly I hunted for new jeans. It was a little depressing. Yes, size 4 was falling off of me when I was previously a 6 to 8, but it was sad. I have no hips or butt and thus cannot wear women’s pants. I had to shop in junior’s. After digging through the ridiculous fade marks, fake paint splatters, and pre-made rips, I found a pair that was decent and brought them home.

When I got home, I discovered a hole starting in the crotch of my favorite splurge jeans and was even more upset. But then I went through my closet and found four pairs of jeans that fit perfectly! Just a few months ago these pants were too tight!

Need new clothes? Consider shopping in your own closet first!

Kohls’ Lowest Prices of the Season are here! The chain store changes their prices on a daily basis, but right now they really are as low as they will go. Sale started today, Wednesday, April 22.

Yellow is definitely a hot color for spring! This has always been my opinion, but lately a lot of celebrities are stepping out in the sunshiny color too.

Tomorrow, April 14, Oprah’s daytime talk show will be all about country music and will feature several top country singers and musicians as guests, including the lovely Miss Carrie Underwood and her stunning yellow cocktail dress. I am so jealous! This has to be one of my favorite dresses of all time! Also appearing with the vegetarian American Idol will be, shown from left to right in this photo, Sugarland duo Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, Oprah herself, and Kenny Chesney.

Kelly Ripa also tossed a splash of yellow on her tiny, muscular, envy-inducing frame when she launched the new Electrolux limited edition Kelly Green shade today, April 13, in New York City. With or without the menswear-inspired suit jacket over top, this frilly top is a perfect look for the mother, talk show host, actress, spokeswoman, …

Search and shop by color at ShopStyle and find your own springy yellow look including dresses, tops, swimwear, and more, ranging from affordable to dream worthy only. Here are some of my favorites, found using ShopStyle:

This Ruched Georgette dress, $150, from Banana Republic, is a perfect feminine, warm afternoon outfit.

Now this one is a real steal! This Forever 21 yellow, black, and white color block top is insanely cheap at $8.80.

Too timid to deck yourself out in canary? How about just a punch of color with a lightweight scarf? One of these is $12.50 at Old Navy, while the other is $260 from designer Shirise. Can you guess which is which? Here’s a hint: my budget range is on the left.

Victoria’s Secret college-age girl line of clothes and cosmetics, Pink, has been growing and expanding lately, now including vegan products, eco-friendly packaging, and more. Pink has especially expanded its interactive and online features. The newest way for teen and twenty-somethings to get involved is by joining the VIP access community Pink Nation.

Pink Nation, which will officially launch at the end of this month, is an exclusive club where members receive free gifts, special offers, and the inside scoop on the brand.

If you join now, before the official launch, you will receive a free gift (no purchase required!) and $10 off any $35 purchase. The free gift and discount will not last. You have to join Pink Nation before March 31 in order to take advantage of this great offer.

Head to the Pink Nation site, click the “join now” graphic, provide your basic contact info … and you’re in! Then print the image as instructed and take it to a local Victoria’s Secret to claim your free gift.

Online discount shopping boutique RueLaLa has featured many fabulous designers and labels in the past, but never have they tempted me as much as they are this week. Currently - as in run to the site right now because they are almost over - there is a Lucky Brand and a Free People clearance boutique! Lucky Brand and Free People!

The Lucky store is open now until tomorrow, March 12, at 11 a.m. The Free People store will be up until Friday, March 13, at 11 a.m. Other current and upcoming features include Signoria Firenze, now through tomorrow; Birkenstock, now through Friday; and Via Spiga, tomorrow at 11 a.m. until Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m.

RueLaLa is a free, invite-only site that provides members with access to deeply discounted designer merchandise. Leave a comment if you need an invite!

The small, eco-friendly, vegan footwear and fashion accessories company Georgette, based in Belgium and working only with family-run companies in Italy and Spain, is sadly going out of business. But the good news is that boots in many styles, heels of every height, pumps, flats, sandals, and more are going quickly at around 50 to 75 percent off the original prices. Fine crafted European styles that were once 100 or more Euros are now in the 20 to 25 Euro range.

Georgette is an animal-friendly, high quality boutique that was founded and run by twin sisters. Their faux fine Italian leather and meticulous craftsmanship makes for a top-notch product.

I found this tip at the Swanky Veg. Keep up with this blog and you will be in the loop for blowout vegan sales like this all the time.

I don’t know about everyone else, but as I am learning to live on a tighter budget and spend less money on my wardrobe, I am constantly thinking about how to reuse, reduce, and recycle clothing. I’m attempting to bring the environmentally friendly green movement to my closet. Other folks must be on the same wavelength as me; specifically Allie of Allie’s (Green) Answers.

Among other ideas, products, and advice, Allie provides her readers with a daily green tip. Last week, her tips were recycling themed and featured plenty of ideas for what to do with old electronics, computers, … and clothing! Check out her suggestions for fleece, bras, glasses:

* Donate You Old Eyeglasses

* How to Recycle Your Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder

* Recycle Your Fleece

And of course, you can always donate or exchange any clothes in decent condition at consignment shops and the like.

Merry Christmas to all today!

The big shopping holiday has finally arrived and you know what that means … get ready for some great after Christmas sales, clearances, deals, offers, etc.

But for now, enjoy the day; celebrate in style. Don your red or green: both are allowed only subtly. Ditch the themed sweaters, unless your gracious grandma that bought it for you is standing nearby. And, as always, stay warm while looking as tailored and stylish as these impressive little munchkins looked at the Christmas tree Party on Wednesday, December 17 in Monaco as they posed with Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Princess Caroline of Hanover.

And, of course, if you don’t celebrate Christmas: Happy Hannukah or Kwanzaa or Human Light!

Just can’t wait to get spending? Read up on how to maximize your dollar during after the holidays sales at any or all of these cheer-spreading shopping sites:

* Chiff provides tips on how to utilize every coupon, sale, discount, and more.

* Frugal Living at About.com details how you can pile savings on top of savings.

* Dealio has links to several stores after Christmas bargain specifics.

* After Christmas Sales tracks the sales for you, providing details, deadlines, and links.

* eHow: How to Survive the After Christmas Sales offers up some useful, albeit comical, tips, too.

But you know … you could always stay home and spend the day trying on all of your duds and hosting a fashion show for any family members willing to watch.

If you haven’t signed up for the online, designer sale, members only club Rue La La yet, there’s still time to do so before the current sales for Nicole Miller and Michael Kors Bedding expire.

Every two days, Rue La La launches a new, short-lived boutique featuring merchandise from one brand or designer label. Each boutique hosts current fashions and products at 30 to 80 percent off regular retail pricing.

Sign up today and skip the waiting list with this VIP membership code offer:

* Visit www.RueLaLa.com.
* Select “Invited by a Member.”
* Enter this e-mail address as your key to get in: VIP@ruelala.com.
* Shop and save!
* Then, invite your friends to join, too, and you will earn $10 to spend at Rue La La each time one of your friends joins and makes their first purchase.

Other upcoming sales will feature John Hardy jewelry, Delman shoes, Alexis Hudson purses, and clothing by Shoshanna, BCBG Max Azria, and Theory.

Payless Shoes seems to have decided that, while expensive stores are dying out, they are going to have a new market of shoe shoppers looking to save a dollar without sacrificing style. Having that realization, the store has decided to jump on the bandwagons of two popular retail trends: being green, and collaborating with top designers.

Be Green. Back in October, Payless started production of their first environmentally friendly line. Due out early 2009, the shoes will blend current trends in style with sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, recycled soles, and more. Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network’s Planet Green fashion and beauty expert and author of Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty, will serve as the footwear brand’s eco consultant. With hope, the shoes will be cheaper and cuter than Natalie Portman’s Te Casan designs.

Collaborate with Big Names. Christian Siriano, a.k.a. Project Runway’s season four winner, signed a deal this week with Payless to create a line of shoes and handbags exclusively for the affordable store. The new collection will be unveiled at Siriano’s runway show at New York Fashion Week in February. The designs will be available in fall 2009, with an estimated price range of $25 to $45.

While you await the arrival of the new green and Siriano lines, take advantage of Payless’s BOGO (buy one, get one 50% off) event, which is happening now. Current collections in Payless stores include designer collaborations with Lela Rose, Patricia Field, Alice + Olivia, and Abaete. The store also carries Airwalk, Champion, American Eagle, and Dexter.