It's December 1st which means its officially summer, do a little dance in my chair! Usually, this time of year for me means jumping onto the UK Topshop, ASOS and Urban Outfitters websites and scrolling through their sale items which of course consist of all their previous season's summer wear. But, as you you know I'm now a conscious consumer which certainly means bye bye Topshop.

But, what's the alternative to buying new fast fashion clothing, I obviously want to look good this summer?

DIY + REWORK+ TRANSFORM + UPCYCLE

Take care of your clothes and learn to repair and update them yourself. Amongst all of the other great benefits it is extremely rewarding..."Whaaaat you designed that yourself?" Get ready to hear that question ALL. THE. TIME. Fashion should be about expressing your individuality, but we live in a consumption driven society where companies mass produce products quickly and cheaply in order to capitalise on the ever changing consumer trends.

image: thevintagetwin.tumblr.com 

What are the benefits of DIY

1. Cost, obviously
2. Supporting positive change, less consumption and sustainable companies
3. Disrupting mass market fashion
4. Prolonging the life of clothing, making something tired & old, young again. Like a face lift!
5. Adding a unique spin onto everyday items
6. Expressing individuality - nobody else will be wearing it!

Image: anthropologie.com

Top 5 tips for DIY

1. Think about the style you want to rock this summer, don't just grab a pair of jeans and scissors and start chopping away. Pull out each item of clothing you want to revamp and jot some ideas down, even create a Pinterest board with some DIY Inspo
2. Make a home workshop, give yourself some space to lay out your supplies; cutting mat, scissors, x-acto knife, tape measure, needle and thread, and a mirror. You can certainly introduce more crafts and supplies once you start to get more creative. Do not under estimate the time it takes sourcing materials.
3. Try on the items of clothing you are transforming and mark off where you are going to cut from and to. For example if you are creating some shorts out of jeans, remember don't take too much off to start with, you can take more off later but you can't add more on. Great advice from ispydiy.com
4. Stay safe, place your clothing on the cutting mat and watch out for fingers as you cut. If you are cutting a tricky angle or a tough material ALWAYS get someone to assist you, don't screw up your style.
5. Get creative, add some embroidery or embellishment to finish off your style

[vc_row row_type='row' text_align='center' css_animation=''][vc_column width='1/1'] Follow ecomono's board DIY Wardrobe on Pinterest.[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Top 5 Bloggers, who have certainly given me some upcycle inspo:

1. Honestly...wtf!  
2. I Spy DIY 
3. PS - I made this
4. a pair & a spare
5. The Vintage Twin

I would love to see some photos of clothing, accessories, homeware etc that you have upcycled. You can send them to sam@ecomono.com.au or tag me in your photos on Instagram @ecomono_

Coming up soon...

One of my next blog posts will discuss how to stay sustainable this festive season whilst purchasing gifts for others. We've just had Black Friday on November 27th but the chaos of christmas shopping will continue throughout December and beyond into the January sales. To hear more sign up via the home page to be the first to receive my weekly blog updates.                                                                                                                Image: psimadethis.com                                                                                                                     Image:honestlywtf.com