More Tips for Recycling and Repurposing Your Clothes Featuring @themedianmoda

It sounds kind of stupid to say it, but honestly... just stop! Wear what you already own. Chances are you probably just haven't thought to combine items in your existing wardrobe in ways that are interesting and exciting for you. Take some pieces out of storage, try a few color combinations that feel risky to you, pair pieces that seem seasonally out of the ordinary, etc. Whatever it takes to get out of your comfort zone and make yourself feel like the stuff you own is enough. That way you're shopping your own closet instead of buying something new.

Remember that trend cycles are ephemeral and pretty much exist only to entice you to spend money. When is the last time you hopped on a trend and continued to wear that item of clothing for years or even decades to come? 

Before you impulse buy, see if you already have something similar in your own closet (trends are cyclical)! If you're an elder millennial like me, everything you wore in high school is trendy again for some reason. Another good compromise is shopping at thrift stores,  you'll spend less money and give somebody else's unwanted clothes a new home.

Be honest with yourself about why you're holding on to a piece of clothing. Why don't you wear it? Does it just need a quick repair or adjustment, or does it really not fit? Does it no longer match your style? Is it uncomfortable? Maybe you don't like the fabric or the color. If it's something that isn't easy to fix or just isn't worth the effort for you, it's probably time to pass it on to somebody else!

I'm not the craftiest person in the world, so this isn't one of my personal strong suits, but this is why I'm always on the lookout for upcyclists and sewists who need fabric donations like @earthlyfortheplanet. I prefer to donate directly to them rather than to thrift stores because then my clothes are far less likely to end up in a landfill. 

If you’re like me and not as crafty, there are many other things you can do with old clothes and textiles.  I know people have lots of success turning old clothes into rags, or stuffing pillows or pet beds, etc.

Part of why my swaps are so successful is that I match people together in pairs based on their size and interests. It's a lot of work, so I don't necessarily recommend this approach for everyone! 

For those interested in participating, you can check out the Style Blogger Index at https://themedian.moda -- this is a directory of fashion Instagram accounts organized by size and the basis of how I match people up for swaps.

PJs: Matching sets or mix and match?
Matching sets (but I'm excited to mix it up!)

Slippers: Yes or No
Yes!

What’s the one part of your nighttime routine you never skip?
Skincare... what can I say, I'm vain!

What’s always on your bedside table?
A stack of half-read books.

Night owl or Early rise?
Unfortunately, both.

What’s your favorite breakfast in bed?
Coffee, croissants, and crosswords.