Frugal Fashion for Recessionista Times

It seems all we hear on the news these days is doom and gloom about the economy, people are losing jobs, budgets are being slashed down to nothing – but that doesn’t mean that our wardrobes stop needing a little something different. Instead of the depression we hear about in the news every day, let’s talk about being smart in our purchases. In times like these, the worst thing we Moms can do is forget ourselves. Times are hard, and as Moms, we feel the pinch more than anyone else in the family.  Ladies, I am sorry to say, this is the truth!  If you are feeling bad about yourself, wishing that you didn’t have to wear clothing that is out of date, or doesn’t fit…your self esteem will plummet…and your family will feel it.

As Moms, we have had to get creative with all of our purchases, especially in the wardrobe category. One of the smartest things I’ve found lately is the notion of repurposing clothing; taking something initially intended to be a top (for example), and considering how to use that piece for a skirt, or little girl’s dress. Repurpose simply means re-using. Not only is this an eco-friendly idea, but it also is a great way to save your family’s clothing budget.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH AN OLD PAIR OF JEANS, AN OVER-SIZED TEE SHIRT, A GRAPHIC TEE, OLD SWEATER, AND USED WOMEN’S JACKET?

Well, that is the question posed to blossoming fashion designer, Leah Friend. Leah’s real job is working at a food bank in Bloomington, Indiana.  Just because her income isn’t in the hundreds-of-thousands range, doesn’t mean she doesn’t want (and need) new clothes.  She  scoured Thrift Shops for key pieces, searching for interesting details, pieces that were free of stains and signs of wear. She looked at each piece of clothing for sale as a piece of fabric.  What could be made from this fabric? This is the thought process behind repurposing.
Repurposing is especially smart for those among us who aren’t crafty.  You don’t need to be an expert seamstress, or have the ability to use a pattern.  Find pieces that already have a zipper – use that zipper and just stitch into an old sweater (or use fabric glue), and poof you have a zip-front sweater.  Use what has already been created, work around key details (like zippers, buttons, ties). Take advantage of embellishments like screen print or pattern.

Frugal fashion, tee shirt made into a skirt

This is a truly unique piece, the skirt was made from an old t-shirt; Leah used the screen print detail that was on the front of the tee, and used that as a designer detail for the front of the skirt.The waist band is from the fabric from a toddler’s corduroy overalls.The top is one we found at a consignment store.  The top is a high end boutique brand that generally sells for $50+.The whole outfit cost? $24!!

This skirt can also be taken a different direction, and used as a cute halter top.  Here,  an old pair of jeans have been repurposed into a skirt. The pants were cut apart, and a portion of the leg was used as the extra fabric to create the flair of the skirt. Total cost $7!
Stay tuned for more in this series and more great thrift shop repurposed outfits!

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