Ralph Lauren's Transformation

How did a thrifted Ralph Lauren buttoned-down denim maxi skirt transform to 2 zero-waste garments? Commitment.

Way back in college, I committed myself to advocate sustainable clothing and my first project (actually, it was also our homework for Parson's online course) provided me the avenue to create zero-waste garments. Like love, it entailed passion, sacrifice and constant choice. I admit to not having much experience, given this is my first project, but I was happy to take the risk and discover more about myself and the process of pursuing your passion.

When I looked at the thrifted, buttoned-down denim maxi skirt, I immediately knew I could create two garments out of it and I knew that one of them was a high-waist button-down short denim skirt. As I was cutting the maxi skirt, I saw the vague possibility of making the other half an off-shoulder denim top. We'll get to that later.

I watched several YouTube videos for references on altering clothes and I found that April's Thrifted Transformations were the best (check her out!). Although I didn't completely follow her process, her videos were very helpful.

To make it zero-waste, I folded excess fabric neatly inside to make the lines clean. In that way, no fabric from the maxi skirt was unused and cut away. I would have to say that this was probably my biggest challenge, but it was great 'cause solving the problem through different ideas was exciting. Plus, I was pushed to be more resourceful and patient (talk about #growth). Speaking of patience, the off-shoulder top tested me the most because of the sleeves. It took me 2 days to figure out what to do with the sleeves! I originally planned on leaving it loose so that I could just tie it around my arms with part of the sleeves hanging but I didn't like the way it looked so I adjusted and made it look like a rose... or maybe a bun? So, ta-da!

Now, I get two additions to my wardrobe, and it only cost me $4.00! There's nothing more fulfilling than working hard profusely and seeing the fruit of your labor- all that while knowing you helped the planet and other people (see Lamb's Farm, the non-profit organization I got the maxi skirt from). I'm very proud to share my first ever zero-waste project here because deeper than my personal style is the advocacy of doing good.

P.S. Here's the before and after picture:

Shop: Lamb's Farm Thrift Shop

Lamb's Farm is a non-profit organization that helps people with developmental disabilities grow

14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048

(located at the intersection of I-94 and Route 176)

#zerowaste #sustainablefashion #thrifted #growth #socialenterprise #vision