Shop Your Closet: Repair, Recycle, Revamp and Re-purpose

By VanessaTello (view all posts by VanessaTello)
at 9:07AM Wednesday August 25, 2010
under Money Saving Tips

In desperate need of a new wardrobe and simply don't have the time (or money) to spend hours shopping? Chances are you've got plenty of suitable items hiding right in your own closet. Perhaps it's a well-loved item that looks a bit worse for wear, or a recent purchase that doesn't quite hang right.

Here are a few tips to take you from drab to fab again:

Repair

Have a favorite shirt with stains you simply can't remove? A perfect solution: pre-soak the stains for about an hour with laundry detergent. Then wash in the warmest water for the fabric type.

Have a few dollars to spare? Re-line old handbags and jackets. Go to your local fabric store and pick out your favorite patterns to update either item. Another option would be to find a tailor that is offering specials. You might be able to throw in those shoes you have been meaning to repair.

Recycle

Old clothes that you simply refuse to throw away taking up space? Grab those old jeans or pants and cut them into shorts. Maybe even capris, depending on what's in style. Even old blouses and t-shirts can look new with a few snips here and there. Adding new fabric to certain parts of shirts gives them a retro look. If you want to sparkle, bedazzle your t-shirt. Thinking outside the box and looking at some fashion magazines will give you great ideas.

Revamp

Want to revamp your wardrobe without buying a new one? Purchasing some accessories will refresh your look. With Fall upon us, great colors to use are pale blues, deep reds and rich purples. Throwing a few scarves, a pair of ankle boots and a necklace or bracelet into your wardrobe will update your look to chic.

Re-purpose

Thinking of buying a new jacket and throwing away the old one? I wouldn't recommend it. Take a look at your old jackets. Some of them may just need a few new buttons. Even replacing the buckle on them can make the jacket look good. You could even cut the sleeves of shorter jackets to a quarter length. It'll make them wearable for those cool nights.

These are a few ideas that can help update your wardrobe, but remember imagination is everything. Never be scared to wear your own creation. You never know--you may become the next trendsetter.