Posh Swaps Blog

Si:Su is a label that design beautiful and ecological clothing and was founded by three graduates of Swansea Metroplitan University, Hanneke Van Ryswyk, Rachel Bryan and Helen Stew. The collections include casual for everyday wear and romantic pieces for special ocassions. All of the clothing is 100% recycled even the buttons and thread. Each item is completely unique and made from luxurious fabrics such as satins, silks and cottons with vintage ribbons and lace.

They also only use vegetable dyes and source all of their fabrics within the UK, especially in South Wales. All of the production is based in South Wales. The clothes are both nostalgic and contemporary with a handcrafted detail.

Yet another very good reason to go green. si:su can be found at Green Trading.

picture from www.craftstylish.com

How to update an 80’s Prom dress - Threadbanger

This post gives detailed instructions on how to restyle an old prom dress so that it looks really up to date. It also allows a bit of your own creativity for a completely unique prom dress. A great idea if you hahen be ve an old dress packed up in the attic, I also wondered whether this could be applied to an old or second hand wedding dress that could dyed to make a very special prom dress.

a Shrug and Skirt Set out of an Old Sweater - Threadbanger

This is a great way to restyle a sweater. The skirt looks quite short but would look good worn with leggings. The shrug would look great with a vest top or a dress.

Board Shorts out of an old suit - Threadbanger

I love this idea, it could also be adapted to use a floral material, or whatever material you like for some different tailored shorts for the office.

A recycled necktie scarf - Craft Stylish

A great way t recycle old silk ties into a gorgeous scarf. You can pick the patterns / colours for the look that you would like to achieve.

Refashion a boring cardigan - Craft Stylish

This shows how to get a plain and boring cardigan and make it into something really different and unique. I love the colours of the cardigan.

Refashioned Blouse - this mama makes stuff

a great way to turn a shapeless blouse into a more fitted style and adjust the sleeves. This post shows how you can change or customise something if you don’t like it.

Refashioned denim skirt - Burda Style

Add new life to a denim skirt. The frills and paint give it a really up to date and cutting edge feel.

Vintage Lace Tank Top - Into the fray

Yet another great idea for making something very ordinary look special. I love the lace used on this one but you could use whatever trim you like.

Embroidered Hoody - Burda Style

A great way to recycle an old hoody. Again this technique could be used for all sorts of things including t shirts and polo shirts. You can really get creative.

Recycle old jeans into sandals - Wikihow

This video made by the thegreengirls.com shows you exactly what to do to make your old jeans into sandals. A great idea for  an old pair of jeans that has worn out and is no longer wearable.

I am loving all of the creative and innovative ways that designers are finding to create somthing new from something old. I have just discovered LauraLaura an exciting and affordable new label. It is created by London based designer Laura Hearn. Combining classic styling with vintage twists, LauraLaura’s range of knitwear and accessories is fashion with a conscience - all created from unwanted items.

Born out of a love of trawling car boot sales and markets, LauraLaura is a reaction to disposable fashion - pieces that can be treasured beyond a single season and that breathe new life into otherwise redundant objects.new from old, re-working the unwanted to create captivating clothing and accessories.They source the best second-hand knitwear (always 100% wool) to hand embroider with our thoughts and create unique accessories from the forgotten; fabric remnants wrap old bangles and odd buttons become adorable earrings.

Every piece is truly unique, and with the right care can be treasured for years to come

Alternative Fashion Week is produced and presented by Alternative Arts and this year will be held on 20-24th April at Spitalfields London. Alternative Fashion week as the name suggests is different to other fashion weeks. It is open to everyone and free to designers to enter. It has an amazing atmosphere with 15 shows each day held in the vibrant fashion market.

Alternative Fashion Week has strong environmental concerns and actively encourages designers to use recycled and ethical materials. The number of ethical and eco designers increases each year. This years eco friendly and recycled collections include:

Laura Booty Cherished possessions, discarded nick-knacks, unwanted rubbish create glamorous dresses

Colchester School of Art & Design Recycling & reworking garments for men over 60

Cooltan Arts ‘Make Do and Mend’ collection of customised recycled clothing

Holly Dutton Bobbie’s Boutique Nostalgic collection using organic cottons, hemp and bamboo

Lu Firth Precious Mary Tailor made pieces using recycled materials

picture Laura Booty from www.fuk.co.uk

I love the one shouldered dresses that are in the shops at the moment. I decided to have a go at making one myself using a dress that I bough from a charity shop for £5. It was a fairly easy project and only took an hour or two (not great pictures I am afraid but I hope to invest in a better camera soon). The dress was a navy long/ maxi style with an empire line. This is how I restyled and recycled it into a one shouldered dress.

1. I tried it on and worked out where to cut.

2. I finished the cut edge by turning over twice pressing and sewing.

3. I sewed part of an old scarf along the neckline.

4. I finished the cut edge of the other half of the scarf, tied around the empire line of the dress and secured with a few stitches on each side.

There are endless possibilities for restyling clothes into one shouldered dress or tops. You could embellish with all sorts of ruffles, flowers, patterned or contrasting trims made using a piece of clothing that is no longer wearable.

Today I found a great idea for customising or reworking second hand clothes at archdiva on Etsy. This vintage mens suits has been reworked for women by sewing lots of different buttons onto the lapels and trim onto the lapels and pockets. This is a great way to make men’s jacket look a little more feminine whilst keeping the loose shape for an eighties feel which is very much in fashion at the moment. This is definitely a simple DIY project for anyone to try but with a great end result.