‘Tis the season to overhaul your wardrobe. As holiday deals and steals flood the racks, you may be looking for your next look or items to compliment your current one. But with new and improved ensembles filling up your closet, you may find some clothes no longer fit in your closet or your life.
Don’t fret: your once-prized fashion pieces don’t have to meet a gruesome end in the garbage. Here are some ideas on what you can do with clothes you don’t want to kick the bucket.
Financially support your fashion habit
Let’s be honest, being a fashionista can be financially taxing. Luckily, shops like Plato’s Closet can help. This shop buys and sells gently-used, fashionable clothing. If you’re looking to get rid of some clothes, Plato’s Closet accepts walk-ins. They pay in cash or store credit. The nearest Plato’s Closet to campus is located at 7161 West Broward Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33317. Their business hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and they can be contacted at 954-583-4773.
Create a new place to lay your head
If you know how to thread a needle and do some basic stitching, or know your way around a hot glue gun, crafting your old clothes may be the way to go. Winter break is fast approaching and what better way to catch up on some sleep than by resting your head on a homemade pillow? With some old clothes, scissors, stuffing and binding material of your choice, you’ll have a unique accent for your bed, couch or recliner.
To craft your own pillow, choose a piece of clothing you want to get rid of and cut out two of the same shape. You can choose two different materials if you want. Flip the fabrics so that the sides you want to show are facing each other. Either sew or glue around the edges of the shape, leaving only a small hole. Using the small opening, turn the fabric so that it’ll be right side out. Stuff the pillow, sew or glue the opening and voila: your one-of-a-kind pillow.
For more tips on creating your own pillow, go to wikihow.com/Make-a-Pillow.
Set up a swap party
In the event that you’re part of a fashion pack and have a few well-dressed friends, you can always pass on your possessions to those you know will take care of them at a swap party. At a swap party, people trade the clothes they no longer want for new-to-you ensembles. Think Plato’s Closet but with the people you love instead of strangers. Since the holiday season usually coincides with peak party season as well, inviting about 8-10 friends to your own swapping shindig will be in keeping with the spirit.
For information on how to plan your swap party, go to realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/everyday-celebrations/host-swap-party/tricks-of-trade.
Give your garments to charity
Of course, you can always take your fantastic fashion sense and pay it forward. There are multiple organizations that provide gently used clothing to those in need, including the Salvation Army. Donations can be taken directly to The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center located at 1791 West Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Their hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and they can be contacted at 954-467-5816.
So as you round-up a new wardrobe, you won’t have to worry about the fate of your once-treasured fashion pieces. There are plenty of ways to give these pieces a new purpose.
