The Brass Paperclip Project

Do Good: Donate Your Dress

 

Everyone I know got married and all I got were these {fill in the blank} dresses...  It's always fun to be in a wedding, but if your closet looks like the photo above and you need a t-shirt to explain it, you may be happy to know how easy it is to donate those dresses to someone who will love them far more than you ever did.  I'll tell you how in a minute, but first I digress...

Earlier this week, I shared a story about a dissolving wedding dress that was designed to call attention to the growing problem of "throw-away fashion" in our society.  I also shared the fact that over 70% of textiles end up in landfills, even though nearly 100% of textiles can be reused and/or recycled. 

That got me thinking about how many hundreds of thousands of "single-use" bridesmaid dresses are probably languishing in closets all across the country.  Case in point, who could forget the hilarious closet scene in 27 dresses...

 

It's laugh-out-loud funny because it's so extreme, but let's face it...no matter how great the dress, bridesmaid dresses rarely get worn again.  And if you've been in a few weddings, you know how quickly those dresses can multiply in your closet...like colorful satin bunnies. 

Instead of holding them hostage in your closet until they go out of style, set them free by donating them to someone who will be thrilled to wear them this year. 

Donate My Dress is a national network of local organizations who collect and distribute thousands of free dresses to girls all over the country who dream of going to prom, but don't always have the funds to make it happen.  If you can't find a dress-drive in your area, look for one of the many groups in the network who will accept dresses by mail.  Most dresses will fit in a large flat rate box and can be shipped almost anywhere for less than $15. 

Whatever you do, don't let them waste away in your closet...or worse, end up in a landfill.  Whether you have one dress or two...or 27, donate them today.  Take a stand against throw-away fashion and give your dresses a second chance at life.   The girls who receive them will enjoy a lifetime of magical memories and may even pay it forward one-day by donating their dresses for other girls to love.

Prom season is coming up fast and dress drives are happening now all across the US.  You can help make a girl's dream come true, help save the environment and score some extra room in your closet.  Win!

For more information or to find a local donation drive visit www.donatemydress.org

Image Credits: Gowns on Fence | | Rack of Dresses

 

Extreme Eco: Dissolvable Wedding Dress

Ever wonder what a dissolving wedding dress might look like?  Yah, me either.  But here is one for you to ponder anyway.  This story made the rounds about a year ago, but I just stumbled across it recently on EcoTerre.  Layer by layer the dress literally melts away, revealing 5 different looks for one poufy dress.  Wouldn't that be fun for the reception??

The trick is in the biodegradeable material...polyvinyl alcohol.  It looks like plastic, but it's the same stuff they make Elmer's glue from.  You may remember that I talked about it recently in my post about DIY colored crinolines...they use this material for the iDye packets that dissolve in the wash.

What's the point, you ask?  The project is a statement about our disposable society and the fact that textile waste is one of the fastest growing segments in the UK waste stream.  According to the article,

74 percent of the 2 million tons of clothes purchased in the U.K. each year winds up in landfills.

That's a pretty big number and, sadly, it's even higher in the US.  It's especially sad when you consider how easy it is to recycle clothing and textiles.   The US EPA states that nearly 100% of textiles can be recycled...the easiest way to do this is to donate your used clothing, sheets, towels, etc. to a thrift store.  What can't be sold for re-use will be sent to textile recyclers to be made into everything from new fabric to upholstery to insulation.  Some natural fibers can even be composted.

The wedding takeaway here is to be mindful when choosing textiles for your wedding.  Will those bridesmaid dresses really be worn again or will they end up in a landfill?  Do you really need an aisle runner?  Fabric bunting is adorable, but what will you do with it after the wedding?  Yes, it's your big day and you should have it your way, but it's also a great idea to have a plan for how you can reduce, reuse, recycle or even refuse some of the "disposable" textile products associated with weddings.   What's your plan?  XOXO, Cindi

Monday Morning Blues: Flowers

This sweet little bouquet was getting a lot of interest on Pinterest, so I thought I'd share.  Don't you just love it?   XOXO, Cindi

Eco-Luxe No. 2: Ruffle Love

Who doesn't love a good ruffle?  Especially when that ruffle is made from vintage and reclaimed fabric??  That's exactly what these gorgeous dresses by KT Jean are made from...layers and layers of eco-fabulous ruffles. LOVE!  No two gowns are the same, so you can rest assured that your dress is a true original...just like you.

For a more bohemian feel check out the short slip dress that is made with a vintage slip and of course, more ruffles...  You can have one custom designed in any color from short, to tea length to long.  Again, each dress is one-of-a-kind.  These would be cute for bridesmaids too.

Also for bridesmaids...these are not recycled, but they are waaaay cute...

Be sure to check out KT Jean's shop on Etsy for more gorgeous dresses and the scoop about how to have one custom designed just for you!  XOXO Cindi

All photos via KT Jean

P.S. If you liked this post, you might also enjoy these Eco Luxe wedding gowns.

Vintage Crush: 1920's Earl Christy Prints

I can't help it...I am simply in love with the image above...the colors, the veil, the bride's gorgeous face, the old school flowers...and did you see the rock on her hand??  I was curious about the artist, so I did a search and found out that Earl Christy was an American artist who was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1882.  He produced art for dozens of magazine covers and calendars. My favorites all seem to be from the 1920's.  I'm inspired by the colors, the fashion and the soft gorgeous make-up. 

 

If you're planning a 1920s themed wedding, these images would work well for bridal shower or bridal tea invites.  They would also make gorgeous note cards or gift tags.  And of course, they are remarkeable time capsules of fashion and make-up from which you might draw inspiration for your own wedding day look.  Want more DIY inspiration?  Check back in a few days for a whole post dedicated to vintage clipart craft ideas.  XOXO Cindi

Image credits:  Bride| Pictorial Review 07.25 | Pictorial Review 01.25 | Blue Eyed Beauty | Ainslee's Bride | Girl with Feathers | Pictorial Review 05.25 | Flapper Girl | Pictorial Review 09.25 | Flapper Girl with Pearls

Monday Morning Blues: Engagement Rings

Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days of the year to get engaged.  And why not?  What could be more romantic than a marriage proposal on Valentine's Day?  And what could cure the Monday Morning Blues faster than a sparkly new ring?? 

Over the weekend, I combed Etsy to find the most gorgeous, handmade engagement rings...each featuring a stunning blue center stone for the ultimate "something blue."  And get this...they are all ethically made using recycled precious metals and/or conflict free stones. 

For those of you not getting engaged today, consider bookmarking some of these rings for a future date.  They make great promise or anniversary rings too.  Either way, congratulations to all the newly engaged couples out there and Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!  XOXO Cindi

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SHOP TILL YOU DROP:

Fair Trade Sapphire and Recycled Gold Ring by McFarland Designs | Sapphire Twig Set by Barbara Michelle Jacobs | Blue Sapphire Solitaire by Tula Jewelry | Fair Trade Sapphire and Recycled Gold band by McFarland Designs |Recycled White Gold and Fair Trade Topaz Trio by One Garnet Girl | Cushion Cut Sapphire by Raven's Refuge

And don't forget about vintage and estate pieces...you can find them on Etsy too.  

Luxe Crush No. 5: Modern Heirloom Jewelry

When I spotted these pieces on Etsy by artist Barbara Macleod, my jaw dropped.  Gorgeous!  And very luxe...hence my crush.   This necklace is my favorite piece.  It is entirely fresh and modern, but with a slightly Art Deco feel to it.  The graduated shades of blue enamel are amazing...all topped with a dazzling aquamarine stone in the center. Wouldn't this make be an amazing "something blue?"

Barbara also makes these beautiful lace-inspired bracelets and rings which can be done in any color.  I wonder if she could create a custom piece to match the lace on a wedding dress...hmmm.  That would be cool.

Be sure to visit Barbara's Etsy shop or check out her main website for more photos or information.  Will you be splurging on heirloom jewelry for your wedding?

via Barbara Mcleod Jewelry on Etsy

Eco-Luxe No. 1: Earth Friendly Wedding Gowns

 

Today starts a new series that I'm calling Eco-Luxe.  I will be showcasing a wide range of luxurious eco-chic designs that are stylish, affordable and sustainably produced.  My goal is to introduce you to the most swoon-worthy pieces that are stunning in their own right...and oh, by the way...they're earth friendly too.

Case in point, how gorgeous are these dresses by Threadhead Creations?  Featuring flattering cuts, beautifully draped fabrics and designer details, they are made with organic cotton, hemp and silk that was grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers and/or was harvested sustainably.  Each dress is made to order to your specifications for a perfect fit.  Some styles are also available in black, so you can easily dress your maids in eco-luxe style too. Wedding dress prices range from $500 to $1200, so there's something for almost every budget.

In addition to producing gorgeous eco-luxe dresses, Threadhead Creations is also very socially responsible...working to keep the whole business green in many different ways including purchasing green power from the local power company and sourcing supplies from small, eco-friendly and/or local business whenever possible. 

Check out Threadhead Creations on Etsy to see the whole collection, order fabric samples or discuss custom designs.  If you are looking forward to hearing about future Eco-Luxe finds, you can follow me on Feedburner, BlogLovin, Facebook or Twitter...that way you won't miss a thing.  XOXO Cindi

All photos via Threadhead Creations on Etsy

{Sexy} Etsy: Respect The Man Cave

Over the past few weeks, I've been hosting a {sexy} Etsy party to showcase the sexier side of Etsy.  So far, the party has moved from boudoir to kitchen to bath.  We've looked at pinup style lingerie, stuffed ourselves with aphrodisiac foods and then relaxed in a {sexy} home spa.  Today, we're sneaking into the Man Cave...shhhh...don't get caught.

Anyone who lives with a guy, knows they like to have their "man space."  For some it may be a garage, for others it may be a home office or gym.  Some call it a Man Cave, some prefer Man Room.  Some guys are lucky if they have a drawer or closet to call their own.  No matter the size...cause we all know size doesn't matter...guys need a few things to make their "man space" feel like home.

If your guy has just earned his first DRAWER, set him up with a coffee mug and some slippers of his own to keep at your place...to encourage him to stay for AM coffee, of course.  

If you've made some room in your CLOSET you've earned the right to start dressing him. (wink.) Keep him in style from head to toe with some of these awesome {sexy} Etsy finds...the bowtie may be wishful thinking, but wouldn't he look hot in a tux? 

Have you cleared off a shelf for him in the BATHROOM?  Stock it up with manly bath supplies for a {sexy} morning-after routine...

If your man still has his own place, help him stock it with {sexy} gear that you love, so that when he finally does move in with you, you won't have to send all of his stuff to the Goodwill.  Crystal decanters with silver tags, a vintage Playboy magazine, sexy speakers or a sleek phone charger will look great for years to come.

Whether you've finally committed to being full-time roomies or still have separate spaces, always respect the Man Cave.    XOXO Cindi

NOW GO SHOP TILL YOU DROP:

Man Cave Rules | Anatomical Heart Mug | Manfelts Felted Slippers | Vintage Tuxedo Bow Tie | Vintage Vargas Pinups Shirt | Too Sexy Cuff Links | Black Shoes | Sexy Beast Manly Soap | Shaving Salve | Turkish Towels | Sterling Decanter Labels | iRetrofone Docking Station | Vintage 1969 Playboy | Mid-Century Speakers

 

Monday Morning Blues: To Have and To Hold

Happy Monday!  If you are suffering at all from the Monday Morning Blues, these bags are sure to cheer you up.  How amazing are these pleats??  The fabrics are all silk and the purses are lined with fun cotton fabrics.  You can have them custom made and get this...you can buy them in bulk for your bridesmaids, mom's or anyone special that you'd like to include.  What's not to love?  Go check out all the amazing colors and styles by Heidi Creations on Etsy.  XOXO Cindi