Reduce, Reuse, Let's Party

Green fashion can mean a lot of things.

It could mean the luxury eco fashions of Linda Loudermilk, like the lyocell blouse at right, which is derived from wood pulp and fully biodegradable.

It could mean the 100% organic cotton t-shirts from Edun, a company that supports sustainable farming methods as well as fair trade.

It could mean buying a satchel from Matt & Nat, a company whose line of vegan wallets and handbags are as fashionable as they are functional.

Or, it could mean going to an 80s-themed party in NYC and wearing either clothing purchased from Goodwill or redesigned from items already in your closet. Meet Laticia and Dwight.

Usually, an invitation to a party, especially one with old friends in a great city like New York, woulc be cause for shopping at a major retailer. Shopping for a new outfit at a major retailer, that is. Laticia and Dwight had another (and might I add better) idea, though. They emailed yours truly, the DC Goodwill Fashionista, and asked if I'd meet them at our Glebe Road store in Arlington, VA, to help them pick out the perfect 80s ensembles for their special night. And the resulsts? Well, I think they're amazing, but you can judge for yourself...

Dwight, at left, is wearing a button-down shirt, tie, and sport coat from Goodwill. Since we couldn't find the right jeans for him (they were all too in style - ha!), I suggest he bleach an old pair of lightwash denim.

Throw on the leather coat for protection against the elements and voila! The perfect Miami Vice-meets-Breakfast Club look. Oh, and those old skool Vans? Inspired! That was his idea, not mine. Good job, Dwight.

Laticia's look was harder to put together. Not because we couldn't find anything, but because we found too many great looks. Did she want to be Pat Benatar or Punky Brewster? Studio 54 or 21 Jump Street?

She decided on something in between all of those, with an amazing oversized fuschia blazer, replete with giant shoulder pads; a lace camisole; a denim skirt, to which she added even more lace at the hem; tights; legwarmers (yes!); and those little granny boots that were so very popular (why? WHY?) in the 80s.

With a little hair spray and a headband, plus some plastic jewelry just 'cause, Laticia nailed the decade's iconic look. Note how she's posing on the subway to show off every detail of her outfit. Perfection!

Oh, and did I mention they spent less than $30 on clothes between the two of them. I know, right? I think that's about the cost of a pretzel from a street vendor in NYC. Kidding. I know it's closer to $25...

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