Let's face it - it's tempting to be lazy about passing along clothes we're not longer into, and when we do bother, a meager 2% of the clothing we throw out in the US is actually worn out. Which is why either buying an item pre-owned or retooling something so-last-season is the hot new way to stay fashionably green while sating your shopping lust...At least, this is how we justify our out-of-control eBay shopping habit...which I was pleased to find out a number of Elle magazine staffers shared as well - so much so, they even have elaborate strategies: how to bid (in odd amounts such as $60.01 or $47), why it's cool to hire an auction sniper (waste their time instead of yours snapping up an item at the last minute), dealing with sizing issues (buy big - the tailor can always alter it for you), and building a relationship with your fave sellers (ie. buy so much stuff from them so often that they'll let you preview stuff before they list it).
And now, our fave online shopping playground has teamed up with Barneys New York & Elle to celebrate Earth Day and help the world's beleaguered oceans.
Last summer, Barneys collected recycled denim and had it transformed into one-of-a-kind designs to be auctioned off on eBay, with 100% of the proceeds going to Oceana, the largest international organization focused completely on ocean conservation.
The no-reserve bidding starts at $.99 on looks created by some of today's most in-demand designers, including Stella McCartney, Derek Lam, Alexander Wang, Bottega Veneta, Rodarte, Rogan, Anne Demeulemeester & Versace - whose eco-friendly strapless dress was inspired by Versace Couture, and features a corseted back, blue mesh detailing, and vintage denim patchwork. “I was very happy to be invited to participate in this project," adds Donatella Versace, "as it helps to focus attention on the important environmental issues we now face as a global community."
The designs will be displayed in Elle's "Blue" issue (May 09) and in a Barneys Madison Avenue window through May 4. The auction lasts from April 30 - May 10.
- Lesley Scott
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