If one of your resolutions this year was to be more eco-conscious and you feel like you are still not sure how to get started, we are here to help! Follow these six easy steps to help get a jump start on your sustainable wardrobe - 

Step 1: Inventory

Take a look at your closet and pick out the things that you really love, the items you can't live without. Now look at everything else. There are probably a few things that you look at and think, "i love this, but if it was only __________" and you fill that blank in with the excuse that keeps you from wearing that item. Separate out those items into a pile. Next is to pick out the things you never wear and have no idea why you bought them. 

Step 2: Tweak

Place the things you can't live without to the front of your closet. Next take those items that you like a lot, but something just isn't right. If you have sewing skills and they need fixing, mend them! Maybe they need to be hemmed or you could get creative and add your own unique details to make them a bit more special. There are even helpful eco-kits available to safely dye fabric a totally different color. This is a chance to get crafty and create something that is one-of-a-kind and fix whatever it is that has kept you back from wearing that piece. If you're reading this and thinking "I can't even get the thread through the eye of the needle" then consider a tailor or handing those items off to those who may love a good excuse for a new project!

Step 3: Thrifting

The items that you just aren't in love with anymore, take to a thrift store. Sometimes you can get money or store credit for bringing them in. Buffalo Exchange or Plato's Closet are great places to go in Austin. But remember, fashion tends to have a way of repeating itself and so you may want to check some fashion trend reports before selling. Months from now you might be wishing you had that tye-dye sequined lace trimmed crop top. You never know. 

Step 3: Swap

If thrifiting isn't for you, start a clothing swap! Get a group of friends together who are all suffering from the same problem - add some cocktails, quick appetizers and swap! I know plenty of times a friend has said "I love this top! How come you've never worn it?" Well now you and your friends will be able to make the most of the situation that everyone finds them self in...its a win-win. Plus if you are ever getting nostalgic for your old denim or thin discolored t-shirt, you can "borrow" it back instead of taking up much needed closest space!

Step 5: Think Sustainable

Think thrift stores or resale shops.. You can find some great things and can be really fun to search and dig through piles of possible outfits. Sometimes you could even find your next Halloween costume. The important thing to keep in mind is that less is more and to focus on choosing quality pieces.  High quality pieces are often timeless. A nice pencil skirt and colorful cardigans will never go out of style. Lastly, and our favorite tip, is to look for organic materials when shopping. Think about it like when you shop for produce, the more you know about where the produce came from and the less chemicals used, the better. Right? When you look for clothing consider the distance the item had to travel to get to you, the method, materials and the quality of production. 

Step 6: Avoid dry-clean only items

Dry cleaning requires many harsh chemicals to fabrics. If you have these items that need more cleaning attention, why not learn the art of hand-washing? You'll find that the colors will keep their vibrancy and you'll be saving money. There are plenty of resources to learn how to do this. We recommend taking a look at The Laundress to get started! 

Do you have any tips to "greening" your wardrobe? If so, please share them with us and our favorite new tip will get a "Tweet-out" (aka shout-out over Twitter) later this week!