There is nothing quite so wasteful as a bridesmaid gown that is so specific it can't be worn for anything else. Back in the day, I was subjected to purchasing a floral number with a big artificial flower located right at my bust which doesn't need any more attention drawn to it. The second time I was called to duty, I was required to wear a mauve and white satin number that made me (the oldest in the bridal party) look like mutton dressed as lamb.
Since then, brides have been much more reasonable requesting all attendants go with a particular color, or pick from one of several styles. When I got married, the woman who made my ensemble was my Maid of Honor and she chose a suit that worked well with my 1940's inspired tea length chemise and jacket. Allowing your attendants to choose an outfit that suits them and can be worn again as is or with slight alterations goes a long way to helping our environment. I have worn my wedding dress for another event and I have worn the jacket again on a couple of occasions with slacks or a skirt to create other ensembles.
Two Birds Bridesmaids has come up with an excellent solution. One dress that can be worn 15 ways. We have discussed the multiple option dress before, but this one is done very nicely for the special occasion category. According to the website, Two Birds offer, "One dress that can be wrapped in over 15 unique ways, flattering to all body types. 18 colors offered in 4 lengths, one size fits 0-14 and size B fits 16-24." The Classic dress is described as "nylon/jersey/spandex, blend dresses do not cling, maternity friendly, hand washable, made in New York, no alterations necessary." At $270-$310 this option is reasonable.
I wish this had been an option for me. The mauve satin (not at all forgiving as a fabric) number was ordered for me in a size 3 sizes smaller than the size that the chart indicated would fit my bust. I implored the bride to order large so we could tailor it down in the other areas, but she just couldn't believe I needed that large a size. So days before the wedding, my friend was cutting down the peplum and using the piece to extend the bodice. Thank heaven it was the 80's and there was a lot of peplum.
Two Birds doubles up doubles - the ability to wear the dress again and again kills more than "two birds" with one stone. Keeping the dress in your closet, instead of a land-fill and being able to hand wash, and producing in New York kills the environmental "two birds" with one stone. Thumbs up Two Birds for finding an environmentally sound Special Occasion solution.
--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew
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--Elphaba to Fiyero:"I don't CAUSE the commotion. I AM the commotion." --Wicked
View my Blog and work at www.minervamedia.co
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I am a huge fan of recycling and reusing dresses. My old prom dresses I have passed down to family or have donated to local community benefits. Recently, I acquired a few formal attire dresses that I have worn one time ONLY. Its hard when you are in a fashion career to fathom the idea of having to wear the same dress TWICE! Multi-functional dresses maybe something that the fashion industry should push not only for its customers, but also for themselves!
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