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How to Amp Up Your Closet- the Eco Way

Norwegian Wood's Harness

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Renewing, reinventing and recreating unbelievable outfits from my vast closet that doesn’t necessarily need more baby doll dresses, tunics or leggings is one of my passions. My favorite pieces in my closet are the items I can wear over and over again in different and exciting ways that make me feel like I’m wearing them for the first time. After all, isn’t that the rush we all search for when shopping? That new, never been worn item that suddenly creates a feeling of style we never knew we had is a bit addicting. That’s why, the most shopping I’ve been doing this season has been for mind-blowing-life-changing accessories from independent designers. These items transform any outfit into a garment from a different world, not my closet I’ve been staring at with boredom in my eyes.

My current favorite transformational piece is my harness from Norwegian Wood. That’s right. A harness, and it’s rocking my world in ways I never knew my world could be rocked.

Harness Back ViewSupporting independent/small designers is a form of eco-friendly style in itself. By supporting them, I’m giving my money to artists who excel in handmade and sweatshop free items that aren’t mass produced. I’m ignoring the companies that may be able to sell something similar for less, but have ethics and standards I’m unaware of and honestly, may be too scared to want to know.

Because of this, I find myself doing quite a bit of shopping on Etsy and have been thoroughly satisfied and quite literally, have been seen jumping up and down in glee with the results. A couple weeks ago, I came across Norwegian Wood and was immediately in love with every single item the designer Angie Johnson had brought to life.

Norwegian Wood’s harnesses stole my heart immediately, never seeing anything like it before I knew I had to have one. Upon reading the descriptions, I found that many of them are made from vintage elastic and antique hooks and loops. Score. Without a second thought, I blissfully bought one. I’m not sure I have taken it off since it arrived. I even sleep in it, no, just kidding. I’ve worn it with t-shirts, dresses, rompers and tank tops transforming them into a work of art that collects praise wherever they go.

The best part. I didn’t waste money on five new outfits, instead, I re-used and will continue to re-use clothing I’ve had for years. My best friend, the harness- an essential garment altering accessory- creates a bright light on my gloomy closet, suddenly creating so many unseen possibilities.

Love art and independent designers? Check out Angie’s website/gallery/boutique she runs with her fiance in Montreal.

Love vintage? Make sure to check out Angie’s vintage store on Etsy.

Images Credit: Norwegian Wood

Written by Emily Konkler

Born in a small town in southern Minnesota, which didn’t quite fit her fancy, Emily headed for New York City soon after high school. While living in New York City, Emily's keen fashion sense was harnessed, transforming from a hobby to a quintessential passion. Emily has been involved with the fashion industry in numerous aspects including modeling, styling and managing runway shows.

Emily lives with her boyfriend Matthew and her overweight cat, Sisu, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She enjoys painting without talent, reading into the wee hours of the morning, rubbing Sisu behind her ears, sewing on her new machine, eating curry and naan whenever possible, wearing boots all year round, spending good ol’ quality time with her friends, drowning in organic cotton and giggling with her boyfriend.

Currently, Emily is a fashion design student and works at The Nature of Beauty-an organic beauty oasis, where her love for everything organic has flourished and taken her heart by storm. Follow her on Twitter @thekonks.

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