May 18th from 9AM to 6PM at the St. Paul Union Depot, 214 E 4th St., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101

Alter/Nation is an all-day clothing swap brought to you by CounterCouture and Sol Inspirations. For only $5, attendees may bring up to 20 garments that can be exchanged for the same number of items on racks and tables at Alter/Nation. Additionally, guests will be able to bring in two garments for free alterations.

Clothing requirements
Participants can bring up to 20 garments. We don’t allow undergarments, socks, lingerie or event clothing (i.e. 1990 State Fair sweatshirt). Clothing brought to the swap must be in good condition, clean and free form stains and defects.

Alterations
Hemming only. Up to two garments per person.

Event end giveaway
15 minutes prior to the end of the event, all participants will be able to take an unlimited number of items. Leftover clothing will be donated by MN Goes Green to give back to Goodwill.

Fashion Show
Between 1PM to 3PM, local designers will have fashion forward sustainably garments on live models. Designers will be on hand to answer questions about their inspirations and what makes their designs eco friendly. Second Debut Renewed Fashions will also have looks from their store in the show.
DESIGNERS are Natalia Prigozhina, Jenny Carle, Deborah Block, Crystal Compton, and Carissa Prieve.
From 9AM to 6PM, The University of Minnesota will have sustainable student designs on display.

Why Alter/Nation is green:
Recycling clothes is a great way to reduce garment industry pollution as it reduces the amount of clothing being made. Also, the end of a garment’s life is fast becoming a landfill problem. Even clothing recyclers like Goodwill are having difficulties finding what to do with unwanted clothing. Much of their clothing that doesn’t get sold to stores ends up in third-world countries. However, due to inexpensive foreign clothing, third-world consumers are becoming discerning leaving no other option but to put clothing in landfills.

www.MNGoesGreen.com
www.CounterCoutureDesigns.com
www.Sol-Inspirations.org

As I walked into Buffalo Exchange (BE) for the first time I fell in love, everywhere I looked there was a new thing that I had to have. BE has an open, spacious, community-inspired atmosphere in the shop and Minneapolis’ uptown location (at 2727 Lyndale Ave. S) is so accessible. I was surprised to learn that there are locations all over the country, 48 to be exact. The story of how it all came to be is pretty impressive so check that out. Part of the business strategy at BE is to have something for everyone. Literally, everyone. Jenny, the Minneapolis Store Manager, mentioned having a skin tight silver body suit on their rack at one point. I even saw furry rainbow rave leg warmers. Don’t worry if that’s not your cup of tea because the whole store is filled with fashionable goodies. Everything from designer jeans to that perfect vintage summer dress, everyday essentials and everything in-between.

Just take a peek.

Buffalo Exchange mainly deals in resale, they are not only reducing waste, but stimulating the local economy by offering cash for unwanted garments. About 80% of the clothes in every store were purchased from local customers and are being resold instead of being tossed into landfills. Another way that BE  is partaking in Corporate Social Responsibility is the ‘Tokens for Bags’ program, when it’s time to check out you can opt out of taking a plastic bag and in turn receive a token. This token represents 5 cents towards your choice of 3 local charities. Currently, the 3 charities are Steven’s Square Center for the Arts, Minnesota Land Trust and the Animal Humane Society. The charities are featured for 6 months and then new ones are voted on by the employees. Input from the community is encouraged, so if you have a cause go drop off some info!

Buffalo Exchange even has a Free App that the SOL team played around with for a while. It has an events page, postings from fans, pictures from different locations, and even a place where you can see which locations are hiring. As far as apps go it has some room for improvement but the fact that they have taken that next step towards connecting with their audience is very progressive and is exactly the kind of innovation that should help they sell responsible fashion to a generation of fast fashion addicts. They make it easy to give suggestions with in the app so give em’ hand and some kudos for diving in.

Here are some screen shots:

CONNECT w// Buffalo Exchange:

Facebook

Facebook - Lyndale Location

Twitter

Tumblr

google+

You Tube

Flickr

Yah.. they’ve really got this social media thing down.

- Xo SOL staff

Do you wish some of them were a different cut than just a typical… t-shirt?

This D.I.Y. t-shirt hack will show you how in just two steps you can transform a t-shirt into a top with attitude.

You will need:

~ one loose fitting t-shirt
~ fabric scissors

Step 1:

Cut the neck out.

*Notice how I cut closer to one should than the other. Do this for an asymmetrical, off the shoulder look.

Step 2:

Cut the hem off of the bottom.

And voila! You have a cute and comfy version of your t-shirt!

Some perks of this simple t-shirt hack:

~ the new tee is great for exercising

~ the scoop neck makes this fun to layer with a tank top

~ this style of cut is cooler to wear in hot weather than a regular t-shirt

~ it makes an unused tee fun and desirable again

The people of the Twin Cities’ are known for being skilled creatives and no organization can attest to this spirit more than the Textile Center – a national center for fiber art. Located on University Ave S, the Textile Center is a non-profit group that consists of an impressive 40 different guilds and individual artists that are all fascinated by, or work in, the art of textiles. The space that the center inhabits is amazing and houses several galleries, a shop, the Weavers Guild, meeting spaces and much more.

Textile Center was started over twenty years ago by a woman named Margaret Miller. After Miller stepped down in 2012 the Board’s President at the time, Ruth Stephens, was quoted in a release saying, “Margaret has brought Textile Center to the point where program and space needs have outpaced the present location and the organization is gearing up for expansion. With the exciting changes Central Corridor Light Rail will bring to our neighborhood, Textile Center’s next decade should be just as dynamic as this past decade.” Since Miller’s leaving Tim Fleming has been named the new Executive Director and has a strong commitment to continuing the work that Miller started, with his own twist of course.

There is an endless amount of activity happening at the center. Registration for summer classes is going on right now, from kid’s camps to adult classes. There is a new exhibit in the Joan Mondale Gallery, it’s called Cultural Conversations: Traditional Design in a Digital Age, its runs until May 4th. One of the coolest things that I have to be sure not to forget is that there is a state-of-the-art dye lab, equipped for dying such unusual things as Big Bird Live’s feet, and there are plenty of classes the utilize it’s capabilities. Being a total book worm myself I was super impressed to hear that they have the nation’s largest circulating textile library! Any one can access their library but you have to be a member to check things out, that alone seems worth the membership fee to me. Also the gift shop features amazing handmade garments, as well as tools for creating textiles and working with them and an assortment of textile related books. The shop was also named ‘Outstanding Art Gift Shop’ by the Twin Cities Fine Arts Organization in 2011.

SOL is so excited to have made such a great new friend in the Textile Center, tonight (3/28/13) we are having a Fashion Network Happy Hour at their wonderful space on University Ave. The event is sure to be full of friendly, creative faces that are excited to network and make new connections – that is what FNHH is all about! RSVP on the Facebook invite.

CONNECT w// Textile Center

Website

Facebook

Twitter

The Front Entrance to June

Walk into June Upscale Resale and walk into a wonderland of lush and lustrous clothing, shoes, and accessories. A wall of jewelry bedazzles, racks of clothing lure you in with their rich fabrics and unique designs, the purses are exquisite, and the room of shoes awaits your time and attention. June is owned by Daune Stinson, a former Journalist who now edits her store’s selection to a tee. June represents a dedication not only to fine fashion, but also to sustainable fashion, which really is possible. Sustainable fashion can be as simple or as complicated as you like and with June, sustainability is as easy as walking in the door.

Alexander McQueen Pumps.

June is a game changer for every woman’s wardrobe, as it is filled with quality, luxury clothing, shoes, and accessories that speak volumes about style and personality. June has an eclectic mix of product that is appropriate for casual, professional, and dress occasions. What’s more, June is a one-stop shop – with its jewelry, clothing, and shoe collections, making the boutique an easy stop for today’s busy, modern woman. The inventory changes weekly and even daily, so each visit promises a new adventure, for both the customers and the clothes!

Shoe Room

Elixery Products

June carries a line of conscious make up products, locally made here in Minnesota called Elixery.

Dressing Rooms

Designer wares can be intimidating, with their loud brand personalities, haute couture designs, and particular clientele, but June provides a casual and intimate environment for everyone to discover unique pieces. Few stores in the Minneapolis area carry couture brands like Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Jil Sander (to name a few), so June provides access to top designers and luxury goods that would otherwise have to be fetched from larger couture markets like Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. Prices are very reasonable, below many consignment prices for similar wares and quality is never second-guessed.

June is quietly tucked into South Minneapolis, in a small store front on  3406 Lyndale Avenue South. Store hours are Tuesday – Friday 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. June’s website is up to date, along with a Facebook page and Twitter feed. Take an easy route to sustainability and go to June today!

Moschino Belt and Gold Jewelry.

@Sol_Inspiration & @juneresale on Instagram

CONNECT w// June Upscale Resale

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Blog Intern Sierra Black & Event Producer Chloe Glarner at LUSH 50th & France

LUSH is an international cosmetics company, they invent things that you didn’t even know you needed.
Every single product is made by hand, using fresh, organic ingredients and when needed, safe synthetics. By using essential oils, fruits and vegetables LUSH has created a unique line of cosmetics that work like a dream. On the back of their packaging a sticker tells you which amazing employee made the product, as well as the date when it was made and when it expires (most products have a 14 month shelf life). LUSH’s goal is to be completely transparent to their customers, and the companies they work with.

LUSH’s Bath Bombs

LUSH’S Made By – Sticker

Hair Care

In the past 6 years, LUSH has given 2.7 million dollars to the 90 grassroots charities they sponsor all over
the world. LUSH actively fights against animal testing, using all human volunteers to test their products and going as far as having their suppliers sign contracts saying they will not involve themselves with animal testing or any company that does.

LUSH’S Charity Pots

LUSH, above all, is a fun company. When you walk into the store you might notice that most of the products are unpackaged, people are encouraged to touch and play. Sales associates offer complimentary hand, foot and face treatments so you can try the products before purchasing.

Sierra Talking with a LUSH Store Manager

Fresh Mask Bar

Fresh Face Mask Bar

All in all LUSH is a company you can feel good about spending your cash at. After working at the 50th and France location for this past holiday season, I’m a total LUSH addict. I have super sensitive, combination skin and have never found any product that can do it all for me. Now, I will never wash my face, hair or body with anything else! This stuff really works and I’m happy to say that my money is going to a company that encompasses my values as well. ‘

xo SOL readers – Sierra

CONNECT w// LUSH

Website – USA

Facebook – Main

Facebook – 50th & France

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Note by Katherine:

At SOL, we think it is very important to not only make responsible decisions about what goes into your closet but also in terms of what you put on your body! Learn more about the problems in the beauty industry in our Aromi blog.

When I first heard about Fried Bologna Vintage, I did not know what to think. Located in Northeast Minneapolis, I could only assume it was a hidden treasure trove of goods, posing less threat to the public than the bologna sandwiches I consumed as a child. Located at 158 13th Avenue NE in Minneapolis, my trip took me winding through a small section of the NE Arts District to the vintage stoop.

The Fried Bologna Vintage Shop.

The owners of Fried Bologna Vintage are husband and wife, Ricky and Sara Kazee. The inspiration behind the store came from Ricky’s interest in vintage collecting. Eventually, the couple realized that Ricky’s collecting was something special and could grow into a shared experience with the public.

Part of the Vintage Shoe Collection.

The store is packed with vintage treasures and is a great spot stop if you are looking for something unexpected or for gifts. The small store is full of merchandise that is handpicked by Ricky and Sara on buying trips across the state and country. Clothes, shoes, home accessories, ties, records, comics, toys, and much more line the store, all for women, men, and kids.

Just Some of the Women’s Clothing and Accessories.

When birthdays and holidays come up for my friends and family, I always look for something unexpected and unique. I have gotten tired of the usual mass produced gifts, like Pier 1 Imports candles and novelty socks, and so I now plan to do my shopping at Fried Bologna Vintage when the next birthday comes up. A gift means a whole lot more to the receiver when it has personality and I love that the vintage gifts do not have a negative impact on the planet.

Stack of Comic Books.

Fried Bologna Vintage is a quirky shop run by great people and keeps treasures out of the landfill and in circulation for people that have classic taste and want their purchases to have a positive impact on the local community. The vintage shop is open Tuesday-Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Head to the shop and have fun with the treasures!

Vintage Records.

CONNECT w// Fried Bologna:

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

We shot this video of MIA’s Third Thursday: Retro Fashion Show.

Shopping at these fine stores is great for the planet and supports local businesses and our economy.

- Scout Vintage (http://ow.ly/hczid)
- Buffalo Exchange (http://ow.ly/heTWW)
- Via’s Vintage (http://ow.ly/hczlv)
- B-Squad Vintage (http://ow.ly/heTR5)
- Rewind Minneapolis (http://ow.ly/hczpa)
- Lost and Found (http://ow.ly/hczrV)
- Tatters Vintage Clothing (http://ow.ly/hczvV)
- b. resale (http://ow.ly/heTU5)
- Everyday People Clothing (http://ow.ly/hczya)
- Nu Look Consignment (http://ow.ly/hczAe)
- Second Debut (http://ow.ly/hczEq)
- Blacklist Vintage (http://ow.ly/heTZ7)
- Mighty Swell Vintage (http://ow.ly/hQJF5)

Hannah Follis, the Chemist and Owner of AROMI

<3 kp

     +          =     

DIY Yarn Hanger Tutorial

Supplies: Two wire hangers, two balls of yarn – colors of your choice, tape, scissors

Time: approximately 1 hour

Step 1: Tape two wire hangers together at these five key locations

Step 2: Tape the ends of two yarn balls in different colors to the end of the hanger neck, leaving 2-3 inches outside of the tape for extra security

Note: You will hold the hanger between your legs and throughout the remaining steps you will want to keep one ball of yarn on each side of your hanger. IE: one on left; one on right. I used aqua yarn on left and coral on right.

Step 3: Make a knot by slipping the first ball under the wire and slipping it back through the loop and pulling tight. I started with aqua on the left so I pulled those knots to the left. Repeat the knot 5-10 times with the first color.

Step 4: Using the second ball, on your right, make the same knots pulling tight to the right. Count the knots and do as many as you did of the first color on the left.

Step 5: Continue making knots from side to side and you will start to see your two colored pattern forming!

Step 6: Continue knotting all around the hanger, here is what it will look like half-way through

Step 7: When you reach the neck and have completely covered the metal, cut both balls of yarn from the hanger leaving 4-5 inches connected to the hanger (you are almost done)!

Step 8: To complete the hanger, tie the two strands into a bow!

These are fun to do and once you make your first hanger you will be quicker on the next!

Here are 5 tips for you while you continue making yarn hangers:

• Consider using multi colored yarn, it adds a really cool affect to the finished product
• Make them while you are watching your favorite TV show, listening to music or in the car on a road-trip
• This is a great activity for anyone; both children and the elderly would benefit as it exercises your hand joints while counting in your head
• Add yarn pompoms instead of a bow as the finishing touch
• If you share a closet with someone, color coordinate your hangers so you can easily identify what belongs to who

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