Discarded to Divine - A Show That Inspires Greening-Up Your Wardrobe

In the spirit of greening up and the economy alike, trying to consume less and still be fashionable can be tricky. But, have you ever thought that you can use what you already have and reconfigure it for the current trends and styles?

One charity event in San Francisco is doing just that! Discarded to Divine is a fabulous event taking place this month which showcases how to green up your wardrobe with flair. Fashion designers and volunteer enthusiasts alike have selected articles of clothing collected by Saint Vincent de Paul in San Francisco and reimagined and redesigned them into something DIVINE!

I attended California Women’s Day at the California History Museum in Sacramento that was hosted by First Lady of California Maria Shriver’s Women’s Conference. The Museum displayed a dozen or so designs that also told the story of how each piece was recreated from its original discard. A simple brown jacket that had been reconstructed into something modern and sleek, was originally just a drab brown coat collecting dust in someone’s closet. A colorful skirt as a creation from a few different pieces of clothing transformed into an eye-catching work of art! I love the creativity and re-vision of these designers!

The designs will be auctioned off at the event on April 29th. You must purchase tickets to attend the event, but it all goes to a wonderful organization. The mantra is, “Recycled fashions, renewed lives.”

What can you do with your own clothing as these designers have done?

Do you have a skirt that is just beyond repair but you can’t bear to part with it because you love the fabric? Save the fabric and use it to patch up a pair of jeans, or make a scarf and add some fun fringe or beadwork to the end of it. Those adorable flowers that I see all over the stores that are both pins and hair pins can be made from ribbon or from fabric. Not only will you have created another hobby out of sewing, you will have utilized your resourcefulness in using what you have to create something fun and new!

You don’t have to be a couturier to make something stylish, it just has to reflect you and how you wear your clothes. How many items have you discarded that you might have been able to tweak so it’s just right for you and your lifestyle? Professionally-altered clothing or taking a few sewing classes might do just the trick, without breaking the bank. Do you have a jacket that might need some modernizing? Don’t forget that it’s how you wear it! Dress it up with that old scarf or, like Madeleine Albright, wear a pin! Accessorizing with what you already have draws from the possibilities of your own closet. And, most will corroborate this story that accessorizing for professional women is tantamount to their success! It directs the eye to where you want others to focus their attention.

Have you ever thought to yourself while you were shopping, “I should try to make that!” Or even, “I could make that!”? Save those scraps of fabric and swatches and create something fabulous! Others will be green with envy over what you will do.

Have you been seeing flowers springing up all around you lately? It’s no surprise that with spring the flowers are popping up in both gardens and stores. In my adventure around San Francisco, I noticed the beautiful flowers that were on display in the Macy’s Flower Show in Union Square. The ephemeral and elegant beauty of the arrangements brings the store to life. And what can be greener decoration than nature itself? I can only imagine that the people who work there would love it if the flowers were there all year long! I always pause in front of the flower stands along Stockton Street. Just the sight of the flowers and the beautiful colors exudes a delight and joy.

Anyone is eligible to enter the Discarded to Divine charity event with a revamped design. The deadline is usually in January and I encourage you to mark your calendars, check the website for updates, and do a few trial runs before the big day comes. Recycled and revised, raising money for helping others, and I thought only flowers were springing up!

Some of this year’s line-up includes the following guest designers: Cari Borja, Elmaj Designs, Elaine o’Malley, Offhand Designs, On Aura, Jay Nicholas Sario and many more. Educational partners include: the Academy of Art University, Art Institute of San Francisco, City College of San Francisco, FIDM, and San Francisco State University.

Event Schedule: THURSDAY APRIL 29, 2010


EXCLUSIVE VIP PARTY 5pm


COCKTAIL RECEPTION 6pm


SILENT AUCTION 6pm


LIVE AUCTION 8pm


The Hall at St. Mary’s Cathedral
1111 Gough Street

Website : Discarded to Divine.org