Life is only half as good without fresh outfits. But how do you change clothes without ruining the earth? Alexandra and Sina from the BE GREEN editorial team discovered two mega concepts – and tested them right away.
Shop in the closet!
The classic: full drawers and still nothing to wear? Alexandra Zykunov treats herself to a sustainable stylist – and now saves a lot of money.
She came, saw and styled! Consultant Janine Dudenhöffer takes Alex’s clothes rail apart.
© Lena Scherer
The concept that I tried is ingenious and simple: Instead of always buying new parts because you supposedly don’t have anything to wear, you bring in a consultant. She literally takes the cupboard apart, takes out all the parts and combines them in a stylish way that you never could, I repeat: never could. Janine Dudenhöffer is a Sustainable Stylist and does exactly that. Before doing that, she asks about personal favorite parts, bad purchases, parts that you don’t know how to combine and about favorite looks. And then she comes by (in real life or on her laptop) and creates mega outfits out of her own potential closet oaks! The station wagons are photographed, glued to the inside door of the cupboard, and with that the question “What should I wear” is off the table, uh, cupboard forever. You already know.
© Lena Scherer
Who is styling here:
Janine Dudenhoeffer
Why you should know them:
Because she gives you style advice for 100 euros an hour and dozens of “new” outfits! How much would you spend on it in the store? Just.
Current struggle:
Corona ruined her business. Janine’s solution: third-party wardrobes can also be easily disassembled by zooming in.
@janinedudenhoeffer
Nice to rent you
As our fair fashion pro, Sina Podszka loves fashion, but does not want to shop through all the shops without a mind. What to do? Rent clothes of course!
Sweater and dress by Fairnica – basic but nice.
© Lena Scherer
Fashion laziness during the pandemic? Well, I’m at the forefront. My home office companions are knitted sweaters and yoga leggings (not that I would do yoga in them). For video conferences with colleagues, I at least pull myself up to a half-heartedly applied lipstick. My style is otherwise more Scandinavian-minimalist, but working from home has made me a fashionable Schludrian. In addition, I have lost about ten kilos in the last six months, many of my things are now misshapen, but stored treasures are still too small. So now shopping for something new? No! Instead, I leave my comfort zone – and rent something nice. Three different websites that offer clothing as a rental subscription are waiting for my judgment. Hello, my new me? Let’s find out!
Fairnica.com
The gaudy culottes – a risk! But it could be combined surprisingly well.
© Lena Scherer
Concept:
Capsules of five to eight fair pieces should result in up to 30 outfits with your own things.
Rent period:
up to 3 months
Price:
from 69 euros / month
Easy combinable parts from sustainable labels are available from Fairnica. On the website you can currently choose from 14 different capsules that look like a mini wardrobe. I start with the “Romy” capsule, from which I particularly like the gray sweatshirt and a floral wrap dress, and a troyer in which I feel at home. But: Everything is rather simple, everything is more of a comfort zone. With the second “Talisa” capsule a month later, more color is drawing into my closet. I also love to style the culottes with my own blazers. By the way: everyday stains – hello, tomato sauce! – are not a problem when borrowing, all parts are cleaned after returning anyway. So there is no need to ask whether the things smell like the previous owner – they don’t. Since the capsules at Fairnica consist more of the basics, after two months I feel like doing something a little more daring …
Conclusion:
Perfect for those who are lazy about fashion and those who need little styling aids.
Hach, when the reminder mail came after a month for sending it back, the pain of parting was great.
© Lena Scherer
Unown-Fashion.com
Concept:
Stylish pieces, sportswear and maternity wear from mainly sustainable brands on subscription or leasable once.
Rent period:
2 weeks to 1 month; extend possible
Price:
from 10 euros / 2 weeks (depending on the part and rental period)
At Unown, you don’t choose packages, but specific parts – one, three, ten or more, depending on what you want. My fair fashion heart beats faster right away, I am already enthusiastic about the label selection and opt for items that I would otherwise not use: a sweater with a blue floral pattern, a light green print blouse and a red wrap dress made of vegan silk. And I can tell you: I’ve rarely received so many compliments! “Sina, you look really great” or “You shine like that!” Huh. Only one pair of pants doesn’t fit, I’ll send them back and get the money back – it’s not a problem when renting. When the reminder e-mail comes after a month to send it back, the pain of separation is inevitable – especially with the sweater. Although I can buy the parts at a discount, 200 euros is too much for me. Goodbye, dear friends!
Conclusion:
I like! Great concept, great packaging and a lot of fashion happiness.
Oscar de la Renta for rent? Unfortunately not there.
© Lena Scherer
Myonbelle.de
Concept:
Surprise, surprise! High fashion pieces and fashion for the special occasion as a surprise box on subscription.
Rent period:
1 month
Price:
from 39 euros / month
I’m actually not a fan of surprises at all. For fashion girls, however, paradise can be found here at first glance: Valentino, Burberry and Stella McCartney all temporarily want to go into my closet. Simply mark your favorites on the website, fill your virtual wardrobe, and my style will be determined. So I mark my little fashion dreams and find nothing of any of this in the package that has arrived. Instead, a lot of glitter and body-hugging silhouettes. Hm, whose style was actually evaluated? At least not mine.
Conclusion:
Maybe I should have made a wider choice. Maybe it was just bad luck. An Oscar de la Renta dress for your sister’s wedding? Yes, please! You just have to have a little luck that it’s actually in the box in the end.
© Brigitte
Would you like to read more about the topic and exchange ideas with other women? Then take a look at the “Science and Environmental Protection Forum” BRIGITTE community past!