Being a Greener Fashionista.

I recently happened upon this article, "16 eco-fashion predictions for 2010" on ecouterre.com.  I found one of the predictions to be extremely relevant to the vision we have for Project: Ruffle Swap.

"Buying used is finally gaining widespread acceptance thanks to eco-approval and a strained economy. People are buying pre-owned clothing on eBay not just because it is cheaper, but because it is greener. “Used” is losing its stigma and being recognized as smart. You’ll see an increase in clothing swaps, too."
— ZEM JOAQUIN (PUBLISHER, ECOFABULOUS )

You may or may not know what we do at Project: Ruffle Swap. But we help women "swap" their lightly used dresses (mostly bridesmaids dresses). We have created a place online for women to sell their used dresses or buy a like-new dress. Many of the dresses we post are only worn once and never worn again. And many of the styles we add are still currently selling on the manufacturers websites for original price, $150+! Through "recycling" dresses we not only help women find the dress they need for more than 50% off, we also give the seller back some of the money they spent on the dress.

Just think... There are more than 2.2 million wedding a year. If each bride has 4 bridesmaids, that's around 9 million bridesmaid dresses worn each year! If just 1/3rd of all bridal parties "swapped" their dresses, thousands-and-thousands of pounds of waste would be eliminated.

This subject is so near and dear to our heart. So, when thinking about what to do with your one-and-done bridesmaid dress, don't trash it or let it hang in your closet. Please, think about recycling it. 
And join us at ruffleswap.com to become a greener fashionista.

Where the Wild Dresses are.

Where do all of those once worn bridesmaids dresses go after the wedding? Some girls wear them again, some just let them hang in their closet, maybe you donated it, or hopefully you are selling it on our Project: Ruffle Swap site.

So, let's find out where all those bridesmaid dresses go! According to my rough calculations there were about 9 million bridesmaid dresses purchased last year. Help us figure out where the wild dresses are now. Take our poll by clicking here. We'll follow up next week on our blog and give you the results. So start voting and asking your friends, we want to hear what you have to say!

Thank you, my thrifty fashionista friends!!! Can't wait to hear from you!
xoxo

Bride freaks out over hair updo! (video)

Video: Bride gets a bad updo > freaks out > cuts off hair (right before the wedding). What the...?

In 2007, SunSilk released this viral ad. Yes, it's just an ad. You can now watch it and enjoy it without feeling bad. This viral ad was just recently reposted to YouTube again. Two weeks after it's original release in 2007, it had over 2.8 million views!!! People were responding with sympathy and advice or they were suspicious that it was fake. Two weeks later the actors revealed on Good Morning America that the video was set-up and created by Unilever's ad agency for SunSilk.

You gotta love viral advertising! From an advertising standpoint, reaching that many viewers is every brand's dream! In the first 2 weeks alone, the video had 2.8 million impressions. And that doesn't account for the views from copies adding up to more than 12 million views!!! That is a lot of people interacting with your brand.

How do you get a video to go viral? How do you deploy it? First, make sure it really is interesting to people, and not just what you want them to be interested in (ie, your brand/product). Ask yourself why someone would want to forward it? Which videos do you take time to share?

Most shared videos are shocking or funny in some way. And keep it short: people » short attention spans » entertain in first 20-30 secs. Get it? Now, start talking about it or, even better, get your friends to help spread the word. Post on: del.icio.us, digg.com, stumbleupon.com, reddit.com, and don't forget twitter and facebook! Making your video "go viral" can take a lot of effort pushing it out or it can take no effort at all, that is if you are lucky and have created a truly viral video.

Now... to plan the Project: Ruffle Swap viral video! Stay tuned...  {cue evil laugh}

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

When you hear the name Betsey Johnson you might think: crinoline, leopard print and hot pink everything! And you might wonder how her style could ever translate into a wedding.

Well, you don't have to go Totally 80's to have fun with your wedding gown or bridesmaids dresses. Unless, of course, you want to. Here are some FUN alternatives to the traditional wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses for your Big Day created by Betsey Johnson.

images from betseyjohnson.com

A little about Betsey Johnson: She began designing in the 1960's, pulling inspiration from her her love for costumes and aspirations to become a dancer. She has grown in popularity to become world renowned for her truly unique use of color, texture and rule-breaking style. She is also legendary for ending her fashion shows with a cartwheel down the runway.

Whether you choose to go traditional or outrageous with your gown or bridesmaid dresses, never forget to enjoy each and every moment with your best friends. You don't have to do a cartwheel down the aisle on your big day, just make sure you enjoy every single second of it!

I ♥ Betsey Johnson! See more of her work and shop at: betseyjohnson.com