10 Closet Worthy Picks That Don't Look Recycled But Are

I am what might be referred to as a recycle-a-holic…I save everything, much to my family's dismay, and end up driving all over town to locate the appropriate facility to recycle, re-use, compost or at least safely dispose of. Do the benefits outweigh the carbon footprint I'm creating? Honestly, I'm not sure and given the complexities surrounding a cost / benefit analysis of the "to recycle or not to recycle" question, it'll take me a bit to find the truth. That said, dipping into the waste stream, using materials already in existence and giving them a second crack at life really lights my fire. I'm all about closing the loop & post-consumer recycled content.

When it comes to goods made from recycled materials, I actually like, in most cases, to be able to identify what it was in its previous life because it tells a story. However, I also like to see products that look just as pristine and perform just as well as their non-recycled counterparts, so with this in mind, I've pulled together ten of my favorite items from the fashion world made from recycled materials that you really can't tell are recycled until you read the label.

1.Deborah Lindquist Bustier - a hot little number made from recycled cassette tapes. Sonic Fabric developed by Alyce Sontoro, is an audio textile, yup, you read that right, it literally makes sound. Check out the demo here: And for the guys, Alyce has ties too, Jason Mraz sported one of which earlier this year at the Grammy's, the perect compliment to his, yes, recycled plastic suit.

2.A Lot To Say Jakarta Umbrella - I live in Portland and this sucker is a must have accessory that keeps me dry and never fails to spark conversation. Made from the scavenged plastic garbage (washed of course) that litters the streets of Jakarta and printed using a water free dye process called AirDye. Appropriately, proceeds from the sale of his umbrella go back to help provide the community with clean drinking water.

3. The Original Faith Hat - made from recycled sweaters, be it wool, cashmere or anything in between, these reversible caps are super comfortable and look good on a lot of different people, even you no-hat types. Really, something about the way they fit just works. The reverse out to a contrast stitch too, which makes it like having two hats in one!

4.Olsen Haus Justice Boot - vegan AND recycled, they're an eco-fashionista's dream come true. These hot kicks are made from recycled TV Screen Microfiber. Say what? Yup, the uppers on these babies are made from 100% industrial waste from television screens made into an ultra suede material plus they use recycled rubber tires for the soles.

5.Alkemie Jewelry Tree of Life Cuff - made from 100% reclaimed metal. I've got a thing for trees too, and this design speaks to me, but since it's hard to choose, I also love the Take Two Circle Necklace.

6.Looptworks Tranquilla Vest - replace the RE with UP and you've got this stunner of a statement piece, made entirely from…nothing new! That's right, Looptworks makes everything from over stock materials, searching the globe for abandoned stock that's likely headed toward a long life of slow decay (or not…as the case may be) in a landfill, and then producing the pieces as geographically close to the material source as possible. And look! A version for men too, the Tranquillo Jacket.

7.Reuse ReNEWED Boot Cut Jeans - made using 80% recycled cotton look like brand new…but better. I'm a pretty casual gal, so I dig the laid back fit of these, but I have to say the ReSIST Skinny Camouflage pants are also, erm…hard to resist. For dudes, check out Reco Jeans, which uses 60% recycled fibers, scraps from the factory floor, in their styles.

8.Carol Young Amoeba Cardigan - made from...yup, recycled plastic...again. In this case, fleece made from 100% recycled soda bottles. What is it with recycled plastic? Could it be that we just have so damn much of it floating around...literally, floating in our oceans. In Fact, 5 Gyres is at this very moment sailing the ocean, en route to the South Atlantic Gyre, to check out first hand what's happening with plastic debris circulating there. If fashion is one life cycle solution for some of that plastic waste, it's looking pretty good. 9.The Lothar Götz 'Ludwig' Bowling Bag - made from, you'll never guess: decommissioned red, yellow and ultra-rare blue fire hose, and even lined with reclaimed materials. Serious case of bag lust here. 10.Gary Harvey Laundry Bag Dress - while I'm nearly certain I'll never find the time or place to wear this, it still makes the list. Made from recycled laundry bags gathered together and attached to a basket weave bodice made from the bag straps, this is the meaning of eco-couture. I see several outfits in the making here. What would you pair? Had I not told you what these were made of, would you have guessed? Seen some other note worthy trashion out there? Do share. See also Recycled Fashion: Wearing Inner Tubes in Style and Make a Dress From Recycled Fabric