Let me ease you back into some new content with something a little lighter than my usual offerings because believe it or not, I do still enjoy my clothes and perfecting my wardrobe. Today, I’m going to introduce you to some new finds and some new-old finds, all of the sustainable variety, of course…

Other than clothes that I’ve upcycled, transformed and even made myself, I haven’t added much to my wardrobe since the end of last year. As I’ve reiterated many times in the past, as much as I enjoy fashion, my knowledge of ethics and my new consumerist mindset (or, anti-consumerist mindset, I suppose) has definitely made an impact in my shopping habits, meaning that I don’t really have any shopping habits anymore. It’s rare that I’ll ‘shop’ purposefully and when I do, the shops I visit tend to be charity shops.

I can never promote second-hand shopping enough though, which is why there won’t be many links within this post which send you off on your own shopping sprees. That’s the fun of it, though, isn’t it? One of a kind items (or close to it) that for the most part, people will only be able to take sartorial inspiration from rather than buying their own exact copy. It’s individualism at its best!

HEELED BOOTS – DEPOP

One of my most recent wardrobe additions which you may recognise from my Instagram Story, are these boots in the form of my first ever Depop purchase. I’ve known of and recommended Depop for a while now but I’d never taken the plunge until last month as a spontaneous birthday treat to myself (oh yeah, I’m 18 now!).

I’d been wanting a pair of heeled boots for a good year or so after seeing them continue to fall in and out of trend. They graced the feet of most people who I deemed stylish but unfortunately, all of the ethically produced options were far out of my price range (for good reason, of course). I kept my eyes peeled in second-hand shops but alas, it seems they were staying in people’s wardrobes.

To my surprise, however, Depop was my saviour. I found these killer red leather boots with an angular heel (originally Topshop) for under £25. They’re in very good condition and my fears of being ripped off over a mobile app have since subsided. They may pinch my toes just a little bit but they were definitely worth the wait. Here’s to considered purchases and wishlists!

NEVEN LOW SNEAKER – YATAY*

Continuing with the footwear theme, I now have a non-heeled pair of shoes that will go nicely with almost any outfit. As much as I love my Dr Martens collection and my trusty Vagabond platforms, I lack in the versatile and sensible shoe department.

Fortunately, I was recently introduced to the new Italian-based brand, YATAY. With biodegradable soles, an upper made of recycled fabric and bio-based resins, there isn’t much I can find fault with. The bio-based resin factor is such a huge relief, as most non-leather alternatives to footwear are made with toxic plastic alternatives which can often end up being worse than just using leather.

I also appreciate their branding and stance – avoiding the nitty gritty by leaving it down to the customers to understand and lower their negative impact (or footprint).

You may be wondering why I haven’t given these innovative shoes a stand-alone feature. The reason is simple; I know I’ll be wearing these a lot more in the future so they’re going to have plenty of time to shine.

EMBROIDERY KITS & RA-RA RAFFIA* – WOOL AND THE GANG 
GIFs commissioned by WATG

I recently received some bits and pieces to help me add another item to my wardrobe, or at least update something I already own, from Wool and The Gang. For those of you who don’t know, Wool and The Gang provide all the tools and materials for your stylish knitting (and embroidery) needs, all responsibly and sustainably sourced.

I can’t wait to get started on the raffia “Money Honey Clutch“. I’m a little nervous to give crocheting ago seeing as I’ve only achieved a few practice stitches in the past but I have faith in their trusty patterns and guidance!

I may be a little biased as to how much I love WATG though as I recently partnered up with them to create their collection of GIF stickers. You can check them out in my portfolio, here. I’ll let you be the judge, though…

BLOUSE, POLO SHIRT & JAEGER BLAZER – CHARITY SHOPS

Last but certainly not least, are a few of my other second-hand purchases (minus a skirt which I accidentally forgot to include. I’ll share it soon though, it’s a stunner!). My favourite buy costing £12.50 is this Jaeger wool jacket in the most beautiful lime green. The lapels are what drew me in initially as they give off that very eighties, almost Bowie-esque vibe. Quite honestly, it takes my confidence to a whole new level when I wear it. I can see myself wearing this for years. 

I also picked up a couple of new tops. As I already mentioned, I don’t shop very often but I’ve started to realise that when I do, I know what I want and how I like it, which is why I knew I’d have no regrets with this floaty eighties number (originally with shoulder pads). Low cut, oversized blouses with no top button have officially become a Tolly staple.

Which item is your favourite? Have you been second-hand shopping, lately? Let me know in the comments!

 (This post is not sponsored or paid for, however items marked with an asterisk (*) were gifted. All opinions are my own. Read my full PR disclaimer, here.)