Tomorrow (24th April 2015) is Fashion Revolution Day! If you’re not sure what that is, well I’m here to explain. Fashion Revolution is a campaign to raise awareness of the true cost of fashion, show the world that change is possible, and celebrate all those involved in creating a more sustainable future. I’m quite passionate about the whole thing and I believe you should be too. There’s quite a good explanation over on Huffington Post too!
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As part of Fashion Revolution Day this year, they’re trying to get as many bloggers, writers, YouTubers and influencers to share a “#Haulternative” video or blog post. The idea is to inspire as many people as possible to get back into the charity shops, raid through jumble sales, purchase vintage gems and think more about expensive, quality, investment buys than huge hauls of cheap and cheerful items. I think it’s such a great idea and it shouldn’t just be aimed at bloggers either; YOU should get involved too.
You can watch my #Haulternative video above. I’ve picked out a few of my favourite second hand items. Some of them were seriously cheap and look seriously cool among most of my wardrobe. If you are inspired by this video and blog post, make sure to let me know in the comments! I’d love to know what you purchase…
I didn’t want to just talk about some of my favourite pieces though, I wanted to talk about why second hand shopping is actually really important. In my opinion so many people shy away from charity shops and jumble sales because I suppose the idea is a little bit odd. You’re wearing something that a stranger has already worn before. I get it. It is kinda’ weird, but when you think about the positives of buying second hand, you’ll probably want to go shopping straight away…
You’re helping the environment…
Clothes that you pick up from the charity shops and vintage stalls have been worn before, and they’re there to be worn again. It’s fashion’s way of recycling. This stops clothes from being chucked into the landfill sites and being completely wasted. A perfectly usable pair of jeans could be sat there in your local Oxfam waiting to be worn again! If you remember that you’re helping the planet and reducing waste when you purchase, then you should be able to forget that someone else has worn the same jeans.
Second hand clothes come with a purse-friendly price tag…
Unless you’re shopping at a top end vintage designer store, most second hand items will be cheap as chips. You can watch my video just to see a few of the bargains which I have picked up. I mean, who can resist £1 KENZO shorts?! The more expensive charity shops tend to be those with higher quality, more interesting pieces but even then you probably won’t be spending more than £25, which in my opinion is still a bargain. So if you’re on a budget, get down to your town’s weekly car-boot sale and find something for less!
Purchasing items at charity shops and jumble sales doesn’t just help your wardrobe…
It’s in the name, “charity” shops! When you buy, you support a good cause. I’ve listed below just some of the places your money goes at popular charity shops across the UK…
…but don’t just think only charity shops help! Things like car-boot sales and jumble sales help your community! Even on eBay, you help somebody out by putting a few coins back into their purse 🙂
Oxfam
Sue Ryder
Red Cross
Heart Foundation
Cancer Research
Most pieces are as good as new…
As I mentioned above, a pair of perfectly usable jeans might be out there waiting for you, but not just jeans! I’ve found so many pieces (like the ones in my video) that are in perfect condition and look as good as new. So you don’t have to worry about anyone thinking you shop second hand… and if you do feel worried, or anyone does mention it, direct them to this blog post and explain why it’s much better to be wearing someone else’s clothes than something brand spanking new!
Ask the brands you wear #WhoMadeMyClothes Share your #Haulternative
Those are only a few of the amazing positives of shopping second hand. I hope it has inspired you in some way! I definitely want to start buying more second hand pieces, because you really can find some brilliant pieces in your price range. And, if you do, make sure you not only share your #Haulternative shopping spree, but make sure you tweet the brand that is on the label with #WhoMadeMyClothes to see where it came from! Now go and get spreading the word!














































I was asked questions about my style, size and shape which helped ‘Joseh’ out. I explained that I wanted to know what sort of thing I could wear underneath a sheer tulle midi skirt (see here), and that my budget was up to about £30. I was introduced to the ‘Style Board’ which is a bit like a ‘live’ pinning service for you and your stylist.
The ‘Style Board’ opens in a new window and you can add images from Google, your computer, or from the ASOS site. I added a picture of my main gal’ Susie Lau, and a snap of the tulle skirt I was talking about. It was a lot easier adding my own image because ‘Joseh’ could see exactly what I wanted and what I meant. It’s surprisingly easy to use, and has that fun part to it… seeing new images being added by somebody in another place… the small things!
One of the best parts is that it tells you what your stylist is doing, in the last version you just knew when they were typing, but with this it tells you exactly what they are doing. Like I said, it really is quite personal, but once you get used to it, it’s actually quite interesting. Also, the ‘Style Board’ gives you something to do whilst you wait… it really is quite the improvement.
Some of the features of the ‘Style Board’ included being able to save, and add products to your bag in which your stylist had chosen, as well as refine your searches so it’s easier to find, definitely a time saver! I ended up saving 2 things in my saved list and they went straight into it, no hassle at all!
If you don’t like something there is also a hide function which means your stylist knows what not to look for. It’s helpful to get to a shortlist of things you really genuinely love. The whole layout of the page is great and I love the fact that the stylist says with you the whole time. No checking back to other windows, I hate that!
