car boot sale fashion

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!

~ SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE ~

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 🙂

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!

As you know recently, I have been going to quite a few a lot of jumble sales recently. It’s not because my family are hoarders, it’s because you can really find some gems in the mix of things! The ‘high street’ shops where I live, really are not to my taste, so I find going to a few ‘Vide Greniers’ is worth it. 55I thought I would teach you how to shop at them! This isn’t for just French ones, it can be useful tips for the classic Car Boot in the UK, or a Garage Sale in the US. Take them and see if they work for you! (Also I would just like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Style Blogger Awards, lets just hope we get a good outcome! *Fingers Crossed*)

A Vide Grenier in the Midi Pyrenees!

Ignore Sizes & Genders: Yes, you read it right! At Jumble Sales most things will be old sizes, perhaps sizes from the 60s, 70s, etc which are different to sizes now! If you’re a size 8, don’t just look for a size 8! Something a bit bigger might look good baggy, and something a bit shorter might look cropped! Ignoring genders is also key! If you pick something up which is mens (or womens) and you like the look of it, buy it if it’s cheap!

Ask the prices: If you see something you like the look of, ask for the price! Even if it is way out your budget, or you may not ever wear or use, just ask! You never know, those old pair of vintage brogues might only be £2!

Make Do & Mend: I’m not saying do what they did in the war, but if you see something which perhaps is a bit tatty, or has a few holes, or is a bit too long, take it for a cheap price and change it up! If a skirt has a weird hem, add some lace to it! You would prefer that top with a peter pan collar? Add one! It’s cheaper than buying it new!

Haggle: If something is £7, ask for it for £5! £2, ask for it for £1! £15, ask for it for £10 or somewhere in between. Don’t worry! The worst thing that will happen is that you will get it for full price!

Take a chance: Getting back to ignoring sizes, if you don’t try something on, don’t worry! If it’s 50p and doesn’t fit, that really isn’t going to break the bank is it?!

Look out for DIY items: What I mean by this is, if there is an old box of necklaces, ask how much they would take for the whole lot. That box would be great for DIYs, as you can break of the beads and sew them onto things, or even make bracelets and other bits and bobs out of them! They’ll probably only take a fiver, so grab the chance!

Look up local Jumble Sales: Whenever we want to go out we always make sure we check out if there are any on. Even if you get there and they are packing up, or it’s the smallest ever, it might just be worth it. We sometimes get to ones, and they are all through the village!

I hope these tips were helpful! Even if you think you know how to ‘shop’, I think it’s good to know a little bit more from other people. Jumble Sales are great places for fashionista’s and, people wanting to re-vamp their style for less! (I sound like Gok Wan!) If you follow me on Instagram (TDPosh), you will be able to see what bargains I find! 🙂

Did you see the FAQ about the Posh Fashion Awards? Make sure to get your questions answered before the whole thing starts! Click here for more information.