vintage shopping

I’ve said this numerous times over the past couple of years but it really is necessary to return to my roots of blogging sometimes and truly appreciate the parts of it that I’ve always enjoyed (like editorial shoots and focusing on second-hand style). With the climate crisis heavy on most of our minds, taking a breather from talking about it directly is a form of mindful self-care…

WHAT I WORE: Orange top (Jumble Sale) // Vintage Skirt (Charity Shop & DIY) // Sneakers (YATAY)*

Notably, this outfit isn’t an everyday look but when I come across the perfect shooting location, I tend to lean towards more creative and bold choices to match, even though this is technically just a three-piece look which takes little to no effort to put together. Of course, it’s all sustainable with the top and skirt both being second-hand.

I found this skirt in a charity shop last year. It was originally a very sheer and frail vintage piece which was much too large on me but the print wouldn’t leave my mind, so, it ended up being one of those “I’ve got to go back and get it!” purchases.

In the end, I sewed together an elasticated underskirt in some white cotton that my mum had lying about. The fact that I didn’t attach it to the floral skirt itself means I can always reuse it for another skirt if it were ever needed. It’s the closest thing to a princess dress you’ll find in my wardrobe and it was quite literally made for me (by me!).

Not only is shopping second-hand far more environmentally friendly but it also brings with it sentimentality and the memories behind each purchase. If we want to love our clothes for longer, we need to connect with them emotionally and I think that’s a little harder to do when browsing through shops which are filled with almost identical pieces, rail after rail.

Having said that, I don’t have much recollection of where this orange top came from. I know it was from a second-hand sale but I can’t remember from where or from what country. It’s one of those tops that I don’t reach for constantly but whenever I wear it, I appreciate its purpose (and its almost perfect colour match to my skirt).

In terms of the shoes, they’re pretty self-explanatory. They’re the sort of shoes that I never would have seen myself wearing a few years ago until I started to realise the only truly versatile pair I owned were a pair of white platform heels. So, in came these to my feet’s rescue and now they’re my go-to summer footwear choice. You can read more about what makes them sustainable, here.

I will be honest though, it’s extremely hard for me to completely compartmentalise my eco-anxiety from what should seemingly be a straight-forward fashion piece, especially when the location I was shooting at seemed like a glimpse into our future. A deserted waterpark or a planet left with what used to be?

I’ve had quite a few of these thoughts lately, especially in my local area where the green spaces and parks are surrounded by houses and roads. If we’re not going to be here, what are we going to be leaving behind? What have we done to what used to be natural and wild?

If I’m to attempt to apply these musings to my clothes, I suppose it circles back to sentimentality, again. I’ve written about this before and I’ve contemplated what items in my wardrobe I would like to pass down to my children (if I have them this is – that’s a whole other conversation to touch on at some point; the fear of bringing a new generation into a world that is going to suffer).

My collection of Dr Martens (which are both second-hand and years old) are going to be passed down no matter what, considering how long-lasting they are. I might cling onto my calf-high pair though, seeing as they’re becoming a piece of history as my ‘protest boots‘.

Speaking of which, like many movements which came before the likes of Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future, we’re leaving behind a mark in more than a directly change-making way. We’re leaving behind an identity and memorabilia which we will hopefully look back on as a positive mark of our existence. 

I actually recently touched on this subject for AJ+ (part of Aljazeera News), as they interviewed me about fashion and activism and how I use what I wear and create to play a part in demanding climate justice. I used to feel alone in this but there’s such a sense of inclusion when there are ways of indicating your belief in something. Extinction Rebellion flags are already displayed in the V&A in London, so, it’s hard to deny that we’re leaving a mark.

I hope that what we leave behind will be salvageable, whether it’s our clothes or whether it’s waterparks which are starting to overgrow and rewild themselves into something actually rather stunning. Let this be a reminder that what we use, what we own and what we dispose of will remain in some shape or form; that our clothes, much like our buildings, need to be passed down and appreciated rather than left in disarray.

There is so much beauty and life in what has already been used, so, as much as I may fear what the world will look like without me – us – here, you have to imagine everything with the sun setting behind it and be proud of all the things that we’re leaving in an attempt to avoid that ever happening.

So much for a light-hearted return to what should have just been a style post, eh?

How is your eco-anxiety showing up for you? Let me know in the comments…

If you haven’t been keeping up with my Instagram adventures lately, then you won’t be aware that I’ve spent the last couple of weeks across the pond in New England, all in the name of friendship. It just so happens that I took a whole host of pictures along the way, and a good dose of them included some of my new favourite outfits. So, I’ve rounded them up below in the form of a travel style diary…

Not only is this post going to be filled with some of my current favourite outfits but it’s also going to be filled with second-hand purchases. I understand that could be frustrating for anyone looking for style inspiration with clickable and shoppable links but it’s important to highlight how much you can find in a good ol’ charity shop (or thrift store), as well as in your wardrobe with what you own already.

I was conscious of shopping second-hand for my whole trip, whether it be souvenir shopping (thrift stores have so many slogan t-shirts and local sports team merchandise – go Patriots!) or even for my trusty new back-pack which came with me everywhere.

It was the trip of a lifetime for many reasons and I can’t wait to share it with you in outfit form. Scroll away to learn more about each look!

All items marked with an * (asterisk) were previously gifted items.

  LOCATION: Providence, Rhode Island

WHAT I WORE: White Turtleneck Jumper (Charity shop) // Ripped Jeans (New Look – old & upcycled) // Butterfly Hi-Tops (PO-ZU)* // Kånken Backpack (Depop) // Sunglasses (Topshop – old) 

Is it weird for you to see me in jeans? Because it is for me! It’s not a common occurence in my life simply because I’ve never been completely sold on them, despite the world’s demand for a pair in every shape, size and shade of blue. I opted for my upcycled skinny jeans – originally flares – on this trip as out of the two pairs of jeans I own (yes, just two!), this wash of denim matched what I was packing.

Although I definitely overpacked and didn’t end up wearing a large proportion of the outfits in my suitcase, I still packed with versatility in mind – especially for the first couple of days where I was still adjusting, jet-lag wise.

My Depop-discovered Kånken backpack and simple footwear choice combined, this was the ultimate tourist outfit for when I visited Providence and experienced PVDonuts in all their glory (they’re really, really good doughnuts).

  LOCATION: New York City

WHAT I WORE: Vintage Versace Suit (Antibad)* // Super Crop-top (ASOS – old) // Kånken Backpack (Depop) // Sunglasses (Topshop – old)

Even though the hot weather stripped me of this outfit’s overall vibe, I knew when I visited New York for the first time, I wanted to be wearing something special to me. So, I paired my vintage red suit (which you can read all about here) with a weather-appropriate crop-top underneath and hit the streets of the Big Apple, and later on, the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.

This ‘super’ crop-top is one I dug out of my summer clothes after remembering how much I enjoy wearing it. It’s shrunken a little and the slogan is starting to crack but it will forever be a piece in my wardrobe that I wish I had a duplicate of – because yes, I can appreciate the fast-fashion items I still own, for as long as I continue to keep them for.

This is also a good time to take a closer look at my backpack. I knew I wanted something sturdy and durable, as well as something I could use for a laptop bag for when my trip, sadly came to end. Although I’m not entirely reassured by Fjällräven’s stance on ethics and sustainability, I was happy to buy one of their bags second-hand on Depop, for a discount price.

Red is a great colour to be wearing in New York if you’re ever dressing for photographic purposes, especially when you find a giant flag like the one in Grand Central Station.

  LOCATION: New York City

WHAT I WORE: Floral Blouse (ASOS – old) // Kenzo Floral Shorts (Jumble sale) // White Sneakers (YATAY)* // Sunglasses (ASOS – old)

My second day in NYC was an absolute scorcher, so, the red suit came off and was replaced by a mix-and-match floral number with a pair of KENZO shorts I found at a French jumble sale, years ago.

I also wore two more fast-fashion purchases from years gone by, in the form of my floral blouse from ASOS Africa (now known as ASOS Made in Kenya, I believe) and a pair of statement sunglasses. It felt like a pretty perfect combination, especially when a cooling rain shower sprinkled over Washington Square Park – ah, take me back!

My YATAY sneakers held up exceptionally well despite all the walking and subway taking, too, and I’ve yet to feel the urge to swap out the hemp laces they originally came with.

  LOCATION: Newport, Rhode Island

WHAT I WORE: White Ruffle Blouse (Vintage Kilo Sale) // Carhartt Dungarees (Depop) // Butterfly Hi-Tops (PO-ZU)* // Kånken Backpack (Depop) // Boston Red Sox Cap (Charity shop) // Titties Tote Bag (Eat Mielies)

This is definitely my favourite look from my trip (hence why it’s getting two sections to this post), as well as a current favourite overall. It’s worth mentioning that the Boston Red Sox cap that has yet to leave my head (despite the fact I’m home), was thrifted on the day I visited Newport, from a charity shop tucked around the corner of a back street.

As aforementioned, I managed to thrift some of my souvenirs, which isn’t something I’ve done before but is definitely something I plan to do again in the future. As well as my Red Sox cap, I also picked up a New England Patriot’s t-shirt with a holographic logo on it, and a rather obnoxious USA top which made my friend’s family laugh – I promise if you ever see me wearing it, it will be for ironic purposes. 

My dungarees are making their first proper blog debut here, too. These also barely leave my body and were the best investment purchase I’ve ever made for my wardrobe. Thank you, Mickey of Netflix’s LOVE, for making me want a pair of my own.

In other recent second-hand shopping news, I discovered this dream of a blouse at the Vintage Kilo Sale when it was in town recently, and it’s another purchase I have 0 regrets over. Although, it’s a fairly simple shirt in principle (and definitely at least 3 sizes too big), the ruffled collar and cuffs elevate an outfit instantaneously.

There’s also something super satisfying about the combination of crisp white ruffles against a tough, workwear one-piece with gold hardware. Sometimes it’s the unexpected pairings that work best – even more so when you add on a cap for a sport you’ve never seen played.

  LOCATION: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

WHAT I WORE: Yellow Blouse (Charity shop) // Floaty Maxi Dress (ASOS – old) // Ripped Jeans (New Look – old) // Butterfly Hi-Tops (PO-ZU)* // Kånken Backpack (Depop) // Boston Red Sox Cap (Charity shop) // Denim Choker (Yours Again)* // Sunglasses (Topshop – old)

Finally, this is a look at another thrifting discovery from my trip; this bell-sleeved blouse, which gained me two compliments within the charity shop itself. Apparently, statement blouses are my kryptonite now. I paired it two different ways, two days in a row, simply because I loved it so much.

There are so many simple details to this blouse which makes it hard for me to believe somebody actually wanted to give it away. On top of the gorgeous mustard colour, there are exposed fabric buttons down the back and pleated bow details on the sleeves (or, one could say, wings).

One pairing option was with my years-old floaty maxi dress which is the perfect layering piece, all year round. In my mind, the socks and shoe situation toned down what was probably only making sense to myself, style-wise. Combining a sports cap, a pair of ‘sneakers’ and a layered boho dress, works right? 

Silver Disc Ring (Liz P Jewelery)

Have no fear, I dialled it right back with just a simple pair of jeans, at least once. The sleeves did all the talking, even when I was camouflaged by a wall in a parking garage. This outfit also reassured me that I made the right choice when I was considering which colour backpack to buy; yellow on yellow may have been overkill.

The sleeves of this blouse (which cost me about £5 with the Red Sox cap included, thanks to the charity shop having a 50% off sale), also gave me an opportunity to show off my beautiful and handmade silver disc ring by Liz P. I’ve already spoken about why I bought this ring over on Instagram but it deserves some time to shine on my blog, too. It’s so eye-catching in its simplicity; I will never stop appreciating its beauty.

I hope you enjoyed this round-up as much as I enjoyed compiling it. It will be a great post to look back on in the future, so I can remember where I bought specific items because I am definitely considering my yellow blouse as a souvenir, too. I’ll never forget that weird little thrift store in Newport and the cap that brought me perhaps a bit too much joy.

After all, there is sustainability in sentimentality.

Which is your favourite outfit? Have you had any thrifting success lately? Let me know in the comments!

It’s been a fair amount of time since I’ve used this space on the internet to be indulgent and talk simply about clothes and although this piece will still be sprinkled with nods to sustainability (it’s almost impossible for me not to, now), I want to ease your minds a little and get back into my creative and editorial groove…

WHAT I WORE: Vintage Suit – £10 (Originally Retromania London) // Silver Blouse (Jumble sale) // Platform heels (Vagabond – old) 

Not too long ago, I was walking the streets of London thinking of ways to kill time before my journey home and obviously, me being me, killing time often comes in the form of browsing vintage and charity stores. Enter, Retromania, a tiny old vintage store tucked away in Pimlico, that appeared on my phone as a Google Maps suggestion.

Unbeknown to me, Retromania was having a mega sale and when I say mega, I mean, upstairs was £10 and downstairs was £5. It explained why there was a lady hauling a gigantic mountain of clothes to the till; it was a vintage shoppers goldmine and only for a temporary period of time.

So, sure enough, I was grabbing different pieces from rails and dashing to the changing rooms, expecting to come away with treasures. Sadly, my first try on wasn’t as spectacular as I was envisioning.

That’s the thing with vintage or any second-hand shopping; you can pick out an item and have a specific vision for how it will look on you, only for it drape unevenly and hang off all the wrong places…

That’s until I was about to dash out the door, my departure time drawing closer, and my eyes returned to something that had stood out as soon as I’d entered. It was a mint green wool suit, about five sizes too big and a price tag of £40; a little too steeply priced and a little too oversized for my liking, especially when I’m no longer a fan of impulse purchases. I prefer the more considered approach.

But of course, the sale was on, and I was reminded that this piece was actually only £10 and well, I’ve adjusted trousers before, so, how hard could it be? I flung myself back in the changing room, stripped down all my layers once again and decided to take the plunge. This huge minty suit was destined to be mine.

And now it is; in all of its Life on Mars, Bowie-esque gloriousness. It took me a few days to adjust and tailor to my size but that £10 sale and the clock ticking to rush me out the door was all matter of destiny. My suit collection has officially grown and you can see a snippet of the adjustment process, over on my DIY Highlight on Instagram Stories.

Just like how this suit recently entered my life, so did colourful eyeshadow. You may or may not know but make-up just isn’t for me. I’m at a stage now where even though my skin is far from perfect, I would rather face the occasional day where I lack in self-confidence than keep up a strict skincare routine or buy single-use beauty products which I probably wouldn’t know how to apply, anyway.

Yes, even my disinterest in make-up turns out to be an incidental sustainable lifestyle choice. However, I do love colour and I’ve never been against the idea of creative make-up which allows you to enhance your personality. In fact, I’ve reblogged a lot of posts on Tumblr which explain my feelings about it all, in various different ways.

I’m embracing it and allowing myself to explore something I’ve, well, resisted for so long. My eyelids match my suit, my suit matches David Bowie, and all of what I’m wearing is sustainable (second-hand clothes and extremely worn in platforms). What more could a girl want?

If you own a sewing machine or know a friend who’s willing to help you out, this is a PSA – get that mint green suit which looks like it would never fit you. Save something from ending up unworn (perhaps even in a landfill), get creative and live your sartorial dreams.

How would you have styled this suit? What’s your best vintage bargain? Let me know in the comments!

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.)

I know I’m not really supposed to apologise for what goes on, on this blog, but I would just like to say a quick sorry for my lack of blog posts since LFW finished. I did actually give a quick warning to say I’d be on a break, but then I was struck by a dreaded cold and the break stretched further than I’d anticipated. However, I’m hopefully back for good now! I thought I’d start things back up again with a simple, good ol’ fashion-y post about what I’ve been shopping for recently, all in the form of secondhand pieces of course! Much more satisfying and a great way to gain inspiration for your own ethical wardrobe…

~ WHAT I BOUGHT: £80 ~

As I was saying; satisfying, isn’t it? All of that for the price you might pay for two or three high street items which aren’t necessarily (well, almost definitely) ethically or sustainably produced. What’s even more satisfying is how everything blends and matches so well! It wasn’t really intentional, but when you’re shopping in all in one, I suppose it’s a subconscious thing, to buy items that all match up perfectly. Technically, though, I didn’t buy all of this is in one as you can see from the labels above. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep my receipts to tell you which charity shops I shopped in, but I can tell you from memory that RSPCA & Longfield Hospice are two of my favourites for well-sorted stock.

For these recent purchases, the only items I had in mind beforehand was some sort of evening dress (I’m off on a cruise at the start of November and let me tell you, they dress fancy) and possibly, a suit. A while ago whilst in the car, my dad spotted a men’s suit in the window of a shop and um… it turns out that apparently, it was a better fit for me (it was polka dot, mind you), so ever since then I’ve been on the hunt for a matching two piece! I’ve actually become really interested in suits in general over the past few months, just because of their fit and the androgynous vibe that comes with them.

It turns out that running giddily around a jumble sale looking for every single stand of clothes pays off because I found it! I found the suit I was looking for! I hadn’t really decided on my ideal suit, but I knew a navy one wouldn’t turn me away. You can’t really see it in these pictures, but I promise once I’ve adjusted the shoulders, I’ll be shooting it ASAP! It’s actually a satin number with the most gorgeous fitted trousers, and it cost me €10 in total. And the even greater thing? At the same jumble sale, I picked up two options for blouses.

I don’t feel so guilty indulging in trends when I’m buying them secondhand (trends = mass consumption/mass production), so when I, my mum spotted a sheer ruffled cover-up, almost lingerie style blouse at the same seller’s stall, I knew it would make a great textural contrast against the satin. Plus, white and navy is a really crisp and sharp colour combination and will work really well for an evening event (did I say something about a cruise?). The second blouse is another satin piece but in a light purple. Although contrasts are nice, I thought it would blend in nicely as a more fitted and ‘proper’ shirt with the suit.

Rings: Middle Finger (Unknown) // Index Finger (Arezzo D’oro Diamond Cut Stacker Ring – Gemporia)*

Speaking of that ruffled blouse, it looks great with the evening dress I managed to pick up! I know not many people are fans of lurex fabric, but I think if worn in the right way, it can look just as elegant as any other sparkly material. As you would have seen in my last outfit post, I love layering slip dresses, and it looks great with any kind of texture or colour. The black shade means I’ll be able to wear it to dinner, but also be able to go for a slightly grungier look in the day. Versatile, non?

Oh and yes, yes that is a cashmere ‘granny jumper’. It was one of those purchases which I was unsure about at first, so I left the charity shop empty handed before going back again and trying it on because it just seemed too tempting. It will work with jeans, it will work with a dress and who knows, maybe it will even work with the suit? I love muted pink, as you will already know if you’ve read my whole post basically dedicated to it.

Oh and that jacket? Another item which I had to go back for. In fact there was shopping drama with this one! I asked the seller if he’d give me a deal because I wasn’t that willing to buy it for his original price of €40 (even though it is vintage leather), so he said he’d drop it to €35, final price. I mulled it over, he put it back out on a rail, and somebody else tried it on… and luckily, they didn’t want it, so I bought it, but only just before another lady asked to try it on. It was a faff, but I have it on my shoulders (and of course, on my arms when I’m actually wearing it out and about). A good point to remember though – jumble or carboot sale shopping allows for bargaining. 

So there we have it! All secondhand. I hope you liked reading about my recent shopping experiences. The reason I do these ‘ethical wardrobe‘ posts, is to try and share with you how easy it is to create a collection you enjoy wearing without having to effect the world and environment around us. Buying secondhand means recycling, giving back to charity and supporting your local communities. Give it a go! See what you can find for £80…

As you will have gathered over the past few months on this blog, I’m a huge advocate for second-hand shopping. Ever since I picked up a turquoise floral dress from a charity shop when I was about seven, I’ve been in love with the idea of recycling clothes and keeping them in the world for longer, because, why not? When I found out about the Traid #SecondHandFirst week, I knew I had to write up a little something-something to share…

SECOND-HAND OUTFITS: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

The point of this week (23rd – 29th November 2015) is to raise awareness of the power of second-hand shopping. It’s a chance to get more people on board with the idea and let people know that it’s more than just old dirty clothes in a dingy little charity shop – it’s a chance to recycle clothes that are perfectly usable and stop them from ending up on landfill sites. Traid want as many people as they can to make a pledge to source their wardrobe with second-hand clothing, whether that’s vintage, hand-me-downs, charity shop donated or re-vamped one-offs.

~ TAKE THE PLEDGE ~ FOLLOW @TRAID ~

I’ve commited to sourcing 50% of wardrobe second-hand, just like Susie Lau (Style Bubble) and I’m sure, many other people. You don’t need to commit as much as that (you can commit more if you like!) but setting yourself a little target can really make you more motivated to becoming a savvy shopper – thinking more about being ethical and sustainable, rather than being splurgey and spendy. The outfits in the first image are all outfits featuring second-hand items so yes, you can still be stylish and shop second-hand. We just need to all start proving it!

How much of your wardrobe will you commit to sourcing second-hand? Have you already taken the pledge? Let me know your thoughts on second-hand shopping in the comments!

P.S If you’re in the UK on Saturday November 28th, please pick up a copy of The Telegraph Magazine as there maybe a little feature of my Mooi en Lief by TDP collection in it! Eeep! 🎅🎄

I’m sorry that of my very few recent posts, that today’s is another outfit, but I didn’t want to miss this month’s Changing With The Seasons post, so I just had to pop this up. I really hope you don’t mind! I’ll try and have some different kinds of posts up soon… I’m just still trying to get my mojo back. Anyway, here’s how to dress for summer…

WHAT I WORE: Embroidered Blouse Dress (ASOS) // Vintage Floral Denim Two-Piece (Jumble Sale) // Blue Pleated Skater Skirt (H&M) // Nike Trainers (JD Sports)*

Okay, let’s just jump to it… THIS. TWO. PIECE. I don’t even care if 99% of this post is just all about the jacket and skirt, because looook. at. it. You won’t believe this when I say it, but I picked this up for £5.00 at a jumble sale. It fits like a glove and it is just stunning. I probably styled it in a bit of an odd way, but I was just too excited to share it that I had to include it.

The print is just beautiful and gives that sort of modern vibe even though the set is obviously vintage. I’d say it is probably an 80s/90s piece due to the baggy arms and oversized feel, but I honestly don’t mind at all. I think it’s going to be so fun to style, especially as you can wear the jacket and skirt separately. No doubt you’ll see it in a future #OOTD!

Now let’s talk about what’s underneath (okay, well erm… I probably worded that wrongly)… firstly, the top. This is actually a fairly old ASOS purchase, which I don’t tend to wear as it’s a fairly scratchy material but I think it worked well for an added contrast of colour.

Next up, where is the blue skirt? It’s like the Where’s Wally? of an outfit post… but it’s fairly simple. So I didn’t cheat, and stayed tied up with the CWTS series, I popped the skirt underneath my new floral denim number and created a faux pleated hem. What d’ya think? Yay or nay?

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And as I like to do for this lil’ series, here’s my video! It’s just a fun way to show you what the outfit’s really like on and get a bit creative. I think I may have had the exposure settings a bit wrong with this one, so sorry about the darkness, but I think it’s okay… I hope you enjoy a very rare YouTube appearance from me.

Hopefully I’ll be back soon with a very exciting announcement (hopefully) so do stay tuned! I think August is going to be a very busy and eventful month so hopefully in September I’ll be back to my usual self again, brimming with ideas and hopefully posting more designed based posts. That’s my goal! Until then… speak soon 🙂

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 🙂

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!

You may have noticed that I’ve decided to stop my Series Sunday schedule. It really hasn’t been working out for me, and it means I can blog much more freely without it, but do not fear! The series I posted on Sundays will still be around, just like my A-Z Fashion Guide! Today I will be talking about a few things to do in Brick Lane, and why I think it deserves to be in my guide… and yes, all puns to do with ‘lanes’ are in italics… 

For the third and final instalment of letter ‘B’ in my A-Z Fashion Guide, I decided to go down a different route and learn a bit more about Brick Lane. Upon research, I didn’t actually find that much about it’s connection with fashion, but in my opinion it is notorious for it’s stylish streets.

I think most importantly, it’s known for it’s vintage shops and markets. Not only are they a treasure trove for those who love their clothes, but it’s also the perfect place for street style photographers to get dozens of shots. With it’s bundles of tattered Dr Martens and flannel shirts piled upon piles.

Brick Lane maybe more commonly known for it’s culture and food markets, which to me plays an important role in to why I’ve included it into my guide. The different styles and ethnicity all merge together, and I think that’s what fashion is all about. Designs and trends from all different walks of life. 

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I’ve put together a little map of the area and have included a few recommended hot spots for vintage shopping. I can’t say that I’ve been to all of these, but I know by social media what is good and what is not. Here’s a few mini reviews for you:

BOXPARK – This place is pretty cool. It’s made up of shipping containers and is full to the brim of pop-up shops. It has brands from GAP to MOO (yeah, for that business card shopping spree you’ve been dying to go on…), and even has a place to get a bite to eat. A cool photography opportunity too. Who can resist corrugated iron?

Rokit Vintage – I’ve heard a lot about Rokit online, and upon close inspection of their website, all sounds well and good. They’ve got loads of unique and one off items that you wouldn’t get anywhere else, so it’s worth checking out… and if you can’t get there by foot, check out their website.

The Vintage Market – This is the bomb.com, and the hive of Brick Lane’s fashionistas. Full to the brim of colourful clothes and accessories. It’s underground and has a pretty darn cool vibe to it. Come with a few coins, or plenty. A good experience nonetheless.

What do you think of Brick Lane? Know any interesting facts? Let me know in the comments!

(As always, you can find all image sources on my Pinterest.)