tips Archives

The 2022 World Environment Day campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet. (Visit https://www.worldenvironmentday.global for more details)

As I reflect on what this means, I suppose everyone needs to do something to help protect the planet. It feels rather big otherwise doesn’t it?

I don’t want this blog to become a lecture, but we do seem to consume a lot of things don’t we? Imagine if you bought only what you needed so that you wasted less. This could be food, clothes or makeup. It would have an impact for sure.

Everyone is more aware of the need to be more sustainable when it comes to style. But, it may also mean changing our habits too.

I like to think that my services help support this: Wearing things which suit you. Making things work for you if they’re not quite right. Passing them on to others to keep them in circulation.

Here’s my top tips for a more sustainable wardrobe.

1. Choose quality over quantity

If you buy well you buy once! Look for good quality material and well made clothes. These will last longer than fast fashion and cheaper buys made from poor quality material. If you have a lower budget, make sure you spend as much as you can on the key pieces for your wardrobe that you’ll wear all the time. This is where creating a capsule wardrobe really comes in. Revisit this blog Virtual guides – how to create a capsule wardrobe that works for you.

2. Explore pre-loved and vintage

There are so many options available with platforms like vinted and eBay as well as charity shops. If you would like better quality pieces or designers but can’t afford the price tag, these are often the best solution. That feeling when you find something in the perfect colour for you, wonderful quality and which fits beautifully is a winning combination. Knowing you’ve not only grabbed yourself a bargain, but you’ve also helped the planet is a very pleasing experience. In fact, it can be a bit addictive! It’s a great way of clearing your own clutter and making a little money too.

3. Upcycle your existing pieces to bring them up to date

If you’re great at sewing, then this is definitely for you! By changing your clothes to bring them up to date, you have a very inexpensive alternative to spending more money on new clothes you probably don’t need.

You could change the shape of a collar or neckline. Add some braiding, edging or the sleeve or skirt length to make it feel like a new item of clothing. I have had clients who have altered a dress they’ve grown tired of changing it into a top or a skirt. Cut down trousers into shorts. I’ve even upcycled buttons into jewellery myself!

Even if you aren’t adept with a needle and thread, others are. Switch up the buttons on a jacket to make it feel like new. Or, add a brooch which needs no sewing at all.

Another way to alter something is by changing the colour. Gone are the days of prodding clothes around with a stick in a bucket full of dye. Dylon pods can be used safely within the washing machine to quickly switch the colour of your clothes. It’s fun and simple to do, plus their dye is vegan and environmentally friendly. So many clients have taken my advice. £6 on Amazon. (If you make a purchase using this link, I will receive a payment).

4. Hire rather than buy

Before you buy a new outfit for that special occasion, consider renting one instead.

Check out the many rental marketplaces. Hirestreet, Hurr, By Rotation, My wardrobe HQ are all good options. They offer access to a wide range of premium brands at affordable prices.

https://www.hirestreetuk.com

https://www.hurrcollective.com

https://byrotation.com/

https://www.mywardrobehq.com/

5. Take care of the clothes you have

It really will make a difference. If you’re tempted to throw clothes over the bedroom chair, floordrobe or exercise bike, think again. Our clothes are never really as dirty as we think! Try and hang up items you can get another wear out of before throwing them in the wash. Washing at lower temperatures is recommended and simple these days.

6. Be more mindful

Consider each new purchase. Do you already have something similar? Does it fill a gap you have been able to identify? Can it be worn with at least three other items?

Consider them to be an investment as they can last you many years and see many wears. Remember my ‘pounds per wear’ motto. Clothes in the right colour and style for you which fit and flatter your shape will always be the best choices.

If we all do our little bit imagine the combined change we can make.

2020 hasn’t really shaped up to what we would have expected has it?

Next week, the clothes shops are expected to open their doors once again, with many weeks having passed since closing them. I’m also not sure what to expect. Will you be rushing out to the shops?

For those of you who love the joy of shopping; perhaps a leisurely browse with a coffee stop, this is unlikely to be the case for some time. For those of you who despise shopping, then I’m sure you won’t have missed it in any event!

What to expect

There is the prospect of queuing, just like we do at the supermarket as shops limit the number of customers at any one time. Sanitise stations on entry and exit with one way systems likely to be in place. Of course, there will be no changing rooms either and strict social distancing in place too.

Contactless payments have already increased their limit to £45 in many stores and shunning cash payments, clothing retailers are likely to follow.

The new norm?

Without changing rooms, you’ll need to buy and try on at home. The benefit of this is the comfort of your own home with your own mirrors and lighting! Though, the added inconvenience if you need to return them.

One of the many benefits to understanding the colours, style and shape of clothes which work for you, can help to minimise this as you will shop better knowing what to buy and what suits you.

If you do buy something, get it home and it’s not right for you, please don’t feel that you need to hold onto it! It’s only a waste and you’ll regret the purchase every time you see it hung up with the label on!

Statistics show that during this period, people have taken to online shopping and it will be interesting to see if the spending ratios tilt again.
Many people have been encouraged to ‘shop their wardrobe’ during this period and I’ve spent time with many clients helping them assess their wardrobes. Don’t discount what you might have lurking at the back of the wardrobe!

Is it really a bargain?

This period has also brought about more awareness to sustainability again with their clothes. Buying less items but spending more on quality is certainly a positive effect.

But, if you can’t resist a bargain – beware! I do predict that there could be huge sales emerge from some retailers who have been unable to sell their current range of spring and summer season stock. This can be both a positive and a negative.

Do you adopt the smash and grab approach in your local budget store: a pair of shorts for a fiver, a swimsuit reduced by 80% and those faux-leather sandals that you’ll ‘bed in’ on a buy one pair, get one free offer which you’ll save for your holiday next year?

Or, do you use this opportunity to invest in better quality items that will last for years to come? There may be an opportunity to look at retailers that have always been slightly out of your price point as they may offer discounts that you can afford to treat yourself to now.

The choice is yours!

My tip is always to go with a shopping list of items you need and fill what gaps you have. Remember, that something is only ever a bargain if you actually wear it. My £s per wear motto also means that the more you wear something, the more use you get out of it and the lower cost per wear. Compare spending £5 on something you wear once versus spending £25 on something you wear 10 times – the latter is better value.

Before buying anything, ask yourself if the item concerned will go with at least three other things in your wardrobe. If you have to buy ‘around’ the item to make an outfit, chances are it isn’t really a bargain. It may be that there is a coveted item that you’re lacking in your wardrobe and which you’ve been searching for. That one item that transforms other items to create multiple outfits. This could be a good purchase. Have a look in your wardrobe and really look closely. And, if you’re trying to match up something then take it with you.

Spring/Summer update

I believe that everyone should feel good in what they wear.

Understanding what suits you and why can help you shop wisely and avoid making more wardrobe mistakes. If you need any help then please do get in touch as I have a range of services to offer.

If you’re keen to update your wardrobe without making more wardrobe mistakes, consider booking my seasonal style update. The session addresses the key colours and styles available in the shops and what will specifically work better for you. This isn’t always about what you should buy, but what you have and how you can update your wardrobe to work better for you and be more current. Sessions are available individually or as a group and a handy seasonal style guide is included.

You can purchase the handy seasonal guide separately. Please get in touch to get your copy.

One final point, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to test make-up at the cosmetics counter or experience a makeover. Don’t leave your purchases to chance. Let me help, guide and recommend the best shades of make-up to enhance your features. Plus, theres 10% off until 3 July. Visit the online shop to make your purchase and an additional 10% will be donated to NHS Charities together.

tips

Sustainable fashion tips