LANDFILL? NO WAY!!
When you shop pre-loved fashion, you're rescuing millions of garments from the dreaded landfill. It's like being a hero, but for clothes. And let's not forget the precious natural resources that are spared when you choose secondhand over new. Mother Earth thanks you!
blogspot.com - Landfill fashion: the fashion industries biggest secret [accessed Feb 2024]
Taking care of our planet is THE ultimate priority when shopping for pre-owned items, but there's so much more to enjoy. Let's dive in!
SHOP WHAT YOU LIKE
Last year at this exact time, I was still hitting the high street for my fashion fix. As soon as I stepped foot into those shops, I was bombarded with instructions on what to buy and wear, based on what the mannequins were sporting and the pictures plastered all over the store.
Back in my window dressing days, I learned the power of eye-catching visuals in a busy shop. They're like magnets for customers!
As I've aged, it hit me that I don't wanna blend in and honestly, I can't even wear a lot of what's out there! Unfortunately, much of the trendy fashion fails to accommodate my thunder thighs, ample backside, petite waist, and modest bust. Don't panic, I'm all about loving the body. I've learned to embrace and appreciate it as I've aged, which means finding the perfect outfit for my shape rather than buying things that are 'trendy'.
But let's be real, even if I had the ideal figure, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing most of this stuff.
www.mannequinmall.com [accessed Feb 2024]
I mean just look at the shape of these mannequins! Wow! How many of us actually look at that way? That is why I really love 'Dolly'. She is the mannequin that Dawn at Apparel Leeds has in her window display. Dolly rocks the curves and looks fab in practically everything! Take a look....
www.instagram.com/apparel.leeds
IT'S SO MUCH FUN!
Finding a hidden pre-loved treasure gives you a buzz like no other. There's nothing I love more than having a good trawl through the rails of charity shops. I totally get that charity shops aren't for everyone and I understand that. Only the other day whilst out thrifting with a good friend, she said 'I hate the smell of these places', which I also appreciate.
If that's you and you're not a charity shop lover then that's where The Vault comes in and why I started my business. I have done all the hard work for you and it just so happens that I have the best time doing it. There's a few thrifted/charity shop finds, but most of what I have on the rails comes from customers who've done a wardrobe clean-up and dropped off the pieces that don't fit or aren't their style anymore.
www.istockphoto.com [accessed Feb 2024]
If you know you have things like this sat in your wardrobe but the the thought of sorting through it all freaks you out then why not get help with your wardrobe edit from the lovely Dawn. Click on the link below for more information.
Apparel Wardrobe Edit Service – Apparel Leeds
You maybe the sort of person who hates searching for things. If you are then you can come in The Vault, tell me roughly what you're looking for and I can point you in the right direction.
If you're a bit like me and love a good rummage then feel free to jump in and explore those rails!
I'm totally obsessed with discovering the perfect item and automatically knowing who it would be for. Maybe you've seen the reel of my friend and I where we played dress-up. It was a so much fun and I now admit, very addictive! We're making this a monthly thing.
The outfit I chose for my lovely friend Nic
YOU CAN BE MORE CREATIVE WITH YOUR OUTFITS
Shopping on the high street means the outfit building is already done, taking away the fun of searching and the chances are that you may bump into someone wearing the exact same outfit as you.
I never would have thought to team some of the things I wear now! It's a good thing I work alongside a stylist and colour analyst to give me a helping hand. I had no clue about the right colors to wear!
If this appeals to you then check out the link below:
Apparel Colour Services - Preparing for a Spring wardrobe – Apparel Leeds
www.apparelleeds.com [accessed Feb 2024]
Take sequins, why do people limit them to Christmas? Who made that rule? If you want to rock sequins, go for it! This goes for pretty much anything. You want to clash prints, then do it!
PUT YOUR PERSONALITY INTO YOUR OUTFITS
Sometimes the clothes sold on the high street just aren't your cup of tea, especially with the ever-changing trends of the seasons. You might wear a lot of black so that in Spring/Summer it's like a burst of colour everywhere, or you might be super vibrant so that when Autumn/Winter rolls around, all those dark colors just don't match your energy.
We all know how fashion seasons change in the blink of an eye and how we're supposed to keep up with our ever-changing looks. You don't have to worry with pre-loved! Shop any season, anytime, especially online! I will continue to try my best with the variety of items I have in The Vault and will continue to listen carefully to your needs and wants.
FIND UNIQUE PIECES
When it comes to pre-loved shopping, it's like diving into a treasure chest. You never know what treasures someone has held onto until they finally release them, just for you to snap up. These could include vintage pieces, custom made pieces or one off pieces. And the best thing of all is that nobody can copy your outfit. Sometimes when someone copies your outfit, it can be flattering but sometimes it's just not cool.
www.thetimes.co.uk [accessed Feb 2024]
ARE YOU READY TO GIVE IT A GO?
Now can you see why I love shopping pre-loved? We're not just saving the planet for our future generations, we're also ditching fashion rules!
I now challenge you to have a go at pre-loved shopping. Browse the online platforms, visit your local charity shop, shop your friends' wardrobe and even better, if you are local, come and visit me in The Vault.