From coffee keep-cups to charity shop cardigans, there are now countless ways to look stylish whilst maintaining a clear environmentally-friendly conscience.
I am what I'd call a self-confessed lover of all things fashion and style, even if my bank account doesn't allow for extensive wardrobe updates, my heart would very much love to add new pieces to my evolving collection. In a world of speedy mass production it is effortless to get the latest fashion trends at a simple click. Although the wonders of online shopping and quickly changing high-street rails makes for a vast range of style opportunities, I've been thinking recently about the environmentally damaging effects of fast fashion. In the wake of another spectacular London Fashion Week, it's baffling how quickly the popular runway looks can make their way into our much loved high-street shops. In a matter of days and weeks we can all shop for the statement puffer jacket, Prince-of-Wales tartan and micro-sunnies; and the industrial turn over to achieve this is mega! From the materials used, to chemical dyes and not to mention the air miles of global exportation! (Next time you're in the Topshops and Primarks of the world, take a minute to see where those lovely garms have come from because I bet they've travelled from all corners of the world.)
Now this may sound all doom and gloom, and I'm not entirely bashing those nice high-street pieces. I hold my hands up to being easily swayed to purchase that Zara top I don't actually need. But it doesn't have to be a direct black and white ban of all commercial fashion, but by perhaps integrating some more environmentally sound style sources we can all look amazing and be safe in the knowledge that our outfit hasn't ramped up a massive carbon footprint.
My personal favourite method of conscious shopping is searching the charity shop shelves for amazing pieces at bargain prices - so both your purse and the environment win! From the age of about 14 I've been an avid charity shop searcher, always seeking that whacky shirt or top brand pair of jeans for only 5 sterling pounds. The completely unique and stylish pieces you can hunt out will always beat high-street prices and can often compete with high-street trends! That Prince-of-Wales tartan is all over charity shops, turns out your nan was quite the fan 20 years or so ago. That's the beauty of charity shop rails, fashion trends are continually circling back around so I can guarantee you'll find at least one fashionable piece in your local Oxfam or Cancer Research charity shop. And the best thing about it? - You get to look cool AND support wonderful charities all while reducing your carbon footprint and money out of your bank account. Everyone's a winner. As you can tell, I'm quite the fan of the ol' charity bargain so keep your eyes peeled for further chatters and style inspiration around charity shopping.
Another really fun way of updating your wardrobe in an environmentally sustainable way is re-visiting old favourites and clothes swapping. That top that you loved but your boobs got too big for? Pass it on to your favourite pancake chested gal. It'll give your clothes a fresh burst of life, while freeing your draws up for one or two charity shop steals. And why not re-visit that chunky knit cardi your aunt gifted you one unfortunate Christmas and has since lived in a dusty draw? Ugly jumpers are much more flattering than expected, and are all over Gucci's runway. There are unsuspecting fashion pieces hidden away in all of our wardrobes so work with what you've got!
Finally, for a consistent and simple way to help the planet over and over again, there is no better practical accessory than the humble keep cup. The morning coffee run is often an essential for many students and workers alike, but why contribute to the gross pile of waste generated by our on the go caffeine fixes when you can get a quirky keep cup which is the perfect finishing touch to any look. A keep cup makes a simple jeans and t-shirt look put together and sleek, while giving the illusion that you have your life together because you're smart enough to invest in a reusable cup. Go you. Oh, and there's also another financial incentive as most coffee houses reduce the drink price for these environmentally sound wonder cups (oh yeaaaah).
So, I think it can be quite confidently said that these environmentally friendly fashion stances not only boost our style options, but also can help us all save a lot of mulla. All while happily helping our planet spin around a little longer. I hope this post has inspired some environmentally friendly fashion choices, and hey, if you can get the jumper you fancied in a charity shop, then you can feel a little better buying that high-street top. Each contribution is golden!
Also, if anyone knows any environmentally conscious fashion brands please let me know as this is an area I'd love to explore!
Happy shopping,
Laura
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