Perhaps, despite the impassioned final paragraph in my last post, you’d rather wear an I Heart Theresa May t-shirt than wear second hand. Perhaps you are sickened at the thought of laying your skin next to fabric which has previously laid against a stranger’s. Perhaps you’re haunted by the ghosts of those who have worn your jeans before. Perhaps you had a bad experience in an Oxfam once and have banned all future generations of your bloodline from crossing the threshold of any charity shop, lest they be stripped of the family name. Whatever the reason, if second hand is a no-go, or if you just fancy something new, you’ve come to the right place.
I might have mentioned one or fifteen times that it’s Money Month, so I’m not about to throw a load of unafforable ‘inspiration’ your way. Instead, here are 5 sustainable pieces that cost less than £100. If £100 seems extravagantly high for what’s supposed to be a low bar, let me point you in the direction of my post of the cost of ethical clothes. Or if £100 just isn’t an achievable price point, I’ll be tackling that next so hold tight.
1.
I want to wear these trousers with a striped shirt, pointy ankle boots and a blazer one day and then with an enormous jumper and trainers the next. They’re hand batiked and I genuinely hope they make you think of the moon against the night sky too, because the notion makes them extra magical. And the hemline is quite literally the perfect flare to crop ratio to wear with flats or heels.
The brand, Osei Duro, work with independent tailors and unionised factories and operate under Fair Trade regulations.
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2.
I know. I know. Every single person at fashion week had a bum bag (or belt bag) in their suitcase. It was there ready to whip out on the day that they felt their outfit might not make the cut for the ‘Best of Street Style’ lists. It’s the bag that’s topping trend charts and spawning a million ‘must-have’ features. I know they’re ultra trendy but do you know what else I know? I know that I’m sick and tired of feeling encumbered by my handbag.
“Oh will you just put that in your handbag Sophie?”. “No. No I won’t because I have cast aside my cumbersome handbag. I am now living a streamlined life, aided by my belt bag and its carefully curated contents. Step away from me with your water bottle/notebook/wallet/miscellaneous small items.”
This one’s made from vegan leather and comes in a very pleasing, not quite mustard, not quite sand colour.
Matt & Nat, £75
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3.
Do you have enough items in your wardrobe that have a balloon element? I’m worried that you might not. I have one balloon sleeved cardigan and that’s it. I need to up my quota, frankly, and I might have found the top to do it with.
Don’t be fooled by the slightly off-the-shoulder cut. This top isn’t just made for sunshine. I envisage a 70s mood with flared jeans and maybe a black turtle neck underneath when it’s so cold that bare shoulders would be nothing short of madness. Or maybe I’d go in an 80s direction and layer it over a midi skirt and knee high boots. The styling reference points are endless, is what I’m saying.
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4.
There is an enormous, furious looking cloud just outside my window, threatening a downpour. And yet, here I am recommending you go and buy a slip dress. But imagine it layered over slim but not skinny jeans and a long sleeved top, and then imagine all of that under an ankle grazing coat and you’ll see where I’m going with this. (And on the one day of summer we’ll have sometime next June, you can wear it on its own.)
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5.
Millennial Pink has been toppled and in its still warm throne now sits Gen Z Yellow. Your Instagram feed is about get a banana-toned makeover as the new sunny hue kicks dusky rose tones in to touch. So, if you’re about to see it everywhere, one of those places might as well be in your wardrobe. You can pair it with indigo denim to look like an Ikea logo or with black to look like a bumble bee. (Am I selling this?)
It’s bright, it’s fun and, when you throw a ruffled placket into the mix, it’s a faux Gucci look waiting to happen.
People Tree, £55.12
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Keep up with all the money month posts throughout October here.
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1 comment
Great picks! I see that striped Reformation print everywhere. I think they may even have different tops or dresses made from those stripes. I personally LOVE IT. I also like that balloon blouse. I might even go for that IKEA look. Honestly though, thrifted is my favorite!