Lately it’s been getting increasingly hard to ignore the fact that we are in recession, and I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t cut down on my shopping trips quite as much as I should. Luckily, I’ve always had a fondness of vintage dressing, so now we’re all (supposed to be) tightening our purse strings I call upon Moschino to inspire me; it’s all about cheap and chic.
By cheap and chic I’m not implying go crazy at Primark, funding unethical trading that violates human rights. Instead, go exploring! There’s tons of charity shops in and around London and although they may look dull and full of old books on the outside, chances are once you get in and have a root around there’s a million and one treasures to be found. Why not challenge your creativity by re-vamping finds that appear to have lost their sparkle? London Fashion Week is looming and we all like to look our best, so for trend-followers, pick your favourite looks from the catwalk teamed with second-hand or high street items. I guarantee you the result will be personal and exude confidence…Individuality rocks!
Oxfam have launched ‘Sustain Me’ their latest campaign to attract non-believers to shop second hand. Highly acclaimed fashion photographer Rankin has created modern shots of celebrities which are supporting the campaign. Jourdan Dunn, Jaime Winstone and one of our very own patrons Natalie Imbruglia are all helping Oxfam to reinvent charity shopping. Natalie’s always been a supporter of Oxfam and she says; ‘If there’s a way of taking the guilt out of shopping, I’m in!’ Along with the usual second-hand clothes, fair trade fashion and vintage pieces are also on sale. The stores are not only re-thinking their clothes but also their interior, by updating shops for a more boutique-y vibe. Oxfam’s head of retail Sarah Farquhar says she wants to double the £20million they already make annually.
It’s not just charity shops that make shopping recession-friendly; markets are also a great place to find original and quirky pieces to fill your wardrobe. Spitalfields in Liverpool Street feels as though you’re in lots of little, individual shops. Leather scraps go for around £5 and are great for DIY bags. If the shopping and vast array of tasty food isn’t enough to tempt you, it’s also just a stone’s throw away from Brick Lane which is packed full of vintage stores such as Absolute Vintage and Beyond Retro. My personal favourite is Portobello market; rain or shine it’s got a fun atmosphere. Look out for the silk scarves at £1 each and the huge range of stalls selling vintage boots-cheap as chips and ideal for this temperamental weather. The jewellery is great there too, with Junk Jewels selling pretty make-your-own charm bracelets and rings.
Speaking of ‘make your own’ even Alice Temperley is encouraging the fashion-conscious to also be budget-conscious. The Observer Woman is running a unique opportunity to bag a printed pattern of the ‘mini Dana’ dress from the spring 09 collection. On the topic, Temperley says ‘it’s important to call upon your own creativity’ and she couldn’t be more right. There’s nothing cooler than ethical consumption, and nothing more rewarding than finding a dream item for cheap whilst giving to charity at the same time!
Happy hunting!
Eva Ramirez
X
