Second Hand September
Second Hand September is now in its second year - kickstarted by Oxfam to encourage people to commit to buying nothing new for a month. As this month’s campaign bursts in to action, we can all change our purchasing habits and take a small break from the commercial machine we call “fast fashion”
Oxfam stores all over the UK are promoting their September challenge with a strong message;
We believe in protecting our planet and helping people beat poverty around the world. Giving clothes a longer life to reduce waste is one way to do this. Will you join us? For 30 days or more only buy second hand clothes online or in your local Oxfam shop. And don't forget to donate your pre-loved items!
Bay Garnett “The Queen of Thrift” and British freelance fashion stylist is Oxfam’s senior stylist. For Second Hand September she was asked by Selfridges to set up a charity shop within the store as part of their Project Earth Initiative. Where Selfridges has unveiled plans to work with 300 brand partners with the aim of changing the way we shop by 2025.
It’s great news to see such a famous high street retailer embracing this and supporting Second Hand September. The SHS celebrity spokesperson, Sienna Miller, has stated that “If we all make small changes, together we can make a difference”. She’s absolutely right and with Selfridges leading the way with their support it's certainly sending out the right messages to consumers about where they should spend their money.
For the 30 days we at Conscious Closet are styling up our pre-loved buys and illustrating this on Insta. Join us and please send outfits you have created using vintage pieces! How much fun is it to take a pre-loved piece with all its history, and style it with your own personal touch!
The second-hand market is certainly on the rise. No longer do we associate second hand with dirty cast offs, but items that have been cherished and could tell a tale or two! A growing awareness of sustainable shopping, plus time spent during the lockdown pandemic sorting and selling surplus possessions, has contributed to an increase in second hand sales of +29% this year compared to 2018/2019.
It's predicted that by 2030 around 20% of our wardrobes will be pre-owned. Great news for textile waste reduction and the alarming numbers of clothes discarded by the UK consumer – around 13 million items each week – yes - per week!!
In a recent article in the Independent it was reported sales on eBay in 2021 have saved almost 87 million - or 18,000 tonnes of items - from landfill. Thanks to a surge in second -hand sales.
To keep clothing in the circular fashion economy for longer benefits not only our pockets, but also the eco-system. A win-win for people and planet.
Visit www.oxfam.org.uk for more information
So, to make the most of Second Hand September, what do we need to know?
Most antique dealers consider an item to be vintage if it is at least 40 years old - but in the fashion world it is generally accepted that clothing between 20 and 100 years old is vintage. Newer pieces are simply second hand - but all equally as fabulous!
Try on the garment if you can, but if not definitely stand and look in a mirror. Purchase based on “wow that colour suits me” or “I love that trim” rather than "God that’s cheap”. Check for stains and damage – most are easily fixed.
Embrace alterations and the need to often repair a zip, seam or hem. We add makeup to improve our faces every day so why shouldn’t we embrace repairing the clothes we wear too?!
Change details to update. Maybe add a belt, swap the buttons, take up the hemline, add in a panel to fit in a more modern way. Don’t forget – the local seamster is your best friend.
Take inspiration from current trends but also go with your gut – if you love it, it will love you.
One in and one out. If you purchase you should also donate – or else we will all have too many clothes! How lovely to think another person loves your item and will wear it for a more years in a different way.
This goes beyond 30 days. The fashion industry no longer considers second hand as a cheap way out. This is mindful shopping at its best. Mix new with old, designer with high street, and pre-loved with your loved.
So, we challenge you all to join us - check out your local second-hand vintage stores or clothes swap events, make a purchase, and style up for Autumn 2021!