The story so far….
What a fab few months we have had as a newly established small business. Instead of flying off on holiday or away on weekend breaks, we have seen lots of people joining in community events and investing in our local businesses. We are lucky to have a beautiful market town for events and a high street that shines with a difference. All hail the small town!
As a new business set up during lockdown we realise how crucial it is to really give those small independents a slice of what otherwise may go to the retail giants. Perhaps we need to remember the old rhyme “the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker” and so on…….and we actually have all three in Southwell!
This year we have been really busy at Conscious Closet. After a festive start making and selling beautiful silk gifts from excess fabric, including Lavender bags picked from a local farm, we have been organising events based around a less wasteful approach to occasion wear. In the last two months we have held two prom dress pop ups, Father's Day gift boxes all made up and sold out, and private 1 to 1 occasion wear appointment’s held with great success. It makes you realise how important it is to have human interaction, as you just cannot get a deep understanding of your customers' needs by doing everything online.
We absolutely thrived off of seeing you all in person 😊
In spite of everything (don’t mention the C word) we’ve had very successful pop ups of our rent, buy and pre-loved prom dresses. We saved wasted dresses from last years cancelled proms, and sold or rented beautiful new dresses at a more acceptable price. It’s been disheartening to find out not all schools in the local area are having a prom this year, and we feel so sorry for those year 11’s whose rite of passage prom has been pulled from beneath their little feet. We really hope they get a chance to celebrate in another way.
Our June pop-up was a blaze of colour!
Young ladies left happy with a dress fit for a prom queen.
As well as setting up our website we have been working with Made Lifestyle magazine to write their fashion features - with a focus on sustainable fashion and styling advice. We have really enjoyed writing pieces on New Year style, sustainable wedding outfits, and more recently Spring fashion trends available in our local high street boutiques. As you know we are both passionate about shopping locally and supporting our local brands. You can check these out on our press page - and whilst we are taking a break from writing over the summer we will be back with an Autumn style piece!
Our Father’s Day gifts
Boxed up in recycled packaging and ready to send
Of course we did not forget the fathers in our town - as Father’s Day fell within the prom season. So sustainable gift packs were made and promoted with a selection of items that remained within our focus of saving waste. These sold out quickly so we were really pleased and proud to have made a difference.
So what now?
WELL! We are pleased to announce a date for our summer Southwell Swishing clothes swap - July 23rd. We realise most schools break up that day so thought the mums needed a little party. (And watch this space gentlemen as we may add mens clothing when allowed to have larger events). We will both give a quick talk to update on progress and sustainable styling, with the opportunity to chat and share positive fashion news over a welcome drink. We will then open the studio to allow you to swap and browse.
For those of you who have been to our events before, you will know the format - but this time it’ll be a little different. We are asking if you have clothes that you love but don’t wear - which you would rather sell than swap? On the night we will try to sell them on your behalf and take a small commission. Those items need to be brand new and never worn - preferably still with tickets on but not a must. Check your wardrobes and see what you have - as we are all guilty of a few unworn items lurking in the back of our wardrobes! All we need to know is how much you want as you are in control of the price.
Visit our “What We Do” SWAP page for all the details. It explains what swishing is and how you can get involved to make a difference, and what to expect on the night. It is ticket only so make sure you order early to avoid disappointment.
Thanks for all your support so far and hope to see you soon.
Lisa and Sarah xx
Get ready to SWISH!
Save those clothes you no longer wear to swap with those who will. Swap your own for new items that will give your wardrobe a refresh.
Reuse Rewear Relove