Posh Swaps Blog

Today we have some great examples of second hand style and how you can make great outfits with thrifted or secondhand clothes. The photographs were sent to us by Cynthia, who has a website and Etsy shop selling beautiful re-purposed clothing, purses, hats and lovely accessories.

This piece is adorable, it has a lot of vintage stuff on it. The fringe is actually off of an old drama curtain. It hangs beautifully around this lace and satin ruffle. She added a few bobbles with the vintage earring broach it is removable for dry cleaning. Every thing in this piece is up-cycled for new use.

vintage slip remade, skirt goodwill, boots thrifted‏

This is a really darling coat. It just glitters with thoughts of the holiday season. Small multi-color sequins have been sewn on the coat for the festive feel. Great for over your special party dress. Looks super with jeans as well.

Today we have some great examples of second hand style and how you can make great outfits with thrifted or secondhand clothes. The photographs were sent by Cynthia, who has a website and Etsy shop selling beautiful re-purposed clothing, purses, hats and lovely accessories.

This gorgeous neutral coat (Available to buy on Posh-swaps.com) is great for weathering the April showers in style, very SS10!

As the women’s fashion trends for summer 2010  start to emerge in the shops, magazines and fashion websites, you might well be getting something of a feeleing of deja vu. This is not unusual as in the case of so many of this seasons (and every seasons) trends, we quite simply have been there before. The looks are usually inspired by fashion from a previous decade or just another take on a trend that comes around every few years. Take for example polka dots, we have most definitely visited this one before on numerous occassions, I should know, I have enough of it in my wardrobe. So what is so different about it this time - not that much really. Mix with a pop of colour or clash with a floral pattern and voila you have an up to date and trendy look for Spring Summer 2010. So here are a few trends for 2010 that you may well find on the rail of a second hand clothes shop (or this website) which can easily be updated for SS10.

Neutrals - this is a really easy one. Anything in beige, cream, nude or neutral will be big news this year. Chiffon dresses, jackets, shorts, trousers take your pick then wear with tan colour or neutral shoes a simple hairstyle and natural looking make up.

Trench Coats- these classics just keep coming back season after season. Try wearing with a contrasting brown belt as seen at Burberry Prorsum for for an updated look. Winter duffle coats are also a great choice for the winter.

Florals- another key look that doesn’t really ever go out of fashion. Florals for SS10 fall into 2 categories. The dark ditsy print florals which can be worn with black opaques and Doctor Martin boots for the Nineties revival grunge look and the really bold and bright florals which are great for layering and clashing with bright colours and prints.

Minimalist -clean cut simple tailored pieces worn with minimal jewellery, pattern or fuss were another big nineties trend that is on its way back in this spring. This is a great trend to do second hand as you will be able to afford slightly better tailored pieces than you would new. For an updated look try wearing a minimalist tailored jacket with rolled up jeans and some strappy heels.

Safari / tribal prints- this season both safari and tribal prints were mixed for a eyecatching effect. Try layering different bold prints with the neutral sandy coloured safari pieces to work this trend. Also look for scarves with bright graphic prints to accessorise the look.

Denim - this never really goes out of fashion but for SS10, try all over denim (easy jeans plus denim jacket) or mix light colours with light blue denim. Another great look is the classic white shirt and denim skirt seen at Stella McCartney.

So there you have it. It is really not difficult to create this seasons looks from second hand clothes. Just mix it up a bit, layer pieces, roll the sleeves or trousers up and combine with up to date shoes or accessories. Not only will you save money but you will be investing in some great quality pieces that are sure to come back into fashion again in the future. The best thing is that no one will even know that you are wearing second hand clothes.

Spring is on its way and I can’t wait, longer days, warmer weather and a whole new wardrobe. Well actually, just because we are about to move in to a new season, it doesn’t mean that you need to buy a whole wardrobe of new clothes. It is likely that you will already have many items in your wardrobe that fit in with the seasons new trends or some really classic items that never go out of fashion. If you really don’t have anything or are in desperate need of an updated look why not try swapping some of your old clothes or buying some second hand clothes? Not only is it environmentally friendly, but you are likely to get more style for your money and will be able to afford better quality that will last for seasons to come. Here are my tp 5 items to swap or but second hand this spring.

Tailored Jackets - for a really up to date look, try wearing a tailored jacket with jeans or a t shirt and pencil skirt. Tailored jackets are a great secondhand buy as they have usually only had light wear. They are also usually quite flattering. I love this black and white tweed jacket which would look great over a really bright pink t shirt.

Trench Coat - this is one of those pieces of clothing that just keeps coming back into fashion time and time again. In fact, I am not really sure if it ever really goes out of fashion. It is classic, versatile and practical. I love this purple mac, it will work equally well for daytime or evening.

Unusual Jewellery - an unusual piece of jewellery is a great way to update and finish an outfit, add interest and stand out from the crowd. By wearing something unusual, you will not need to worry about following trends, you will be unique. I love these sweet earrings, they would look great with a bright green, pink or blue top or dress.

Leather Handbag - a good leather handbag will become better with age. A designer bag is always a good investment buy whether it is new or secondhand. This brown Mulberry messenger bag is the perfect colour and style to go with almost any casual spring outfit.

Designer Dress - the great thing about a second hand designer dress is that it is a fraction of its price new but is likely to have been well looked after and in good condition. This Notte by Marchesa Gown will really turn heads at parties, weddings and other events over the summer.

An interesting report entitled Well Dressed? and published by the University of Cambridge, Department for Manufacturing in 2006 explores the present and future sustainability of textiles in the United Kingdom. Most of us are probably aware that there are many issues surrounding the sustainability of the textiles industry in the UK but the report gives a really in depth and neutral look at the problems and identify the potential for significant and lasting change.

The report is highly relevant for consumers, media, business, education, government and campaigners and provides balanced evidence based information. Some of the key findings of the report in relation to the recycling of clothes are summarised below:

• The UK’s current behaviour in disposing of used clothing and textiles to landfill is not sustainable as volumes are growing.
• The second hand sector is growing and there is further demand so improved collection and sorting procedures will be beneficial in reducing waste and providing usable clothes to developing countries.
• Recycling is siginificant for materials with high impacts in the production phase.

According to the analysis in order to create change a consumer would:

• Buy second hand clothing and textiles where possible.
• Buy fewer more durable garments and textile products.
• When buying new products, choose those made with least energy and least toxic emmissions, made by workers paid a credible living wage with reasonable employment rights and conditions.
• Lease clothes that would otherwise not be worn to the end of their natural life.
• Extend the life of clothing and textile products through repair.
• Dispose of using clothing and textiles through recycling businesses who would return them for secondhand sale where ever possible but otherwise extract and recycle the yarns or fibres. 

Swapping, buying and selling second hand clothes is a great way of recycling and improving the sustainability of textiles. You can swap, buy and sell your second hand clothes for free on www.posh-swaps.com.

Eco fashion is a bit of a trendy buzz word at the moment with so many clothing companies describing their clothing as Eco fashion. Some companies promote themselves as selling only Eco fashion whilst others have a small range of Eco fashion clothing. I would consider Eco fashion to be clothing that in someone has less environmental impact that the equivalent piece of conventional clothing. Obviously the lesser the impact the better. So how as a consumer can you decide what is important in terms of Eco fashion. Here are just a few considerations that may help.

Sustainability - this describes the use and renewal of resources. Is the clothing using resources that can not be easily replaced. This would include many synthetic fabrics which are made using oil a resource that will eventually run out. Sustainability considerations also include the use of landfill to dispose of waste. Clothes that have a longer life cycle are generally more sustainable.

Pollution- the release of chemicals both as gas, solids or liquids into the environment can be damaging to flora, fauna, Eco systems and the people living nearby. Pollution can be caused by effluent from factories where clothes are manufactured, pesticides used to cultivate cotton and dyes, chemicals washed from textiles that have been disposed of in landfill sites.

Carbon emmissions - global warming is though to be caused by the build up of green house gases. This includes both carbon dioxide produced when fossil fuels are burnt and methane released when natural textiles break down in landfill. It is important to consider how much energy has been used to manufacture a piece of clothing (its carbon footprint) this will include the energy used in transportation and again it life span. If clothes last longer, less clothes need to be made and less end up in landfill.

The environmental impact of a piece of clothing does not end with just these factors though. Through out its life a piece of clothing will probably be washed, cleaned, dried and ironed numerous times. In order to really minimise the environmental impact of a piece of clothing, you should also consider how these processes will affect the environment. For example, dry cleaning a piece of clothing will have quite a big environmental impact. A piece of clothing that dries naturally easily and doesn’t need ironing will be a good Eco friendly choice especially if washed at a low temperature.

Clothes swapping, buying and selling second hand clothes is a great option for those looking to help the environment. It increases the life cycle of each item of clothing, reduces landfill and reduces the amount of new clothes being bought therefore reducing all of those other impacts. For those living on a budget it also offers a low cost alternative to fast fashion (which is usually bad for the environment due to the way it is made and its short life cycle), that allows them to regularly update and refresh their wardrobe.

Clothes swap parties are now really popular but have you ever though about arranging a clothes swap for children’s clothes. A school or nursery would be the ideal place to hold one. You could even charge a small entrance fee and have a few child related stalls to raise some funds for the school.

It makes sense as children grow out of their clothes so quickly, often before they have had the chance to wear their clothes very much. It is also a great way of saving money and also reducing waste and the amount of textile waste that goes into landfill. You could even combine it with a toy or book swap and second hand sale for nursery items.

If you prefer, you can sell or swap childrens clothes online at www.posh-swaps.com.

Have you ever considered swapping your clothes? Maybe not but considering most people only wear a small percentage of their clothes most of the time, perhaps it would be a good idea. Most people have a least one or two items of clothing that for one reason or another they never wear. These clothes are just gathering dust and using up valuable wardrobe space, swapping them is  a great way to get something new that you would wear. Some of the prime clothes for swapping include:-

• Clothes that you are just bored of, you have worn them so many times, you are completely fed up with them even though they are still in great condition.
• Clothes that don’t fit. Perhaps you have lost or put on weight, had a baby or the clothes have never fitted you. If you are holding on to them in the hope that they will one day fit you, you may well of gone off them by then anyway.
• Clothes that are just not your colour. You will have a number of colours that look great on you and make your complexion glow and also a number of colours that make you look washed out. If you have clothes that don’t look great on you get rid of them and get something that does.
• Clothes that just don’t suit your bodyshape. We all make the occasional purchasing error when it comes to clothes. If something doesn’t suit you there is absolutely no point in hanging on to it, swap it now.
• Unwanted presents. Whilst friends of family may have had the best of intentions, you will sometime receive clothes as gifts that you just don’t like. Don’t feel guilty about swapping them, surely it is better than wasting them by leaving them at the back of your cupboard.
• Clothes that don’t suit your lifestyle. What is the point in having 10 party dresses if you only go to one party a year. Why not swap them for day dresses that you can wear more often.
• Last years Christmas party dress. If you always go to a party with the same people, you will probably not want to wear the same dress twice. Swapping it is the perfect solution.

So why not have a sort out. You can swap your clothes online at Posh-swaps.com for free or if you live near enough why not come along to one of our clothes swap parties. You will be doing your bit for the environment and saving yourself some money.

What can make from a load of old rubbish? Quite a lot actually. I seem to come across more and more examples of very stylish upcycled fashion lately, especially accessories. I’m talking about the sort of gorgeous pieces that you desperately have to have not because they are eco friendly but because they will look amazing and make a real style statement with that …..

The more recycled pieces that I find, the more I think about how much we throw away. With jewellery made from such a diverse range of found items and scarfs and other accessories made from all sorts of beautiful reclamimed, vintage and second hand materials.

To get some inspiration or some lovely recycled fashion, just try searching ‘trashion fashion’ on Etsy. I hope you love what you find as much as I did. Don’t forget, if you are making upcycled/ recycled fashion, www.posh-swaps.com is a great place to source materials and sell you creations (for free).

This bracelet called coffee berries by Jupita is made from old gift cards.

This hot asphalt recycled LP necklace made by Tresijas is as the name suggests made from an old record, heated and then folded over to give the appearance of a warped pavement.

This Ladybug Fairy Hood by Fairytale Fibres looks both stylish and warm and is made from 100% upcycled wool.

Frugal living is currently a necessity for many people but has also become quite fashionable as people find new and creative ways to live on a minimal budget. The media have likened this frugality to the second world war when rationing and shortages forced people to ’make do and mend’. John Lewis has even rewritten a wartime make do and mend booklet for modern times. It gives some great tips that still apply today as well as some new ones such as the economic use of the central heating.

This make do and mend philosophy, is not just frugal but also environmentally friendly and a real contrast to throw away society that has become so prevalent in recent years. Make do and mend positively encourages a reduction in waste and recycling in all sorts of different ways. Some thing that may be quite alien to many but that fits in perfectly with the current economic climate and make do and mend philosophy is making do with the clothes we have instead of buying new. Of course it help greatly if the clothes were great quality and classic styles in the first place.

A whole movement of fashionistas has began to spring up around the make do and mend idea. Clothes swapping, swishing parties, clothing repair and alteration, buying and selling second hand clothes and refashioning/ reworking old clothes have all become popular ways not just of saving money and the environment but also of creating unique, interesting and beautiful outfits.

You may have heard of the term swishing and wondered whta on earth it means? Swishing is a relatively new term used to describe a clothes swap party. It can be a small party amongst friends arranged at someones house or a large scale party with hundreds of swappers. The term was coined by Futerra Sustainability Communications in order to promote the recycling of clothes.

The general idea of a swish is that each attendee brings along at least one piece of clothing that they no longer want but would be proud to pass onto someone else. All of the clothes are laid out and guests are given the opportunity to browse, perhaps whilst enjoying a glass of wine or some light refreshments. A warning is given 5 minutes before the beginning of the swap and then the swap begins. Everyone can choose which items of clothing they would like. Things can get quite heated a bit like in the sales with everyone grabbing for the stuff they want.

Each swishing party is different, some have stalls, beauty treatments, entertainment of refashioning where party goers can adjust and change an item of clothing that they love some aspects of but is not quite right.

Swishing is proving o be immensly popular in the UK and all over the world, which is understandable, it is eco friendly, a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending lots of money and best of all it is really fun.

If you fancy going along to a swish, find out about Posh Swaps Clothes Swap parties. Alternatively you can swap your clothes online at www.posh-swaps.com.