Dresses on a Clothesline: Ethical fashion on a shoestring

Back from the grave

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

It's been a while - that seems to be a reoccurring theme in my most recent posts, of which there are very few. I've found it hard to love blogging for a while now, it's not that it isn't fun, but the magic is gone. Post after post about SEO optimisation and how to get the most clicks, how to be featured on bloglovin', it's all starting to feel like too much. These days it seems that people* read blogs to learn how to build successful blogs, if you want to blog about something it somehow has to be clickbait or at least a guide of some sort. I tried it (see previous post) and hated every second. I couldn't even be bothered to share the post on social media because it's just not me.

I used to carry my camera with me all the time, in the hopes that I could convince someone I was with to take an OOTD. Always dragging around kilos of kit in a giant handbag. Last autumn I switched to a tiny bag, nothing but my phone and wallet, and let myself enjoy things instead of constantly documenting them. And it's been liberating, but I've missed it. Occasionally I'll wear a nice outfit and think "I'd like to share this" but not really had the inclination to make an effort to take decent photos. Therein lies problem two, I dislike posting photos that aren't of a high enough quality. Sure I've taken photos, disliked them, and never posted them. You see maybe 50% of the material I make. I could post all those photos but I'd probably delete the post later anyway.

I don't really want to expand and become a lifestyle blogger, I'm not convinced my cooking or my beauty routine are anything unique, it would be as boring for me as it would be for you. I don't have anyone around to take my outfit photos so it'll take a lot of convincing for me to take a tripod out (but my self-esteem might be at an all-time low so that's not happening any time soon). I'm not making any promises either way, but I feel a little stuck. I honestly don't know how people manage it after all this time (any tips?), but I'm not dead yet.

Enjoy the swimsuit pics. Brother took me to a mountain stream too cold to swim in and graciously took these photos of me swanning about.

*I don't know who reads these, but they keep showing up to me.

Fashion

5 tips for choosing vintage clothes for a modern wardrobe

Wednesday, June 01, 2016

I love vintage clothes but lately I’m less inclined to walk about of the house dressed like an extra on Call the Midwife. But vintage clothes still have a lot of appeal - something that’s lasted so long is likely to outlive anything I can buy on the highstreet. It’s more environmentally friendly too - one fewer thing going to landfill, and cheaper. So here are 5 quick tips for choosing vintage pieces to fit into a modern wardrobe. (And yes I know these photos don’t really do well to illustrate my point - but they’re quite old so let’s roll with it).

Make sure it matches your style

I could tell you to focus only on timeless basics like white shirts and camel trench coats but that’s not what everyone wants. As long as it works with your wardrobe (will you wear it at least 30 times) and it’s a style you feel comfortable in - go for it.

Avoid details that are too dating

Think oversized shoulder pads and peplum ruffles - the sorts of trends that never come back into fashion. Items like pleated skirts in solid colours are pretty timeless whereas a printed nylon skirt suit is less so. Of course take this with a pinch of salt - nothing is truly timeless, what might seem timeless now might look horribly dated in five or ten years time.

All about styling

It can be really tempting to throw on all your vintage at once, I know I have, but when I want to look modern and forward thinking (kill me now) it’s not the best look. To keep things looking current don’t be afraid to mix styles and eras. I’ll combine vintage skirts with casual tees and trainers for a laid-back modern look.

Don’t be afraid to alter

Altering can be a pain and if you’ve never altered clothes and don’t want to pay someone else to do it then maybe this isn’t for you. I’ve come to terms with the fact that the vintage I own will never end up in a museum so I don’t feel obliged to keep it in its original state. I always keep my alternations simple: cutting off/shortening sleeves, shortening the hem, which increases the chances that I’ll actually do it and not put it in the dreaded pile of to-do. Removing shoulder pads is another quick fix but pay attention that the shoulder seam will fit right if you do.

Choose quality

As with new clothes always choose quality over quantity - if it’s worn away at the seams and you don’t/can’t fix it , don’t buy it. This tip saves time and money and it’ll make it easier to develop a personal style if you don’t need new clothes every month.

wearing

dress//vintage top//swapped with friend coat//second hand necklace//McKinley and Moth (gift) watch//Withings (gift) shoes//second hand

Photos taken by the lovely Sade