Slow Fashion

I joined the Slow Fashion Season and committed to buy preloved for three months, wherever possible I will avoid major retailers for my clothing and only buy new if there is no other choice.  I am currently avoiding the Summer Sales and have found some very pretty beach kaftans for forthcoming holidays, it's so nice not to be trekking round the shops, just a few nice charity shops, a bit of online hunting and these turned up.

This Monsoon kaftan was brand new condition but preloved price ....

preloved

and this one also in good as new condition with sequins

preloved

I paid around seven pounds each for these so am very pleased.  I saw similar in a retail shop ...

the full price/retail option

but would have found it hard to justify the full price for something lovely like this only to wear on a beach for a few days.  This is such a great way to fill your suitcase and save money for ... holiday shopping!!! (or a massage, which is my intention!).  I have also found a couple of my favourite Anokhi tops which I will post another time as they are in the wash :)


I hopped on a train to Brighton on my day off. I headed straight to the beach.  Later I browsed The Lanes.  For those who want to shop preloved (me) there are a huge number of shops in Brighton that cater for those who love a bit of vintage boho clothing, some are very pricey (Adini maxi dress found for £189 for example) but not all... it's really just luck whether something catches your eye in your price range.

I am beginning to see that Slow Fashion Season does not necessarily mean cheap clothing.  You will have to pay a fair price for something preloved which you really like (especially if it really is vintage), but then you have to appreciate that very likely someone has spent their time sourcing that item, cleaned (possibly even repaired) it, displayed it in a shop they have to rent, sat waiting for you to walk through the door... and the person who did all that wants and deserves a small profit.

 

or even a big profit.  The value of something is, really, how badly you want it!  On the other hand you will have done your bit for Slow Fashion, found something nobody else is likely to have, probably better made and of a good quality, maybe even a label you would normally consider out of your budget.  It takes longer to find things and it's best to not go looking but just be pleased with what turns up!

It's not just clothes in The Lanes, there's the Oxfam book shop, pubs restuarants and a deli/butcher ... these two weren't with me but looked so sweet peering into the shop....

and if it's too hot on the beach, there's a shady park.  This is Pelham Square Park, it's small, gated and I like it because there's always an empty bench, it's clean, shady and often all mine.  After an hour sleeping on the beach it was a great way to cool down with a cold drink and my Lonely Planet India book.

Pelham Square park

We finalised our bookings for our trip to India later this year and have a jam packed itinerary starting in Delhi, then Agra and Jaipur then ending up at the beach.  We aim to see a long list of interesting places... The Palace of Wind, Anokhi Museum, Taj Mahal and the Ganges Ghats to name but a few.... ending with 6 days on the beach.  November seems a long way off but there is still lots of planning to do, we like to use public transport where possible and need to familiarise ourselves by looking at maps.

I'm off  to give the garden some attention, my hanging baskets are lovely but need watering twice a day just now and there is some weeding and lawn repair to do ... back soon.  Leave a comment if you have time, especially if you have any tips for staying cool and elegant in India and if you are also participating in Slow Fashion Season would love to know if you are enjoying the challenge.