I’m sure like many other people, I have found myself buying a lot more in lockdown than I would usually. I put it down to boredom, a little scroll and suddenly a parcel arrives at my door. However, I’m trying to shop in a different way, supporting smaller businesses rather than purchasing from big corporations.
I struggle with this I’m not going to lie. I’m well aware of the major problems with fast fashion, but I do love the things that companies such as Pretty Little Thing and Nasty Gal produce. I know this is awful, with all the information we know about how bad these companies are for our environment, but I think when they offer a cheap cute top it’s easy to just block out the problems surrounding it. However, for one of my new year’s resolutions (god that feels like a long time doesn’t it) I wanted to buy less fast fashion and I have been doing that, by buying from smaller businesses instead where things are handmade. This is also extremely important at a time where the economy is obviously not as good as it was a couple months ago, and a few extra sales for a smaller business where they’re self-employed is probably very well received.
I don’t even know how I’ve stumbled across most of these smaller boutiques and businesses, but they seem to find me, and I’m not mad about it. One company I’ve recently bought from is called ‘The Octopus Garden’ (@theoctopusgardenuk on Instagram) and oh my goodness, their stuff is gorgeous.
I bought this crochet bandana in customisable colours (WOW) and I was so so happy with it when it arrived. It’s beautiful quality and I love a good old bandana, and with it being personal with the customisable feature, it makes it so much more special. Definitely something I can see myself keeping and wearing for years to come.
Along the accessory’s category, for my birthday I asked for some earrings from the company ‘Bigger the Hoop’ (@biggerthehoop_ on Instagram). Firstly, lol at the name, secondly, I love these earrings.
Cute little blue fluffballs of joy. The brand offer so many cute earrings where they are all handmade in the UK, making it more sustainable. They are so affordable, and I’ll definitely be purchasing more fluffy creations.
Following from a couple blog posts back about my new love for magazines (click for link), I mentioned I had the baby zine by G_IRL on the way (@g_irl_zine on Instagram). It did not disappoint.
A cute zine full of beautiful artwork as well as fun isolation activities to do, like some colouring in pages and dress the doll, which I thought was a really nice touch. (blue gal by @marney_joseph, colouring pages by @facesorfaces, carebear by @g_irl_zine, and doll by @betimooartz)
I’ve also been flicking through Depop more than I used to because it’s giving me that charity shop fix I miss so dearly. I cannot wait to make my way through multiple rails to find that absolute steal from a good old chazza shop. For the time being, Depop is supplying me with that second-hand love, and I’ve found many people’s little businesses on there as well. I recently purchased a fluffy leopard print bag that a girl was making from home (@albanknightperez on Depop).
It completely reminded me of a Topshop bag in a similar style which I wanted but never managed to get my hands on. However now, I’ve made a much more sustainable purchase and have supported someone’s small business!
Also, check out my friend, Lily’s Depop @lilymxffei (@channellinglil on Insta also for some fun creative pics), where she’s made the cutest little tie-dye vests, as well as selling some of her own clothes at such an affordable price!
Obviously, I have been spending quite a bit of money recently, but I’m justifying myself with the way I’ve been spending my money. I’m buying from less fast fashion brands and trying to use my money in a much more sustainable way and be more conscious about my spending habits.
I highly encourage you to check out the brands I’ve listed as well as having a little scroll on Depop instead of Pretty Little Thing.
Happy sustainable shopping!
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