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Why I’m not doing Second-Hand September

— by Alyson Walsh

Photographed for The Daily Telegraph by Clara Molden

This year more than ever, I’ve been thinking about what I wear, what I really need, what’s going to happen to the fashion industry… Lockdown has given us all a chance to reflect. While I believe Second-Hand September is a brilliant initiative and a great way of raising awareness about fast fashion and sustainability – overproduction has been going on for far too long – this month I haven’t taken the pledge. Partly because I’ve been working on a project with John Lewis and felt it would be hypocritical, but mostly because I’m taking the long-term approach. Or practising what I like to call Considerate Consumption. Buying carefully, thinking about who made my clothes and the impact on the environment. By championing slow fashion, I try to support small independent brands as best I can, buy vintage and keep my clothes for a long time. But I do purchase a few carefully chosen items on the high street. It’s tricky and I’m not perfect. My sportswear is guilty of crimes against the planet (I’m working on that and have compiled a list of sustainable sportswear brands HERE). I love clothes and part of my job involves styling outfits and finding new combinations but I am careful about where I spend my money. And as the majority of people employed in the fashion industry are women, I think it’s important to support them. Shop slowly but ‘wear out to help out’, when you can…

 

STYLE NOTES: In the photograph I’m wearing a vintage crinkled denim jacket and peg trousers from Sandy Powell’s collection (available online HERE, all the proceeds go to Refuge charity). Beth silk scarf by Heti’s Colours. Chrissie jersey top by NRBY. The tote bag is from Doe Leather. Leather ‘Curly Wurly’ ankle boots by Ops & Ops.

There now follows a selection of second-hand clothes, items from small independent and sustainable brands, and a few carefully chosen high street pieces:

 

 

 

Read the full Telegraph feature HERE. And don’t miss my podcast with Sandy Powell HERE.

 

*Please note: That’s Not My Age uses affiliate links to gain a small commission on items purchased through the site

 

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