FASHION

You know that dress you’ve been keeping in the wardrobe for when you have somewhere nice to go? Just blooming wear it.

I bought this dress several years ago when I was a bit heavier than I am now and because I didn’t have a whole lot that fitted at the time, I’d kept this for when I had somewhere to go that I felt I’d possibly need this dress. Fast forward a few years and whilst I’ve worn this once or twice in videos, this is its first outing. And it’s actually about two dress sizes too big now. Thankfully because of the cut of it, I can still just about get away with it, but it just illustrates the futility of saving the things we like rather than wearing them.

I’ve also recently decluttered my handbags but found I didn’t want to let go of a lot of them, including this one. But I have a new rule - if you don’t use it, you have to lose it. So challenging myself to use them all more - not sure why I haven’t used this one in years, I really like it!

Dress : Tabitha Webb

Bag: Karen Millen

Trainers: Nike

All past season styles

I’m a big proponent of Buy Less, Buy Better, and for many people (and I’d include myself in this) this translates into buying less but potentially more expensive items, as quality garments generally cost more than the fast fashion pricing that we’ve become used to.

Although I think this meaning could alienate some, perhaps those who’s budget doesn’t stretch to more expensive items, even if they desire better quality. But perhaps ‘Better’ doesn’t have to mean this and is just a subjective term.

For some, maybe better is purchasing from sustainable brands or garments made from natural fibres only.

For others, better might be only buying from ethical brands, or brands where the garments are made in your country and workers are paid a living wage.

Perhaps for some, better is buying only second hand garments, supporting a more circular economy.

Or maybe Buy Less, Buy Better could just mean shunning all the stuff that isn’t really you, is a bit tight, you’re not sure you have the confidence to wear, and instead buying just one Supermarket Brand Dress, even though after several years is getting a little big now, but you’ve managed to wear in Summer & Winter with layering, and has been worn so many times the cost per wear is most certainly under £1. This really was a Buy Better purchase in many ways.

Buy Less, Buy Better doesn’t have to be some elitist club. It genuinely can apply at all budgets.

Dress : F&F Clothing

Sandals: Carvella

All past season styles

Shopping my wardrobe again today with this top from Joules, I’ve had it probably 5 years and barely worn it. The daft thing is I kept passing it by in my wardrobe as ‘it’s nice’ and shouldn’t wear it unless I’m going somewhere ‘nice’ - and then I would end up wearing my scruffiest oldest clothes, which only made me feel rubbish about myself when I would catch myself in the mirror! I’ve realised that I deserve to feel nice, even if no one but me sees my outfit. After all, aren’t we purchasing clothes for us and not for everyone else?

All those clothes in your wardrobe that you are saving for ‘best’; just wear them. The day to wear it and enjoy it may never come if you keep saving it. So many of the beautiful clothes I’ve had to declutter or let go of because they no longer fit or no longer suit my lifestyle are in amazing condition because I kept saving them for occasions that probably never happened. It would have been much better to just wear them, and would have delivered a far greater cost per wear.

Shirt: Joules

Jeans: F&F Clothing

Belt: Michael Kors

Shoes: Carvella

All past season styles