3 easy ways to navigate Secondhand September
Secondhand September is upon us! What’s secondhand September I hear you ask? Created by Oxfam in 2019, SHS is a movement to encourage people to take a pledge to only shop secondhand throughout September. It brings a focus to sustainability and inspires people to shop in a way that’s kinder to people and planet. I'm loving the phrase 'considerate consumption', how many t-shirts does your baby really need? Buy carefully, keep clothes in rotation and avoid giving into overproduction of fast fashion.
You’re probably reading this because you already shop secondhand (wahoo!) but if you’re new to the game or after some extra tricks, then we’ve got you covered.
1. Make a list
Overwhelmed at the charity shop? Overbuy on your fave secondhand webshop because the deals are just too good? If this sounds like you, make a list! Man, I love lists. Know what your little one needs for each season, with size details. Take inventory of what you already have and create a list on your phone so you always have it with you. This way you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for and won’t overbuy unnecessarily.
2. Give it some love & upcycle
This is where you can get really creative and enjoy one of a kind pieces, with clothing that's already in existence... and perhaps need a little bit of extra love because they've not been worn in a while. Be it in your little one's wardrobe or even something you love at the charity shop or other wonderful second hand source. There are lots of wonderful small businesses who are geniuses in this field so let me share a few of my personal faves...
The Cotton Shop ~ The most incredibly embellished knitted children's clothes you will EVER feast your eyes on! Amy is a woman of perfection, eye for detail and just eases creativity. You have a couple of options here; you could send in your knitted item for Amy to work her magic on (the send in service) or buy ready made from one of the monthly drops (this is a warning - you have to be QUICK). Keep an eye on their Instagram and sign up to the newsletter if you don't want to miss out.
Sophie & Co ~ I'm a huge fan of Sophie & Co's Refashion Service. This is where Sophie can create the cutest dungarees, hats, dress (the list is endless) out of an unworn item of clothing from your very own wardrobe... or from a loved one! It can be a really special piece which you can cherish and pass down for generations. Above you can see Freddie sporting dungarees made from his Dad's old shirt, made using Sophie's refashion service!
Patch World ~ A sustainable solution to the dressing up box. Got an old shirt with a stain you can't get out? Patch World has your back... pop a patch over it and you have a Chef costume for your little one! You can create an instant costume with their patch kits which in turn, keeps the item in use and prevented from landfill. What's not to love? Keep your eye out on Freddie & Friends for some exciting patch news soon ;)
3. Fix the problem
Those pesky children can be a little heavy handed when it comes to zips, poppers and buttons...us too! Not to mention ripping clothes from all the climbing fun they have. But don’t fret, these things can easily be fixed and if you don’t have the skills, time or patience (my hand is held high), you can enlist some help from the wonderful Amy from Sew Darn Good.
Not only does Amy make one of a kind (made to order) clothing for children, she also offers an alterations and repairs service... winner! Amy is passionate about reusing and saving textiles, to prevent buying new and enjoy what we already have. I highly recommend getting in touch with Amy for all your alterations and repair needs, especially if you're Bristol based!
Shopping secondhand, fixing or upcycling clothes gives me such a buzz and warm fuzzies. I get such a thrill from finding that absolute barg in the chazza or finding new small businesses pioneering the way with their creative talents. We can still enjoy kids fashion and I'm pretty certain it's way more fun this way!