Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending 'Second Hand Style', a wonderful local event. I have a passion for low carbon living and a love for fashion and design, so it was exciting to go to an evening that combined both. The event was a collaboration between Cambridge Carbon Footprint, Catwalk Cambridge, and Wear it, Love it, Share it. As part of the project they produced a photo collection showcasing outfits entirely created from second hand clothing and accessories.
The Fashion Show
The eagerly anticipated catwalk show was a success and I'm sure it inspired the audience to use second hand and vintage clothing to recreate this season's looks for less. Many of the models were familar from Cambridge Style Week, so it was a joy to once again see their talents. The outfits had been put together with clothes sourced locally from swishing events, charity shops, and vintage and second hand markets. I bet they had a great time shopping for all the different looks!
The show was excellently narrated and I think this was a great event to highlight that you can still be fashionable at the same time as saving the planet and your pennies!
The show was excellently narrated and I think this was a great event to highlight that you can still be fashionable at the same time as saving the planet and your pennies!
After the show was finished I took the chance for a photo on the daffodil adorned catwalk. As usual my outfit was almost entirely second hand and vintage. Here you can see: 50s style angora cardigan from Mango via a charity shop, vintage Liberty print skirt, 60s beaded necklace inherited from my Nan and suede boots that were a gift.
The Swish
After the show, the swish was unveiled. The thrill of the treasure hunt had begun! For the uninitiated, a 'swish' is a clothes swapping event where participants take a few items of clothing that they would like to donate, all the items are then pooled and sorted into categories, and then everyone gets to a have good rummage and find clothes that they would like to take back with them. It is a fabulous way to update your wardrobe and even better, is usually free or for a small donation!
I donated these two skirts, one that I have had for years and don't really wear anymore, and another that I confess to never actually wearing at all!
I donated these two skirts, one that I have had for years and don't really wear anymore, and another that I confess to never actually wearing at all!
The tables and rails filled with clothes and accessories were mobbed by excited women in search of new treasures to take home and you can see from this shot of the aftermath that many were successful!
And here's what I found! A lovely silk and cotton dress from Jigsaw in one of my favourite colours. I can't believe that someone didn't want it anymore, but I am very pleased to give it a new home. What do you think of my new find?
If this post has got you inspired to try your hand at clothes swapping, then you're in luck! Wear it, Love it, Share it has an event coming up next Saturday the 23rd March on Fitzroy St, Cambridge and you can find more about it here. And while you're in town, why not make it a day of fashion indulgence and come and see me and my vintage wares at From Cambridge With Love in the Guildhall.
Have a great week! Sophie x
Have a great week! Sophie x