CONSCIOUS CONVERSATIONS WITH Becky, A.K.A The Nifty Thrifter
“ It may take some people longer to break up with fast fashion than others. Don’t be too hard on yourself…
– think about what you really need and buy only one or two items that you really think you’ll wear and cherish.”
WELCOME TO MY NEW SERIES ‘CONSCIOUS CONVERSATIONS’
THESE CONVERSATIONS EXPLORE INDIVIDUAL’S SUSTAINABLE FASHION JOURNY’S; SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCES AND TIPS TO HELP US ALL ALONG THE WAY.
When did your journey with sustainable fashion begin? Tell us about how/why you became so committed to sustainable fashion?
My journey began in the summer of 2018 when I received an order from a well-known fast-fashion brand. Half of the clothes that arrived were damaged or broken. This led me to asking the questions ‘who made these clothes? and where did they come from?’ From that moment onwards I started searching online for the answers to my questions. I found that they were hard to come by in regard to the information the brands themselves were sharing. I ended up getting into a bit of a rabbit hole. A lot of what I unearthed was information regarding how detrimental the fashion industry is for our environment but also the lack of transparency regarding who is making our clothes and where they are being made. That led me to buying no new clothes for the whole of 2019 and sharing my journey via my Instagram.
How would you describe your style?
My style has changed so much over the years! I think I’ve always been interested in colour and how certain colours balance well together. I’ve definitely found a more simplistic style over the years. I love how charity shop chic looks though and always will. If I look like I’m dressed in all charity shop I actually see that as I compliment. I also love items that are ugly! – There are items of clothing that I love but cannot put a finger on why haha – they are my FAVES.
Do you have a sustainable love story? Whats your favourite find?
Ohh yes definitely – so many! If I were to choose one in particular, I’d say it’s when I went back to my hometown not long after a breakup and mum took me charity shopping to cheer me up. I’d kind of lost my passion for thrifting and feeling generally unmotivated UNTIL I came across the most perfect lilac silk nightie. It had pastel yellow and pink flowers on it. My heart literally jumped out of my chest I was so thrilled! It was something ridiculous like a couple of pounds as well. From that moment I was super inspired to get my thrift back on.
What are your top tips for someone trying to be more sustainable with their fashion?
I’d firstly say – everyone is on their own journey. It may take some people longer to break up with fast fashion than others. Don’t be too hard on yourself. To start off with I would say to stop HAULS – honestly hate everything about that word these days haha! There is simply no need to haul new clothes. If you are still buying fast fashion – think about what you really need and buy only one or two items that you really think you’ll wear and cherish. I would then say to have a look on shops such as Depop or Vinted. Both shops have an array of second-hand that are priced reasonably. Often depop shops are curated by individuals and I’m always blown away by people’s creativity – so ultimately makes the items still so appealing to buy! Lastly, invest in small shops and businesses who put sustainability first!
Becky is wearing a graphic print LONG SLEEVE TEE remade from unwanted sports tops - shop your own here
@theniftythrifter_
Rebecca Hughes