As a fashion consumer, I try to shop as ethically as possible but this can sometimes be a challenge on a lower budget so I occasionally buy pieces from high street shops such as Topshop and Urban Outfitters. I am trying to cut down on the amount of mass produced items of clothing I buy, not only because they are unethically made but also because buying clothes from vintage and independent shops allows me to be more creative with my style. I also love vintage style clothing and if I could afford it, I would buy so much.
When looking for vintage and unique clothing, I generally visit thrift shops and independent boutiques, or if I’m shopping online I look at ASOS Marketplace as they have an extensive range of independent sellers and emerging brands. I also look at online vintage sites such as Beyond Retro and Rokit Vintage. I’ve recently got involved with the app Depop as well, which is a mobile marketplace where people can sell and buy clothes to other members. Moving to Cardiff has meant I have more physical vintage shops to visit, which I prefer to shop at as you can look at the clothes properly and try things on.
I typically buy new clothes at least once a month, depending on how much money I have spent on other purchases and if I’m looking for a particular item or not. Generally I will pay up to £40 for an item of clothing, more if its a coat or an investment piece, but I don’t like to spend too much money on one item.
Currently I really like 70’s bohemian style pieces, but also 90’s vintage and leopard print. In terms of clothing types I’ve been liking slip dresses and turtleneck jumpers, as well as flared trousers and mom jeans. I also recently bought a vintage denim jacket at a kilo sale which I am obsessed with. I always wear lots of jewellery, particularly rings and oversize earrings and I like buying unique pieces of jewellery to add to an outfit. I would say my style tribe is boho chic/vintage because I love 1970’s fashion, especially the festival and glamour side of the decade.
Lauren Rees 