I bought this dress after seeing the white version on Cait’s blog (hers being perfectly matched with a wonderful hand-made sailor collar from her collection, Wayward Daughter). I loved the shape of the dress – it boasted a fine example of a cinched waist, as well as a demure high neckline and long sleeves to hide my sinfully pale arms. Not only this, but when I clicked through to the Dorothy Perkins website, I was delighted to discover that it was in the sale for a mere £15 – reduced from a slightly less tempting £45. So naturally, I decided to treat myself to it – using the excuse of ‘exam results treat’.
After receiving it in the post I tried it on immediately, but got a rather disappointing reaction from my mum, which if I remember correctly, went along the lines of ‘It makes you look like a granny smith apple!’ Hopefully I have rectified this a little by taking it up and removing the sleeves – giving it a touch more elegance and a better fit. What do you think? I opted not to wear a belt, in favour of jewellery, but it looks quite nice with my brown leather belt too!
Pretty bunting - a present from the boy
Photos courtesy of my very patient boyfriend! Thankyou!
I must clarify that I am definitely not here to preach, as I am evidently a lover of clothing and inevitably spend money in high street shops from time to time – not to mention feeding ‘the machine’ a little through blogging. But I have recently become so much more aware of my own spending habits, and especially their impact on the environment – and it has got to the point where I do feel genuinely guilty for purchasing things new.
Does anyone else feel this way about buying things new? How can it be justified? I know I will get a lot of wear from the dress and that I will eventually recycle it. But I really don’t need it. Is this just the way that fashion is, or can it be changed? I think I'm going to make more effort to find out about the environmental/ethical policies of brands from now on.
Sadie xxx
16 comments:
I like this post, it's very hard though. I wrote myself a shopping manifesto but it has been so hard to stick to! Love the green dress on you! x
The dress looks lovely with your hair :) I'm trying to purchase second hand items for my home this year instead of going down the IKEA route, and the few items we have bought new I've felt really cheated out of my money and tbh the quality is usually far less than that of a second hand product. Thrifters FTW! xx
Lovely! The green really suits you and well done for making the decision to alter it! And what a gorge pressie off the boyf :) xxx
These pictures are just simply magical! You look like an absolute dream in this green dress, and certaintly not a 'granny smith apple,' tehe ❤
me too. although my salary has more than doubled compared to what i earned after graduation from university, i hardly go for expensive new clothes. The thrifted stores still hold a magic power for me.
my advice:
try online swapping website. exchange 2nd hand items with others. i live in hong kong, which is a small city well-connected by a single railway link, which makes it convenient for swapping.
Have you ever shopped at People Tree? They recycle material and make everything handmade, and it's still like getting new clothes. Plus you help less fortunate countries give people jobs, too.
awww , dont listen to your mum though bc i think you look magical in it!
<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons
Lovely dress, it looks great :)
I am terrible for buying lots and lots of new clothes and I know I should try and thrift more and sew more but I shamefully have a bulging wardrobe of new clothes!
We have all given in to the temptation of new clothing but I really try to avoid new items - they are not always made the best. I recently purchased a new rocker/recliner in Lafayette, IN, USA and paid way too much for it - have had it back to the store twice, does not recline properly and fabric bunches up. I will NEVER buy new furniture again - it is the second hand shop for me for furniture as well as most other items.
I feel that way completely so I don't buy anything other than vintage, but that is partly why I stopped buying clothes in general and now borrow from bloggers because much of where clothes come from are made by slaves today and it is extremely bothersome that people are more materialistic and care more about their stuff than the people behind the stuff. I love the dress on you by the way. It is really beautiful.
Oh my gosh, how have I never found your blog before?!
I agree with your sentiment, which is why I too have cut 'new' out of my life entirely. I hate the way clothes are made in the modern world and after seeing sweatshops first-hand it makes me so sad that the clothing industry relies on them! Buying vintage makes me feel good, AND look good! So good on you!
I know exactly what you mean, not exactly that I feel guilty for going into M&S every now and then, but more that I know I can find something I like in charity shops so whats the point of giving big brands that dont need it more money? Except when it comes to good quality shoes and undies of course ;) Love your dress tho, v pretty colour (my mum does that too tho hehe!) :)
lovely post! you look amazing! :) would love it if you checked out my blog-
http://pinklemonsorbet.blogspot.com/
Meena xxxxx
the photos look gorgeous and so do you, love the dress!
http://www.woodenheartbeat.blogspot.com/
ps. I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award, be sure to check out your nomination on my blog! I hope you pass on the award :D
http://pinklemonsorbet.blogspot.com/
Love, Meena xxxx
Lovely dress, it so suits you!
I always try to stick to charity shop buying, but I am very guilty of being a Topshop regular...It's terrible because I never need them so it's such a good idea of yours to look at more environmental labels :) X
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