Well, it’s now been a month since all of those well-intentioned resolutions began, and as usual, the kale smoothies lasted all of two days before I was back on the biscuits.
However, one promise I did make – and that I do intend to see through – was to shop better. Lately we’ve really started to see a shift in the way people purchase. Conscious consumerism is on the rise and we’ve become a lot more interested in where our clothes come from and how they’re made.
We’re trying to move away from fast fashion, buy better and fill our wardrobes with items that not only make us look good, but do some good too.
I’d like to say I woke up on January 1, deleted the Asos app and vowed to become a shopping celibate, but the reality is I love it too much. Retail really is my therapy and I think my family and friends would vouch for how much nicer I am when I’ve had a spending spree.
But over the past few weeks I have been much more considered in my purchases, asking myself whether I do really need, or just want the item I’m buying.
I’ve also rediscovered a love of second-hand and vintage clothing. I’ve always been a huge fan of charity shops but now I’m challenging myself to check out not-new options first. I’ve bought from places like Depop and Ebay and have saved loads on items that still have their tags in.
Now don’t get me wrong, making these changes isn’t an overnight fix, and there’s definitely still a place in my heart (and my wardrobe) for the high street, but I’m hoping by changing the way I think about shopping, it’ll mean I ultimately spend less, help the environment and, crucially, still get that mood-boost so that my nearest and dearest don’t disown me for being a misery guts.
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Inspired to shop more ethically? Here are some of my favourite finds:
TWENTYSEVEN NAMES
Glenmore dress (main image), £158
MATT & NAT
Draden vegan leather jacket, £155
PEOPLE TREE
V&A bamboo print shirt dress, £149
MONKEE GENES
Organic denim black dungarees, £65
MELIE BIANCO
Calvin saddle crossbody bag, £79.72
FRIENDSHIP SHOES
Kinsey dealer boots, £180
