There used to be a TV show in the UK where three contestants had three amounts of money to spend to achieve a given look. One had plenty of money so went designer, one was middle range and one was economy class so went second hand or charity/ thrift shops. Each contestant had a design adviser. Nine times out of ten the economy look was just as effective as the more high end versions. There will be plenty of style conscious folk who couldn't afford designer garments however much they were discounted so advice like yours is worth its weight in cashmere! Thanks
Yay! I found it. It was called 'She's Gotta Have It' and was from UK Ch 4 and was broadcast in 2000. This is the link. It's a free to view channel you just need to register to watch. This is the only series available to view I think. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/shes-gotta-have-it/on-demand/30344-010
Sadly no, despite wracking my brains but in today's world where sustainability is high on many agendas I would think something similar could be a hit. If I find the original I'll let you know.
Fantastic read as always - I am a big second-hand shopper but I am also forced to look at the way I consume that as well - is it sustainable if I buy too much second-hand and then turn around and “clean out my closet” and donate another pile? Or only keep things for a short while?? Slowing down is something I have really tried to work on this year, with middling success ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Keep at it, you're on the right track! When I shop I have to be able to think a few outfits I could make with the item in question before I'll buy it. Even still my closets are packed so I have to choose wisely. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Perhaps brands adopt a “nutrition label” of sorts that supplies information on numbers produced, etc. This would a) add more exclusivity b) add more transparency
That’s a brilliant idea!!!! I often wonder with the huge designer houses how many of a style is made. For the price there should be some level of exclusivity. Thanks for your comment!
Exactly! Number of units made, materials origin, place of assembly, types of materials with amounts, etc. Not only do we see this on the food we consume but AI is also adopting a similar practice called "Model Cards" where information about the AI is documented. Here is an example from Google: https://modelcards.withgoogle.com/about Question is: How would consumers be able to force suppliers to adopt a standard?
I moved to another country for a year and brought only one suitcase of clothes. I ended up really enjoying having a limited wardrobe, and my style and creativity got a serious boost! I've been editing my closet down with a sharper eye since then
Amazing! I love your story. When I use to travel a lot for business I had the same experience, taking a well edited selection of my favorite things. I loved it, getting dressed was easy and I felt I always had something great to wear. I do believe it spurs creativity and the best thing is you don't look like everyone else. Thanks so much for your comment!
PS: re: The RealReal, there is some excellent value to be had there if you look beyond the It labels and styles of the moment. I will report that the high shipping charge (flat $50 for international shipping no matter how many items you buy) has led to me ordering extra items to 'bring the average down', often it works because I wait to pile up a number of things I really want before ordering, but other times it doesn't.
also they once sent me the wrong order, I kept it because I'd paid a small fortune in shipping and duties to receive them and the pieces were mostly to my taste so I tried to be zen about it but it was definitely an experience I don't want repeated! (to be fair to them, it was six years ago and they haven't repeated it since)
I find shopping 'new' an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing experience, especially online - secondhand is comparatively much easier because it doesn't feel like I'm lost in a sea of interchangeable and untested clothes. I've had some inexpensive new clothes that were well made and long-lasting, but noticed that all of them were things I bought in person and could check the quality/fit of on the spot.
the key is knowing one's own tastes and lifestyle (no use in me buying a baby blue knit even if vintage, the colour makes me look bilious) otherwise even the lovely vintage ends up wasted.
You're absolutely right Lily. I also find shopping overwhelming, particularly in the big department stores where so much product is crammed on the floor. I like to scope out things online before going into the stores so I have a purpose. The Real Real I'll continue to peruse, I find it impressive! Thanks for commenting!
Great post Jolain! I agree that reduced consumer demand would be a strong lever to reduce production. Sadly, that’s a tough proposition in todays world. I hope your message spreads widely!!
I was thinking of you as I wrote this! The research I did for this this pointed to some very grim statistics about over consumption. Particularly for clothes, we need to buy with more intention and not think of clothing as disposable. Thanks for commenting!
I love your writing, Jolain. Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I am most inspired by my late father, who had the best style ever. All of his clothes and shoes were old and he didn't have much, but everything was beautifully cared-for. He taught me about getting shoes resoled and forever style.
Hi Kneale, Thank you for bringing that up, clothing and accessories should be taken care of and repaired rather than discarded. Quality clothing can last a very long time. Your father's mentality is one we should all adopt. How wonderful to have memories of his impeccable style!
A great article. It's a real shame that many folk buy garments but seem unable to style them. It's great to buy something new but equally good to reinvent something using a different belt or scarf or layering garments up.
Hi Jan, We all need and want new clothes from time to time and that's good, but one statistic I read while researching for this is that people now wear a garment on average 7 times. To me that's crazy. I love my clothes and hold on to them for years. You're absolutely right, restyling what we have with accessories and how you pair it is where creativity kicks in. Thanks for your comment!
There used to be a TV show in the UK where three contestants had three amounts of money to spend to achieve a given look. One had plenty of money so went designer, one was middle range and one was economy class so went second hand or charity/ thrift shops. Each contestant had a design adviser. Nine times out of ten the economy look was just as effective as the more high end versions. There will be plenty of style conscious folk who couldn't afford designer garments however much they were discounted so advice like yours is worth its weight in cashmere! Thanks
this is such a good concept I hope someone does this on tiktok
Yay! I found it. It was called 'She's Gotta Have It' and was from UK Ch 4 and was broadcast in 2000. This is the link. It's a free to view channel you just need to register to watch. This is the only series available to view I think. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/shes-gotta-have-it/on-demand/30344-010
Fantastic!!!! Thank you!!!!
Thanks so much Jan. Money most definitely does not equal style! Would love to see that show. Do you remember the name of it?
Sadly no, despite wracking my brains but in today's world where sustainability is high on many agendas I would think something similar could be a hit. If I find the original I'll let you know.
Thanks!
Fantastic read as always - I am a big second-hand shopper but I am also forced to look at the way I consume that as well - is it sustainable if I buy too much second-hand and then turn around and “clean out my closet” and donate another pile? Or only keep things for a short while?? Slowing down is something I have really tried to work on this year, with middling success ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Keep at it, you're on the right track! When I shop I have to be able to think a few outfits I could make with the item in question before I'll buy it. Even still my closets are packed so I have to choose wisely. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Perhaps brands adopt a “nutrition label” of sorts that supplies information on numbers produced, etc. This would a) add more exclusivity b) add more transparency
That’s a brilliant idea!!!! I often wonder with the huge designer houses how many of a style is made. For the price there should be some level of exclusivity. Thanks for your comment!
Exactly! Number of units made, materials origin, place of assembly, types of materials with amounts, etc. Not only do we see this on the food we consume but AI is also adopting a similar practice called "Model Cards" where information about the AI is documented. Here is an example from Google: https://modelcards.withgoogle.com/about Question is: How would consumers be able to force suppliers to adopt a standard?
I moved to another country for a year and brought only one suitcase of clothes. I ended up really enjoying having a limited wardrobe, and my style and creativity got a serious boost! I've been editing my closet down with a sharper eye since then
Amazing! I love your story. When I use to travel a lot for business I had the same experience, taking a well edited selection of my favorite things. I loved it, getting dressed was easy and I felt I always had something great to wear. I do believe it spurs creativity and the best thing is you don't look like everyone else. Thanks so much for your comment!
PS: re: The RealReal, there is some excellent value to be had there if you look beyond the It labels and styles of the moment. I will report that the high shipping charge (flat $50 for international shipping no matter how many items you buy) has led to me ordering extra items to 'bring the average down', often it works because I wait to pile up a number of things I really want before ordering, but other times it doesn't.
also they once sent me the wrong order, I kept it because I'd paid a small fortune in shipping and duties to receive them and the pieces were mostly to my taste so I tried to be zen about it but it was definitely an experience I don't want repeated! (to be fair to them, it was six years ago and they haven't repeated it since)
I find shopping 'new' an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing experience, especially online - secondhand is comparatively much easier because it doesn't feel like I'm lost in a sea of interchangeable and untested clothes. I've had some inexpensive new clothes that were well made and long-lasting, but noticed that all of them were things I bought in person and could check the quality/fit of on the spot.
the key is knowing one's own tastes and lifestyle (no use in me buying a baby blue knit even if vintage, the colour makes me look bilious) otherwise even the lovely vintage ends up wasted.
You're absolutely right Lily. I also find shopping overwhelming, particularly in the big department stores where so much product is crammed on the floor. I like to scope out things online before going into the stores so I have a purpose. The Real Real I'll continue to peruse, I find it impressive! Thanks for commenting!
Great post Jolain! I agree that reduced consumer demand would be a strong lever to reduce production. Sadly, that’s a tough proposition in todays world. I hope your message spreads widely!!
I was thinking of you as I wrote this! The research I did for this this pointed to some very grim statistics about over consumption. Particularly for clothes, we need to buy with more intention and not think of clothing as disposable. Thanks for commenting!
Bravo! Well articulated and excellent advice.
Thanks for reading and commenting!!!
I love your writing, Jolain. Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I am most inspired by my late father, who had the best style ever. All of his clothes and shoes were old and he didn't have much, but everything was beautifully cared-for. He taught me about getting shoes resoled and forever style.
Hi Kneale, Thank you for bringing that up, clothing and accessories should be taken care of and repaired rather than discarded. Quality clothing can last a very long time. Your father's mentality is one we should all adopt. How wonderful to have memories of his impeccable style!
A great article. It's a real shame that many folk buy garments but seem unable to style them. It's great to buy something new but equally good to reinvent something using a different belt or scarf or layering garments up.
Hi Jan, We all need and want new clothes from time to time and that's good, but one statistic I read while researching for this is that people now wear a garment on average 7 times. To me that's crazy. I love my clothes and hold on to them for years. You're absolutely right, restyling what we have with accessories and how you pair it is where creativity kicks in. Thanks for your comment!