a haulternative // second hand gems

Monday 15 May 2017


When I was about twelve I watched a documentary about Primark. It was a documentary about the appalling working conditions in their factories, predominantly in Asian countries. It was my first time being exposed to the hidden realities of fast fashion and I remember being absolutely shocked. It effected me so intensely I immediately decided to boycott Primark. I can quite proudly say I stuck to that pledge. Boycotting one brand was progress, but it wasn't going to change the entire industry.

It's very easy to turn a blind eye to the hidden side of fast fashion are hidden and there is very little information readily available. I struggled to find ethical clothing companies I could afford to buy from, but then I discovered Fashion Revolution, the first easily accessible website I found challenging fast fashion.

I first heard about  Fashion Revolution in 2014, thanks to cutiepiemarzia. It was launched following the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh in 2013, in which 1138 people lost their lives and many more were injured. Fashion Revolution calls for greater accountability, transparency, sustainability and fairness in the fashion industry. So fashion can be enjoyed and the industry works for everyone. They want to radically change the way our clothes are sourced, produced and purchased, so that clothes and fashion can be made in a safe, clean and fair way.

Fashion Revolution Week which takes place on the 24th April of each year, encourages consumers to ask their favourite brands #whomademyclothes, in an effort to make the fashion industry more transparent and hold brands to account. The intention is to spread awareness of the damaging side of fast fashion, to demand brands to make changes, and to ensure brands themselves are conscious of the ethics in their supply chain. There are also a ton of resources to help you get started on your ethical journey and things to

Definitely check it out!

Now for the second hand gems I've acquired.

The red cardigan 


Okay, my mum gave me this cardigan she used to wear to work years ago! She said she bought it as seconds and it's lasted her for a super long time. It's warm and comfy so I can totally understand why she kept it all these years. I think the fact that it's lasted for so long and belonged to my Mum makes this super special and an item I think I will treasure for many years!




Blue 


Okay, so I think I bought this top and skirt from Ebay about four years ago. I was clearly going through a blue phase!

I found this cap in a box of unloved hats. It's technically my Dad's but he let me keep it as he never wears it himself anymore! Sometimes I like wearing it backwards because it has 'Irish' on the back, and I am part Irish!

I found this blue M&S shirt on ebay. It's very light (and also in need of an iron at the moment) and looks kinda like denim but it's actually a nice soft material. Most importantly this shirt has pockets!! Pockets make any item of clothing a winner! The best thing about this shirt is that it's pretty versatile. With the buttons done up it looks smart, and layered without the buttons done up looks cool and casual.




Green


I think I've bought most of my second hand stuff from ebay when I was a poor student. It was more affordable than buying direct from stores, and was unintentionally a good choice!
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This green ruffle shirt is one of my favourites, I love wearing it by itself (because those ruffles!) but I also love wearing it with a beige jumper over the top. It looks really natural and I makes me feel like a smart forest fairy.

The turquoise skirt is one of my most recent purchases. I actually featured it in another post, as it was a purchase shamelessly inspired by Connie from Steven Universe! It's a tiny bit big around the waist but I have plans to fix it up a little bit.



Little Black Dress


How adorable is this dress. I love chiffon materials because they're so floaty and comfortable. This dress has little lace detailing and little ribbons to tie up at the front. It came without buttons on the sleeves but I love it nonetheless. I need to get thrifty and sew some cute ones on. I can't deciede between going for plain white button to keep with the monochrome theme, or bright colourful buttons to make a statement.

All of these gems were either free, or for fraction of the price you would pay in a store! Good for your wallet, and the world.

 You can find out more about Fashion Revolution here!





6 comments

  1. all these outfits are so pretty! so adorable!
    have a wonderful day!

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    1. thank you so much! have a lovely day too!

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  2. Aw I love this so much. I'm currently making the transition into ethical fashion and your knowledge about it has helped me a lot, I'm going to write a post all about it soon so thank you! Also I love your fashion sense and that you get inspiration from Steven Universe; I would dress like Pearl everyday if I could!

    Marbl☾☽Moon

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    1. Ah that makes me so happy!! I feel v passionately about this issue and it makes me so glad you gained something from this post!!
      Eep Steven Universe is amazing, Pearl does always look so regal and well put together!

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  3. I found out about Fashion Revolution from Marzia as well! Thrifting is so fun, I love that little black dress!

    skinnydecxflatte.blogspot.com xo

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    1. Yay!! I love Marzia not just because she makes inspirational and lovely content but because she has popularised and talked about this issue. Thrifting is so much fun, I agree! You can find such amazing gems!

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