My experience of Second Hand September and my Autumn/Winter Shopping List
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With just 8 days of Second Hand September to go, I thought I would share my experience. I’ll be honest, it hasn’t been easy and I have been on countdown all month! I have also experienced a few moments when I have felt a loss of identity and a loss of purpose. I guess that shouldn’t be much of a surprise really, I have built a career around my love for clothes and sharing smart buys with you or simply trying on clothes to give you styling ideas is a really big part of who I am and what I do. I have also turned down a few opportunities for paid work that didn’t feel aligned with my pledge. The reality is that I don’t have a steady stream of paid work opportunities, so turning work down wasn’t an easy thing to do and left me feeling a little confused and conflicted. But I felt it was an important thing to do and I am really pleased that I did it.
I have learnt so much about my own wardrobe, and it has really made me think about the ‘need vs want’ that I think many of us struggle with. I have really enjoyed focussing on buying second hand, and the thrill of finding my Gianvitto Rossi heels (£15 in the Traid sale!) and my Gucci loafers (£230 from Ebay) completely outweighed any thrill of a quick high street purchase that I may have otherwise made. I have thought very carefully about the items that I need to fill a few gaps in my Autumn/Winter wardrobe and have also used this month to slim down my existing wardrobe in an environmentally friendly way. I have sold a few bits and pieces on my @chloelovestosell account, I have given lots to my mum and the rest has been donated to charity shops.
One thing is for sure, having a wardrobe where you are able to SEE everything you own makes getting dressed in the morning much easier.
So what are those missing pieces that I have been thinking about for the past month?
- Leather Trousers
I do own leather leggings, but I am always restricted to wearing something longer on the top half, so I would really like to invest in a pair of leather trousers. I am going to try on these three pairs.
2. A blazer (or two!)
I have had my eye on a few blazers. I really love the navy blazer from M&S and don’t own a navy blazer, so I think it will be a smart buy.
3. Black Biker Boots
I am in need of a new pair of boots after I left my GHD tongs on the floor leaning against one of my boots last winter. These are the ones that I have been looking at.
The trainers I wear with my gym gear are completely knackered, so I have been eyeing up this pair that could double up as casual wear with jeans on the weekend. Nike Tekno Sneakers – £94
This cardi very nearly made me break my pledge. Don’t worry, I put it in my basket but did not follow through. It just felt very ‘me’ and it’s a colour I love wearing with light blue denim, so I shall definitely be trying this on in October.
Well, that’s plenty for now! To those who have messaged to say ‘Hurry up October, we have missed you shopping’ thank you for being patient and thank you for your support! 🙂
Much love,
Chloe x
