Second Hand September was a BIG challenge for me. I started off full of hope that I could go a full 30 days without buying new clothes, but alas I was not that strong. An outfit disaster led me to buy a new dress, I saw the perfect pair of shoes for my fast approaching graduation, and I found the leather jacket of my dreams that I had been keeping my eyes peeled for. None of this was helped by the massive Topshop sale that caught my wandering eye! 

Even though I wasn’t successful in my challenge, I did learn these key things.

Dig Deep

It’s easy to neglect clothes buried deep in your wardrobe, so before you go on a mad shopping spree, have a good look in your wardrobe and you may find some old hidden gems. They may be clothes you once loved that are back in style (00’s fashion is making it’s comeback), or maybe stuff you forgot you even bought. Find a new way of styling your beloved fashion pieces and get creative. I haven’t quite gotten the hang of the new upcycling trend (transforming your old clothes) but it’s something I really want to start doing to save some of my old stuff. For some inspo, follow the upcycling queens, @tarastewartdj and @mouldyparsnips on insta.

Hand-me-downs

I don’t have any older sisters, but I do have an extremely fashionable yummy mummy who I can steal clothes from. I love having a root in her wardrobe and finding classic pieces that will stand the test of time and making them my own. Whether it’s a vintage handbag or a little black dress, it’s always fun to try make them my own. So raid your family members wardrobes and treat it as your very own vintage boutique (Dads often have really cool bits too). 

Sharing is Caring

We all shared clothes when we were younger, bopping to teen discos and nights out, so why not do it now! If your friend has the perfect outfit that you would love to wear, just ask them if you can borrow it. That way, you’re not buying an outfit that you’ll only wear once and your friend gets to make the most out of their outfit. Win-win situation! Organise a swap night with your pals where everyone brings over their unwanted clothes, and get everyone to mix and match. It’s also a good way to catch up with your mates for a chilled night in. 

Outfit Repeater

Don’t be afraid to wear the same outfit twice.  You don’t need to go out and buy a new fit for every occasion. I know it was considered a bit taboo, but if it was a hot look once it will be again! 

Go Vintage

I know that thrift shopping can be a bit daunting but it’s the best way to find unique fashion and reduce your carbon footprint. There are so many amazing vintage shops in Dublin, but if you don’t live in the capital, don’t be disheartened! Check out your local charity shops and you might be surprised with some of the pieces you’ll find. Sure even Ari was spotted checking out the vintage fashion in none other than Tola in Temple Bar!

Online Shopper

If you’re more of an online shopper, there are lots of ways to purchase original second hand fashion online. The most obvious being Depop. A great way to find cool second hand bits but also to make a few quid on some of your old unwanted clothes. I only recently discovered Asos marketplace. This is a huge platform for secondhand, vintage and independently owned fashion brands. If like me you love designer brands but don’t have the money to splash in BT, then check out Vestiaire Collective for gorgeous secondhand designer fashion at good prices. 

Do I really need it?

Next time you hit the shops, ask yourself “Do I really need it?” It’s hard to cut out fast fashion completely, but I think reducing our purchases will still help a lot. Don’t buy a t-shirt that you may only wear once, buy one that you really love and will wear over and over again. 

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I get a bit overwhelmed sometimes when I think about the amount of waste that the fashion industry produces, and it’s harmful effect on the environment. I’ve read all the facts and statistics and it is SCARY! This is what motivated me to do Second Hand September and I’m really disappointed I couldn’t carry it out, but if we can all adjust our shopping habits even slightly it will hopefully make a real difference. Shopping has always been therapy for me, so it’s hard for me to quit cold turkey. I’m working on being more conscious of what I buy, and even being more adventurous with my fashion choices to avoid the fast fashion Penneys look. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing if you decide to have a bit of fun with it!

If you need more information on the environmental impact of fast fashion, follow @oxfamireland and @sustainablefashiondublin on instagram.