Introduce Elements Of Sustainability
With a sustainability now firmly on our radar, a growing number of styling clients are enquiring if they can book a personal shopping appointment that includes an element of sustainability. If this is indeed possible to do in person, or can it only be achieved online? The good news is that is can be definitely achieved in person.
I sustainably shop with clients by:
Shopping in B Corp Brands
B Corps are companies that have been verified by B Lab as voluntarily meeting high standards of environmental and social performance, accountability, and transparency. They are inspected on a wide range of factors, including raw material sourcing, supply chain input, carbon-neutral status, treatment of employees, charity enterprises and community. B Corps are then reviewed every three years. These brands use their social standing internationally to reduce poverty and inequality, strengthen communities, create jobs with purpose - the aim being to leave behind a healthier environment.
There are though only about 115 B Corp brands in the UK, mostly in food. So if your style preference doesn’t align with any of the brands look instead at responsible brands.
Shop at brands who have a responsible environmental ethos
There are responsible brands out there that don’t have B Corp status, but who are opting for sustainable business practices that don’t harm the planet. To find out who, take a look at the companies sustainability/planet/welfare page, things to look for are:
Water
A huge amount of water is used to manufacture clothes, look for labels that highlight how they are saving water. A Low Water Use credential is something to look out for, as this is granted to products that have a water footprint lower than 13 cubic metres.
Recycled Materials
Look to see whether recycled materials are used in the production of the brands garments- from old garments, scrap fabrics and plastic waste.
Ethically Made
Do the brands factories pay living wages, provide safe working conditions, have regulated working hours, and check for a strict no child labour policy?
Show you how to vintage shop
Vintage shopping will usually be the last stop on a shopping appointment, as here I will show you how to add pieces to compliment the rest of your new purchases. Showing you what to look for, how to style vintage and crucially how to avoid looking like you are in fancy dress. For vintage novices I advise initially avoiding head to toe looks.
If you style preference is more classic or you have an aversion to prints this may not be for you. Shopping online for labels you like on sites like Ebay, Cudoni and Vestiaire, would be a better option.
Shop for beaded garments that will last - if required
Certain countries/brands make beaded and sequinned garments that fall apart very quickly. The technique in which beads are applied makes a huge difference - this goes across high street to high end. Depending on the technique used, you can end up with a fast fashion garment or a piece you can keep for future generations.
Advise on buying better
Buying better quality items ensures a longer life span of a garment. Not everything though has to be super expensive and good quality items can still be found on the high street, if you know where to look. For example last year fast fashion Zara produced a collection of coats with high end Italian fabric company Manteco. I bought a beautiful coat that constantly gets compliments and is a tailored to perfection. Like my far more expensive Maje and Max Mara coats, this coat will last me for years. It may have started off as fast fashion, but has ended up as a timeless piece in my wardrobe.
show you How to look after the items you do buy
All of the above is irrelevant if you don’t take care of the items of the items you do buy. Store clothes neatly, one garment to one hanger and never hang knitwear - gravity makes knits loose their shape very quickly. Abide by the washing instructions and think whether airing the garment is better than washing after every wear. If a button falls off, or a hole appears, can it be mended? If you can’t do it take to a dry cleaners who will mend it for you.
WHY LISTEN TO ME?
Due to many years spent as a fashion designer for brands working in and with factories in UK, Turkey, China, India and Sri Lanka I am able to share lived industry knowledge and experiences with clients. Sharing facts and tips you are unlikely to find on even the most in-depth Google search. Thus enabling clients to make informed stylish choices and helping them to avoid over consumption.
Personal Shopping
For readers who would like to know more about sustainable personal shopping, contact me to see how I can assist you.
Thank you for reading.
Lisa
About Me
I’m an established professional Personal Stylist and Fashion Designer, helping people to develop their style, through a series of personalised colour, styling, sourcing, and shopping services. I’ve worked in fashion industry for 2 decades and have a wealth of knowledge acquired from designing for brands such as Zara to luxury label Sportmax. To styling clients in a range of industries from media, tech, law, finance, to business owners. Ensuring they look and feel their very best whatever the occasion.
