In 2022 the “quiet luxury”* aesthetic began to appear in social media feeds, gaining momentum through 2023 and still going strong in 2024. And while I think this trend will continue for a while still, I think we’re about to see a shift away from mass commoditisation and towards the luxury of tailored craftsmanship. Three … Continue reading
Black Friday’s coming up. It’s the Friday after American Thanksgiving, which is always the fourth Thursday in November. And my favourite holiday as an adult because it brings together my whole family, without the stress of presents. (But I hate the history of the holiday – it’s truly embarrassing.) Growing up in America, just about … Continue reading
It’s no secret that I love a sample sale; like most of us I’ve been conditioned to love a good deal. And getting up to 95% off designer items feels like a win. But it’s easy to go overboard at these sales, buying for the “deal” and imaginary lifestyle. (How often do you *honestly* have … Continue reading
Knowing what tiny quality details to look for in garments is easy – once you know what you’re doing! I was lucky enough to learn by proximity: growing up, my mom was always sewing. She made her own clothing throughout her teenage years in the 1960s & 1970s, when I was a child she made … Continue reading
In October 2018 I decided to quit fast fashion. That year I placed 12 orders on ASOS, and in 2019 I placed just two: one order to try something on, the other to use up my vouchers. And I’m not even going there with my regular trips to Zara, Mango, Topshop, H&M, & Other Stories, … Continue reading
Let’s talk about vintage shopping “secrets”. Lately several of you have asked for my vintage shopping secrets to finding the “best” items. And I’m really sorry to say: I have none. I wish I did, but I don’t! Instead what I do have is an interest in vintage items, access to online marketplaces, access to … Continue reading
If like me you love your morning (and mid-morning, and mid-afternoon) coffee you’ll likely have noticed the increase in cafes offering single-use compostable cups for takeaway. And if you’re like me you thought: “This is awesome! Finally a guilt-free way to enjoy coffee on the go when I forget my re-usable cup!” But wait right … Continue reading
Sustainability isn’t one size fits all. We all live different lives, in different places, with different levels of access, different finances, different needs and different responsibilities. What works and is realistic for one person could be totally unrealistic for another. Continue reading
Sometimes our assumptions about what is environmentally friendly don’t always stand up to scrutiny. For example, plastic and re-usable bags. Continue reading
Apparently flute sleeves and cold shoulders are out, peasant tops and tiered skirts are in. And as much as I like trends, I like this top more. So I’m going to keep wearing it. This fast fashion top from 2017 is not something I’d buy again for so many reasons (blended fibres so can’t be … Continue reading
Call me Katie 