Personal stylist Dress Decanted makes a guest editorial with Fashion Finest on the emotional benefits of buying second hand and how it enhances the fashion industry to do much better.

The emotional process of selecting a piece should be deliberate, not accidental. Ph. Noemie Roussel (unsplash). 

One sustainable personal stylist covers the impact of thrift retail that can’t be replicated online.

“Think About Dressing For Your Soul”

Many underestimate the emotional lift when putting some time into your appearance carefully and consciously. Retail cuts that process out whilst thrifting allows you to pause, slow down and awaken the senses. The clothes don’t smell of a warehouse. They hold a story and if it fits your mood, you take home a memory for yourself.

Time and time again, self expression has proven to be the antidote to a dampened spirit. Quenching your soul’s creative thirst can help a passion that’s gone un-nurtured to flourish into action.

“Retail Therapy” Is Therapy. But Not As You Know It"

Scanning through pages of high street or designer clothes waiting for something to grab you by the collar is one way of doing this, however I opt for a more hands on approach that tickles the brain a little more intimately.

Vintage clothes/charity shops and eBay-like merchants give a visceral experience that you can tailor to yourself like a custom suit.

“Engaging true sense of style should be touch, smell and how it sounds when you wear it”. Ph. Tessa Simpson (unsplash).

For example, the sensation of feeling a rugged denim or corduroy when running your hands through a rack of pre-worn trousers and jeans.

The smell of steamed hanging leather jackets is something that can’t be replicated online. However, online doesn’t have to feel cumbersome.

Getting an eBay delivery you almost forgot about and finding out your due diligence of size checking and patience has paid off can be just as rewarding. Carefully curating some of your outfits around second hand clothes allows you to see first hand the themes that defined eras in fashion all over the world, I really like that.

Nothing will give you more ideas than seeing a statement piece of a forgotten time. All these things make my brain marvellously happy. Of course these are only the immediate rewards to changing your creative trajectory.

“Fast fashion” and “sustainability” have been unavoidable terms echoed through every runway and office in the industry. The consumer shouldn’t be obligated or beholden to cure something they had no hand in creating, however the ripple effect of the everyday consumer buying used cannot be understated.

So…if you’re interested in sparking your imagination, and gaining access to a broad array of unique designers, and an endless spectrum of inimitable materials and looks only now being dredged up from the stubborn clutches of time, then here’s how you might do it.

First and most importantly, have all your measurements ready. If you don’t have them, get them. Fit is everything.

If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home; eBay, Vinted, Etsy and Gumtree are all sofa shopping game changers but come with their own merits. Personally for the user base and range of options/filters I’m an eBay loyalist but Vinted appears to have no shortage of praise.

If small excursions to quiet shops you didn’t know existed missed your radar, then searching “used Vintage clothes shops near me” in your browser of choice will yield results that may surprise you. My experience is little weekend escapades to see what catches your gaze may quickly mutate into group trips that spark creative competition.

But the beauty of it all is that it’s all your choice.

More about this guest featured stylist: -Dress Decanted

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Christmas is only around the corner, and you might be one of those people who is stuck with what to buy. Luckily, one of the best items to buy when it comes to Christmas is jewellery. Now do not assume that it is going to be too easy either.

Ph. Kyle Cut Media, Unsplash

You can buy both expensive jewellery and cheap jewellery, depending on how much you want to spend. Here is a quick guide on the jewellery gifts that you can buy this year.

Stocking Fillers

As soon as you suggest jewellery as a potential gift, people assume that jewellery is some of the most expensive. There are many high street stores out there that sell cheap jewellery sets: for example, you can get a pack of three rings from an H&M store. With this present, you can give the option of wearing one ring or layer them up. Layering has been a popular 2021 jewellery trend that can be worn in different colours and styles.

Chic Jewellery

Ph. Camilla Carvalho, Unsplash

Chic jewellery can either be expensive or on the cheaper side; it can either be a big or a small present. Everything comes down to the price you are looking to spend.

There are hundreds of chic jewellery brands that you can choose from, so you will not be stuck when it comes to purchasing Christmas presents. Some of the brands that sell great jewellery are Tada & Toy, Astrid & Miyu, Daisy London, Edge of Ember and Monica Vinader. There is plenty of iconic chic jewellery that every woman should own for their day-to-day jewellery!

Colourful Jewellery

Ph. Artem Beliaikin, Unsplash

It is a jewellery trend that likes to come and go. However, styles do change each time they make a return. Colourful jewellery can also hold a cultural meaning, as well as ranging from simple colourful beads to beautifully vintage emerald rings. Yes, gemstones are a little more on the expensive side; however, they make a great gift for someone that you love.

Furthermore, you can buy a gemstone that has a connection with the person. For example, if they are born in January, then buy them a garnet necklace or ring. This is because garnets are the birthstone for that month. You can also link the gem to their favourite colour. Many gemstones come in a range of different shades and the specific colour can change the price of the jewel, so you should consider this note.

Premium Jewellery

Ph. Cornelia Ng, Unsplash

Again, this is more expensive but it can be a tear-jerker. If you are willing to go big for your loved one, there are some great brands to choose from. Dior and Channel are just two brands that you might have already heard, just make sure you have done enough saving up for this present. If you like to spend big from time to time at Christmas, there are many premium jewellery brands to pick on top of the two we have just mentioned.

Another premium style that you could consider as a gift is pearl jewellery: another popular autumn jewellery trend that is going strong.

Jewellery To Last A Lifetime

If you are going to spend a lot of money on a present, you need to make sure that it is going to last a lifetime. Having the potential to be passed down through generations is important for jewels, similar to how Kate Middleton was given the ring of Princess Diana. High-quality gemstones and metals will be a gift that everybody will appreciate.

High-quality gemstones and metals will be a gift that everybody will appreciate. Luxury jewellery is for those who have been with their partner for a long time and see them being with them until their dying days. Brands such as Harry Winston, Cartier, Buccellati or Van Cleef & Arpels are some of the most luxurious brands on the market. Choosing any of these will last for generations ahead!

Vintage Jewellery

Ph. Alex Chambers, Unsplash

Vintage jewellery is another option that many people have got on board with for numerous reasons. For starters, vintage jewellery has been around for years and many people might have worn the same piece. Not to mention the gemstones that a vintage jewel comes with. If you are planning on proposing on Christmas day, then consider a vintage engagement ring.

As you may already know, the world is facing some issues regarding global warming. There are many ways to do your bit in saving the planet, and buying vintage jewellery is one of them. The reason for this is that you are not supporting major brands that are continuously mining for raw materials contributing to CO2 emissions. There are many great ways to source vintage jewellery but remember to double-check it.

To Conclude

There are many gifts that you can buy a loved one around Christmas time with perfumes being an easy go-to present. If you want to spend a little extra, jewellery is the one this year. If you ever are struggling to get your loved ones a Christmas gift, find out what they need. However, if you are going to buy them jewellery, make sure you do your research first. Find out what their favourite material is, what type of earrings they prefer, whether or not the gemstones are real with a certificate.

There is one staple piece in everyone's wardrobe that literally made history. There is one true fashion must-have that crossed generations, yet never felt outdated. You can have a guess. It is denim.

Very.co.uk

Although timeless, denim jeans marked a drastic change in everyday fashion this year. Jeans are our flag of freedom. We have seen it throughout 2021 and these autumn/winter trends are not an exception.

The humble workers' denim passed through centuries and generations and, as such, it is a trustful mirror of our times. Maybe it is the new post-pandemic lifestyle or today's feminist stream but 2021 waved 'goodbye' to super skinny jeans to welcome (back) baggy forms to put everyone at ease. Here we go, exploring the 5 top denim trends for this autumn/winter season.

1 Mom's Jeans

Missguided - Riot Highwaisted Clean Mom Jeans

Ten years ago, moms had a certain 'uncool' factor. Could you believe mom's jeans were going to conquer a big slice in stores' displays and people's shopping charts? High-waisted and relaxed, mom jeans are not anymore for leisure time and gardening but a comfortable ally now that home is our office.

2 Upcycled Jeans

V by Very - Sustainable Slim Cut Jeans

The call to make something for the planet translates into sustainable jeans. Whether they are made from vintage stocks, eco-consciously produced, recycled or thrifted by you; green jeans have a richer story and feel lighter on the environment.

3 '70s: Flared Legs And Flavours

RI Petite - Amelie Flare Dane Jean

Jeans as a flag of freedom could not but take big inspiration from the '70s. The 'peace & love' decade revival is in flared silhouettes, patterns and patchwork. Added to the upcycling trends, looking for a true vintage makes a trip to second-hand stores definitely more adventurous and rewarding.

4 Baggy Jeans

New Look - Noosa Baggy Jean

'The wider, the better', this is the motto of the year. Mom jeans already offer some room for our real shapes, but this season we can exceed as we look back at the '90s. Think about rappers and skaters' styles when looking for our next pair of denim. The must-have jeans for the last bits of this 2021 are super baggy and slouchy. Young and unapologetic with added distress for an extra touch of street style.

5 Light Jeans

Levi's - 501® Crop

Nothing says 'denim' more than an original Levi's 501. The American brand invented the real jeans at the end of the 19th century but it proves to be always fashion-forward. Here is how Levi's reinvented its 501 this year.

Denim signature colour is blue but we can set free from the tradition with pale blues, neutrals and even white.

These are only 5 of the top denim trends that we can rock this autumn/winter season but the list may go on and on with pleated jeans, straight cuts and low-rise waist. This year's array of denim as seen on Very.co.uk says it clearly: denim must make you comfortable in your own skin. 2021 jeans are a liberation, liberation from strict and unrealistic ideals proposed by the media for many decades. It was time to change, the evergreen denim made it.

There is a festive feeling in the air. Summer is the season of outdoor gatherings, parties and weddings, after all! There could not be a better time to dress up and add a sweet but luxury touch: knotted hair accessories.

Are you looking for a sophisticated way to pull off denim in the summer?

We all know how hard it can be to find unique accessories that really stand out.