Budget Fashion: What is a Bargain Anyway? Ethical Fashion Part #2

From the heart felt response to my post 'Can you afford to shop ethically?' I realise it is an issue close to the hearts of many of us. We want to buy clothes that are fashionable - we do not want to buy them at the expense of another human beings suffering. It doesn't sound a lot to ask does it? Someone makes the clothes, we buy the clothes - we earn our money so why not spend it all on new clothes if we please?
But life isn't that easy. We have no idea where most of the clothes hanging in the shops are made, if the people involved in manufacturing them were paid and treated fairly, was the cloth produced from ethical sources? How about the carbon foot print of the garment? What does that company do with dead stock? The waste of plastic and card involved in production, is it recycled....You see even the definition of 'Ethical' means different things to different people.

(Failed attempts at an outfit post due to the dogs playing silly beggers! Wearing Vivienne Westwood for People Tree top, Topshop jeans, Vivienne Westwood boots)

There really is so much to consider, whilst we can all take steps to shop more wisely this is not an issue we can fix overnight. I think the main thing we can do is heed these wise words:

'Buy Less, Choose Well'
Vivienne Westwood

If we put some thought into what we buy, try our best to only buy things we 'need' - OK 'want' but will actually wear! Try and shop in charity shops and buy vintage, try and shop places with an ethical policy in place, little by little it can all help.

There is no quick fix because there are so many knock-on effects of our actions. Imagine if the UK stopped buying from the high street, in fact imagine if everyone in the UK boycotted Primark, for example. Not one person would shop there and they had to close down the stores. Think of all the staff that would loose their jobs, managers, sales assistants, security, cleaners, head office. Think of the manufacturers workers, they would all be set free from their sweatshops? Would they thank you for this, to them is having a job and income even if it is not the best job, is it better than having no job and no money to feed their family at all?
Ideally the pressure should be on the companies to insist their manufacturers are ethical - none of this sub-contraction get out clause. We want to know exactly where the clothes are made, we want this information available in plain English, clear and simple.

To me a bargain isn't defined by how much I paid, but by how valuable it is to me. If I buy something which I will wear often, is made well, that will last me for years to come, then that is a bargain. So my personal attempts at shopping ethically are this: to only buy things I will get a lot of use out of, to by second hand / vintage too, only buy quality goods and to buy things made in England to support our economy where I can.

(Sirius, Ruby & Simba getting in on the act)

There is a growing collective of brands which name themselves ethical such as People Tree, Ciel - who now has a collaboration with whistles and Kitty Cooper etc. But, and I really hate to say it, I don't really like any of the clothes they sell. Well no it isn't that I don't like them but they aren't quite my style, I have never bought anything from them as I have never liked anything enough if you see what I mean.

On the other hand some of the designers I do like already are making moves towards being more ethical.Vivienne Westwood designed a t-shirt for people tree which I loved (and am wearing in this post). Dame Viv has also just launched a new collection of bags made in Africa - more on that in a later post, one of which I want to buy. But I hold my hands up in all honesty and tell you I want these things because I like them and am not buying them just because they are ethically made - although I am extreamly happy about the fact they are. Also as many of you have pointed out in your comments these shops are very expensive and are limited in size ranges.

What you said:

I'd recommend People Tree if people are looking for decent, stylish, ethically produced stuff. They're normally a bit out of my price range but the sale prices are really quite reasonable and they sometimes do mystery bags where it's 5 items for £30 - bargain! I've got a few gorgeous things that way. Alex

in our consumer driven society it is very easy to trick yourself into believing that you absolutely have to have a new dress to go out in or a completely new outfit for an interview, I know I do it often enough. But in most cases this isn't true, we have wardrobes with perfectly decent outfits but the shops, magazines and even our peers make us believe we need a new outfit for every minor occasion and should never be seen in the same dress more than a handful of times (at the most). Jolly Good

The tighter my budget I swear the better my outfits become, because I have to think about it and go outside of my comfort zone. Little Miss C

I don't agree with the elitism of eco-conscious shopping either, and I don't think that people with less money should be criticised for wanting to purchase things; wealthier people are lucky that they have the option, but they are no less 'materialistic'. Mrs Bossa

The only thing we 'need' to do is clothe our body so we don't stroll around naked, or in discomfort due to the temperature. It seems that we are now a society of rights - we believe we deserve new clothes and a constantly changing wardrobe. Roz

I think that it's important to pressure retailers to clean up their practices, rather than blame the consumers.

There are so many amazingly insightful comments on the original post, these are mere excerpts, well worth going back to read in full.I also want to recommend the following posts on the issue:

Guardian - Linda Grant Cheap at twice the price (also has a list of ethical shop links)

Rosel - My ethical dilemma with fashion blogging

Emily - Ethical fashion vs fast fashion

Jen - Ethical fashion - does it work for you?

Jill - Prime Mark - I was intending on posting about this issue myself but felt Jill's post summed it up really well. Jill kindly copied me in on an email regarding the legal battle Primark won after parts of a recent Horizon documentary were found to be falsified. This was enough for me to undermine the entire documentary if they had found actual evidence then they would have used that no matter how 'undramatic'. I am not saying that totally excuses Primark, but it does clarify some issues. You can read about it yourselves on the Primark Website, which I have to say goes a long way to promote their ethical considerations.

I will be blunt though, what I would like to see is some facts and figures from Primark and all the High St retailers as to how they can afford to sell things so cheaply whilst paying everyone in the chain a fair fee and still make a profit. Actually, how about that, Phillip Green et al, should you have nothing to hide?
Pearl

UPDATE: Just wanted to add this link on the problems met by ethical fashion label Edun, thanks Wendy B

Budget Fashion: Orange Blush #3

This is the final look in my TK Maxx Summer fashion series, 3 outfits for £50 each (See Look #1 and Look #2). TK Maxx had literally hundreds of beautiful summer dresses any style, any colour and pattern you could ever imagine. The first thing that caught my eye about the dress I chose was the colour, orange has to be the 'must have' colour this season, there is no denying it is everywhere. I also wanted to see if I could get something designer into the challenge, I was surprised to find that part really easy. Where else can you get designer for £50!

As I had come in under budget on the first two outfits I figured maybe I could get away with being a tiny bit over budget with this one.

I am wearing:
Dress by Luella RRP £545 reduced to £54
Hat from previous outfit Look #1
Jacket and shoes my own
Total £54

As with all the pieces I have chosen in these posts this dress is a really versatile piece. Dress it up with pretty heels, down with sandals and denim.
We decided to create each look with an LA summer style theme, to me Kate Bosworth is the ultimate LA girl. Her outfits are always so perfectly relaxed yet there is always a specially tailored or unique aspect to them. She is a huge fan of orange too. I have uploaded some of the inspirational images I used for this shoot on to my face book page for you all. Check out the TK Maxx Facebook page too, they are always having giveaways.
Pearl

Budget Fashion: Leopard Rock Look #2

Here is Look #2 in my Summer Outfits for £50 from TK Maxx (See part #1 here if you missed it). This look was inspired by the the casual cool, slightly rock chic vibe of Nicole Ritchie, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss. I chose this striking leopard print chiffon blouse for its beautiful floaty style, a versatile piece you could dress up as much as I have dressed it down. The trilby style straw hat was a must for that nonchalant laid back edge. Finished off with a glam pair of sequin sandals.


I am wearing:
Blouse by TNFC London RRP £39.00 TK Maxx price £19.99
Hat by French Connection RRP £35 TK Maxx price £12.99
Sandals £6.99
(Jeans & bracelet my own)
Total Price: £39.97

This would make a great outfit for going on holiday, you could travel in it paired with jeans, wear the hat and blouse over your bikini for pool side chic, or loose the hat and add some heels for cocktails on the town. Budget and light packing in one!

Don't forget to check out my facebook page, I have uploaded a new inspiration album for this post,
Pearl

Budget Fashion: Versace for H&M

Donatella wearing a piece from the H&M collection at Men's Fashion Week earlier in the week

A break in the schedule for this hot off the press announcement, but don't for get to read today's regular post too!

VERSACE TO DESIGN ICONIC COLLECTION FOR H&M THIS AUTUMN

H&M is proud to announce that its Autumn 2011 designer collaboration will be with one of the world’s most legendary fashion brands, Versace. Designed by its creative director Donatella Versace, the exclusive collection will look back to the vibrant heritage of the brand, full of leather, prints, colour and exuberance in exclusive materials at fantastic H&M prices. The collection will include ranges for women, men and selected pieces for the home. It will be available from 17th November in around 300 stores worldwide, as well as on-line. In addtion, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from 19th January.

“I am thrilled to be collaborating with H&M and to have the opportunity of reaching their wide audience. The collection will be quintessential Versace, perfect for H&M and Versace fans everywhere,” says Donatella Versace.

“Versace is one of the most important brands of recent times, and their collection for H&M will be glamorous and flamboyant – everything Versace stands for. Donatella Versace is sharing with us iconic designs from the archives. This is such a celebratory collaboration and is perfect for the party season,” says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

Versace is a brand that is steeped in glamour to its very core. Founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, his daring dresses and wild iconography revolutionized fashion, creating provocative styles from classical themes which were all cut with an impeccable design eye. Since 1997, Donatella Versace has continued Gianni Versace’s work as creative director, evolving the brand into a global fashion house at the forefront of what luxury means today. Famous worldwide for her signature wardrobe, Donatella Versace is the epitome of everything the Versace house stands for.

Versace is the latest house to collaborate with H&M on an exclusive designer collection, following the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo and, most recently, Lanvin. For H&M, Donatella Versace has looked back to the archives to reinterpret some classic Versace designs. The womenswear collection will be dominated by dresses that fit right in with the spirit of the season, featuring studded leather and colourful prints, with accessories including high heels and costume jewellery. The men’s collection will focus on sharp tailoring, including the perfect tuxedo, as well as belts and jewellery for men too. For the first time in a designer collaboration at H&M the collection will consist of some homeware pieces, including cushions and a bedspread.





Watch the video!

Seems like Donatella has had some time to reconsider since making this statement in 2008:

"Don't expect a Versace diffusion line at H&M while Donatella heads the label. She told the crowd at the New York Times' TimesTalk series yesterday that though she's been asked to do a lower-priced line, she refused. "I respect everyone who does it," she said. "But the reason I didn't do it is because I work very hard to put the Versace line in the luxury section. I think to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand." Read the full interview HERE

So, excited anyone???
Pearl

Press release courtesy of H&M

Budget Fashion: Jump for Joy Look #1

As we have been talking about both bargain fashion and shopping ethically, a call from TK Maxx came at exactly the right time. As you know by now I am a huge fan of the company and they tick all the boxes for ethic, bargain and quality fashion. In fact you should check out their website which has a clear, easy to read section on their environmental considerations. TK Maxx offer the latest trends and new season stock at lower than recommended retail price, they do this as they work directly with the brands and designers so they can offer such reasonable prices. They also offer past season stock but only on designer classic, key pieces which will not date - I can vouch for that, I have a wardrobe full of pieces from the store. This is called their Gold Label collection. You can see why I love the them, I can get beautiful designer pieces and my high street must haves all at lower prices whilst still being ethical, what's not to love!

The guys over at TK Maxx wondered if I might be interested in styling up some of their new season stock to hit the rails. Of course I jumped at the chance to be able to show you exactly the kind of things they have on offer. We decided to style up three outfits with a budget of £50 each. So for the next 3 days you will be seeing TK Maxx's hottest fashions! The theme being cool girl LA style, think Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller, Agyness Deyn, Kate Moss, Nicole Ritchie all soaking up the sun at Coachella - only with me in the little less sunny UK.



I am wearing:
Jumpsuit by Ultra pink £19.99
Wide brim hat by Failsworth RRP £20 TK Max price £9.99
Clutch bag by Modapelle £10.00 reduced from £12.99
(All other accessories my own)
Total cost: £39.98

I also feel the need to comment on the quality of the pieces. Every single thing you wouldn't blink at if you saw it priced higher in a different shop. The jumpsuit was fully lined and the material heavy enough to drape correctly. The straw hat was beautifully made in the UK by a long established UK company called Failsworth, who happen to manufacture in Failsworth too. The clutch bag with its pretty embroidery would be one to pull out year after year.

I chose the jumpsuit for its dainty floral print and wide leg trouser, perfect for day or evening wear. Summer is all about the hat, there are so many styles around but the wide brimmed 70s vibe is really strong this season. I choose the tie-dye clutch for its vibrant colours against the neutral tones of the rest of the outfit and the hippy chic festival feel.
I hope you like my choice, the next outfit will be posted tomorrow. In the mean time if you want to check out TK Maxx's Superbrands Summer collection it is now online as well as in stores.
Pearl


(Disclaimer: This was not a sponsored post, I did not receive payment, TK Maxx kindly lent me the clothing samples. I choose to work with the company as I genuinely support them and also thought it would be a fun post)

I also posted an album of LA Summer Style Inspiration on my facebook page featuring celebs and street style!

Budget Fashion: Can You Afford to Shop Ethically?

I have been reading a lot lately, as I am sure you all have too, about ethical fashion. In fact if I had a pound for every time I heard the term 'fast fashion' I would be on my way to Hermes. The 'in vogue' topic at the moment is that all the fast fashion high street stores such as Primark and New Look in the UK and Forever 21 in the US are abusing their workers who make the clothes. They cannot be so cheap if they are paying the workers a fair wage, can they? Yet because these abused workers are thousands of miles away, not even in the same country as many of us, it is very easy for the 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality to take over. Especially when we see a great fashion piece at a bargain price. Not to mention the designers who are having their ideas stolen and cheaply reproduced by the stores.

Primark shoppers, Guardian via Newscast

So, to combat this problem it is easy right? We stop buying four bags full of Primark clothes, that we probably don't really need, and maybe won't even wear - but it was really cheap so who cares. Instead we boycott these stores and only shop places more upmarket, if the product costs more then they must have paid the factory workers more, right? Well actually how do we know? Not one high st company has made any of their figures available. The same dress sold in Primark and Topshop could very well have been made in the same factory, but the store simply makes more profit. I have seen identical and I mean the EXACT same garment in Primark that I have in Debenhams, and I know I am not the only one to witness this strange phenomena.

F21 Japan launch, tokyofashion.com

So, how about we don't shop on the High St at all, we save all our money for special pieces we know came from ethical sources. We buy handmade clothes from exclusive boutiques... But wait, you need a dress for your friends wedding in two weeks time and you only have £30, you have a job interview and need a suit this week but it would take you months to save up for one that cost £££s.

Here are some of the comments people left under a post by Jezebel shaming F21:

Also, I hope everyone who's shaming people for shopping at Forever 21 in this comment thread realizes how ridiculously elitist they are being. Not everyone can afford to buy handmade, one-of-a-kind, artisanal clothes made with love by local designers. Don't blame the people for being trapped in a corrupt system. "Buying nothing" is not always a viable option for people who do not have the time and/or skills to make their own clothes, but who need to look presentable in order to obtain/keep a job and make ends meet.

It's great that you've "sworn off fast fashion" and that now you only buy "quality pieces," but I just got a job last week and I have 50 dollars to buy a work wardrobe. I'm gonna go get some shirts at F21, most likely. I don't like that they utilize sweatshops, but the funds simply don't exist for me to go elsewhere.

I wish that Jezebel would suggest some alternatives to the "fast fashion" and its sweatshops and American Apparel and its perversion. There are a lot of articles condemning places with easy, cute, cheap clothing, but most of the alternatives I can think of in my price range are likely just as unethical.

And, no, thrifting and f***ing Etsy aren't what I mean. I'm talking about relatively inexpensive places to shop that are accessible to most people, and that don't require that shopping become a hobby. Maybe a "How to Dress When You're Ethical, Busy, and on a Budget?" I'm guessing a lot of readers might appreciate one.

Sometimes I prefer not to know about the shady details of consumerism because s**t, I need clothes and they are offering a reasonable price for me at that time. Also some areas don't necessarily have those options of boutiques and stores that are "safe". You can't be picky every single time.

The fact is that yes there are some people who fill their already over flowing closets with cheap clothing, who gorge themselves on fast fashion. These people drop hundreds of pounds per month, so yep if they wanted they could swap all this for one beautiful hand made designer dress. Yet not everyone who shops in these stores is greedy for fashion, they simply cannot afford to shop any place else. From school aged teens on a Saturday job budget to the working mothers on a low wage with kids to feed and a stack of bills. Why shouldn't they be allowed to buy a new party dress, just like everyone else because of their personal circumstance?

As one of the commentor's points out, what about those who don't actually enjoy shopping? It is very true that thrifting, charity, vintage, eBay, Etsy shopping is more of a hobby. It takes time to hunt out the gems. What about all the people who have no interest or time for all that, where do they shop without being judged. Clothes swapping and altering old clothes all takes time, skill and luck (I've come away empty handed from many a clothes swap), they aren't practical for getting your everyday basics. Some tips suggest borrowing clothes from friends but they will soon get sick of lending and that is if you are lucky enough to be their size. Many bloggers like to write about making the best of what you already have and give tips on styling up your outfits which is great, but what if you don't even have the basics to start with, they have to come from somewhere.

This is also causing issues for outfit bloggers too... but more on that in a future 'Budget Fashion' installment.

Any thoughts or tips on how you shop ethically, or not?
Pearl

Don't forget you can now connect with me on Facebook - feel free to leave comments on my wall about any of my posts or email/tweet me should you prefer:

Budget Fahion: So Pink it Makes my Eyes Hurt

(Wearing: Primark top and clutch, vintage skirt and necklace, Pierre Hardy shoes)

I decided to start a series on 'budget fashion' which kicked off with yesterdays post, will continue throughout this week and then crop up every now and again as a permanent feature on the blog. I like a bargain as much as the next person but you wouldn't always know it. I don't like talking about money, as a society we generally don't discuss salaries. You see a designer item and presume the wearer paid a fortune for it, but it is not necessarily the case. One the other hand you can see someone in a beautiful outfit which may look very expensive but in fact it was not.

Appearances can be deceiving.

I didn't wear this outfit especially for this post, it was just something I wore and afterwards I decided to save it for this series of posts. This is a fairly on trend outfit, the combination of neon top and pleated skirt would please Vogue I am sure. I have seen beautiful Equipment neon pink shirts and the prettiest Whistles pleated skirts, an outfit which would cost you around £300. My Primark top (bought on the blogger meet up) was £8 and my vintage skirt 99p plus £1.50 postage from eBay. I didn't buy then because they wear cheaper versions of the 'trends', I bought them because I liked them best. In fact I bought the skirt last year when the pleated skirt was but a mere sketch in Whistles eye. The top caused much deliberation, I wasn't sure if I wanted neon pink or orange, if I wanted a shirt or a t-shirt. I certainly didn't buy one in every colour just because they were so cheap, it took as much deliberating as a £200 Equipment one would have cost. I would hate to buy something that I would never wear.

The clutch I bought last summer to take on holiday and the necklace another eBay vintage find, I think both were around £4-5. So there you have it sometimes my outfits are expensive, sometimes they are not. Here I am wearing an outfit that cost around £100 - yes including the £700 RRP Pierre Hardy shoes. Like I said I love a bargain.

Pearl,

Don't forget to connect with me on Facebook too, I am uploading lots of rare Chanel images today!

Budget Fashion: Shoe Saturday - French Soule

French Soule espadrilles in Noir

I had been on the look out for some suitable summer shoes when these flat espadrilles caught my eye. I am not a fan of sandals when it is really hot, as I find the straps uncomfortable in the heat. Wanting an alternative to ballet pumps I though these would fit the bill. I was more than pleased when they arrived, they fit perfectly and the sole is really soft, yet supportive. The light weight canvas uppers will be perfect for the hot weather, they really feel like slippers! At the bargain price of just £12 they kick off my 'bargain fashion' series perfectly too. I will wear them with everything from jeans, shorts and dresses, such an easy shoe to slip on.

I ordered them from Spartoo, which have a huge selection of the espadrilles for men and women in lots of different colours and designs, here are some of my favorites.

Beige, Rayees Blue, Yukata

Now all I need to do is sit and wait for some sunshine,
Pearl