At the start of the summer I made a list of the items of clothing that I'll need for the months ahead. This list was to be as short as possible, cheap and of course ethical too. So I really considered what I'd need and came up with the following list. A pair of high waisted light weight black trousers (done- £10 from a vintage shop, taken in) A brown leather sack bag (done- £30 from Reign Vintage) a grey jersey blazer (on the hunt- been stalking on Ebay) and some very simple, non-gladiator flat sandals. I am being really strict with myself and have said if I need anything else then I have to make it myself, which I am planning on doing (I have big plans involving an old green and white bed sheet!) The sandals, however, have been tricky. I have tried on what feels like hundreds of pairs of vintage sandals but I couldn't find any comfortable ones that fit me properly. I fell in love with these from Clarks for their simple, vintage school teacher feel but I am not convinced by their ethics and £45 was just a wee bit steep for me. This morning I received a newsletter from Fashion Conscience (my favourite ethical retailer) and I ended up finding these beauts. Fairtrade, at £39, the perfect shade of chocolate leather, perfectly simple with a lovely dose of vintage school teacher chic. Clickety click...
My basics list:
I had my eye on the Clarks sandals for months but I'm so glad that I forced myself to wait, as I actually prefer the Fair&True ones. I am of course in love my Lotta of Stockholm clogs, but I needed something flat too. Above is my summer basics wish list, my first play with Polyvore. Below is my Summer wish list. Things I must not buy. Nope...
I recently spotted the new Tom's wedges (which are of course pretty ethical- but a bit pricey) and am trying not to buy them.... I am also trying to persuade myself against getting another tattoo (feather) dip-dying my hair, maxi skirts, and brightly coloured vest tops, all things that are most definitely not on my list...hmm...(strength Hannah, strength)
Whats on your 'key pieces for Summer' list? Anything you've you got your eye on?
P.S The actual items above are not the actual items I am buying, but items that look most like it, if that makes sense. Bear with me with my crap Polyvore skills....
P.P. S Thanks also for making my husband feel welcome on his first ever guest post, and thanks for your brilliant book recomendations, I have a huge list and lots on hold at the library!
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Nice work! I like your oddly specific summer essentials list :)
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to point out that one should not be fooled into spending more than you really want to in Clarks, just because you think they'll be wonderfully comfortable, because that's what Clarks do, right? Nope! I splashed out on a pair of (lovely) red leather flats last summer, thinking they would be the summer shoe to end all summer shoes...and the buggers still gave me blisters and continue to do so!
I have that pair of Toms wedges!! Kenya print, right? I LOVE them! Except when I wear them I tower over my male co-workers (in flats I'm 5'10) so I try not to wear them to work too much.
ReplyDeleteI won't even pretend that you shouldn't get them. Do it!
oh I have been looking for sandals just like these!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to keep your shopping down. I have a couple items that I want to try and sew (I am learning). I figure the time it takes me to sew something reduces the amount of time I can spend in a shop.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your blog - and to say a huuge thank you for your earlier post about Lotta from Stockholm clogs. My peeptoe tan heels arrived this morning, I've had them on all day at work and they're super comfy, not to mention gorgeous! Thanks!
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