Select a region
If you don't have an outfit for New Year's Eve, don't rush to the high street just yet... A local fashion lover has styled up a set of party outfits offering glitz, glam and green credentials.
When local marketing worker Emily Smith (30) pledged not to buy anything new for the whole month of September, little did she realise that the experience would motivate her to spend a whole year going fast fashion-free.
As well as avoiding anything new unless its made locally or ethically, she's now focusing her efforts on inspiring others to take up the challenge, and organised a charity shop fashion show to achieve just that in November, raising over £1,000 for four charities in the process.
Pictured: Emily regularly visits local charity shops.
She told Express that the challenge she set herself has proven "rewarding", adding: "I can't stand being in high-street shops now and I hope by holding the catwalk, or showcasing these New Year's Eve outfits, people will think twice about buying something new to wear once."
With New Year's Eve approaching, she has once again browsed the rails of local charity shops and picked eight outfits guaranteed to make islander shine sustainably.
"I hope the outfits show people that you don't need to spend loads on clothes to look good," Emily said. "The whole concept behind the catwalk I held in November was to show what gems you can get from charity shops."
Pictured: Emily's sustainable fashion show helped raise just over £1,000.
"Christmas can be a time where people go out and spend lots of money on new things but there is no need," the fashion lover continued.
"We have a wealth of local producers and makers who make bespoke pieces. There are a number of charity shops all selling incredible outfits for Christmas, new year and beyond.
"Whether you are a size 8, a tall man, or a size 16 there is something for everyone in charity shops. It takes patience and a bit of getting used to rummaging through the rails but it's worth it for the fact of knowing you have bought something secondhand, meaning less clothes end up in the bin, and a local charity shop has benefited."
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.