Rewriting the middle

Hi all, today I want to talk about my new love…thrifting. What started as a new years oath to save some money and step away from fast fashion and impulse purchasing has turned into so much more. To tackle those first points, it has become really important to me to be less wasteful. I am on a weight loss journey, with a couple of stone left to go. I’ve gone from a UK size 22 to a 16. Luckily, I already had a lot of clothes from when I have been smaller in the past, so I haven’t had to buy much thus far. However…that won’t last long and it’s been a real thrill to buy bits of clothing along the way as my body changes, and maybe my style with it?

I’d love to know if anyone reading this, in their late thirties/early forties feels as if they have a definable style? I like to get dressed up from time to time, but generally live in an uniform of jeans and jumpers. There is nothing at all wrong with this, but I would like to form a style. I’d love to spot a piece of clothing and know that it’s very ‘me’. I have an idea of what I’d like that to look like, but unsure if I have the confidence to pull it off. And to bring that back round to thrifting, it allows you to experiment a bit, because you aren’t spending half a pay cheque at a time.

Anyway, I have starting thrifting more ‘seriously’ since Christmas. Particularly from charity shops as I know I’m doing some good along the way. Guilt free shopping, I’m in! However, the point is not to make thoughtless purchases, as this goes against the whole saving money point. What I’m after is timeless pieces, for myself or my loved ones, that can start to create somewhat of a capsule wardobe. I’m looking more at quality brands and natural materials. 100% cotton jumpers or wool coats and genuine leather bags; items that, if looked after well can last you for many years to come. Below is the vibe I have in mind. *I do not own this photo, it’s from a clothing website.

This outfit to me says effortlessly cool, chic yet comfortable. She’s really feminine, without needing to show off her figure in an obvious way. Minus the heels for me, because at 5ft9 I don’t need them (nor can I walk in them). I am starting to create a bit of a list of ‘wants’, but there is no rush to get them. I can’t just pop online and stick a load of stuff in my basket and click a button. I have to hunt them down, by going through rail after rail of Shein and Primark cast offs to find the gold. But this has taught me patience and goodness me doesn’t it feel great when you find what you’ve been looking for? My best find so far…a tweed fitted blazer from Lands End. It’s a thing of beauty. It has this really cool embroidery on the inside of the lapel, of a naval insignia and I cannot find anything about it online. I feel it has a story and now, I’m part of it.

I’ll share any great thrifting finds as we go along and absolutely love it if you did too. Speak soon 🙂