Wise words from our favourite fashion Dame, Vivienne Westwood, there's too much emphasis on mass produced items in the world of fashion these days, it's time to stop hoarding, and start shopping for more niche, well made, alternative attire.
"Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody's buying far too many clothes."
She's right, you know, in the fashion industry of often mass produced clothing, there's far too much of a push to hoard items, almost fuelling a vehement need to buy everything, resulting in a world of throwaway fashion where items often get worn once or twice before being relegated to the bin. This fast approach to fashion may not be followed as much in the world of alternative fashion, but the need to buy 'all the pretty things' is slowly seeping more into alternative fashion, with alternative style constantly influencing pockets of style in the high street.
Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with coveting pretty things, there's never been a better time to find such a broad range of alternative fashion on the market, with more designers and companies than ever creating their own unique spin of alternative style. But, there comes a time when you have to slow down on the shopping spree and invest in pieces that you'll come to cherish for many, many years to come.
We can all take Vivienne Westwood's advice to heart, by starting to buy less, but opting for high quality, well made pieces that you can wear time and time again.
Whilst to some it may be a huge faux pas to be seen wearing the same thing on numerous occasions, but just think of the joy you'll that get from wearing an item that makes you look and feel utterly fabulous. Besides, clothing can always be dressed up, or down, with the right accessories, buying less clothing doesn't have to mean scrimping on style, you can always update any item with a few new season accessories from your favourite alternative designers.
We're not suggesting that you stop shopping altogether, that would be a cardinal sin... but there's never been a better time to put the credit cards down and take the time to really shop. Find the joys of window shopping, in making wish list's of items that you adore, and cutting them down into several, rather than dozens of items, that you want to snap up for your wardrobe. Take the time to shop, try on clothing, maybe even save to go bespoke by shopping from a custom alternative designer, and invest in several pieces that you adore.
Buying less doesn't have to mean the end of alternative shopping, just take the time to really think about those elusive must have purchases, and invest in several key pieces that you can wear time and time again. Besides, with that money you'll save from cutting down on several shopping trips, you could buy yourself that gorgeous custom corset, or those pretty killer heels that you've been lusting over for months, you'll soon come to relish the joy of buying little and buying well made.
Images: Dress shopping Zastavkin/Dreamstime.com | Rockabilly woman Brenda Carson/Dreamstime.com.