Have you ever been second hand shopping? Believe it or not before this month I never have!

Why? Simply put,  I had some pre-conceived ideas about second hand shopping that fundamentally held me back.

They were;

1. If you can afford to buy, why would you second hand shop?
2. Trailing through rows of jumbled up old clothes wasn’t cool and put me off.
3. I’d never find what I was looking for.

Have you ever felt like that?

Well scroll onto 2021, we’ve been dealing with life under Covid and we’ve been locked down so much so, that the novelty of online shopping started to wear off for me and I came to the realisation pretty quickly, shopping for shopping sake was just not sustainable. More importantly there were so many other styles of clothes that I wanted to try from other decades that I just wasn’t getting.

In addition to that, my age has played a massive part. I’m older than when my pre-conceived ideas were formed and the need to be on the hamster wheel of being on trend just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. Everything has a place and I love to know what’s on trend to help clients and myself, and if there are pieces that I like that will work well with what I have then great. But I am well out of my teens and finding my style is no longer dictated directly by a magazine but is now about what I love and what works for me.

So I was super excited to receive an email about a clothes swapping event, where you could take unwanted pieces from your wardrobe and swap them with someone else’s pre loved ones. My video below goes into the whole experience so do take the time to watch here  and let me know in the comments how you found it. But I would like to leave you with some tips/ food for thought on why I now feel second hand shopping is definitely the way to go based on the following;

1. Shopping second hand is ultimately the most sustainable way to shop because you’re giving a new lease of life to a pre-loved garment. This prevents unloved clothing from going to waste and joining the 11 million items of clothing that end up in UK landfill every week.  It is estimated that extending the average lifespan of our clothes by just three months would lead to a 5 to 10 percent reduction in each item’s carbon, water and waste footprints.

2. It cost me just £20 to swap and browse for items with a Prosecco in my hand and 90 minutes of shopping time. My finds cost more than my entry and I got at least eight items which will add real value to my wardrobe, without the expensive price tag.  More importantly though my act won’t directly fund the fast fashion industry or its exploitative practices. Plus, charity shopping allows you to direct your money where you want it and support a good cause of your choice.

3. Second hand clothes shopping usually come with heavily discounted price tag. One of the biggest obstacles to sustainable fashion is its price point but second hand shopping is budget friendly for students, working families and the frugal at heart. So, it’s the perfect way to kickstart your sustainability journey.

4. When you buy a second hand item you know that wherever you go no one is wearing that same item, and to me that is priceless. Second hand shopping is a great way to experiment with clothes and create your own looks rather than others and develop your own style in much much more affordable way. For those of you who are keen this is a great opportunity for you to find pieces to transform through up cycling too.

5. Finally, everyone likes to bargain hunt and finding a piece that has saved you money is very satisfying. Shopping second hand is admittedly somewhat of a treasure hunt. You can leave loads of stores empty-handed but then strike gold with a designer piece. It’s moments like these that make the entire trip worth while. It’s a moment of sheer joy that you simply cannot replicate on the high street.

Tip of the day: Why not try online second-hand or vintage shopping as a genuine alternative to fast fashion. It’s a real opportunity to inject personality and passion back into your wardrobe.

If you like these tips but you might not have the time to shop vintage or second hand, lets have a chat to see how I can help here.  If however, you are ready to sort out your wardrobe, which for me is the foundation to finding your style, why not take advantage of a special offer I have for the month of May 2021 and work with me. I am offering a discount for my virtual or in person wardrobe detox service, which would normally be £250 and has now been reduced to £200 with GET50OFF at the checkout for a limited time only. Have a look here.

Finally if you like what you read and want to be a part of my Style community why not download my free outfit planner here.

I hope you have found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments whether you shop second hand, would like to and any thoughts you may have?

Until next time xx

#slowfashion #secondhandfashion #thriftstorefinds #secondhandclothing #London #thriftedfashion #seconhandshopping #mumslife #sustainablefashion #secondhandfinds #secondhandswap #thriftshop #secondhandfirst #thrifted #preloved #prelovedfinds #secondhandstyle #secondhandshop #personalstylistlondon #outfitideas  #womensfashion #fashionista #shoppingsecondhand #secondhandclothesshopping 

As we make plans to meet up with friends and colleagues I am conscious that many of you just aren’t ready. 😱

You have been working from home and been quite happy in lounge wear and the occasional smart top or shirt when on a zoom call. But now it’s time to step out in earnest. But, can I ask before you rush to the shops PLEASE don’t impulse buy, if your first response to this new found freedom is, “I don’t have anything to wear”.

Impulse buying is simply purchasing a product on a whim. It’s not planned, not budgeted for and, often, it’s not needed. There is an urgency to make a purchase, without having the time to consider how useful the item actually is.

If you have used lockdown productively you may have cleared your wardrobe, to know what gaps you have in it. But for some of us this hasn’t been the case and I urge the latter who may potentially impulse buy to meet a need, to STOP ✋🏽 as you just end up going round in a vicious circle buying things which don’t add any value to you or your style.

My job as a stylist is not to push items for you to buy. But to help you to shop more consciously and considered and get you to think differently about your wardrobe. Working with what you have and adding pieces (both staple items and statement) when needed.

In my latest video I take a shirt dress and show you how you can make multiple outfits if you think more creatively. Watch it here. Not forgetting as well I show you in a previous video how you can use a wardrobe staple (the second skin top) and wear it in different ways too. However, before you dash off to watch them, if you want to know how to stop impulse buying, here are some of my free tips;

1. Question your reasons: It pays to really think about whether you’re buying something because it’s on sale, it is trending today on Instagram or because you actually love it enough, to wear it several times. The beauty of online shopping means that you can sleep on a purchase. So if you wake up in the morning and still feel Carrie Bradshaw about it, (in love with the skirt and can’t eat breakfast because you’re still thinking about it) then go ahead. But if you’ve forgotten about it by the following morning, you are more likely to forget it after hanging it in your wardrobe too.

2. Do your research: When you see something you like, don’t buy it immediately. It pays to take the time to do your research and ask who made your clothes. There’s nothing wrong with shopping sales or getting a deal, but when prices are too low, someone is more than likely to be paying the price elsewhere in the supply chain. Simply start by researching eco-friendly and ethical brands. The end goal should be to create a wardrobe filled with quality pieces that promise longevity, as opposed to just quantity.

3. One in one out policy:  While it can be hard to ignore the siren call of flash sales, compensate by adopting the one-in, one-out policy. Simply donate or recycle one garment each time you purchase a new one to maintain equilibrium in your wardrobe.

4. Clothes swapping party  If decluttering those impulse buys from your wardrobe doesn’t rank high on your list of fun weekend activities, call over some friends and pop open the bubbly for a clothes swapping party? The rules? Everyone brings over a certain amount of clothes and accessories to be bartered with each other. Beyond breaking the cycle of throwaways, the party will also give you the chance to snag some exciting new pieces for yourself at virtually zero cost. Win win.

5. Finally, build a capsule wardrobe, don’t allow trans-seasonal pieces to dictate your shopping list, but look for versatile numbers that will last the entire year. Unless the weather where you live is prone to extremes, the usual roster of wardrobe basics should suffice from summer to winter. Look for a classic black blazer that makes the transition from the boardroom to the bar, an embroidered denim jacket for easy layering, or a well-tailored jumpsuit etc.

Tip of the Day: 

Whether you’re a seasoned eco-warrior or a well-intentioned beginner, we can all use a little help to ensure that our choices don’t end up as landfill fodder. Think about renting an outfit if you have a special occasion as those one off items are the ones that take up the most room in your wardrobe and you only wear them once or twice.

If you like these tips and want to know what  I am advocating on my shopping channel regarding premium basics that you need for your wardrobe head here. If you would like help with your wardrobe, why not book a virtual  session which means I can service you anywhere in the world or a personal wardrobe session. For this month only (May) I have a special offer of £50 off at the checkout if you tap in GET50OFF. Have a look here. But finally if you like what you read and want to be a part of my Style community why not download my free outfit planner here.

I hope you have found this post helpful. Let me know in the comments how you are getting ready to meet people again and what tips you will be taking away?

Until next time xx

#wardrobeessentials #wardrobestyling #howtowear #stylingideas #ootd #outfitinspiration #wardrobestaple #stylegoals #styletip #wardrobegoals #capsulewardrobe #effortlessstyle #minimalstyle #simplestyle #waystowear #wardrobebasics #capsulecloset #basicessentials #personalstyling #stylishwomen 

Have you got your Spring Jacket yet?

Spring is finally here and as we have a roadmap out of lockdown in the UK with currently 6 friends meeting outside, its time to start thinking about the transition out of our winter coats into our Spring Jacket.

Don’t get me wrong I am not saying fling off everything just yet, as the cold breeze is still quite prevalent. But as the days get longer and lighter and the idea of Spring becomes more of a reality, we can be hopeful that as we step outside into a shorter and generally thinner Spring Jacket we do so with layers to stop the risk of us freezing to death.

The perfect transitional piece for this strange in-between season is the spring jacket, an essential in any wardrobe. Thicker than a shirt or cardigan, but less bulky than a coat or jumper, it can easily become one of the most versatile pieces in your arsenal if you manage to find a great one.

So, if you don’t already own one or are simply after a refresh, there are generally six key styles of Spring jackets that you should take note of for season.  I take you through three I am advocating on my YouTube video below. But it’s worth noting the rest as you don’t want to miss out on the choice that’s there now do you?

The Trench: A great transition piece for Spring. Easy to wear, easy to style, easy to take with you on an adventure with the great British weather as your friend. Normally in neutral beige, it’s classic enough to last beyond just one season and guaranteed to go with everything in your wardrobe. I have gone for it in a gorgeous sage hue from Hush which will inject a pop of colour into your Spring wardrobe this season.

Picnic Quilts: Super lightweight and definitely roomy enough to fit jumpers underneath (you might even want a size down if you prefer a less oversized look). I have chosen the Ganni Ripstop Quilt which also includes a statement collar that will definitely make you stand out.

Belted Utility: Belted styles are definitely in this season, but I think the belted utility looks always work well with its big pockets, as you won’t be short of storage on your walks out and about. I’ve gone with this straight forward one from La Redoute which has a great price point.

Denim: You can never go wrong in denim and just like blazers are oversized this season, so too is the denim jacket. To keep with the relaxed vibe of lockdown this style helps with the layers that will just peel off as the season continues. Take a look at the Ganni x Levi one here for inspiration.

Blazers: Just like the trench are great transitional pieces and this year the brighter the better. You can see the one I chose in my video below. But I thought I’d point out that leather is very much a style that is everywhere too and keeps you very warm when its nippy. This one from Arket shows off the oversized style with great tailoring.

Finally Cropped jackets are everywhere and you can see which ones I am championing over on my Shopping Channel where I go into more details about the products and styles that I am advocating. This is a great way to pick up one of my finds too. But if you want a more personalised session where I recommend specific products based on your requirements take a look at my virtual shopping service here.

So which style floats your boat, let me know in the comments?

Tip of the day: We all know how unpredictable the weather is at this time of year, so the best spring jackets are easy to layer and carry around,  with room for a thin knit underneath to wear now, and light enough to wear with a simple vest or T-shirt later in the season too. The idea is you simply want to be able to throw it on half way out the door, maybe fit it in a rucksack or around your waist  when hit with  a blast of sunshine or throw it over your shoulders quickly in an April shower.

If you like this blog and tips,  join my style community where you get regular tips, offers and product information straight to your inbox, just head here.

I hope you found this post useful, let me know in the comments?

Until next time xx

I’m talking handbags today. Simply because March is here and new Spring Summer Collections are rolling out.

Handbags are one of the most coveted accessories women can own, whether it’s a designer bag from Prada, Hermes or Chanel down to Zara and your local independent. They set the mood for your outfit and your shoes. So as we are almost out of the thick of winter and our winter coats will soon be a be a thing of the past. I wanted to shift our focus to a few Spring trends.

This season’s handbags are taking shape in several diverse forms. But it’s not just the shape that I want to highlight but also the bold colours they come in. On my video below I show you how to style handbags coloured ones at that with coloured outfits. But before you scroll down, just take a minute to digest the colours that will be around for the season to come so you can make an informed decision.

Kelly Green: Last season was about pale green but this season is all about the bold. I am loving this Tote handbag from Stand Studio with its striking green quilted shape.  It’s made from patent faux leather with a puffed silhouette, featuring twin top handles and an adjustable strap.

Saffron: If you want to smile all day long, carry this vivid shade of yellow. I am loving this semi circle design clutch bag from Charles and Keith with a croc-effect finish. Use it as a clutch to add visual interest to an minimalist all-black outfit, or turn it into a shoulder bag with the adjustable chain.

Bubblegum Pink: It seems like bubblegum pink has been popping up everywhere in fashion, now the colour has made its way to Spring handbags. For those wanting to experiment with their accessories this season, try this striking colour to add some visual interest to an outfit of basics. This tote bag by Jacquemus comes with an adjustable and extendable handle and a pressure loop to make a knotted handle. However if the price tag isn’t quite right for you, watch my video below as I feature a similar bag in blue at less than half the price.

Crimson: A true power colour, red is another shade big on the runways. Use it as a replacement for your black handbags to spice up an outfit. I love this bag from Givenchy’s ‘Antigona’ which is one of fashion’s most famous bag families. This ‘nano’ version is scaled down to small but perfectly formed proportions.

Tangerine: A major trend last spring, tangerine is still holding strong into the new year. While it is certainly bold, you’ll be surprised to find how many looks your new orange bag will go with. This  tote is aptly named ‘Bento’ after the Japanese word for ‘lunchbox’. It’s been made in the UK from smooth leather and has a cube-like shape with dramatic ties that knot at the open top to keep your phone, cardholder and lipstick secure.

Tip of the day: Wearing bold coloured accessories be it bags or shoes gives you that option if you are not quite there with wearing a coloured outfit. Its amazing how wearing all of one colour be it white or black with a coloured bag will make you stand out. Give it a go. I would love to see how it looks, so send me a picture of you and let me know how you get on.

If you like these tips and you want to know more about products and clothes, why not head to my dedicated shopping channel. This is the place where I go into detail about products but also where you can purchase them if you so wish. I will slowly be rolling out more videos there but I start with handbags as you will see. If you like this but want a more personalised shopping session for yourself (as you are looking for something specific) or want a gift for someone why not take out my gift card and let them choose the service that they would appreciate.

I hope you have found this post useful?

Until next time xx

If you are in lockdown at the moment and not going anywhere but you still have to attend zoom meetings and online calls, I have a solution for you especially if you are fed up of wearing the same thing! Drum roll please!!

Have you considered wearing your summer wardrobe in winter to get a whole new wardrobe?

If you haven’t then you are in for a treat because if you are anything like me, I store away my summer wardrobe to give myself a bit more room for the winter and don’t always remember what I have. But in this climate if you have worn enough lounge wear and the same shirt/blouse for your work meetings then then its time to get your summer outfits out and wear them in winter to give yourself a whole new wardrobe.

Now I am not saying that you literally sit in your summer wardrobe when the heating is off, clearly not! What I am saying though is, you can wear your summer outfits quite easily by adapting them  with a polo neck, a shirt, a belt and so on to get another look.

Just take a look at my latest video below to help you get started and don’t forget to subscribe so you know when the next one is out here.

Before you disappear though, while we are in January and we can all appreciate that its cold and gloomy outside and adding to the fact that you may be detoxing your body or drying yourself out from all that alcohol you have consumed. I have set a #gobrightchallenge on my Instagram pages.

All you have to do is post some images of yourselves or your kids in your brightest summer outfits and tag me either @styledbypierrecarr for yourselves and your friends or @pierrecarr for your kids to get involved. This is running all month so you have time to raid your summer wardrobe and post and tag me once a week until the end of the month. Obviously the more you do it  the more chance you stand being featured on my feed or stories and the best one will get 20 percent off my wardrobe detox service.

My wardrobe detox can be done virtually from anywhere around the world so you don’t have to worry. But it’s a great way to work with a professional like me and start from zero with clothes that still fit you and you like. Anything else is just taking up room and should be donated. But I can get into that later. This service offer applies to kids as well as adults if you wish get help for yourself or your mini. But I thought it would be useful for you in this difficult time as this year I will be doing my best to educate, inform and inspire.

Tip for the day: When detoxing your wardrobe firstly clear out everything and lay it on the bed so you can see everything. Look at the quality of the items and see if they look a little tatty, got bobbles etc and decide whether you love it or it needs to go. Do a little at a time to avoid overwhelm and as a suggestion I recommend sorting out 5-7 items before you take a break and go back to it, if you need too.

I would also suggest sorting through your accessories too. Jewellery boxes are for rings, bracelets and earrings everything else needs to be hung up to see.

More tips will be coming live on my Instagram feed so make sure you follow with the links above.  But if you aren’t already, why not join my style community here to be kept in the know of tips, offers and information.

If you like this post check out  The Art of Wearing a Blanket Scarf: Five Ways

Until next time xx

#tryonhaul #fashionlook #fashion #looks #outfitoftheday #dresses #styling #onlineshopping #clothing #styleoftheday #outfit #outfitideas4you #youtuber #outfitvideo #shoppinglist #whatiwore #styleithappy #ootd #stylish #inspire #shoppingtime

Lockdown has halted holidays and summer fun. But in this video I wanted to highlight the summer sleeves that made dressing in 2020 fun and gave you a nod.

#summeroutfits #summerdressing #puffsleeves #puffsleevetop #personalstylist #onlinestylist #styleedit

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Ut nec hinc dolor possim. An eros argumentum vel, elit diceret duo eu, quo et aliquid ornatus delicatissimi. Cu nam tale ferri utroque, eu habemus albucius mel, cu vidit possit ornatus eum. Eu ius postulant salutatus definitionem, an eam dicant voluptua, pri cu legendos moderatius.

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• Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

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Nec ne tantas consul. Volumus honestatis quaerendum ne est, ceteros senserit cu ius. An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius, sea id latine fastidii forensibus. In cum probatus contentiones, est at iriure praesent. No sea tantas utamur.

Ea mei nostrum imperdiet deterruisset, mei ludus efficiendi ei. Sea summo mazim ex, ea errem eleifend definitionem vim. Ut nec hinc dolor possim. An eros argumentum vel, elit diceret duo eu, quo et aliquid ornatus delicatissimi. Cu nam tale ferri utroque, eu habemus albucius mel, cu vidit possit ornatus eum. Eu ius postulant salutatus definitionem, an eam dicant voluptua, pri cu legendos moderatius.

• Ius et invidunt intellegebat, alia utroque legendos ut
• Timeam definitionem his id, iriure omittam intellegam id sed
• An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius.
• Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

Nihil quaeque moderatius quo ut, eu vix noster fierent postulant. Est ut magna tation, nec timeam tractatos dissentiunt id, ne integre albucius eam. Animal docendi efficiantur ut eam. Malis nonumy mediocritatem mea an. Timeam definitionem his id, iriure omittam intellegam id sed, mea ad nostrud erroribus explicari. Graeci viderer qui ut, at habeo facer solet usu. Pri choro pertinax indoctum ne, ad partiendo persecuti forensibus est.

At maiorum gloriatur sit, debet scripta iracundia sea ei. Ius et invidunt intellegebat, alia utroque legendos ut duo, eos id diceret posidonium. Pri ex elit rebum repudiandae. Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

Nec ne tantas consul. Volumus honestatis quaerendum ne est, ceteros senserit cu ius. An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius, sea id latine fastidii forensibus. In cum probatus contentiones, est at iriure praesent. No sea tantas utamur.

An eros argumentum vel, elit diceret duo eu, quo et aliquid ornatus delicatissimi. Cu nam tale ferri utroque, eu habemus albucius mel, cu vidit possit ornatus eum. Eu ius postulant salutatus definitionem, an eam dicant voluptua, pri cu legendos moderatius.

• Ius et invidunt intellegebat, alia utroque legendos ut
• Timeam definitionem his id, iriure omittam intellegam id sed
• An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius.
• Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

Nihil quaeque moderatius quo ut, eu vix noster fierent postulant. Est ut magna tation, nec timeam tractatos dissentiunt id, ne integre albucius eam. Animal docendi efficiantur ut eam. Malis nonumy mediocritatem mea an. Timeam definitionem his id, iriure omittam intellegam id sed, mea ad nostrud erroribus explicari. Graeci viderer qui ut, at habeo facer solet usu. Pri choro pertinax indoctum ne, ad partiendo persecuti forensibus est.

At maiorum gloriatur sit, debet scripta iracundia sea ei. Ius et invidunt intellegebat, alia utroque legendos ut duo, eos id diceret posidonium. Pri ex elit rebum repudiandae. Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

Nec ne tantas consul. Volumus honestatis quaerendum ne est, ceteros senserit cu ius. An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius, sea id latine fastidii forensibus. In cum probatus contentiones, est at iriure praesent. No sea tantas utamur.

Ius ad iudico labores dissentiunt. In eruditi volumus nec, nibh blandit deseruisse ne nec, vocibus albucius maluisset ex usu.

Ea mei nostrum imperdiet deterruisset, mei ludus efficiendi ei. Sea summo mazim ex, ea errem eleifend definitionem vim. Ut nec hinc dolor possim. An eros argumentum vel, elit diceret duo eu, quo et aliquid ornatus delicatissimi. Cu nam tale ferri utroque, eu habemus albucius mel, cu vidit possit ornatus eum. Eu ius postulant salutatus definitionem, an eam dicant voluptua, pri cu legendos moderatius.

• Ius et invidunt intellegebat, alia utroque legendos ut
• Timeam definitionem his id, iriure omittam intellegam id sed
• An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius.
• Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

Nihil quaeque moderatius quo ut, eu vix noster fierent postulant. Est ut magna tation, nec timeam tractatos dissentiunt id, ne integre albucius eam. Animal docendi efficiantur ut eam. Malis nonumy mediocritatem mea an. Timeam definitionem his id, iriure omittam intellegam id sed, mea ad nostrud erroribus explicari. Graeci viderer qui ut, at habeo facer solet usu. Pri choro pertinax indoctum ne, ad partiendo persecuti forensibus est.

At maiorum gloriatur sit, debet scripta iracundia sea ei. Ius et invidunt intellegebat, alia utroque legendos ut duo, eos id diceret posidonium. Pri ex elit rebum repudiandae. Facete delicata contentiones sed eu, in qui affert aperiri invidunt.

Nec ne tantas consul. Volumus honestatis quaerendum ne est, ceteros senserit cu ius. An eripuit nominati ullamcorper ius, sea id latine fastidii forensibus. In cum probatus contentiones, est at iriure praesent. No sea tantas utamur.