Hey Eliza Readers, I’m Bianca, a sustainable fashion advocate and content creator. I’ve been blogging for around 10 years (eek!) and love everything to do with sustainable fashion. I host a podcast called ‘Sustainably Influenced’, all about what being sustainable really means.
I think the reason that sustainability is so important to me is because I am a former, self proclaimed “super consumer”. In my twenties, I did some real damage – not only to my bank balance, but my impact on the planet and now I am doing my best to make up for it! I have always been a lover of fashion, but the more I learned, the less I wanted to partake in the fast fashion, trend-led purchases, you know the ones… mindlessly buying that cute top in Zara on your lunch break just because you happened to be there. I started to learn more about what it meant to own a capsule wardrobe and that led to wanting to deep dive into what ethical fashion really was, which led me to where I am today.
Five fashion rules I live by
1. Shop from your wardrobe first
When it comes to sustainability, my belief is that it all comes down to how much you’re consuming. I am a big believer in shopping your own wardrobe and finding new ways to wear your clothes before buying new! I take inspiration from Instagram and use apps like Whering to help build a virtual wardrobe to ensure I’m getting the most out of my beloved clothes.
2. Take care of your clothes
I pack away seasonal clothing and bring them back out when needed – it not only keeps my clothes looking their best, meaning they last longer but it feels like I’m opening new clothes, which is always fun.
3. Shop pre-loved when you can
When it comes to shopping for new items, I always try to follow this rule: pre-loved>rent>new. That means I always try to buy something second-hand or rent it before buying an item brand new. Nowadays, there are so many options available on pre-loved shopping sites, so there is no reason not to try and bag that gorgeous second-hand find first. Plus, I really do enjoy the reaction when I tell people that I found some of my favourite items pre-loved.
4. Try fashion rental services
Rental is my best friend. I am a huge advocate for fashion rental as I love the idea of buying into trends in a more ethical way. Want to get that “it” dress, or cult bag – try renting it first. I also think rental is a great way to see if you will really love something forever, or if it’s just something a fleeting, impulsive infatuation.
5. Re-wear your clothes
If you buy something and love it, re-wear it. Social media is a highlight reel – we all re-wear clothes, do not believe for one moment that anyone is spending their hard earned money only to wear an item of clothing once. Towards the end of last year, I finally found my perfect jeans and I think they may be my most worn item in my wardrobe. If I could find a way to sleep in them, I probably would!
Three ways I’m re-wearing my favourite jeans
My style
I’d say that my style is a tale of 2 halves – I love clean lines and masculine tailoring but I’m also the president of the Dressy Dress Wearers Club – it’s a thing. I love anything fitted or flared, bright colours, muted tones… basically, just give me alllll the fab dresses! I’m particularly partial to anything with a puffy sleeve and a fitted bust; I’m pretty sure that the cottagecore and soft girl summer trends were designed for me and me alone.
When I’m getting ready in the morning, I’m all about the ease and convenience of what a dress brings. I love knowing that my outfit is sorted in 5 seconds flat – that feeling of looking put together without even trying. My trick is to wear a dress in quite a bold print so if I don’t particularly want to do full glam on my face, then I can get away with a lick of mascara and let the dress do that talkin’.
Three looks that sum up my personal style
My style depends on who I want to be that day and for the days where I just want to be comfy, my most worn item in my wardrobe is a pair of Levi’s ribcage jeans. I’ve honestly searched far and wide to find a pair of jeans that fits not only my shorter legs, but my curves too. Added bonus, they don’t gape at the waist! (Thank me later, ladies). I have an extensive collection of blazers from my years of working a corporate job, so my favourite combo has always been jeans + white tee + blazer. Simple, classic, genius.
I don’t follow trends per say and I believe that you should only buy what you’re really going to wear and use and for that reason I circulate my wardrobe to keep it fresh. That being said, the majority of my wardrobe is pretty seasonless, but for those few key pieces where seasons do matter (think, chunky knits for winter or summer’s barely there dresses), I like to pack them away and bring them out again when they’re needed.
All about me
Apart from my love of fashion, I’m a big animal lover and have 3 dogs and a cat – I know, my family calls me Dr Dolittle… I’m more of a dog person, but the general rule is that if it has 4 legs and is cuddly, I will try and befriend it!
So, I know I mentioned that I host a podcast called Sustainably Influenced. Myself together with my co-host Charlotte Williams discuss every facet of sustainability – what it really means and how we can all do our bit to be a little bit better, which is what I’m all about, and I’m here to help.
Stay tuned for my monthly check in. We’ll be chatting all things fashion and lifestyle, and I’ll be showing you how you can make more conscious decisions with your wardrobe. Can’t wait!
Bianca x
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