Today I’m sharing a few outfits I’ve put together recently and a little story about each. Unless specified all the clothes were purchased by me. These outfits were all worn in real life in the past two months. Some of the pics were snapped with my iPhone during my holidays in France and Spain and I was also photographed by members of my family/friends/boyfriend.
All the looks combine thrifted gems, borrowed items, sustainable and ethical purchases as well as ‘old’ clothes and accessories that I have worn for years. You’ll see that I also rewear my clothes and style them in different ways across several looks, which is the most sustainable way to dress in my opinion. I’m adding similar options from sustainable brands below each outfit and/or the exact same piece when it’s still available.
Look 1
I like packing a couple of one-piece swimsuit because they double as tops and that’s a great way to save space in my suitcase whilst creating outfits on the go. I like to pair mine with denim shorts, maxi linen trousers for a very polished look like this, a button-down midi skirt for an elevated post-beach look like this or classic chinos like this.
- Swimsuit Lacausa (code INES20 gives you 20% off the whole website until December 2021!)
- High-waist denim and belt Beyond Retro (vintage: the label says Gitano Jeans and they were made in Mexico).
- A few similar denim shorts from sustainable brands I like:
- If you prefer second-hand versions, I spotted great denim shorts on Beyond Retro, which is currently hosting a huge garage sale on its website. Look at these Indigo denim shorts ; these Bill Blass ones ; these ones are from Lee ; these ones are super cute with their pineapple print and these striped ones are also super nice. The best part: they’re all £7.
Look 2
I received these shorts for my last birthday but hadn’t had a chance to wear them until last week. I love the liberty prints (or liberty inspired prints) and the buttoning closure detail on this particular piece. I originally chose the matching jacket as well but I didn’t like the fit and only kept the bottom part. I’m still pretty motivated to find a great summer suit to wear, either new or thrifted.
- Top is thrifted from Crisis (charity shop). The label says Prada.
- Shorts are from Sézane (fairly new but I can’t find them on the website so they may be already sold-out).
Look 3
I first met the designer of French brand Deminue swimwear back in 2018. She had just launched her brand of reversible bikinis and was selling them on the St Tropez market alongside vintage Levi’s denim shorts. I bought a bikini straight away after falling in love with her prints, which she designs herself. Forward to this summer, her stall on the market looked very polished and almost like a boutique… In fact she had just opened one in the heart of town and the launch was featured in ELLE magazine that week. Pretty impressive for a one-woman led slow fashion business.
I bought this bikini from her new collection. It’s reversible and made in Italy. The quality is top notch and it feels good to champion a young designer brand with my purchase. If you’re ever in St Tropez, don’t forget to put her shop in your itinerary.
- Bikini from the new collection of Deminue swimwear (this exact bikini isn’t available on their website but get in touch with them via Instagram if you’re interested).
- Similar colourful bikinis in sustainable material from brands with good eco-credentials:
Look 4
I wore this outfit during my day trip to St Tropez. The wicker basket is a new purchase from a small shop in Sainte-Maxime, the nearby town. I liked that it is large enough to carry all my stuff, sturdy and doesn’t look too beach-ready so you can wear it around town. I love wicker baskets in general. They’re such a staple in the South of France and a key component of the ‘Provence look’. I’m instantly on holiday mode when I wear one .
- Zara top thrifted from Crisis (charity shop).
- Shorts are from the St Tropez market and unbranded.
- Earrings are 80’s vintage from this Etsy shop called AshBee.
- Sunglasses: Jimmy Fairly.
- My stylish wicker basket selection:
Look 5
These pics were taken in Paris during my tour of the newly opened vintage store, Relique Paris. I shared more about my experience in this newsletter. If you’re in the French capital anytime soon and into thrifting, Relique should definitely be in your itinerary. The store’s deco alone is worth a visit. It was clearly thought through with Instagram in mind given the many selfie / photo spots dotted around the place.
- Shirt vintage thrifted on Etsy via Vintaholic Official (a great second-hand store from Lithuania)
- Denim shorts are vintage and found on Beyond Retro (same as look 1)
- Sandals: Bocage (last season and sold out). This one and this one look a bit similar.
Look 6
This outfit was worn in London. It’s a very comfy-relaxed weekend look. The trainers are a recent purchase. I was looking for versatile, flat, dark coloured, effortless shoes I could wear when I’m out and about and spotted these on Instagram earlier this month. They’re made of organic cotton, recycled rubber and the brand is also committed to producing ethically which is why I chose to buy from them. You can find out more here. In terms of my experience wearing them, so far so good. They’re delivering on their promises and easy to combine with most of my clothes so I’m pretty happy with my purchase.
- T-shirt is from Stepney Workers Club (almost sold out), a brand from London mostly known for their trainers.
- Denim is from Lucy & Yak (a few collections ago, sold out but other models are available)
- Shoes: Good News London (new & current collection, my latest purchase) 🙂
- Belt: vintage from Beyond Retro
- Similar basic items from sustainable brands to recreate this look:
Look 7
It’s really important to imagine the many ways you can wear a piece before buying it. I personally always try to picture it worn with 3-5 other items I already own so I know I’m spending my money wisely. It helps to have a few really good basics in one colour (not necessarily black or white by the way) to create outfits with prints.
- Zara t-shirt with shoulder pads thrifted on Vinted.
- Organic cotton blazer by slow fashion label Muse & Marlowe (the brand sadly no longer exists)
- Shorts found on the St Tropez market and unbranded (same as look 4)
- Sandals: Bocage (last season, sold out). In gold, I like this one.
- Bag is over 10 years old and comes from a market but can’t remember where I bought it.
- Some ideas of summer blazers in linen and/or organic cotton from eco-brands:
Look 8
I dedicated a whole newsletter to this jumpsuit. It’s just dope 🔥 I wore this look to attend a wedding party and received tons of compliments. The funny thing is, this outfit is a bit of an accident. Most of the time I wear this jumpsuit with white trainers and a t-shirt or top underneath. Jumpsuits are clearly one of the best pieces to own as they can completely change depending on how you wear them, which helps you make the most of your wardrobe.
- Jumpsuit by Farm Rio (snatched from my sister’s wardrobe)
- Sandals: Bocage (old collection but still available in a few sizes).
- Other tropical jumpsuits I love from Farm Rio (it’s hard to choose, I’m a huge fan of their prints!):
Look 9
This last look was worn during another hot day in Provence (I’m clearly not featuring these ideas in chronological order). I love that lavender is trendy right now because it’s one of my favourite colours. I’m wearing it with black here but it goes well with a bright orange, browns and creamy shades. It’s also an ideal colour for transitional dressing. I am planning on wearing this skirt with tights, boots and a long-sleeve top this autumn as well so I get to keep it a bit longer in my wardrobe.
- Top is thrifted from Crisis (charity shop). The label says Zara (same as Look 4)
- Skirt is from the St Tropez market and is unbranded.
- Sandals & rings: Bocage (old collection, sold out). In black, I like these and these flat sandals.
- Watch: Swatch
- I love lavender. Here are some nice options that come in this colour from sustainable brands:
