During my teenage years I adored shopping. On a Saturday morning I’d assemble a bonkers outfit, mount my boneshaker of a bicycle and ride 7 miles to spend hours milling around town. And an even bigger thrill was to be gained by repeating the experience [more...]
Dress sizes are inextricably linked to our relationship with our bodies. The media consistently uses them to illustrate the weight of the nation, but this is only meaningful if they are consistent between brands and over time. There is a British Standard for the size [more...]
by Alice Hutton, June 2011. Please click on the following images to read this in-depth article which came out this summer. Or you can read the whole piece from p.47 in the e-edition here.
For years I have been squirreling away vintage in the attic. Clothes I wore at sixth form and art college, disintegrating garments cast aside by others with no regard for their potential, and wonderful old garments saved from house clearers when elderly friends and family [more...]
In this world of standard sizing and mass produced garments destined for the charity shop, it is so tempting to take advantage of cheap tailors when on a trip to the Far East. The idea of being measured, choosing the fabrics, styles and details for [more...]
There are a few directories available now, helping you search out not just any ethical product, but a beautiful one which is fit for purpose too. Here is my pick. The Ethical Fashion Forum Source directory Guardian Ethical Fashion Directory Ethical Junction The Good Wardrobe [more...]
The usual response to needing a zip or sewing machine needles is “I’ll just pop to John Lewis”. My advice is don’t. You can do so much better in terms of quality products and selection elsewhere. MacCulloch and Wallis is on Dering Street, right opposite [more...]
Recently, Shepherd’s Bush has become known for the imposing mall that is Westfield, and it’s vibrant market surrounded by local shops with good service has been largely overlooked. Take the Hammersmith & City line to Goldhawk Road station, descend onto the street, and in front [more...]
So, you have found your dress, and you know what kind of shoes you want; but they never look quite right with your gown of choice. This is the point at which the wedding industry gets you with their selection of poorly made, overpriced, uncomfortable [more...]
