A woman who was known to spend at least one week on expensive fashion has found that she is now able to save thousands of dollars buying nearly everything second-hand.
Becky Hughes is a 24-year-old Londoner who works in sustainable fashion for the past three years.
She admitted to receiving at least 60 Amazon orders a year, while also splurging at least £20 a week on clothes to wear for nights out.
Becky shared with My London her belief that she buys secondhand everything, including shoes and underwear. They can be washed and you will find some stunning bras on the second-hand market.
Becky Hughes (24), a West Midlands resident, revealed that almost all of the items she has second-hand is hers. Becky in a t-shirt purchased from a charity shop and paired it with a denim corset by Vinted, Primark skirt, and shopper her mother had back in the noughties.
Before she discovered websites and apps, Becky used to buy clothes from charity shops. Photo left: Outfit taken from Vinted. Picture right: Top by Roasyb.
“I brought my bra to the party.” [second-hand clothing app]Vinted yesterday, it is in really great condition, barely worn and from Ann Summers. It is beautiful and fits perfectly.
Becky stated that she has become more conscious of shopping secondhand because each piece is bought with the intention to be worn again.
In the beginning, she looked for fashion pieces at charity shops. She would then volunteer to help in the local shop. But, today, she can shop from her home using a variety of apps and websites.
According to the sustainability fashion fanatic, she believes that she’s now saving thousands of dollars by following this method.
She said her most impressive vintage buys have included £20 boots from the 1990s and a 1970s blouse bought for just £3.
Becky stated that she has saved thousands of pounds because her purchases were made knowing that they would be worn repeatedly. Photo: Bird Song London Top
Becky believes that buying secondhand clothes is more fun than shopping for fast fashion. She doesn’t have to follow the latest trends and can buy what she likes. Pictured are a Vinted Jumper and Trousers, Zebra Top is Secondhand, and a bag donated by a friend.
Becky stated that she has also purchased clothes made from recycled materials from other independent designers. Above: The top is Oxfam, and the blazer is from We Are Nuw
Becky said that secondhand clothing can often be of better quality than items on fashion websites, and she doesn’t think anyone will ever wear the same thing while they’re walking down the street.
She has made more than £2,000 by selling off her own wardrobe using Vinted, the app is designed to give clothes a new lease of life.
A conscious fashion shopper, the minimalist has almost 16,000 Instagram fans.
Becky claimed that 98% are secondhand and 21% are purchased from designers working with recycled materials.
Becky advised people to buy meaningful items. Don’t spend money if you don’t plan to wear it.
Becky said she has sold over £2,000 of her own wardrobe on second-hand app Vinted. Pictured: Sunglasses from BlooBloom, top from Vinted and jeans from Cancer Research shop
Her advice is to always be truthful and take high quality pictures when selling your items online.
Becky is often praised by people for advocating sustainable fashion.
One person wrote: ‘Consuming less is definitely more. Social media can be less than it seems. You will feel more free, which leads to better feelings. Fashion can be complex. Fortunately, growing up in a world without fast fashion meant that I never had to spend any money. I have learned the importance of making my own clothes. We should all hope that more people buy less fast fashion.
“We love Becky!” You have to make slow, conscious choices so that you only buy what you love. This outfit is also very popular with us, as it is so stylish, another added.
Another added, “Yes!” The fashion industry has a lot of overconsumption. Fashion is so popular because we are told that in order to look fashionable, you need to constantly be buying.
Becky received feedback from other sustainable fashion fans who believe that there is too much consumption in the industry.