Fast-Fashion: resisting the Temptation to Buy More in a Consumerist Society

Guest post by Ffion Lovelock

I think you will agree when I say that Instagram has certainly changed the world of fashion. It provides somewhat regular but largely followed Instagram users the opportunity to work with brands to promote products to their following and in doing so, has created the role of the influencer. A role that is now completely embedded within our culture and motivating our consumption. This contemporary method of marketing via social media allows influencers and brands to really work their magic to increase our retail purchases. On Instagram for example, you can swipe-up to purchase an item in seconds, come across links to a brand on almost every profile and find exactly where they bought that amazing skirt just at the tap of a finger. However, it is wise to consider if this is only adding to the detrimental consequences that fast-fashion has on our environment?

Browsing the likes of Instagram makes it incredibly hard to not be encouraged to buy more and more, especially when our society is so consumer orientated. Instagram is a digital space where we can be constantly exposed to an endless amount of branded content and we are all guilty of scrolling through its feeds tirelessly, so it is no surprise that we take such an interest in buying so much new clothing when the fashion influencers we follow wear it so well.  It is this temptation that can sometimes convince us that we need the item as much as their sponsored posts say we do.

However, some influencers are using their status to provide awareness of what a difference sustainable fashion can make to our planet. Even Emma Watson had her say through creating the Instagram account, ‘@the_press_tour’, to raise awareness of the designers who are dedicating their time to producing clothing from organic and recycled fabrics. Proving that those with a large number of followers do not only have the power to increase our consumption, but the power to convince us to limit it. They are influences after all, and we do often take on board what they have to say. So, go follow some vintage enthusiasts or an influencer who encourages sustainability and you will be surprised how much your outlook can change. Then through turning your attention towards how you could provide a more sustainable fashion footprint with the industries levels of environmental harm could be lessened.

       

Then why not make an active start by investing that temptation into vintage clothing through considering an independent vintage retailer like The Stellar Boutique, and making that conscious decision to re-wear, re-buy and re-sell?

We are all guilty of buying for the sake of it, I know I certainly am. Whether it be for a one time occasion or just because I thought it looked great on the 6-foot-and-tiny model on the website, we always give in to the prospect of something brand spanking new. Vintage clothing, however, allows you to still add something new to your wardrobe and get that exciting feeling that we all crave when we do make a new purchase, but you are contributing to sourcing that fashion ethically and sustainably. You can still shop to your heart’s content but at least you can be a small part towards solving a much wider matter; that being the fashion industries harmful effects on the environment. Not to mention that vintage clothing can also provide you with something that no one else has – a one of a kind item that people can wow over. Investing in something other than mainstream retail is always hugely beneficial and through learning to love what you have or what is already out there, the threat of irreversible climate change could be put to a halt.

The Stellar Boutique’s latest collection of eco-friendly slogan t-shirts and sweatshirts is another perfect example of how retail can eventually become far more sustainable. Through the use of organic cotton, the entire collection is free from any artificial growing processes and sets an example of how natural textiles can cater to our ever-growing retail consumption without our ecosystem having to suffer. So, whether it be vintage or made from sustained and natural materials, our societies love of fashion and constant desire for more of it could eventually be made less problematic in the future.

Read more from Ffion here Lifeandlovelock.com

 

New and exclusive customisation service

Have an old piece of clothing that needs revamping? The Stellar Boutique is offering an exclusive customisation service, designed to the uniqueness of customers to let them strut their stuff on a daily basis.

Whether this is an unloved sweatshirt or tee. A favourite jacket or anything customers think requires a little bit of creative ‘TLC’. The Stellar Boutique offers a new lease of life to customers loved or unloved garments.

This service is quick and easy.

All it takes is to pick the garment they have decided to revive, followed by a design from The Stellar Boutiques pre-made jacket and tee selection. Or, if none of these suits their style they are welcome to share their own ideas, whether this is a name, message, slogan or lyric that fits them perfectly.

Once both sides have had a chat and everything has been finalised, all there’s left to do is send over the chosen garment and The Stellar Boutique puts their creative skills to work.

Prices for the customisation service will begin from £10 depending on production time, this can vary between from 1-2 weeks, and costs of the materials.

Once everyone is happy payments can be made via PayPal. With a service completed in such little steps it would be crazy to not take part, so start rummaging and selecting a garment to customise.

If customers have any questions, do not hesitate to ask at info@thestellarboutique.com or contact via WhatsApp at 07495 58575

The Stellar Boutique – Exclusive customisation service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Stellar Boutique – Exclusive customisation service

Have an old piece of clothing that needs vamping? The Stellar Boutique is offering an exclusive customisation service, designed to the uniqueness of customers to let them strut their stuff on a daily basis.

Whether this is an unloved sweatshirt or tee. A favourite jacket or anything customers think requires a little bit of creative ‘TLC’. The Stellar Boutique offers a new lease of life to customers loved or unloved garments.

This service is quick and easy.

All it takes is to pick the garment they have decided to revive, followed by a design from The Stellar Boutiques pre-made jacket and tee selection. Or, if none of these suits their style they are welcome to share their own ideas, whether this is a name, message, slogan or lyric that fits them perfectly.

Once both sides have had a chat and everything has been finalised, all there’s left to do is send over the chosen garment and The Stellar Boutique puts their creative skills to work.

Prices for the customisation service will begin from £10 depending on production time, this can vary between from 1-2 weeks, and costs of the materials.

Once everyone is happy payments can be made via PayPal. With a service completed in such little steps it would be crazy to not take part, so start rummaging and selecting a garment to customise.

If customers have any questions, do not hesitate to ask at info@thestellarboutique.com or contact via WhatsApp at 07495 58575

Note to the editor:

The Stellar Boutique is an online fashion and vintage store for bohemian babes, eco-fashionistas and vintage junkies.

New Vegan Fashion Week has arrived

Guest post by Hannah Littler Jones

Fashion week has only just begun. New collections and designers bring a breath of fresh air and the buzz of who is where, who wore what and what we need to know leaves us at the edge of our seat, whether that is from the front row of the runway or behind a computer screen.

As we live in a conscious, ever-evolving world, I strongly believe 2019 will be the beginning of new ventures for Fashion Weeks to come, beginning with a new and exciting launch. February 1st brings the first-ever Vegan Fashion Week, hosted in LA, which recently became the biggest city in America to ban the use of fur. This four-day event aims to educate and enlighten fashion lovers from across the globe into making a change about the social, ethical and environmental issues surrounding the use and impact of animals in the fashion industry. Whilst additionally touching on social justice, technology and intersectionality through a series of runway shows, exhibitions, talks and panels.

Founder and animal rights activist, Emmanuelle Rienda commented, “I want to ignite conversations and debates within the industry by educating, elevating and drawing connections between our most important values: our respect for human life, animal rights, and the environment.” For its first-time debuting, the event has already gathered a substantial support system from animal activists group PETA and non-profit organisation Fashion Revolution.

Additionally, Rienda has displayed no signs of slowing down after Vegan Fashion Weeks first debut, instead the organiser will be using this event as a platform to promote these issues to a wider audience whilst encouraging designers from across the vegan spectrum and further to collaborate and interact, whether this is producing fully vegan products or a sustainable clothing line with a result of redefining the concept ‘veganism’.

If you agree that is time to make changes within the fashion industry, there are simple ways to begin. How about checking out our latest sustainable slogan collection ‘Blame it on the moon’ made from organic cotton, eco-friendly fabrics, recycled poly materials and low impact dyes.

Instagram: @hannahlittler1 and @hannahljonescreative

The Stellar Boutique – ‘The February Knitwear Collection’

The Stellar Boutique – ‘The February Knitwear Collection’

  

Introducing ‘The Stellar Boutique’s’ latest vintage collection for all of you retro babes out there.

Featuring a range of clothing dating back from the 40s all the way up to the 90s, you will be taken back in time with this new selection of hand-crafted knitwear and timeless outerwear. Brighten up your wardrobe with the collections beautiful pastel colour palette and choice of bold prints. From crochet to chunky knit, choose your era and wear it like it never went away.

The printed woollen oversized jumper boasts 60s bohemian design that is practical, warm and carefully made.

Sea-foam green is a strong colour throughout several pieces in a variety of hand-knitted jumpers, as well as a knitted gillet, all of which maintain the same preppy and feminine style that they wore so well in the 50s.

The double-breasted, button-up cardigan features balloon sleeves straight out of the 80s where bold was best and less was certainly not more. Its tonal colours make it incredibly wearable, but its daring silhouette gives it that edge that we continue to love so much.

From stripes to ombre effect and even knitted artwork the latest collection offers a wide range of vintage treasures.

The collection is all up and available on The Stellar Boutique website, so go and take a look.

  

The Stellar Boutique – ‘The February Knitwear Collection’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  

The Stellar Boutique – ‘The February Knitwear Collection’

Introducing ‘The Stellar Boutique’s’ latest vintage collection for all of you retro babes out there.

Featuring a range of clothing dating back from the 40s all the way up to the 90s, you will be taken back in time with this new selection of hand-crafted knitwear and timeless outerwear. Brighten up your wardrobe with the collections beautiful pastel colour palette and choice of bold prints. From crochet to chunky knit, choose your era and wear it like it never went away.

The printed woollen oversized jumper boasts 60s bohemian design that is practical, warm and carefully made.

Sea-foam green is a strong colour throughout several pieces in a variety of hand-knitted jumpers, as well as a knitted gillet, all of which maintain the same preppy and feminine style that they wore so well in the 50s.

The double-breasted, button-up cardigan features balloon sleeves straight out of the 80s where bold was best and less was certainly not more. Its tonal colours make it incredibly wearable, but its daring silhouette gives it that edge that we continue to love so much.

From stripes to ombre effect and even knitted artwork the latest collection offers a wide range of vintage treasures.

The collection is all up and available on The Stellar Boutique website, so go and take a look.

    

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask at info@thestellarboutique.com.

Note to editor:

The Stellar Boutique is an online fashion and vintage store for bohemian babes, eco-fashionistas and vintage junkies.

Vintage shopping Tips & Tricks

Guest post by Hannah Littler Jones

Vintage thrift shopping offers a totally unique shopping experience in comparison to what you encounter in everyday high street stores. The most exciting part is that you just never know what you’re going to find and what will soon become your new favourite go-to piece! Entering a vintage shop is like walking into a treasure trove emporium, you are instantly immersed into a world of fashion history and forgotten gems, each item patiently waiting to be discovered by its new loving owner!

Today, I am offering you some helpful tips and tricks to vintage shopping, hoping it allows you to achieve the most out of your shopping experience.

My first tip is one that some may not naturally hold a trait to, patience. If you’ve never entered a vintage shop before (you’ve really been missing out) the best way I can describe it to you is through the comparison of the ‘sale’ periods. Now, no need to panic, they’re tidier and calmer, so erase that unpleasant image of the Zara Christmas sales. The comparison I’m making is purely down to the vast variation of clothing that can all be placed on one rail, which is where the patience comes in handy. Vintage shopping isn’t a walk in, see it, buy it, job done experience. It requires a little more time and patience to explore and discover the perfect pieces. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, start from the top or bottom; Shoes and accessories are much easier to browse than clothing, so start there to get into the swing of things!

Tip number two, although you never know what you’re going to discover (which is the beauty of vintage shopping) try to keep your styling ideas in mind, and if you don’t have any set, be realistic about your shopping, will I wear it? What can I style it with? With such a diverse selection of clothing, even vaster than your normal high street stores, it can be easy to forget what you were hoping for when entering the shop. If you’re not sure you’re going to wear it consistently, could it be recycled into something new or by someone else?

Tip number three, forgetting gender labels, go check out the opposite sex section. Just because its labelled male/female, doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who are allowed to wear it. You can find some perfect fits from oversized to fitted pieces. So, keep that in mind and broaden your shopping horizons!

Which also leads onto my final tip, sizes. Ignore all size references on tags and labels. From time to time tags can be placed on the incorrect item, but even more worth remembering is that people tended to be smaller back in the day so vintage clothing sizes often come up smaller than they would be today, so don’t panic if you don’t fit into your usual size 10 (it’s not down to that slice of cake you ate the night before) it’s just we’re all bigger now than our 1950s counterparts! If you pick up a piece and the size turns out to be incorrect let your creativity run wild, consider alterations and customising to fit your style.

I hope these tips are helpful and allow you to thrive in your shopping experience. Before you venture off, why not take a look at our vintage clothing in our vintage shop? You never know what you’re going to find.

By Hannah Littler @hannahlittler1

Tips To Help You Improve Your Wardrobe

Having the desire to want to dress better and improve your wardrobe is a great goal. You’ll likely find that in the process of doing so you become more confident in yourself and with your appearance.

No longer will you be hiding from the world, but instead you’ll want to be seen and show off all of your new looks. This is your chance to completely rework your style and find options that truly allow you to stand out in a positive manner and help you make a statement about who you are. The following tips are going to allow you to accomplish this goal and figure out what outfits the best suit you.

Educate Yourself

It’s a wise idea to start by educating yourself about fashion and what looks and styles are trending. There’s a lot of information out there to guide you in making better choices and improving your wardrobe. Also, consider following fashion icons on social media and keeping up with what they’re wearing and advertising as what’s hot right now. Understanding fashion better is a process and takes you being willing to remain open-minded and learn some of the terminologies and why certain trends last and others fade out.

Go through Your Closet

It’s definitely worth your time to take a weekend and go through your closet and see what you already own. Try clothes on and get rid of or donate what no longer fits or is out of style. You can improve your wardrobe by combing through what items are dragging down your appearance and removing them so they’re not simply taking up space. You may also find old pieces that have been hiding or didn’t previously fit you but now do. This can be a daunting project if you own a lot of clothes but it’ll be well worth your efforts when you soon only have items in your closet that you actually enjoy wearing and know look good on.

Invest in the Staples

Another tip that will help you improve your wardrobe is to invest in the staples such as a good pair of jeans, work attire, a black dress and colourful t-shirts. It’s especially important you’re prepared to dress for success if you’re on the hunt for a new job or want to look more professional and put together where you currently work. If you’re short on cash but this investment is important to you then look into and find out more about taking out a loan so you can move forward with this project.

Know Your Body

Keep in mind that you may not be able to wear or that you might not look good in the various runway styles out there. What’s most critical is that you learn to know your body and what items look best on your shape. You can improve your wardrobe and style by finding outfits that compliment your figure and make you feel good about yourself. Focus on highlighting what you love about you and strategically making your flaws appear less noticeable.

Ask for Help

Know that you don’t have to go about improving your wardrobe all on your own. It’s a wise idea to reach out and ask for help if you need it. It’s possible you have a friend or family member who dresses well and is up to speed with the latest fashions. Spend some time with this person and discuss what’s trending and ask their advice about your current attire. Invite them over to rummage through your closet with you or see if they’ll go shopping with you and help you pick out a few attractive items to wear. There’s so much you can learn from someone who already has a sense of fashion that it’s worth your time to pick their brain further.

Stock up on Accessories

You can also enhance your wardrobe by stocking up on and wearing more accessories. This includes items like shoes, scarves, purses and jewellery which will not only create a better overall look but is a way to add a pop of colour to your outfit. When getting dressed each day think about how you can improve your current outfit by adding a few accessories here and there. Shop for them when you’re out and about and have a few favourites stashed away that you can turn to when you need to spruce up your attire.

Look Around

Another way to improve your wardrobe is to take a look around at what other people are wearing when you’re out in public. Don’t be afraid to compliment someone on their outfit and ask where they purchased a certain pair of pants or top. Go sit in a busy area or at the shopping mall and take notes about what you do and don’t like that people are wearing. Get ideas when you’re at work or the grocery store and observe what you think looks the best on others. Simply be more attentive and aware of your surroundings and you’ll quickly be able to pick up on what fashions are in style and which ones need to go.

Be Adventurous & Daring

You can also improve your wardrobe by being more adventurous and daring when it comes to your style. Don’t be afraid to layer items or wear a pop of colour every so often and see how you feel when you get outside your comfort zone. Try on and buy an item you normally would overlook when you’re out shopping and see how you feel in it and what kind of reaction you get from others. This is your chance to step outside the box and come up with new and fun ways to mix and match your clothes so you too can look trendier. Make changes to your wardrobe slowly over time and it won’t feel so overwhelming or nerve-wracking for you to dress differently. Have fun with this and be proud of yourself for being willing to challenge yourself and your style and try new looks.

2019 Fashion Trend Report

 guest post by Ffion Lovelock

2019 Fashion Trend Report; the year of empowerment, femininity and exhibiting confidence. It is the year of feeling comfortable in your own skin and wearing adaptable pieces that can cater to every woman. So what pieces exactly are we introducing, or more so, what are we bringing back this year?

Well, 2019 certainly looks like the year of some old favourites returning to our shelves. From prairie dresses to padded shoulders, we are taking things old school as we edge towards a brand new decade. Quite clearly showing that vintage is set to be popular this year, why buy new when it has all been done before? When everyone is shopping in the same sort of stores, you could be wearing a one-of-a-kind piece. Take the boiler suit for example, the return of its utility design can offer both an echo of the 30s working woman that foreshadows the feminine takeover that this year’s fashion trends have forecast, as well as an 80s vintage vibe that reflects a time where women really started to wear whatever the hell they wanted.

Utility (Elle, 2019)

Furthermore, in terms of styles and accessories, Neo-tailoring is set to take off this year for both men and women, with its strong looks being debuted recently on the catwalks by the likes of Balenciaga and Dior. Again, this style echoes classic 90s chic and sophistication. Another reason to seek out your vintage stores this year. On the bag front, we are going for small, cute and totally impractical this year. Oh yes, it’s the mini bag; a style that is more of a street-style statement than of any use to holding things. Still, some of our favourite designers seem to love it and it seems like this year we are all expected to fall in love with them too.

Neo-Tailoring (Elle, 2019)

 

The Mini Bag (Who What Wear, 2019)

When it comes to print’s we are sticking with animal print this year, which shows that the trend really does live on forever and so you are always best to hang on to any past statement pieces since you never know when everyone is going to start rocking snake-print all over again. The catwalks have been showcasing a lot of elegant leopard prints and proving the versatility of the beloved feline design. On top of this, we can expect to say ‘hello’ to some patchwork and some potential punk or preppy looks with coloured tartan as these busy prints are set to grace our high street stores and make for a very visually busy and colourful 2019.

Now to realise just how colourful fashion this year will be, colour schemes and palettes this year are expected to boast beige and lavender tones – a sophisticated palette which oozes confidence and Parisian chic. As both soft colours, we surely can expect something a little more crazy in the year of being bold, right? Well, of course. 80s neon is coming back, and you can expect to see fluorescent oranges, yellows, pinks and greens (basically the usual colours within a highlighter pack) to be widely popular throughout the course of the year. The high-street is already jumping on the bandwagon, the catwalk is labelling it ‘The Prada Effect’ and any clothes you have left over from the ’80s could be put to very good use if you are wanting to express your inner Madonna or Cyndi Lauper.

Neon (Harpers Bazaar, 2019)

Lastly and most importantly, a trend in 2019 that is set to make a change is the ‘Global Citizen’, which takes into consideration our global footprint towards fashion and our behaviour as such frequent consumers of fast-fashion. With a wide focus on vegan materials, ethical fashion and being overall more ‘green’, introducing this ‘Wegoism’ to the fashion industry this year will hopefully be the starting point of a more positive worldwide outlook towards slow fashion.

So why not take a look at The Stellar Boutique for all of your 2019 throwbacks and take notice of how you could be a better ‘Global Citizen’ towards fashion through purchasing some vintage clothing that is returning to our stores this year. Let’s empower people to make a difference and to feel super confident, glam and on-trend in doing so.

By Ffion Lovelock @ffilovelock

Read more from Ffion on her blog – Life and Lovelock

Vintage BTS with The Stellar Boutique

Vintage BTS; Here at The Stellar Boutique, we love to keep you, our customers, in the loop. Therefore, today we are offering you an exclusive sneak preview into a selection of the new vintage pieces that will be appearing on The Stellar Boutique website in the near future.

Vintage clothing is one of the most important aspects the fashion industry, the unknown journey a piece has been through, the history it may or may not hold, let alone the environmental positivity’s they bring.

We hope you enjoy these previews just as much as we enjoyed the shoot. These shoots not only give us an opportunity to display our new collections to you but a way to let loose and experiment with styles.

Keep an eye out for the latest vintage pieces launching soon to The Stellar Boutique. In the meantime, why not check out our current vintage pieces or ‘Blame it on the moon’ our new eco fashion collection.