Thursday 20 June 2019

Glasto-Ready! Festival Preparation, Slow Fashion & Secondhand Shopping


A massive thank you to all who've signed up and shared the love for Slow Fashion Season. We've only gone and smashed the original target of 10,000 with the total of pledges now exceeding 13,400. Can we reach 15,000 by tomorrow's deadline? 

SOURCE
Several people have mentioned not signing up as they're unable to go for three months without buying underwear which I find a little puzzling. I've got pants in my drawer I've owned for over a decade, the last time I bought new undies was over two years ago and do you know what? They're perfectly fine. If you need to buy new underwear every 12 weeks all I can say is that you're either washing it wrong or buying crap. Buy quality cotton and dye it when it starts to fade. Come on people, you've got a day to stock up on bras and knickers, we can do this! Sign up HERE.


The challenge doesn't start till tomorrow but here's what I've been wearing this week which, with the exception of my two year old red clogs, I didn't buy new: a vintage Mexican cotton hand-embroidered tomato dress worn with two year old Lotta from Stockholm clogs; a late 1960s brown cheesecloth maxi dress by Chelsea Girl worn with a vintage Indian crewelwork waistcoat; a vintage Eastern European hand-embroidered blouse, a 1970s Indian block printed midi skirt by Interlinks, London and some charity shopped clogs; a 1960s Indian cotton kaftan by Ayesha worn with a hand embroidered Kashmiri velvet waistcoat, 1990s red leather platforms and a charity shopped wool felt hat. 

None of this week's outfits are mass produced, they're all made from natural fabrics and feature hand-printed and hand-embroidered elements, if they were new I probably wouldn't have been able to afford them. Don't be a clothes snob, secondhand doesn't mean second-rate! 


Here's a close-up of my crazy platform boots. As I always say, wait long enough and the thing you most want will turn up secondhand and it's true. I fell in love with these red leather rave boots in Shelly's, London window in the early 1990s but couldn't afford them. Fast forward twenty five years and there they were, in a box of rusty power tools at Sunday's car boot sale. 


Here's another reason why I'll never stop buying secondhand clothes - the social history behind them. Take these two beautiful Greek blouses I spotted on eBay the other day. To my amazement I won them both for significantly less than a single blouse from a high street fashion shop would have cost. When they turned up the package contained this little note, which made me sad for those two beautiful young Irish girls who never had the confidence to wear their grandfather's gift. Don't worry though, these blouses will have the time of their lives under my ownership, I think a return trip to Greece may well be on the cards!


This week has mostly been spent getting prepared for trading at the world's biggest music festival, Glastonbury. After spending last week preparing the stock we packed it on Sunday and proceeded (and failed) to load it into the van the following day. Four attempts and a drastic cull later we're finally there and the stock, the trade tent, the flooring, drapes, awning, rails, table, shop sign, changing room cubicle, two mannequins and a weeks' worth of dry food are all in there. There's just our clothes, the fresh food and the booze to go - I can see me sitting on it!

Outfits from festivals past: Silver lurex '70s Bernshaw maxi; Thomas the Tank Engine maxi (made by me from a chazza-shopped pair of curtains) with a Mongolian lamb boa bought from a jumble sale; 1960s Jean Allen silk evening dress with a jumble sale 1950s Italian souvenir parasol; Me-made curtain maxi skirt & gypsy scarf top; 1970s Bernshaw white maxi with sequinned and fake fur trimmed coat (bought from a festival neighbour); 1970s psych print maxi skirt by Prova worn with a £1 car boot sale 1980s sequinned bustier; 1970s psych print maxi worn with a £3 yeti coat

Of course, my next task is to decide what to wear. Obviously it's a festival and anything goes but try telling that to the fashion editors who publish those ludicrous What to wear at festival guides every year in a bid to make women feel so out-dated and insecure that they invariably end up spending a fortune on stuff that never really feels like them and ends up in the charity shop a year later. According to one on-line article I read, we need a £715 pair of high heeled Gucci boots, a jumpsuit (great idea for negotiating the long drops...not!) as well as a multitude of mundane high street dresses made from, using Beate's words, blood, sweat and petrol. Madness. Before you shop new for bank-busting identikit fast fashion festival styles have a look at what you already own or shop secondhand and, failing that, hit the on site festival shops where traders like us will have freshly laundered, ready to wear, unique vintage clothes and a changing area so you can walk out wearing a new-to-you outfit.

Vintage 1960s handmade evening gown (£2, Cancer UK) worn with vintage feather boa (charity shop, 2015) and handmade pompom earrings

My wardrobe is already stuffed with festival-worthy attire but when a gem like this lamé evening gown practically throws itself at you in a charity shop it would be rude not to add it to my collection!


.....especially at that price! The feather boa was a charity shop buy three years ago and I made the pom-pom earrings myself from wool remnants and a broken necklace.


This maxi dress was listed in the wrong category on eBay so I got it for a song.  Bought from a boutique in London's swinging Carnaby Street and last worn for a wedding in 1969, it had been in a bag in the bottom of the seller's wardrobe for the best part of half a century. A strong Glasto possibility, just look at those sleeves!


As #slowfashionseason kicks off on Friday I had a good hard think about whether I needed to buy anything new before the challenge started and to my horror I did, the over-the-knee socks I purchased 15 years ago from Poundland had finally given up the ghost. Imagine my delight when I discovered not one but four pairs of welly socks in my local charity shop. Forget £700 boots, socks really are a festival essential. Talking of festival essentials I've already packed my mac (a 1970s see thru' plastic one, bought for 50p from a church fete 15 years ago) and I'll be travelling in my wellies!


When I met up with my blog pals in London a fortnight ago Monica mentioned that she enjoyed my packing posts so this is especially for her - the toiletries I'll be taking for my week on Worthy Farm. 


  • Baby wipes: I'm sure you're already aware that wipes are one of the biggest pollutants on the planet due to their plastic content but, as water is precious at festivals, they're an essential. We've been using this brand for a few years, their wipes are fragrance free, hypoallergenic and, most importantly, they're made from 100% naturally derived fibres making them completely biodegradable. Available HERE. Even though they're plastic-free remember never to flush them!
  • Calypso Once A Day sun screen
  • Palmer's Raw Shea body lotion: A week in a field doesn't half dry out my skin.
  • Travel Soap: For hair, body and laundry and even for shaving. Does it all, it's animal friendly and it's even antiseptic and insect repellent. Buy HERE.
  • Ibuprofen: Just in case someone overdoes it on the cans of gin.
  • Corn Starch dental floss: 100% plastic free and refillable. Buy HERE.
  • Toothbrushes: At home we use electric toothbrushes. When I replace these I'll buy bamboo but it's wasteful not to use what we've got first.
  • Toothpaste: We use Truthpaste at home but packed this conventional toothpaste as glass is a bit of a no-no at festivals.
  • Tangle Tamer: Simply the best travel hairbrush.
  • Liquid hand gel: The portaloos always run out.
  • Batiste: Because I won't be able to wash my hair for over a week.
  • Lush Sunflower solid deodorant: I bought this last September and it's still going. Buy HERE.
  • Lush solid facial oil: A fantastic (and space saving) alternative to moisturiser. Buy HERE.
  • Also taking (but not pictured) loo roll (never join a festival loo queue without any!) and Jon's razor and blades.

And here's my make-up:



  • Revolution palette (like Barry M products they're vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK)
  • Sleek creme blush
  • Ardal false lashes
  • Eyelure eyelash adhesive
  • Revolution concealer
  • Barry M matt lip paint
  • Tweezers
  • Barry M waterproof eyeliner
  • Nail file
  • Barry M nail paint (wrapped in bubble wrap as glass isn't good at festivals)
**Not a sponsored post - I name the products I use as I love them, not so I can get a backhander! I bought everything with my own money.**



I've managed to squeeze in another exciting blogger meet-up before we leave on Monday. I'm not sure if I'll have time to post before we go so if not, I'll see you in a fortnight! 


47 comments:

  1. oh, oh, it's all so exciting. I signed up for not buying anything. I don't anyway, but why not make it official? Those boots!! Amongst everything that is. Have a blast!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fantastic! I thought the same as you and added my name just so they could reach their target. If each name can change one person's attitude towards shopping then it was worth it. xxx

      Delete
  2. How exciting! We too use wipes when travelling - in Mexico in the 32 degree heat hubby got shit on by a very large bird - wipes to the rescue and we didn't have to find a bathroom to try and get him fixed up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PS I couldn't stop laughing, I am sure the bird will aim for me next time

      Delete
    2. Ha! It's usually Jon that gets got by birds (and monkeys!) xxx

      Delete
  3. Righty o Vix. I have just signed up for not buying anything. I won't be able to look on ebay or Ali express for three months and then I can't be tempted. I hope the weather at Glastonbury is kinder than the download festival weather was to my son. .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just had a thought. Does this mean you can't be tempted by other traders at the festival?

      Delete
    2. Great stuff, Cherie! Secondhand shopping is allowed, just no buying new stuff. You're right, festivals offer the best shopping opportunities. Hopefully we'll be too busy to do anything other than sell (although traders aren't adverse to a few swaps - cocktails, pizza or clothes!) xxx

      Delete
  4. Oh do make sure you take one of the lovely ebay blouses with you when you go back to Greece! Such a shame the sisters weren't brave enough to wear them.

    Loved all your finds - just amazing! I'm going to have to come to Walsall and have a rummage one day. The festival outfits you wore in the past were gorgeous and it looks as if you had mainly good weather judging by what you wore. Hope it stays dry and sunny for Glasto.

    The platform boots are amazing - well worth the 25 year wait!

    Our local Superdrug has stopped stocking Barry M - I was gutted. And it's stopped doing Collection 2000 which used have some fab lipsticks and I use their cream blusher. Have to find some replacements...

    Hope you have an amazing time!
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of those blouses will definitely be making the return journey to Greece. They're the kind of things you see hanging up in those little chi-chi boutiques along the harbour and are too scared to go inside and ask how much they are.
      You're more than welcome to pop up to rummage around the Black Country chazzas and the legendary Second To None (where Fig bought a coat years ago!)
      I've already messaged you but to anyone else in the UK trying to get hold of Barry M stuff. If you've got a Superdrug points card you can order direct from their website and delivery is free if you spend over £10.
      I'm too excited for words! xxx

      Delete
  5. You have the ability to score some of the best vintage pieces I've ever seen.

    That tomato dress is one of my favourites of yours.

    Wishing you your BEST show ever!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That tomato dress gets so much love! I was going to save it for Greece but I was too impatient.
      Thank you so much, I don't know what to expect next week, scared but excited. xxx

      Delete
  6. I just signed up for the Slow Fashion do da. You're right - how many new knickers does a girl need? I have an obsession with things looking whiter than white - well I have plenty of snowy whites to last me three months and until midnight to add to the collection if I feel insecure! I will take this challenge - no high street shopping for three months!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes!!! I'm so pleased you've signed up, you'll breeze through it. I love Aril's suggestion of dyeing a white bra in tea, perfect for wearing under a white blouse and those Dylon machine dyes (Wilkos stock them) are really good. Chuck your faded undies in the washer and a wash cycle later you've got a new set of knickers! xxx

      Delete
  7. Synchronized posting! Exceeding 13,400! Isn't that fantastic? I'm really chuffed that I managed to convince some of my die-hard fast fashion friends. Aren't your crazy platform boots absolutely fabulous? Good things come to those who have to patience to wait! Oh, and those Greek blouses are absolute beauties! I'm impressed that you managed to pack everything into the van, ready for Glastonbury. But where will you put your stuff? And, more importantly, what will you wear? Decisions ... So excited about Sunday! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well done for persuading a few die-hard shoppers over to the dark side. I hope they learn to love secondhand shopping as much as we do, one of life's joys.
      Those platforms are so comfy and springy. they remind me of Dee-Lite's Lady Miss Keir, one of my style pin-ups from the early 1990s. Those blouses are gorgeously made although the note made me a bit sad.
      I cannot wait till Sunday, hopefully I'll be packed by then. xxx

      Delete
  8. I have signed up too. Can't remember the last time I bought anything new bar undies. I dunked one of my formerly white bras in tea to make it flesh coloured as it still had plenty of life in it once. Hope you have a great time at Glastonbury. We were staying just down the road last week and have been watching all the signs going up. Looks like a good line up. Shall watch it from my front room though as really don't cope well with camping etc! Arilx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay, welcome to the global gang! I love the tea-dyed bra tip.
      I've been watching the work on Worthy Farm online, Lauren Laverne was there a few weeks ago and it made it feel so real. Glastonbury, here we come! xxx

      Delete
  9. Oh, I am excited for you, Vix! I can't imagine how packed it will be, and I hope you have massive crowds and sell everything!

    That beautiful "scale"-looking dress, the tomato dress (I remember that one), the wooden clog shoes (I'm particularly enamoured by the olive-green sandal ones), those fabulous red boots! Eee! Miss Deelite wore a pair of Fluevogs back in the day!

    I've become much more conscious of where my make-up and bits and bobs are made - I recently bought all new make-up brushes (made in Canada!) from MAC and I buy most of my make-up from them, as it's also made here - they also have a wonderful recycling program: for every 6 pieces of packaging you return, you get a free lipstick or eyeshadow. I also use Rimmel products, which are made in the UK!

    That is so gratifying that so many people have signed up for the challenge. I might sneak in a Fluevog purchase, as they are certified worldwide for ethical (small family-owned factories whose workers are paid a living wage) and environmental production. They are the antithesis of fast fashion! I wonder if buying new, but locally-made, would also be okay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sheila!
      That's great about Mac being made in Canada and having a recycling programme. I love Barry M for being British-made and cruelty free, I must research whether they have a recycling programme and possibly hound them if they haven't.
      I knew that Lady Miss Keir loved Fluevogs, I'd never heard of them until then. What an ambassador for the brand, she still continues to look amazing. I think a pair of responsibly made and ethical shoes is completely allowed - there's no mention of footwear in Slow Fashion Season. Do it! xxx

      Delete
  10. You will be the hit of the festival! I don't know if you sit around a campfire at night, but that's one way to dispose of your wipes. I stuff used cotton balls and facial wipes into an empty toilet paper tube (or paper towel), and then use that to help start my camp fire! I am now hooked on micellar water -- you only need a cotton ball to and a couple of drops to remove everything!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Campfires are banned at Glastonbury, far too dangerous what with 250,000 people crammed into 1000 acres and all mostly living in plastic tents.
      Micellar water is great, isn't it? You're okay burning pure cotton wool but be careful with wet wipes, of the 11 billion wipes sold in the UK every year 90% of them contain plastic - I can't imagine it's a lot different in the US - not a great idea to set fire to them. xxx

      Delete
  11. I signed up last week though it's not hard for me to desist from buying new, I've been doing it from the 70's!! I think if there were to be a crown for the Queen of Glastonbury, you'd beat them all to it. Wonderful post and let's face it, you'd look fabulous wearing a potato sack! Such glamour and style.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely to meet you! Thank you so much for your kind comments. I felt a bit of a cheat signing up for the challenge as, like you, it's how I've shopped (and been brought up to shop) all my life but if it changes just one person's attitude to shopping then it's definitely worth doing. xxx

      Delete
  12. love that vintage evening gown, it looks fab paired with vintage feather boa...such a great look! Other vintage outfits you showed are just as gorgeous, I especially like the sandals...your collection of sandals is lovely. Those vintage red platform boots are wonderful too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Those feather boas add a certain something to any occasion, especially in a muddy field. I adore clogs, their not cheap but absurdly comfortable and ethically made.
      Have a fab weekend, Ivana! xxx

      Delete
  13. I can’t get my head around why people need to buy copious amounts of underwear. It is totally not necessary. Buy good, buy once. Mine last for years.
    It’s all revving up for Glastonbury now and I hope you have a fantastic time. I’m popping back to your post now to check out the links for some of your toiletries etc. Thanks for writing about them xxx
    Oh and have a lovely time with Ann & Jos. I’ll be thinking of you all. Philip won’t as he will be to busy talk the hind legs of 40-50 engineers at a seminar he is presenting xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, it's not a world I live in either. I'd rather spend money on stuff that can be seen!
      I'm always fascinated by other people's packing, festivals really do mean that you have to cut them back to the bare essentials - like rainbow eye shadow and false lashes, he he!
      Wish you and Philip were able to join us on Sunday, you'll be much missed. Hope the seminar goes well! xxx

      Delete
  14. You will be the Belle of the Ball (Festival) in that dress! I would wear those red platform boots in a minute - you are very lucky when it comes to finding secondhand items you lusted after when they were new.

    I'm glad to see so many people signed up for the Slow Fashion Season Challenge. Unfortunately, I had put something on hold at my friend's store before I went on holiday last week and will be picking it up today or tomorrow. I couldn't get it before the challenge started today. Do you think I could start a day late? I purchased so many cool secondhand pieces in Vancouver I don't need to buy anything for quite a while. Have a blast at Glastonbury!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Shelley! I'm always amazed when I find things I dreamt of owning years ago.
      Loved seeing your antics in Vancouver.
      I think you'd be absolutely fine signing up to Slow Fashion Season a day late, the more the merrier. Dying to see what treasures you've bought recently! xxx

      Delete
  15. Those boots!!
    It does seem such a shame the girls didn't wear those pretty blouses, but boy, they'll have a great time in your clothing collection.
    I do hope the weather is at least a little less wet; but those wellies need to be out there. They're good, but those red boots are GREAT.
    Have a wonderful, (and lucrative), time!
    Zxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Z and thank you!! It looks like we're in for a bit of everything next week, doesn't it? The wellies are ready! xxx

      Delete
  16. Well once again I am too late to see what is going on! I rarely buy new so it would have been a doddle.
    Looove those wellies. How stylish!
    Have a great time and sell everything.
    xo Jazzy Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, shame you could add your name to the campaign but I know you're a fine example of a conscious consumer anyway. xxx

      Delete
  17. Ahh, I missed the cut off day for the slow fashion. I thought you could sign up at any time. This is the millionth time this week that my brain has failed me. I guess I could still take part but not actually have signed up? I'll have a think about it.

    On another note, I love all of your slow fashion outfits of the week. So excited for all the fun you're sure to have during the festival season! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a shame you never got to sign up but you can still be a part of Slow Fashion Season - just use the hashtags on Instagram and keep doing what you're already doing. xxx

      Delete
  18. i´m swooning over your ethno-clothes and the eyeshadow palette!!!
    you´r already at glasto now and i wish you tons of good fun and great success with kinky melon!
    high heel boots in a muddy field??? hahahahaaa.....this consum-the-most-fashion-tips are totally brainless....
    very glam lamee dress!
    see you on the other side! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sorry - got the glasto date mixed up - the heat.....
      and almost forgot to thank you for mentioning me. THANX! <3 xxxxx

      Delete
    2. That's okay, Beate, your well-wishes are most appreciated anyway!
      High heels and expensive footwear are sheer stupidity in a muddy field and besides, who looks at the labels on anyone's feet anyway? I'm more interested in the festival than wanna-be fashion! xxx

      Delete
  19. Got a giggle from this "what to pack" post, Vix. Doing my bit for the local emergency response group, I recently attended a class on what to pack in one's bug-out bag. Must note that many of your "essentials for female camping in the rough" were on MY list if not theirs; however, the more experienced fellas heartily endorsed baby wipes. Nothing hampers one's focus like a feeling of being stinky... :)

    I also vote for the pink maxi as Glasto garb. It will be stunning with those wellies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Baby wipes really are a lifesaver when water is in short supply and you're right, feeling clean makes you ready to tackle anything.
      Apparently the BBC have forecast a hot week (I live in hope) so I've decided to save the pink dress till the following festival! xxx

      Delete
  20. Firstly, I love your outfits, your style and attitude!, and totally agree that three months without buying knickers is not a great challenge, come on!. Actually buying knickers and bras is something I do once a year! and I've never run short of them!.
    Love your mexican tomatoes dress and all the block print dresses, the fab embroidered details, the fabulousness!. And those cute blouses with the note and the poor girls that never wore them!
    And thank you for thinking on me when packing!, mwhaha. So lovely!. I'm always interested in how other people pack and particularly how they manage their toiletries!. I learn a lot watching wise ladies like you!, you rock!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Glad you liked that packing post - that travel soap is particularly great! xxx

      Delete
  21. I love seeing your packing. It's good to know fully biodegradable wipes exist - I don't use them at home but do take them travelling, and then feel guilty about the waste they generate.

    Those 'what to wear at festivals' guides are daft - surely the point is to be there, not to be looked at? My only festival clothing guide is this: don't wear a 50s dress and petticoat if you're going to have to wrangle it all at midnight in a grotty portaloo.

    (Knickers every few months? Some people are clearly tough on their chuddies! Mine last years without looking bad; if I get a matching set they usually outlast the bra.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those biodegradable wipes are well worth getting, eco-friendly and also great quality so you don't need to use as many.
      I always have the portaloos (or in Glasto's case, the composting long drops) in mind when I'm packing festival outfits - the door locks are often broken so you need a free hand or foot to secure the door. A dress is a way more sensible option than having to wriggle out of shorts or a jumpsuit! xxx

      Delete
  22. Slow Fashion Season got so close to 15,000! I signed up too after reading about it on your post.

    My undies are generally years old too - some of them look it! haha! - I don’t think I’ve ever had any undies that lasted just three months, and most of mine come from supermarkets, so not exactly high end. People baffle me.

    How lovely would it be to take your Greek blouses back to Greece? What a wonderful notion.

    I can not believe you got that dress for £2.00!

    I can’t wait to read more about your time at Glastonbury, I saw snippets on TV and I can’t get my head around how vast it is.

    I’ve seen the ‘what to wear’ articles too, the eye rolling they induce gives me a headache. I am glad to discover these wipes though, I’m off to Latitude again this year and was trying to think of an alternative. It’s the only time I use wipes but really didn’t want to use them. Thanks!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, the underwear comments leave me bemused, too. What people waste their hard earned cash on!
      Glastonbury is vast - when we used to go in Gilbert and park on the campervan fields it often took two hours to walk to the Pyramid Stage, it's not so much the size of the area but the huge amount of people! It still blows my mind but at the risk of sounding like an old hippy the energy is electric.
      Can't wait to hear about Latitude. Glad you got the wipes sorted! xxx

      Delete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix