A little list of 2021 New Years resolutions
2020 was a shocker of a year where we hibernated indoors and lost all recollection of time as our aspirations were seen floating off into the abyss. As we enter 2021, here’s a list of fashion-focused resolutions that we can hold on to in times of uncertainty
It’s the first of January, the first of 364 days laid out before us that we hope will be joyous, successful and memorable. The reality of the matter is that it probably won’t live up to the expectations rolled over from 2020. I hate to be a negative Nelly, but more uncertainty, doubt and isolation may lurk around the corner. This makes making a New Year’s resolution to yourself tougher than any year yet, and if you’re anything like me, it may be the very last thing you want to do.
Lockdown in 2020 took a big chunk of motivation out of us all. As we enter a new year, it’s important that we’re hopeful whilst taking our time and treading lightly to achieve our goals. If you’re looking towards 2021 with uncertainty, and dread the inescapable question “what’s YOUR New Year’s resolution?” then keep reading this list of my own little resolutions that will hopefully inspire you.
Shop small, shop sustainably
It’s the first rule in leading a more sustainable life and one that can be quite simple once you get the hang of it. As we all sat in limbo throughout 2020, the high street started to crumble, and from little houses all over the UK, unlimited creativity was spouting free from the chimneys. Think of all the wonderful brands that were launched during lockdown simply because their founders had to pay their rent, release their bounty of creativity or simply do SOMETHING with their days. So much blissful innovation; at least we have THAT to be thankful for.
2020 was most definitely the year for small brands, and the proof’s all over social media where you can easily find a brand to devote yourself to. If you’re a bit stuck on where to start then take a scroll through the rest of Blue Chip, including our recent conscious gift guide, our top 5 jewellery brands, and our very favourite sustainable designers of 2020.
Shopping sustainably’s also a wonderful way to make sure everything in your wardrobe and personal space is something that’s cherished; something that holds value and meaning. By buying from small brands you’re supporting a creative and their dream. You’re filling someone with pure happiness and a sense of accomplishment. When buying small you’re telling someone you support them, and that’s something we can all try and do more of in the upcoming year.
Just in case you’re in need of some more inspiration, here are a few of my favourite brands, and the items I’m hoping to bag this year…
Make a weekend of shopping second hand
When I lived in Epsom, I’d spend almost every day checking out charity shops on my way back from University. However, since moving back home to Caerphilly and since lockdown crushed our freedom, It’s been a once in a blue moon kind of treat. So, this year I plan to scour the rails of charity shops far and wide; finding gems in cities and towns I wouldn’t normally travel. What better excuse is there for a weekend away?
Shopping in your own local charity shops time and time again can get pretty mundane, especially when your second-hand craving’s an everyday ordeal. So, here’s a list of some sources that have supplied me with my 2021 vintage shopping destinations.
Any of Olivia Frost’s youtube videos fill me with serenity. She’s one of the many die-hard vintage girls who know all the best nooks in London to satisfy your second-hand needs. Check out her video on “The best charity shops in London 2020” to see for yourself.
One of my favourite sustainable mags based right here online, Pebble Mag, completely came through with the best charity shops in the UK. Using the most popular recommendations by the readers themselves, Pebble Mag released the “Best charity shops in the UK: these are our reader’s favourites”. The feature travels all across the UK, Beginning with the North before noting the best vintage goldmines in the South, East and West, the Midlands and London; picking up on places like Guisborough in North Yorkshire, St Leonards-on-Sea, Ipswich town centre and Primrose Hill in North London as the best of an enormous bunch.
“Britain’s best charity shops for finding pre-loved treasure” was also very helpful in giving me some sourcing destinations. Vogue advises to look towards Retromania London, Marys Living and Giving, Dorothy House Shop and ALALA for some true vintage rarities.
Before Covid hit and caused the downfall of so many retailers, charity shops were seen to be outperforming their rich high street rivals. An article posted by Fundraising UK in February of this year noted that as sales grew year on year in charity shops, the common high street store was actually mourning its fifth year of falling in-store sales. By shopping second hand, we’re contributing to the £295 million that’s raised for charities all across the UK every single year.
Head to the tailors more
We all dream of a wardrobe full of sustainable clothing from the most desired brands. However, in order to upgrade your wardrobe into today’s dream haven, you’d have to have a ton of money on hand or it’ll likely take years. That’s why shopping second hand and visiting your favourite charity shops is a great way to sustain a healthy wardrobe.
Charity shop shopping comes with its setbacks. For many, sizing and style is a problem. For others, well… have you ever come across that suit jacket that’s just too long or beautiful slick trousers that are just too boxy? By visiting the tailors and having lovely items fitted to our specific measurements we can save more vibrant items and replicate the made-to-order experience we get by shopping small. Getting items personally amended to fit your unique body shape gives you that same rush of excitement, and we're still supporting small, local businesses. What’s not to love?
We’ve lost that personal touch a tailor can provide us with. If you’re anything like me (no steady-handed seamstress I can assure you), then there's no shame in heading to the tailors to amend any clothes that don’t fit the way you want them to. Tailors are there to be used, so let’s bring independent tailoring businesses to the forefront in 2021.
I hope this short but sweet introduction to my 2021 New Years resolution can help you find some inspiration in times still so odd and uncertain. Stay safe and well in 2021, and make the most of the year!