IFB Project #91  |  What does sustainable style mean to you?

I kinda gave away the ending in my title but, for me, pre loved is the most sustainable form of style. I haven't always had much luck in charity shops but I've learned the art of rummaging, realised that you have to be in the right mood and have plenty of time. A good rummage can not be rushed.

In addition to charity shops, I trawl eBay, ASOS Marketplace and Esty for pre loved items and handmade jewellery. I also love a good clothes swap. Every six weeks I organise a clothes swap in aid of a local charity, there have been five now and it's turning into a little community, I see the same faces returning each time and now I've begun to notice some of the swapped items coming back and going home with someone else. The idea that something has been worn before may not be everyone's cup of tea but I love the idea that an item is worn and enjoyed rather than languishing in someone's wardrobe. 

I don't mind were an item is originally from as long as I like it. I've never found any great designer or vintage pieces but that's not what it about for me, I'm not saying I wouldn't be thrilled with such a find, but it's more about cutting down on waste and, let's be honest, it's great for the purse too.

I do shop on the high street because not everything can be found second hand and what's more I believe there needs to be a balance. I was thrilled to find Measure Up, a website that rates high street stores on their ethical credentials, because it means I can make more informed choices about which high street stores I use. 

I know many of you love pre loved, what's your favourite find?

Love

Is it tacky to host a blog giveaway of unwanted holiday gifts? This was a poll run by IFB and it seems to be a close run thing (it was a 51% - 49% split when I voted) and, if you're wondering, I voted 'no'.

It is a fact that we sometimes receive gifts that are, for whatever reason, unwanted. This is not to say that they aren't appreciated, they're just not quite right. We've all had gifts like that.

What would you do with an unwanted gift? Donate to charity, sell at a carboot sale or on eBay, give it to someone else? That has to be better than leaving it in a drawer gathering dust surely?

I don't see how a giveaway really differs from donating something to charity, at the end of the day you're still getting rid of it. And it's better to get rid of something you won't use than have it languishing in a cupboard somewhere.

To my mind if someone enters a giveaway, they want to win what's on offer, so you can be sure that your unwanted gift is going to a good home, were it will be used and appreciated. On the flip side would you mind if your prize was an unwanted gift? And if you're giving away an unwanted gift should you declare it as such or just keep that detail a secret?

For me having things that you don't use / wear / love is a dreadful waste. Passing them on, however you do it, to someone who will appreciate them just seems like the right thing to do. Call it recycling. Does giving away a gift make you an ungrateful person? Perhaps.

I'd be interested to hear what you think? Would you give away unwanted gifts on your blog?

And, just to be clear, this isn't a sneaky way to find out your thoughts before I do a gift laden giveaway ;)

Love