Great Britain finds itself in the chilly embrace of a double dip recession, but rumour has it that there are areas where retail is making a killing. After a mere year of marriage Wills and Kate have re-energised the British high street. Well Kate has, I can't say I've noticed many folk being inspired to buy male attire in the same way. The exception might be the velvet smoking jacket, knitwear and the Marcel Wave although this is more Chuck Bass and last week's menswear shows in Milan, than Prince William.
Kate is said to be responsible for over £1billion coming into the UK economy in the last year, trends sell out before they are even trends; fashion businesses/houses are flourishing around the world, but the gossip on the catwalk this month... Is Kate a style Icon? Grazia asked this last week and as ever opinions were split. Personally I like her look and ongoing approach to high street, actual vintage as opposed to vintage inspired high street prints and designs as well as swapping the occasional coat with her mum. Which of us hasn't worn something pre loved by a sister, mother or friend? Would I wear anything Kate does, it's not really my style, although I do love a good hat.
The pre loved world is an interesting place, a few weeks ago the Guardian included a map of everywhere that Kate picks up her fashion goodies, her buys are themed around individuality and affordability. Although Kate and Will's understanding of affordability and those at the more brutal end of the recession have nothing in common. Fashion unites, you might say, but is it the fashion as defined by the couture houses or fashion as defined by the self?
Again the Guardian weekend for Saturday just gone, (5th May 2012), is all about clearing out your clutter, making some money and maximising your style, but beware HMRC who are sending umpteen on line sellers a little letter telling them that it is time to pay tax on that unwanted clutter - stand or deliver as Adam Ant once said - may wipe the smile from your hard working face.
Here you are recycling, upcylcing, cycling instead of driving and the country you are trying to support somehow seems to betray your efforts.
There are all manner of opportunities popping up from the craft world; Papered Parlour and Frockcycle, both London based organisations help those of us without a stitch in time or thimble clue to upcycle our clothing. Joanna Lumley Shwopping for M&S aims to change the way we shop - buy one and recycle one in store, it's that easy.
No matter what you buy, or how you wear it - at the heart of fashion is a desire to express, enrich and add options to identity and life. There will always be tensions about what works and what doesn't, what the cost is and is it worth it? In the last 20 years fashion and gossip magazines have boomed, all of which ask the question - 'What was she thinking?' My family spends I don't know how much time asking this of whichever one of us isn't in the room at the time!
My gran told me recently that when she and her four sisters were in their late teens and early twenties - the 1940/50's - they never thought anything about spending up to 6 weeks wages at a time getting hand made clothes and suits for each of them; perish the thought that an outfit wasn't completed with matching accessories, particularly a hat. This might explain my love of hats and a certain polished look, my grandparents are impeccable in their style. My grampa who is no longer with us had a fantastic array of indoor slacks, shirts and sweaters combined with a marvellous outdoor wardrobe as well.
I have lots of my grans original cocktail dresses and jewellery that I adore wearing, it connects me to her and my grampa, their romance and what clothes meant in a different time.
Whether you are buying old, new, borrowing or up cycling, does it really matter? When people whisper 'What was she thinking?', you can whisper back 'I look good, damn it.' What matters is that you are your own style icon and nobody can take that away from you, HMRC or otherwise.