It was such a treat to visit the TRAID depot, so when we got to snoop around the TRAIDremade sewing room and speak to Tracey, current head designer we were made up.
Some of the clothes that arrive at the depot are designer or true vintage but can't be sold because they're sold or damaged. Tracey and her team have a whole selection of vintage fabrics to play with and come up with some great designs that are proving really popular in TRAID's shops. This is great because they are putting life back into old clothes and fabrics, and you get one-of-a-kind modern clothing.
You can't yet buy TRAIDremade clothes online but you can purchase accessories from GetEthical.
Communications Manager Madeline took us round the depot at TRAID and explained how the clothes get sorted in this great video. TRAID have large green recycling bins across the UK and all the clothes come here where they are sorted by just five members of dedicated staff on the conveyor.
Of the 1200 tonnes of clothing and bric a brac they get donated TRAID manages to recycle an impressive 94%. The 6% that isn't sent to the shops or used for industrial rags is made up of plastic bags, odd shoes, and bedding which their looking into recycling as a stuffing for tube train seating. The clothes are then separated according to their suitability for any of the 8 TRAID shops in London and Brighton by fine sorters made up of volunteers and fashion students.
Candy Says have got a 20% sale for the duration of August, which gives you plenty of time to get some vintage fashion bargains for the next season. The offer's valid as many times as you like so whether you're completely restocking your wardrobe or just buying a few pieces you'll still get a nifty discount.
CandySays are also launching a childrenswear range so if you've got any nephews, nieces or children of your own you know where to go. I've picked out a few items that have tickled my fancy (the sunglasses are tops!) for, see after the jump for full product details.
I first came across the Laura Ashley name while reading the Babysitter Club books, while I was a little too young to understand it all, the name did stick. Now that I'm a little older the name Laura Ashley makes me think of a Welsh designer, who’s trademark style was her prints and long dresses. These days the brand is better known for its range of home furnishings and stores can still be found all over the world brandished with the Laura Ashley name. Vintage Laura Ashley pieces are quite rare, but Topshop Vintage has found a Wallpaper Print Maxi Dress by Laura Ashley from the 1970s. It features the brands full length style with a brown wallpaper print. The belt tie at the waist gives the body some shape as the dress continues to flair out at towards the base. The button up front and shirt dress style is quite reminiscent of a modern day Diane von Furstenberg piece. Isn't it amazing how fashion can transcend time? If you’re a keen vintage collector, this dress retails at £250 at Topshop.com.
It all started at this years Oscars. Jessica Biel, then an actress best known for her role in Blade rather then her relationship with Mr Timberlake, stood out from all the other glamourous actresses wearing a dress in vivid fuschia. Since then the trend for pink frocks has stuck around and, although the hem has gotten much shorter, more celebrities are wearing it to stand out from the crowds. I especially love Natalia Vodianova's kooky number (second right), wearing it super short with plenty of ruffles and being more daring then Victoria Beckham and Chloe Sevigny in silver heels instead of black. Here's some choices in many different shades for those of you who like your pink dusty and light or bold and bright! [Images: Getty]
I can't begin to tell you how excited I was when I read about Topshop's new online 'Archive' collection. They've been known for some time now to have a pretty impressive vintage section in store, but they've stepped it up a notch with this online collection, perhaps not to be left behind by Miss Selfridge's recent online vintage store. Topshop's new range "showcases the cream of 60's and 70's fashion from the British High Street, along with a top-of-the-chocolate-box selection from international influences."
Vintage lovers everywhere will already know about the fabulous What Katie Did collection, and if you want to achieve true vintage style, from Hollywood starlet to Rockabilly, then this underwear is a fantastic way to an authentic look.
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Vintage lovers everywhere will already know about the fabulous 
