We love pre-loved Yorkshire

There’s something changing in the way we are shopping don’t you think? This isn’t a sudden thing, it is a movement that’s been happening for sometime, but it is now becoming accepted by the masses – by us the Jo public. Even better for us Yorkshire lot is that there’s a hub of talent in our region who are paving the way for others and making the way in which we shop not only more bespoke, personalised  and fun, but actually better for our planet too.

Let me explain further. Have you heard the expression, “pay less, pay twice” or “quality over quantity”? Yes? Well, essentially as a population we need to be shopping smarter, buying less, ensuring what you do buy will last….. why? Because the fashion industry is the one of the major polluting industries of the world. The average consumer in 2014 owned 60% more clothing items vs 2000. The high street has been dominated by fast fashion consequently creating a rise in consumer consumption and ultimately causing devastating environmental damage. This is where the change comes in….

First up are APPROVED. A Leeds based personal styling and wardrobe organising duo who focus on slow fashion with a vision of helping their clients re-think their fashion choices, the way they shop and how they can tap into seasonal trends in a more sustainable way. Amazing right?!

Tracey & Ellie have style running through their veins.

Not only do they work in partnership with you to identify and define your personal style, cleanse your wardrobe and create a capsule wardrobe that saves you money, working hard for you season after season, they also have another arm to APPROVED too.

Their luxe re-selling service for higher end  fashion items prolongs the lifecycle of good quality pieces – this is where the sustainability angle really comes into play. They host numerous events in the North where people can swap and re-sell their unloved clothing in a fun and engaging way. Why? To keep garments moving, giving them a new lease of life, being re-loved rather than the alternative, going to landfill. Exactly.

www.theapproved.co.uk

Approvedleeds@gmail.com

@approved.by.us

@approved.store.leeds

Next up are ThePod, a concept created in February 2019 by two absolute retail queens Cath & Alex. The idea is simple but hugely effective. They have a selection of pre-loved contemporary, ready to wear designer clothes, shoes and accessories all pre owned but in mint condition. Often these items have only been worn a handful of times, some still have the price tag on, so ThePod take these unwanted items from their clients (who they’ve worked with for many years) and sell them on their behalf to us!

They are extending the life of these beautiful pieces and really opening up the possibility for us all to have these designer items that perhaps originally may have been out of our price bracket.

But what really gives ThePod their edge is how they bring the fun back into shopping! Their parties, pop up shops and events allow you to lose yourself in conversation and receive genuine style advice, where you’re very likely to leave with a gem of a piece without the price tag. A truly guilt free shopping experience for everyone! Get involved yourself, bag yourself a ticket to their next brunch and pop up shop at The Malmaison in Leeds on Monday 1st July where you’ll also get to hear from yours truly!!

@thepodonline

Hello@thepodonline.com

There’s more! Lastly Violet opened its doors in Harrogate in 2016, its founder Sara had always wanted a store to house a thoughtfully put together collection of pre-owned, contemporary designer label womenswear and this is exactly what she’s created. The store itself is stunning, set within a beautiful townhouse, the stock changes very regularly, basically if you see it and love it BUY IT as you won’t get another chance! Stocked brands include Chloe, Victoria Beckham, Acne, Theory and many more. Every piece is handpicked from recent collections and is in pristine condition. Similarly (a common theme here) to APPROVED and ThePod, customer service is at the heart of what Violet do, because of this they have a very loyal customer base who both buy and sell their garments with them. Sara says, “Many women have preconceived ideas about buying pre owned items and we wanted to do things differently and offer both a luxury shopping environment and the best possible customer experience”

Hello@violetstore.co.uk

Facebook: violetstoreharrogate

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