43 Comments

Absolutely adore the skirt and hopefully it becomes a favourite in your wardrobe.

So far this year I’ve bought 2 pieces, both of which I love and are bringing me lots of joy. I found that I had lots of simple minimal items in my wardrobe but nothing that was bringing much fun. I plan to use my 5 pieces this year to add just that. It’s definitely going to be a challenge to stick with just 5 but I’m trying my best. And it will definitely be way less than last years 45 items 😱

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I so agree! The gold cargo pant lesson last year was vital for me. Fashion needs to bring joy, seduction, outrageousness sometimes. I was going through my head when I would wear this skirt and I've got two major parties this summer it's down for. And maybe some Ibiza action. BUT I can only justify because I've got my working wardrobe down. I'm not sure 80/20 is right for me in this moment. Maybe more 70/30? Just need to be careful to get the balance right when on rations. Congrats on slowing down the spending- what did you buy?

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I bought a Ganni leopard print blouse, it’s all puff sleeves, peplums and ties instead of buttons. Quite over the top compared to my normal purchases but it’s livened up all my jeans so much so I’ve already worn it 4 times since buying it mid Feb. This is quite a lot for me as I’m a gardener so it’s not particularly practical for my everyday life!

The next piece is an oversized jumper in navy from a small brand called Slow Love. It has a large smiley face on the front and I absolutely love it. Again it’s made my everyday items more fun and has been worn even more than the first piece.

So far it’s been fun to focus on what’s really missing from my wardrobe instead of just buying anything and everything!

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love the sound of these

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I have been debating whether to get that very jumper from Slow Love. Worried that when I have to wash it it will stretch!! I usually take a 16 on the top what size would you recommend?

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I not planning on washing it! Well not anytime soon. I think if you follow the washing instructions and wash it very carefully then lay it flat to dry it should be alright.

Sizing wise I’m a uk 10 and have the size 1. It’s very oversized on me but that’s what I was hoping it would be like. I think they have some stories on Instagram with different models wearing different sizes to help.

If you get it I hope you love it.

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I already love it, will talk to them about sizes. Thank you

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

Wow the embroidered jeans idea is so cool and so clever! Love this piece Tiff, really inspiring. I’ve started my own Substack charting my journey towards a more sustainable style. Sunday’s post will cover shopping preloved. Might see you there! x

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Oh look forward to that! Preloved is a real skill. I'm not confident about this skirt I bought yet. I just know it's a remarkable piece and I want remarkable fashion in my wardrobe aswell as practical stuff. The jeans are brilliant - check out the Fanfare website as they have loads of other idea

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That's exciting! Preloved shopping rules! 🖤

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Thanks Holly! I’m an expert, out of necessity 😆

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

I repaired (!!!) Some holes in 2 fabulous thrift store jackets that I love but haven’t worn in a while. Feeling so powerful!

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so bizarre how much pleasure this gives, isnt it?! Love repairing treasures

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

My one keeper so far this year has been a pair of super wide leg jeans. They are so me! Remind me of my high school days. Also, I am thin and the skinny jeans emphasize that, while the wide legs give me a better balance. Wore them to my doctor's appt yesterday with chelsea boots, a black turtleneck, and a tweed jacket. And I'm 66! I also sold my first item on poshmark. Retiring in a few months and hoping to purge a lot of office wear from the closet, making room for fun.

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I am imagining you right now walking into the doctors, street style! Hope you had a killer pair of sunglasses on too. Also - I love a wide leg jean. Got some white ones Ive been wearing a lot this year, as the shape seems to be having a revival - hooray. So funny how these styles come back around

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

LOVE the skirt. I still haven’t bought anything new, just some socks and a belt from Vinted, and an & Other Stories cardigan for work that has weirdly pouffy sleeves and I hate it so that’s going to be resold. I did get Anthro trainers from my son for Christmas but they didn’t actually come until Jan so I can’t work out if these count or not!! I’m so proud of not shopping and enjoying shopping my wardrobe at the moment- nothing I’m desperate for so I’m saving mine for that x

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Good to be repurpose the cardigan - you could always get the sleeves altered? Also, I think those trainers can be filed under 2023 :)

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I love the skirt and it looks great on you!I have a long black sheer pleated skirt which I bought 3 years ago and I wear it all the time. Highly recommend breaking yourself in by wearing over tights first and you’ll get braver over time.

I’ve bought nothing so far this year as been waiting for a weekend in Paris which is next weekend - planning one vintage and one new purchase - have gone for hand luggage only which should avoid any temptation to buy more!

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yes - tights! Much easier that way. careful in Paris as you might buy something for the sake of it and then wont be able to take it back, (unless youve pre-planned what you are going to get). Only buy it if you really love it and it will work with at least 10 other things in your wardrobe (said the girl who just bought an entirely see through skirt). Whatever - have a great weekend!!

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Indeed! I have already planned to buy some trousers which I tried on in Selfridges about a month ago and haven’t stopped thinking about since - cheaper in Paris and I get the tax back - win win!

Vintage but not quite as specific (and may not get anything as that’s the joy of vintage shopping I guess) but I really need a black belt to smarten up some existing items and Episode normally has a great line on leather accessories.

It’s the homeware in Merci Merci which is more likely to be my downfall…

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OMG - Merci! love that store. Sounds like you are being brilliantly strategic

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Mar 10Liked by Tiffanie Darke

I love the second skirt look. You have such a nice small waist, show it off!

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Thank you!

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

That skirt was a great decision! And i love that it was still there when you decided to buy it.

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Fate was playing its hand!

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

I added a pair of water proof boots. They are a classic black but they have a bright pink sole. It gives me no end of joy to slip them on as I head out on rainy mornings.

I’m watching for a nice casual skirt, preferably a tan/khaki color.

I cut a fitness dress down to a skirt. I’m doing it by hand and I’m working on the elastic casing now. It’s a few inches at a time kind of progress. It’s a riot of white and different blues and as a skirt will give me so many shirt + skirt options.

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wow this is next level! The fact it is such painstaking work is going to make you LOVE it when its ready. And you'll be able to tell everyone about it when they compliment you wearing it. Im sucha believer in how clothes are stories - the ones we have in our wardrobe we really value are the ones with all those memories attached

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I love the 80/20 rule, it's permission to play, but saves me from my runaway imagination. But where are the details for the Sustainable Fashion Fair I want to come!

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I know - I realised i forgot to add them on! Im going to send an email out tomorrow morning with all the details. Ill send you the booking link direct though

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Thank you for the link! I'm in London for three weeks starting next week, and I'm so thrilled that I can attend this!

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

I think that skirt will really come into its own in the summer, you could wear it over shorts, a swimsuit or a short dress. I find the key with 2nd hand clothes shopping is to buy in person, I’ve had a lot of failures on Vestiaire that I’ve had to sell on and lost money on. Accessory purchases have been more successful, I’ve got 2 ACNE scarves and a Jacquemus sun hat that I love. I’m planning my first purchase of the year to be another (2nd hand) Jacquemus sun hat in black. I’m loving this challenge, it’s incredible that it’s almost mid March and I haven’t bought a single item of clothing!

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Amazing, congrats on saving up your shopping credits! I had the same thought about the skirt with the swimsuit - Ive got a black hatler neck one that could work. Such a good point on preloved for accessories

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Have you considered wearing the skirt over leggings or trousers or a dress? I discovered I’s love some more personality pieces too, especially for my winter items. I have been basic and smartish more or less covered and now I need some more fun! I also started to widen some of my shirts end sweaters because I still love them but they don’t love my new weight yet.

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Noooo, not basic! We must never be basic! A crazy scarf for winter can help, or you could think of an amazing personality coat for next autumn's purchase? Love that you have been altering your shirts and sweaters - extending the love.

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That is a nice motto for life: We must never be basic. Or even nicer: we never have to be basic.

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So far this year I've bought one second-hand dress in a gorgeous pink floral carpet-look design. It reminded me of a different dress I own and love which has a cooler colour palette, so I figured I couldn't go wrong with it. (Also, no label inside! Messy seams! I'm pretty sure it was handmade!)

I'll need to alter it a little I think, since the fit is slightly boxy, but I love it and have zero regrets.

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If its a bit like one you own and already love you KNOW thats going to work. Definitely have it altered/tailored for you - it will become even more special. Love that it was handmade too

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

That skirt is fabulous!

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Mar 9Liked by Tiffanie Darke

Also, to add … shopping preloved is life changing. I want to tell strangers in the street they must change their ways and stop buying new.

I did buy a new shirt last week that I tried on a month ago but waited until the 7th of March to buy and I was so much more appreciative of it than I would have been last year. Last year it would have been lost amongst all the other purchases.

I am currently wearing a mini smock dress emblazoned with sunflowers from Depop which I got for the bargain price of $40 and have been complimented on twice today by strangers. And I’m 54! I think if you stay true to your style you can wear things you would usually second guess yourself over with confidence and that changes everything.

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Dress sounds so cute! god isnt it great wearing naughty things in your fifties. Carine Roitfeld is my inspo for that.

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Thank you, Im nervous for it!

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Hi Tiff, trying very hard to keep to the five items. In January I bought a long quilted coat in the Superdry sale and have barely had it off. However my grandson asked me why I was wearing a duvet!! My second purchase this week -a pair of Onitsuka Tiger trainers in green, love them so much.

Not sure where the other items I have bought fit in, two white tees from Uniqlo to replace the dingy looking ones I have worn to death. Do they have to count in the five???

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deletedMar 13
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So glad you are discovering this!

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