Why you should think about buying preloved this summer
Well, it doesn’t have to be designer, it could be a luxury brand that is on your wishlist. The dresses I see coming on to the shop floor are increasingly sublime. Very often, whilst we are photographing collections - we stand in awe of the detail and extraordinary features of our vintage pieces or worn-once prom dresses. Some of our preloved evening gowns are runway pieces and are both pristine and cutting edge. Others are couture and cannot be found anywhere else today.
I can obviously rhapsodise about fashion until the couture comes home! And to be fair, a certain percentage of what comes into the shop does find its way into my home and into my wardrobe. Because it is that damn gorgeous.
A summer dress for me is the epitome of feminine beauty. I love a maxi, floaty, silk or chiffon piece that can be worn with flip flops for a casual dress-down look or with heels for a little more drama. One of my favourite brands is Me & Em who specialise in maxi dresses in bold shades and decorative prints.
We stock preloved designer dresses that cover all the ranges; dresses that are cut to worship the female form. Vivienne Westwood is a fantastic architect; nipping in at the waist, creating gravity defining bustiers and corsets and pencil thin skirts. A number of our preloved dresses focus on that flattering silhouette which hugs the figure or you can find low high or floor sweeping dresses that make you feel like a goddess or princess.
And that is the point of fashion isn’t it - to make us feel different, give our self esteem a boost - whether it makes us feel a million dollars or lends a luxurious comforting relaxed, deliciousness to our lives. And that’s why I love the feel of clothing; it can be so very tactile. And it should be, because the cloth is what we shroud ourselves in.
Preloved dresses and vintage dresses give us all the opportunity to buy into luxury, affordable fashion without feeling too guilty.
My shop in Newark on Trent stocks skater dresses (Ralph Lauren and Ted Baker currently), occasion dresses (perfect for weddings and the races), evening gowns, prom dresses; wrap dresses, pleated, minis, midis and maxis.
Also preloved dresses doesn’t exempt new. We also have a thriving ‘brand new with tags’ section
I’m going to end this with a shout-out for our, new-in store, classic Chanel black, lurex tweed mini dress. And it’s never been worn. We have all, without exception, gone into raptures over this divine little dress with jeweled buttons and slim belt. As you would expect from Chanel, the craftsmanship is exquisite. And would you believe it, it comes with its original suit carrier and hanger. I am very excited to showcase this piece.
So, in short, preloved dresses offers us all a chance to experience a touch of designer or luxury clothing, to wrap ourselves in silk or cotton this summer, to buy a bit of Westwood drama or Burberry chiffon and when we walk out the shop or checkout online, we feel excited and anticipatory. And at the end of the day - isn't that how we should feel about fashion?