Since it's Spring time, and the season to clean out wardrobes, update websites and make the most of the longer days, I thought firstly I'd start a regular preloved fashion blog and secondly talk about updating fashion wardrobes in a sustainable, affordable, 'great for this world' way.
When it came to naming my business I wanted something simple that says exactly what I do. I didn’t want people to have to guess. As my surname is White, I thought The White Dress agency was extremely fitting. The Dress Agency bit is also self explanatory - a place where folk can buy and sell gorgeous, attainable designer and luxury fashion at extraordinary prices.
And although my fashion collections are preloved, my client base is so fantastic, savvy customers know they are getting preloved and preowned items that are absolutely second to none. And what I mean by this - is that a wide range of the second hand items come to me brand new with tags or have only been worn once or twice...or never! If however a preloved bag for example is gently worn, then the preloved price will reflect that. My web photographer takes photos from all angles; top, bottom, inside, sideways so discerning shoppers can then make up their mind on purchases or investments.
A lot of high end magazines, brands and stores are now stepping up to this idea of sustainable fashion; used designer clothing, preloved designer bags, second hand shoes and accessories but I have been a conscious shopper at the get-go from swapping clothes within my friendship circles to combing vintage shops and styles. This is a subject I will return to in my blogs - how to become a greener shopper and tap in to this feelgood way of purchasing dresses, tops, jeans, handbags, belts and jewellery.
So if you've not looked at sustainable fashion before, or visited us online or in store, then this is a good place to start your own eco warrior journey. The whys of preloved clothing, the possible investments of designer handbags, the authenticity of second hand brands and the benefits of reselling much loved items - will all be covered in my blogs. Authenticity and transparency is key in this business. Consumers have to be able to trust what they buy from me is the real deal. For example, all our preloved designer bags are authenticated by Entrupy. Customers can also visit my shop in Newark on Trent or book an appointment to try on outfits, preowned dresses, secondhand shoes or just feel the leather (with presented gloves of course ) the supple leather on preloved designer bags ranging from Hermes (we have a couple of elusive and exclusive Birkin in our collection at the moment) Chanel, Louis Vuitton to Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Valentino.
This month we have had some amazing drop offs which we all get hugely excited about. We only accept items that are in fantastic condition whether it's vintage or current season. If it is a 'stand out' piece then we do accept gently worn which as I've said before will always be reflected in the sale price. Photos often don't do justice to how spectacular these unique items are (the stitching, the detail, the handcrafted finishes) and if you are in Newark - and see an outfit or dress you fancy online - then it is always, always worth trying on. Whether preloved or not, clothing can pretty much always, and often surprisingly improve, in reality off the hanger or off the dummy.
Wishing all my eco warriors a great week x