In love with pre-loved!

Every time I heard the click-click-clack of my mother’s knitting needles, I’d cringe. That meant that any day another itchy jumper or cardigan would be heading my way, with oversized buttons and – crucially – no label at the back. I was only five and hated wearing my mum’s hand-made clothes. Not only did the wool bring me out in hives, but everyone else in my class at school could tell it was home-made and all I wanted was to buy something new at the only kids’ fashion store in town. I’d press my nose up at the window longing for a floaty dress with flowers on, or a denim jacket with matching jeans.

Instead I had to endure my mother’s made-to-measure creations that shouted out: I’m not a rich kid. I’d long for summer so I had an excuse to cast off the latest jumper, cardi or waistcoat – they were the worst of all – and drag my mother to a store to buy T-shirts as, fortunately, she couldn’t make those.

As I grew up I realised I couldn’t afford the fashionable clothes on the high street, but found my own quirky style at the local village hall when it held jumble sales. Other people’s cast-offs were catnip to me. I found designer polo necks and dungarees I could bleach, along with evening gowns I teamed with boots, and brightly coloured swing skirts I wore with striped stockings. I lapped up the praise for my unique fashion sense, knowing most outfits cost me only a few pennies.

Vintage fashion has finally hit our shores and we’re all drooling over pre-loved designer bags, shoes and dresses at a fraction of their original price. Meet the women behind the vintage-in-vogue trend on page 48 – they’re all super-stylish. Until next week,