Straight talk on summer stripes
Let me start off by saying March has been a unique month this year.
Snow one week and a beautiful 16 degree spring weekend the next.
If you’re anything like me your winter coat and summer sandals may be sitting by the front door on stand-by.
Speaking of uniqueness, this month I got the chance to explore Rutherglen’s own little fashion treasure chest R:evolve.
This gorgeous little Aladdin’s cave is packed with everything from kids’ clothes to formal dresses.
It is the perfect place to pick up a last-minute blazer for your suit or a chunky necklace for that final touch on an outfit.
R:evolve is a shop with a difference. Situated across from the Rutherglen Mecca Bingo on the Main Street, it allows its customers to hand in their unwanted clothes in return for points on their membership card.
Getting a membership is easy. Just go in and speak to one of the volunteers. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up.
Once you begin collecting your points you can then purchase items in exchange for your points.
Alternatively, if you want a garment there and then, you can swap your item for another.
R:evolve organise classes and events to help the public gain a good understanding of the importance of swapping and upcycling.
Their most recent event was a fashion show in aid of International Women’s Day.
Many people do not realise that fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the entire world and the majority of clothing that ends up in landfill sites could have been recycled.
Many high street fashion manufacturers are also joining in to help save the planet, with shops like H&M advertising for customers to take in their old garments for recycling.
As my nana has always told me, style is recycled throughout the years and always comes back into fashion, so why not recycle fashion too?
Now on to the part we love: the styling.
R:evolve will always have something for everyone as they are not displaying a particular style or brand. They have a little mix of everything.
I decided to pick a style that is going to be huge come the summertime, a pattern you will either love or hate: stripes.
Now everyone can wear stripes, despite what some people say. It’s just learning how to style them.
My first pick was a stunning black and grey T-shirt dress with horizontal stripes. I accessorised this look with a black high-waist belt to give the dress a flattering shape. Horizontal stripes will accentuate your body shape and size so wearing an oversized garment can be very flattering. Nipping the garment in with a belt or tie will then give the outfit its shape.
My second look was a funky black and white blouse with both horizontal and vertical stripes forming a large, boxed pattern. This very busy blouse was perfectly paired with these gorgeous skinny jeans.
This is a very versatile outfit. You can wear this blouse to the office, the pub or even to the shops with a pair of jeans and trainers. I accessorised this look with a pair of black court heels, also from R:evolve.
Last but not least, R:evolve does a fabulous range of kids’ wear. As all you mums and dads will know, kids grow so quickly you might feel like you’re constantly purchasing new clothes for them. R:evolve enables you to swap the clothes they have grown out of for something different.
Amelia, Emma and Henry joined me to try the kids’ stock and they were very happy with their outfits for the day.
Check out R:evolve and enjoy mixing up your wardrobe while doing your bit to help save the planet.