Ethical shopping can be a bit of an oxymoron when you think of it. The raison d’être of the high street is to make you feel that your life isn’t worth living without a whole new wardrobe whenever we feel like it, a 17 inch macbook pro, and the perfect pair of shoes (in 4 colours). But certain little factoids have pricked and prodded at my conscience since I became aware of them in 6th form. Perhaps I’m a sensitive soul. But the corporate capitalism, crooked supply chains and child labour on one end of the supply chain and credit card debt, waste and landfill on the other, bothers me. But here’s the thing; it doesn’t stop me.  (At least it didn’t used to stop me.) Why shouldn’t I enjoy the wonders of the modern economy? It’s my right too indulge in cheap clothes. Everyone else does, I want them and they are readily available.

( Dresses both from Rokit, skirt from Annie Greenabelle)

According to global cool, I learned recently, 900 000 tones of clothing in Britain ends up in landfill each year, and half of the clothes bought by British women last year have never been worn. Ahem – let me repeat that – half of the clothes bought by British women last year have. never. been. worn. Whoa! This is crazy oui? Oui.  And also quite sobering.  In fact, if you go deep into the ethical issues of clothing supply chains (waste, chemicals, labour practices etc) you can get yourself in a right muddle. I am trying, not always successfully, to stop myself from being paralysed by this sort of information, but instead to try and let it help me make decisions.

Last month I ruthlessly weeded out my wardrobe. I’ve been threatening to do it for years, and it was unbelievably satisfying (strongly recommended.) Combine this with trying to buy ethically and also being skint, what do we have? A “call-in-reinforcements” winter wardrobe clothing melt down. Most mornings.

It’s extremely tempting to chuck my ethics out the window and indulge in some deep down and dirty Primark shopping.  And in the past I have often succumbed, only to be bitterly disappointed after the first wash where it has either shrunk or been pulled so badly out of shape it looks like it belongs to a sack of potato’s. Buying clothes from ethical companies can also cost the earth (‘scuse the pun), and has a tendency to make you look a bit like a hairy earth mother. And even though I have a touch of hippy round my edges, hairy earth mother is a look I am strictly reserving for my 60’s (along with clashing bright colours and elaborate hats)

If you have mastered the art of bagging a bargain on ebay- I salute you. By the time I have whipped my self up in a bidding frenzy, paid more than I ever intended (limits schlimits) – then paid for shipping- The only thing I end up with is an overdraft and an overpriced dress.

(Clockwise from top left: Top from people tree, t-shirt from and skirt from Ascension, Duffel coat from Annie Greenabelle)

Then there is always the charity shops. But, if like me you live in a bit of a scuzzy area, the best thing you’ll find is someone’s second hand, soiled Peacocks  nightie. But my top new years resolution is to master the art of ebay and charity shop chic. (suggestions warmly welcomed)

(Left: Cardigan from Howies, jeans from Bochica, dress from Ascension)

Anyway, back to that fateful week of bare wardrobe, no money and good intentions. Before I dashed out of the office to piss my money away at the arse end of the high street, I thought I would explore a couple of alternatives. And I am pleased to report that I was pleasantly surprised. Nice cheap ethical clothes are out there.My first port of call is vintage shops.  They really stir my cuppa, and they may well stir yours too. They save clothes from landfill by recycling them and are often cheaper than the high street. They look cool, lets face it even with a list of clichés as long as you arm vintage will always be cool. No walking down the street and seeing 5 girls each wearing your Topshop dress.

And a whole throng of new, independent and ethical fashion shops have sprung up in the latter half of the noughties, without even a hint of the aroma of tofu and body odour about them. So I decided put together a collection of my favourites for this year.

(Below: All from Howies)

But, with all of this, it’s always worth keeping in that no ‘ethical label’ is ever fully, 100% “ethical”. They simply don’t exist.  There’s organic, local, hand made, made from Hemp, made in the UK, Fairly traded, tree protecting, wildlife saving or garments using only organic dyes and no garment can tick all of those boxes . What you choose all depends on your values and the way that you choose to navigate around it all. And I am also of the opinion that the high street isn’t always monstrous. An expensive top from Reiss, for example, might last you for years and stop you from buying 10 cheaper T-shirts. Ultimately, you can avoid most ethical conundrums by simply buying fewer clothes. But this isn’t always realistic. We can however, be a bit more thoughtful about where things come from and what they’re made from. A whole new ethical wardrobe probably isn’t realistic but a few new pieces is a good start. And we all have to start somewhere. And with the January sales and the start of a new year, what better time is there than now?

(Below: T-shirt from Edun, jumper from Howies)