Ronnie Likes Thrifting/Charity Shops or Buying Quality over Quantity.

Thrifted Jacked most likely Charity shop Bought

I found a YouTuber a couple of days ago and she had said that she will not be buying anymore Designer Made High priced items. I watched the video and and I totally understand why. What she said about the production process I think I already knew some time ago. A lot of people had said that the quality of some designer items had gone down and that is probably because companies have been outsourcing for quite some time now. Production moved to different countries to etc etc.

I am one of those people who doesn’t really want designer clothes or handbags, I appreciate that they are nice things it doesn't mean I don't like them. I have always thrifted, second hand even in the 80’s (Jumble Sales) and 90’s (Charity Shops (UK) having no money (definitely student days) and always wanted to not look like everyone else.

I have fallen into the trap of the Store Cards and got into debt. It is not good and trying to get yourself out of that situation can be tricky. High rates to pay and then juggling the finances.

Designer Wear Big High End products

Welcome to waking up to the reality of the image of what the ‘big house designers’ want to perpetuate the myth of ‘Going after the Unicorn ‘. I love designers but there has to be a limit and it's a bit mad to think of paying £20,000.00 for a bag. Style and Quality first. I get that things like some cars would be expensive there is a lot more research being done into aerodynamics and safety. Making them lighter. Unfortunately I don't think the same of clothes and handbags.

Don’t get me wrong I love quality and work that is well done and that is what you need to look out for. I have recently seen so many independent makers who are losing out lately trying to sell their products on Etsy but it has turned into a nightmare because of how Etsy has changed, withholding money from makers, AI closing shops left, right and centre and people losing their business and having no ability to contact Customer Service etc etc. I’ve had no success on Etsy and I’m sorting out other options to make and sell my products.

I’ve been working this week on my online store much to the the extent of using an already set up platform for all the coding etc. Use your knowledge and experience and instinct as a guide to buy quality products without having to feel like you’re made to. It must feel like coming out of a fog to some extent. I’m sure I knew about this practice of the designers manufacturing processes, getting products made on masse but they taking them to another factory to put a label on the product, there is nothing really wrong with this but there is an amount of falsifying what you tell your consumers but it’s probably so much more apparent to outsource production to other countries. It’s currently going to be a lot harder for this and more costly and complex given the current ‘economic’ situation shall we say. 

It’s ok to buy quality with a reasonable price tag, if it’s status you’re after that’s ok too, but it’s better to think smart about your purchasing something can last if you look after it. I had a lovely comment about a Jacket I’ve been wearing recently Velvet type material and it’s probably from the 90’s but still in good condition as I’ve looked after it( could be older as it was a charity shop buy) . (actually just checked the label possibly even circa 1980!) it’s like Salvation Army in America I went to one in America out near Detroit and it was amazingly big n the 90’s.

Recycle - Up-Cycle

You can always Up-cycle too to make it unique to you also. Good luck on your journey of discovery. There are so many ideas out there on YouTube, Instagram and Tik tok, with ideas, advice, patterns, and people showing skills on how to do these things.

I love making things and just feel like that's where I want to be.

I have got some handmade items but thought maybe give POD items a try I haven't had any sales yet but looking into designs that I make, and tweaking them or changing them. I'm going to need some feedback to see what people are looking for so if anyone thinks they can help with product advice that would be great.

I'm not looking to advertise and spending money on that as it's out of the question currently. Word of mouth is great and also if you see something you like please let me know as that feedback would be great too.

Any ideas or thoughts let me know x