Why I Now Buy From Charity Shops

Charity shops are certainly a model that I take as inspiration for FMS (FashionMadeSimple) but with the addition of consistent and first-hand stock. The sustainable nature of charity shops through the recycling of unwanted clothes is a culture that the developed world still hasn’t mastered. Re-using is still an undervalued contribution to society and one that I hope my business in the future will promote through its own schemes.

Very much going against the stereotype of my age, at 20 years old, my favourite shops to visit (and make purchases) are charity shops. This does not mean I don’t buy clothes from their more famous high street neighbours, but charity shops have a certain appeal. The combination of totally random stock (hoping to find a bargain) and the knowledge that your money is going to a great cause makes for quite an experience.

Purchasing clothes in the knowledge that the money is going off to make a real difference and not being sucked into a big corporation is a concept I love supporting through charity shop buying. FMS’ charity giving is attempting to follow in the successful footsteps of charity shops in the selling of clothing for a good-cause and I am excited by this challenge. 

Starvation is not a Natural Disaster

I don't know about you, but I must admit that when growing up, I put the issue of hunger aside as an inevitability and just 'part of life'. This MASSIVE misconception I think is still held by some (I worry about how many) well-educated adults today. 

This resignation to global hunger is something I will do all I can do remove in this post. As the amazing, and inspiring IF Campaign points out, there IS enough food for everybody. This means that it is simply how many tables this food reaches, not an issue of global scarcity.

I believe that countries with large economies do not have to enforce their policies and views on the developing world; but they DO have a responsibility to ensure every fellow human has a basic level of welfare. When there are people, who are every bit as valuable as you and me, without enough food to survive - not even being able to feed their children - something has to be done. This is not a lost cause; countries can and should give all they can to prevent this man-made disaster.

Many charities such as UNICEF do brilliant work in pushing the government into doing more (particularly keeping to the 0.7% of GNI going to Overseas Aid - GNI very roughly is the income that the country receives as a whole). UNICEF is a charity taking on global issues with surprising success and I urge you all to support them. 

The first hurdle is getting countries across the world to commit to reaching out to those swamped in poverty. The second hurdle is to make sure that this Aid, in the form of money, is spent effectively. By this, I mean it is important that the aid reaches its intended target, NOT corrupt governments.

Thanks for reading :)

JP

www.fashionmadesimple.co.uk - 3 pairs of tights for £1.99

Fashion Conscious with a Conscience?

After a recent tweet asking me about how my clothes that I sell are produced, I got thinking about whether going Fairtrade is a fashion killer. Inevitably it will be more expensive as the companies are paying the workers more, but is it a deal breaker?

I went on a search (One where I did not have to get off my seat due to the wonders of the Internet!) for a fashionable yet ethical outfit ...here's what I found!

MARKS AND SPENCER

 Indigo Collection Cotton Rich Side Seam Leggings // £12.50

These comfy and practical side seam leggings are a wardrobe staple.

Despite its reputation as a shop for the older generations I reckon us youngsters could find the odd gem there...and when you do, you'll know that none of your friends will have it! 

M&S say that they are committed to producing ethically. Although not all their range is Fairtrade, the 'Plan A' collection (the brand of their ethical thinking) is fairly impressive so I would urge you guys to check it out!

ASOS

Melissa Divine II Bow Ballets Flats // £55.00

100% recycled rubber is re-moulded into an off-beat edit of peep-toe heels and flats all with signature candy scents.

Cambridge Satchel // £115.00

Does what it says on the tin! Made in Cambridge...one of England's finest!

Tatty Devine Swallow Necklace // £45.00

This necklace was hand made in their own workshops by the designers themselves!

ASOS has a section called the Green Room, which again, you should all check out! There are 495 different items in this section. It is reassuring to know that even huge companies like ASOS are becoming sensitive to the world they live in and adapt accordingly. Obviously we are miles away from their entire range becoming part of the Green Room, but for now, there seems to be progress.

PEOPLE TREE

Recycled Sara Stud Earrings // £6.00

Recycled cotton sari fabric and brass stud earrings. Each pair is unique in colour and print.

Iris Print Tee in Pink // £28.00

Drop sleeve casual jersey tee.

People Tree is the role model company that all others should strive to match. Every item is made with other people's welfare in mind. 

'For more than twenty years, People Tree has worked with Fair Trade farmers and artisans in the developing world to create a new type of fashion business.' (the People Tree website)

Isn't that inspiring?! It is a challenge to all of us to make sure we do not harm those in poverty. I am sorry though for my inability to give an impartial review of People Tree as I LOVE them...my bad! 

Fairtrade enables people in developing countries to put food on the table and send their children to school for an average of 5 years longer! I think that it is really important for all shops to know and advertise where their clothes are made and it is something I am working on massively with www.fashionmadesimple.co.uk. You do not want to be supporting an industry which in some cases doesn't support women and exploits poverty.

QUESTION TIME

I would love to hear your opinions...what do you think? Would you pay more money for Fairtrade in everyday life or do you think it's unrealistic to expect that?

Much FMS love,

JP

How can little old me help the millions in poverty? Day 2: Fundraising

Now fundraising is a topic that many people study and implement professionally. I will not pretend to be an expert but what I can do is share my experiences of how effective it really can be.

Fundraising for small charities can seem stressful, high-pressured and necessary just to cover immediate expenses; but for large charities (especially for someone not employed by the charity) it can seem impersonal and a simple drop in the ocean. I personally, would want neither. I believe it does not have to be like this however...

I want to address fundraising for a large charity and I shall use my ongoing experience with Tearfund as an example. On the 23rd June in Torbay I shall be running the half-marathon for Tearfund raising money for a specific project within the charity: ICS.

This programme sends out young people in the UK all over the world to meet poverty head on and do all they can to help. 

I would urge you guys to check this out to see more... http://www.youtube.com/v/nXjW9L1RDy8.

As far as fundraising goes, being part of a Church is hugely beneficial as there are many like-minded people willing to support your passions. However, it is JustGiving that has transformed fundraising from my point of view, as it is so easy to sponsor.

Before JustGiving arose I did a run for a local charity; requesting sponsorship and then collecting the pledges was a nightmare. JustGiving allows online transactions to be made immediately and is such a useful tool. I cannot recommend it enough if you are planning on fundraising through sponsorship.

I find the motivation and incentive to fundraise comes through finding 1 particular project I am really passionate for, and doing all I can to support it - not necessarily an entire organisation. You can then see your money directly impact by following the specific project, which is a great reassurance.

When I run on the 23rd, I run for a life-changing experience for the ICS!

JP the runner 

£1.50 Bikini at www.fashionmadesimple.co.uk

How can little old me help the millions in poverty? Day 1: Campaigning

I don't know about you, but I always put those who campaign into a slightly crazy sect whose voices fall onto deaf ears. Recently however, I have discovered that, if one chooses the correct time to try and make your voice heard (ie, at a relevant time and with many others) success can be achieved. 

Last Saturday, the IF Campaign (a campaign for better distribution of food) held a MASSIVE event called the BigIF - organised just before the G8 meeting where countries come together to discuss world issues. This was my first ever and it was daunting at first...until I arrived at Hyde Park to 45,000 people with a party-like atmosphere and celebrities such as Bill Gates adding their support. 

The feeling of togetherness for a single very important cause was strong and I cannot recommend it enough. David Cameron responded to this rally and I really felt like I was apart of something that could make a difference. 

Hyde Park for the BigIF

Thanks for reading!

JP the campaigner

£1.50 flip-flops! at www.fashionmadesimple.co.uk

Why I'm Here...

Welcome to my blog. This is not a generic company's blog to sell merchandise with trendy pics and short catchphrases. This is my attempt to do my bit for the injustices specifically within education and food in 3rd world countries. I am not very good at standing still and watching stuff happen that I feel could be prevented. I want education and food to be easily accessed by all children in this world.

This is why I have decided to commit to giving away 50% of all profits I make with my business www.fashionmadesimple.co.uk...

This is an online retailer that sells all those fashion basics such as; undies, tights, vest tops, flip-flops etc at the lowest prices I could muster!

I hope you guys like this blog,

JP