I know I’m not the only one who’s noticed the considerable drop in Cardiff’s temperature! Despite the yearly cold that I should be used to by now, I still fall for the trap set by a sunny September and fail to prepare for the seasonal shift. As a fashion enthusiast, it’s common to be faced with the hard decision of shivering in cute clothes or being comfortably swarmed in layers when it comes to these colder months. The itch to buy something new that satisfies both fashion and function comes in full force when my jackets don’t quite match my scarf from seasons passed — scratching that itch just isn’t sustainable for students trying to save!
So what if I told you that a wardrobe refresh doesn’t have to mean a whole separate budget to spend on new clothes? The solution to our wardrobe worries is a lot closer to us than we think, with many swap shops popping up in the Cardiff area, we can welcome the new season with a new and sustainable wardrobe. As they say: ‘one woman’s trash, is another woman’s treasure’
The recent BDG Jeans Swap Shop last October 29th really put swap shops on the map for me as a saving student, the long queue was worth the wait in my humble opinion, and my new dark wash pair of jeans can attest to this. I had been saving several pairs in my Vinted Favourites, but to be able to find a pair in exchange for my summer one was even more rewarding and is equally sustainable. I am aware, however, that waiting in long lines out in the cold is not everyone’s forte, especially when the autumn wardrobe has yet to be acquired, so if you did unfortunately miss out on the BDG Jeans Swap Shop you’ll be happy to hear that similar concepts are gaining traction across the city and our campus!
For those looking to clear a few of their own pieces in one trip, mark your calendars for November 15th, Swap Don’t Shop is bringing its Cardiff edition to The Corp Market! The premise is simple: bring up to 5 clean articles of clothing, and for each corresponding 1 you’re given a token that you can exchange for something new. Worried they won’t have the perfect size? And even more great news for us saving students, the event is free, so be sure to secure your tickets on their website!
And, of course, keep an eye out for the swap shop on November 23rd at our favourite library, the ASSL, who are currently accepting donations. It’s another great opportunity to get involved in sustainable fashion without having to venture too far from uni.
When it comes to clothing as a collective, we all have something to contribute, and it’s what really makes these events matter. With already so many articles of clothing in circulation, there’s enough to go around, and it’s nice to know that your pieces of clothing will be well loved even when they’re no longer with you.
Happy swapping!
Words by: Inez Lanueva
