Be Your Own Label

Get  the Vintage Vibe!

If you’re after style ideas, look no further than your nearest vintage shop. But forget the high street – these thrifty boutiques are found down quirky back streets and pretty alleys! They usually have a wonderful window – and a wacky name (our faves so far: Retro Wind, Grandma Treasure, The Rusty Trunk and Flashy Pelican. What’s thaddabout?!)

Most vintage shops are independently-owned (take that, fast fashion fat-cats!) It means the staff just love cool clothes, and are happy to talk ALL THINGS THRIFT! Best of all, their shops are stocked with unique and exciting things.

So now you’re asking, ‘what does ‘vintage’ mean exactly? ‘Something my nan would wear?’ No! Not unless she’s one groovy gran (or hasn’t changed her skirt in 50 years...ew!)

The term "vintage" is used to describe pre-loved clothes (anything between 20 and 100 years old) with a distinctive retro style. Many vintage shops also produce their own, creatively customised clothes. So expect funky patterns and sleek tailoring. Bright colours, big collars, crazy sleeves – and flares!

Browsing in vintage shops is super fun, but garments can be a bit pricey. If you’re short of cash – and inspiration - we say JUST BROWSE!  Try stuff on, check out how things have been stitched together. Grab some great ideas for your next upcycle, then run home and ‘run it up’ yourself!

(And don’t feel too guilty: When you’re a successful designer, you can come back and buy up the store!)

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Are you a sustainable style queen - or a fast fashion freak?
Do our quiz to find out!

Are you a sustainable style queen - or a fast fashion freak?
Do our quiz to find out!

If you’re after style ideas, look no further than your nearest vintage shop. But forget the high street – these thrifty boutiques are found down quirky back streets and pretty alleys! They usually have a wonderful window – and a wacky name (our faves so far: Retro Wind, Grandma Treasure, The Rusty Trunk and Flashy Pelican. What’s thaddabout?!)

Most vintage shops are independently-owned (take that, fast fashion fat-cats!) It means the staff just love cool clothes, and are happy to talk ALL THINGS THRIFT! Best of all, their shops are stocked with unique and exciting things.

So now you’re asking, ‘what does ‘vintage’ mean exactly? ‘Something my nan would wear?’ No! Not unless she’s one groovy gran (or hasn’t changed her skirt in 50 years...ew!)

The term "vintage" is used to describe pre-loved clothes (anything between 20 and 100 years old) with a distinctive retro style. Many vintage shops also produce their own, creatively customised clothes. So expect funky patterns and sleek tailoring. Bright colours, big collars, crazy sleeves – and flares!

Browsing in vintage shops is super fun, but garments can be a bit pricey. If you’re short of cash – and inspiration - we say JUST BROWSE!  Try stuff on, check out how things have been stitched together. Grab some great ideas for your next upcycle, then run home and ‘run it up’ yourself!

(And don’t feel too guilty: When you’re a successful designer, you can come back and buy up the store!)

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"The Swish is properly interesting. A teen novel about creativity, confidence and upcycling clothes. About  time!" Dawn French

Schoolgirl Kat Parker is a ‘thrift shop Cinderella’ - she can turn old clothes into gorgeous new outfits with the flash of her needle!  But when disaster threatens, can she craft her own happy ending? Dare Kat take on the bullies, and make her own gown for the school ball?

" Great book – a lovely read for teens"
 LORRAINE CANDY, SUNDAY TIMES bestseller and parenting expert

" Tash’s book is very timely - its upbeat, practical message will go a long way to inspiring young people"
EMMA SCOTT, ORGANISER OF RETHINK FASHION DORSET

" Such a great read! Witty and warm, with a brilliant message - my tween loved this book. I'm now hoping it will help wean her off Primark"

" Lovely story. My daughter was so inspired to thrift and upcycle she has started sewing away, creating beautiful outfits."

" A super fun read - ‘Geek Girl’ meets the ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’! Ideal book to get your teenagers off their phones/screens & inspired about sustainable fashion."

" A gripping, funny story about the importance of friends and family, and being resilient. Great read!"

The Swish Album

Music inspired by the YA novel
The Swish by Tash Bell.

"The Swish is properly interesting. A teen novel about creativity, confidence and upcycling clothes. About  time!"
Dawn French

Schoolgirl Kat Parker is a ‘thrift shop Cinderella’ - she can turn old clothes into gorgeous new outfits with the flash of her needle!  But when disaster threatens, can she craft her own happy ending? Dare Kat take on the bullies, and make her own gown for the school ball?

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" Great book – a lovely read for teens"
 LORRAINE CANDY, SUNDAY TIMES bestseller and parenting expert

" Tash’s book is very timely - its upbeat, practical message will go a long way to inspiring young people

"
 
EMMA SCOTT, ORGANISER OF RETHINK FASHION DORSET

" Such a great read! Witty and warm, with a brilliant message - my tween loved this book. I'm now hoping it will help wean her off Primark

"

" Lovely story. My daughter was so inspired to thrift and upcycle she has started sewing away, creating beautiful outfits.

"

" A super fun read - ‘Geek Girl’ meets the ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’! Ideal book to get your teenagers off their phones/screens & inspired about sustainable fashion.

"

" A gripping, funny story about the importance of friends and family, and being resilient. Great read!

"

The Swish Album

Music inspired by the young adult novel
The Swish by Tash Bell.

We love to hear from you! Share your cool creations and thrifty finds with us at hello@theswish.co.uk

Want  the Swish to run a fashion upcycling workshop at your school or youth group? Just shout!

We love to hear from you! Share your cool creations and thrifty finds with us at hello@theswish.co.uk

 

Want  the Swish to run a fashion upcycling workshop at your school or youth group? Just shout!