Zoe wears a colourful selection of clothes and accessories all from local charity shops 
A selection of shoes from local charity shops, including Savatore Ferragamo and Gina
It is sobering to realise that half a million tonnes of discarded clothing end up in UK landfill sites every year.
Over the last decade, the UK has become a nation of fast, low-cost fashion. A combination of trends moving faster from catwalk to high street, and prices driven down by frenzied demand and ferocious competition, has led to fashion becoming ever more disposable. Whilst most of us have fallen prey to the "want it cheap, want it now" mentality, the tide is beginning to turn in favour of a more thoughtful and considered approach to style.
Whilst the clothing industry is a complex one, there are many ways to adopt a more "eco friendly" approach to fashion:
Make a conscious effort to cut down on impulse buys so that you only have a core wardrobe of useful, good quality garments
Look for "Fair trade" labels, which means that producers have been paid a fair wage - in February this year Oundle qualified for "Fair Trade Town" status - meaning it is a great place to shop ethically... Rainbow Cave (2 St Osyth's Lane), sells only Fair Trade clothing, and "Beauty with Ruth" (94 West Street), and Oxfam (39 West Street), both sell great Fair Trade jewellery
Look for Organic Standard labels, which means that clothing is made without the use of toxic chemicals (kinder to the environment as well as the skin)
Enrol on a local college adult learning course, and learn how to make your own clothes
Buy from designer "nearly new" or charity shops - you'll be in good company!
Go vintage - and recycle great quality clothes (the workmanship of clothes from the 40s/50s/60s in particular, was often far superior to today)
Always recycle any unwanted clothes through charity shops, or recycling bins
Finally, instead of hitting the shops, why not organise a "clothes swap" evening with some like-minded friends - fun and ethical!
Multicoloured hand made handbags designed by Sue Stephens using materials all sourced from charity shops
"To me, shopping is more than just going to the high street and buying the latest 'on trend' look. I want one off pieces, value for money and an exciting shopping experience. This is why my number one shopping destination is the charity shop! The thrill of the hunt for that perfect bargain, and, on 'lucky' days, finding a whole outfit for less than £10, is fantastic. The knowledge that your hard earned cash is going to support a worthwhile cause is the icing on the cake. What more could a girl want?"
"Locally we are spoilt for choice. Believe me; I have sampled charity shops across the country! We have some real treasure troves on our own doorstep - charity shops with the most wonderful managers and friendly volunteers, who work really hard to filter stock, and to make sure that new items go out on to the shop floor every single day. "
"My favourites are the Cancer Research, Help the Aged, Oxfam, and LOROS shops in Oakham, and Age Concern in Uppingham."
"The majority of my wardrobe comes from these outlets, including Levi jeans, right through to designer Missoni dresses, and even Karen Millen corsets! I love accessories and have found designer handbags, jewellery, shoes, hats, gloves, pashminas and much more! "
"I also customise some of my charity shop buys, to ensure that they are truly unique. I've knitted, adorned garments with buttons and beads, and even shredded material to create recycled handbags. When things are so cheap you can release your "inner designer!"
"Overall, this way of shopping is rewarding, creative, and ethical, yet I am getting some amazing clothes too. I find 'normal shopping' pretty dull in comparison!"
"I cannot remember a time when I didn't sew. I vividly remember making a lovely deep blue pinafore dress and pale blue striped blouse when I was 12 or 13 (I was at school in Holland at the time and was furious because one of my friends got her mum to make a copy of my outfit!). I never did any formal training, until, at the grand age of fifty, I got the chance to enrol at the College of West Anglia, Isle Campus, in Wisbech, to do a National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing. After much hard work, and many late nights, I achieved my goal and gained a Diploma with three Distinctions."
Michèle wears grey hobby coat by MAvdG
Michèle wears MAvdG wool and mohair coat and (inset) matching bag which was made from the remnants!
MAvdG bodice from silk paper, and silk cocoons, hand dyed with machine and hand embroidery
"Recently, it was very exciting to see my garments included in a fashion show at the Cambridge Corn Exchange in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, and also to see another of my outfits modelled on the Clothes Show Live! catwalk at the NEC, Birmingham, in front of thousands of people."
"In April this year, I decided to take the plunge and register my business, MAvdG. The clothes that I make can be anything from jackets and coats, to skirts and dresses - I love quirky and unusual details, such as bright linings and wonderful buttons, and embellishment in the form of beads, embroidery and ribbons. Fabric is incredibly important to me; I buy the best quality possible. Silks, woollens, linens and velvets are my absolute favourites."
"My clothes are the opposite of fast, throwaway fashion. My aim is to provide women with beautiful, unusual, and, indeed, unique items of clothing that they will be able to cherish and enjoy for many years to come."
Michèle can be contacted on 07940 911464 or email michelevandegeest@hotmail.com All MAvdG prices on application
"I think my business has been such a success here, because people are able to buy designer made, top quality items, whilst making a great saving on the original price."
"Even though my stock is pre-owned, I select and edit the collection to ensure that everything is absolutely pristine. Much of my collection comes from private owners in London, and so I can offer many brands that wouldn't otherwise be available in the area."
Issa dress £150, Arch
Jimmy Choo booties £295, Arch
Pringle bag with detachable strap £200, Arch
"The things that I am selling are not mass-produced, and they just look and feel so much better than the fast fashion that is out there on the high street. My philosophy is based around investment dressing ...buying something that will last for years, and give you a truly unique look. It is so rewarding to hear that my regular customers often get stopped in the street and complimented on their clothes!"
Jo Prichard, who is one of Susie's many loyal shoppers, comments:-"I moved to this area after living around London for 20 years, and I never imagined that I'd be lucky enough to find a Chanel handbag or some perfect Jimmy Choo shoes in Stamford! I have friends who now make regular visits from London, and Arch is always the first port of call!"
Susie accepts designer clothing and accessories for the shop, by appointment only. Arch is open Monday-Friday 10am - 4 pm and Saturday 10am -5 pm
Arch Label Agency, 10a Maiden Lane, Stamford PE9 2AZ Tel: 01780 764746
Photography of Zoe and Michèle by Frances Balam Tel: 01572 737226