From Fast Fashionista to Sustainable Stylist
I always felt like I was destined to be working in the fashion industry.
In 2018 I set up Petra's Wardrobe. You might've seen me on Instagram flogging cheap, "on-trend" garments packaged in more plastic than an amazon parcel, in a desperate attempt to make a name for myself in the fashion industry. I hold my hands up, I made mistakes. Honestly, I'd get embarrassed when people would ask how it was going with my shiny new business and bumble my way through networking events. I wanted to dress people, I wanted to make people feel good about themselves, and clothing was always my go-to when I wanted a pick-me-up. Looking back, I understand why I got caught up in the all-consuming whirlwind that is fast fashion. The infinite wholesale stock, new trends each week, the 'glamour' of posting myself and my customers in their purchases on my carefully curated Instagram page.
One day, a lady messaged me to ask me if I knew where one of the jumpers I had for sale was made. Of course, had no idea, so I told her I'd find out! Reader - it was never going to be that simple. After weeks of being sent in circles from the supplier, I did my own research and realized I was part of a massive problem. I was feeding the fast fashion frenzy. Repulsed by my actions and quite frankly scared of the situation I’d put myself in, I donated all remaining stock to a local Youth Organisation and vowed to work against that fast fashion subindustry I had entwined myself in.
“I realised I was a part of a massive problem. I was feeding the fast fashion frenzy.”
I started to think about how I could hold onto the dream of working in fashion without buying into the ugly side of it. The idea came to me when we were getting ready to publish the first issue of The Glasgow Lifestyle Magazine. We had a huge launch party planned and I couldn't find anywhere to rent pretty dresses without there being a huge fee attached. I thought about how many people, like myself, would just buy an item for a special occasion then render it useless after one wear, banishing it to the black hole known as our wardrobes.
Born was the idea of offering affordable rentals. Sustainable and stylish.
Then lockdown came. With that came a little extra time, which, when I wasn't baking banana bread, trying to keep a 1 year old occupied, or doing zoom quizzes, I used to educate myself on both sustainability within fashion and the world of personal styling. I had always been the go-to girl in my friendship group for everything fashion related, plus I inherited an eye for detail from my sweet grandma. Granted, when I was in my late teens and in my experimental phase, I did rock up to work on more than one occasion with some questionable looks! But that’s all part of the fun!
I myself have always been really thrifty, finding bargains in charity shops, cutting up my mum's maxi skirts, and turning them into dresses for parties! I have a knack for making something out of nothing, or seeing the potential in often overlooked items. I like to think I'm seeing the beauty beyond the surface. This, along with an aim to spread feel-good vibes, is why the OOTM box was created. All items are sustainably sourced, bespoke to the client's personal style, and shipped off in 100% recyclable packaging.
I’ve been on my sustainable style mission for over 2 years now and I don’t think 23-year-old me would ever have dreamed of half the opportunities this journey has given me! What started as offering some secondhand rentals (which I now host on ByRotation) has spiraled into working 1-2-1 styling my lovely clients, hosting workshops and events to promote sustainability along with styling editorial photoshoots with secondhand clothing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this Sustainable Stylist!
