Festive Friday 9 Nov 2021
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Each Friday, in the run up to Christmas, we’ll be bringing you inspiration from local businesses and influencers to help you SHOP & ENJOY LOCAL this Christmas.
To kick things off – and get you party ready, we’ve teamed up with stylist ALEX STANDLY of LUXE LEOPARD LIFESTYLE. Her ethos is centred around slow fashion and Alex regularly works with a diverse range of eco-friendly, sustainable fashion brands and local charity and vintage shops to promote pre-loved shopping.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and the inspiration behind Luxe Leopard Lifestyle
I’m a Personal Stylist with 16 years experience studying and working in the Fashion Industry. I’ve worked as a Buyer for 13 years helping to create the trends and pieces you see on the high street.
The defining moment in my life happened when I was on maternity leave with my daughter in 2019 and being a first time mum it made me reevaluate a lot of things…you may also be able to relate?! Having been a buyer for 11 years at the time, I had become somewhat disillusioned with the fashion industry and the detrimental impact it has on people and the planet.
I had become accustomed to continuously buying into newness that wasn’t made to last in my wardrobe. I also felt somewhat that I had lost my identity and wanted to get back to the authentic and distinguished ‘me’ through my style.
This led me to the realisation that I wanted to help other women to adopt a more sustainable and individualised approach to fashion so that they can look and feel good about their style choices, as opposed to ‘just like everyone else’. I created a proven blueprint for getting busy professional women and mums committed to creating their own signature style in alignment with their values, and sustainable results fast.
What’s been your greatest career milestone in fashion?
Thats a difficult one, I’ve been very lucky to have the most amazing career! Before starting my styling business I enjoyed lots of perks as a Buyer for M&S travelling to amazing places such as Hong Kong, Cambodia and India, sourcing and producing collections. And I got to go on regular inspirational shopping trips to Paris, New York and the Far East. I also loved working on a collection with Twiggy at M&S, as she’d always been an inspiration to me. But I’d say my REAL highlight has been helping other women to shine and create an inner and outer glow through their style.
Why is it important people shop for pre-loved fashion?
It’s a great starting point when trying to make some changes to becoming a more conscious consumer. If everyone of us bought one preloved garment instead of new, it would save 517 billion lbs of C02 emissions equivalent to 6.6m trees being planted, 25 billion gallons of water and 449 million lbs of waste. Second hand clothing is 194-397 times less climate damaging than newly produced clothing, depending on the type of garment. Sustainable fashion is not all about hemp and bland combinations, it can be whatever you want it to be once you learn where to find the pieces attuned to your signature style. Preloved fashion also helps you to create your own unique style.
Where would you recommend people head to for pre loved fashion in St Albans?
We are lucky that we have the most amazing selection of charity shops in St Albans who offer some brilliant bargains on top quality items from brands we can trust. Some of my favourite charities to shop with in town are Scope in The Maltings, Oxfam on Chequer Street and Keech Hospice on High Street. There’s also a fab treasure trove of vintage pieces at Little Viking Vintage which is located in a gorgeous courtyard just off George Street. I’m also hoping to launch my own small collection of preloved pieces soon so watch this space!
Who is your biggest inspiration in the world of slow fashion?
That’s such a tough one! There’s a lot of inspiring women out there. My first big inspiration was Lauren Bravo who is a journalist and fashion activist, reading her book ‘How to Break Up With Fast Fashion’ was a big turning point in my journey to becoming more sustainable in my own shopping habits. I was lucky enough to interview her last year on my instagram and she was part of a panel for my Sustainable Fashion event back in May, as part of the Sustainable St Albans Festival.
What advice would you give to people when they go out shopping?
It’s really important to get clear on what works for your own unique style personality, colouring and body shape. Once you know what works for you shopping and getting dressed in the morning becomes so much easier and a lot of fun! I always recommend my clients to have a wish list each season of items they are looking for so they don’t stray too much! I also recommend taking photos of things you love when out shopping or scrolling online so you can have a think about it and make sure its right for them. Come up with at least 4 different outfits you would wear any new item with.
Tell us more about your business. How can people use your services?
I help busy professional women and mums to adopt a more sustainable and individualised approach to fashion so that they can look and feel good about their style choices, as opposed to ‘just like everyone else’.
I’ve created a proven blueprint – my ’Sustainable Signature Style Solution’ program for getting busy professional women and mums committed to creating their own signature style in alignment with their values, and sustainable results fast.
I also offer one off individual services such as Colour Analysis, Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Edits, all with a focus on sustainability. These are available online and in person.
How can people get in touch?
You can find out more about me over on my website at www.luxeleopardlifestyle.co.uk
Or come and join my lovely private Facebook group of supportive women on their style journey at www.facebook.com/groups/styleconfidencewithluxeleopardlifestyle
If you’d like to book in for a free breakthrough call to find out if you’d be a good fit for my Sustainable Signature Style Solution program you can book your call here https://bit.ly/2YZo2U2
Are you offering any Christmas promotions or gift items?
I offer gift vouchers over on my website in £50 increments or for specific services. I can also create bespoke packages for something more special you can find them at https://www.luxeleopardlifestyle.co.uk/book-online?category=8e5a1eb3-9635-4597-8419-72f8c4e12416
INSPO! Click here to see Alex’s pre-loved look books! https://luxeleopardlifestyle.shopshare.tv