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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Amy Walters & Nia Dalton

'I haven't bought new clothes in 20 years - my kids don't know any different either'

A money-saving mum stashes away hundreds of pounds every year by only wearing pre-loved clothes - and says her kids love it too. Angela Morton, who lives in South Wales, scours charity shops and second-hand online marketplaces, such as eBay and Vinted, to hunt down bargains.

The mum-of-two has even convinced her children, Ben, 17, and Meighan, 16, to follow her lead, as well as dad and husband David, 40. Angela loves the "buzz" her savvy shopping habit brings and says it helps to keep them all looking "unique". She explained: "On just three items, I have saved around £1,304."

Angela hasn't bought brand new clothes in two decades (Jam Press)
Her kids have always worn pre-loved clothing too (Jam Press)

"My children have worn second-hand or handmade clothing for at least 10 years and have never had a problem with it," Angela said.

"They didn't know any different growing up and now they are older, they like vintage styles and that they can get more for their money.

"My son loves the 70s and 80s and enjoys vintage shopping. We enjoy vintage shopping as a family day out."

For the mum-of-two, she's previously scored a Vivienne Westwood bag that had only been used once for £56, and two Stella McCartney bags for £40, instead of a whopping £800.

Another one of her bargain finds, includes a pair of Dr Martens, which has lasted her for over eight years and set her back just £25.

She is always on the hunt for a bargain like this pair of Dr Martens from Vinted for just £25 (Jam Press)

Angela's second-hand shopping obsession started when she was 19, with a keen interest in vintage fashion.

"I have loved the 1950s and 1960s since I was younger, in particular the clothing and music," she said.

"I have never liked the styles of modern fashion and didn't want to look the same as everyone else."

Since then, she's shopped almost exclusively at charity shops, vintage stores, and on eBay for two decades - claiming 97 percent of her clothes are second-hand.

The only things Angela has bought are some new socks and some underwear from a sustainable brand – though most of her lingerie is still bought second-hand.

Angela said: "I occasionally buy new from brands such as Y.O.U. underwear.

"It is ethical and sustainable and has a buy-one-give-two model which means that every time you buy a pair of underwear they donate two pairs of underwear to 'Smalls for All'.

Angela's two children Ben and Meighan prefer vintage styles and always ask for second-hand (Jam Press)

"I do buy new socks though. I also purchase second-hand underwear, but they need to be unworn and 'new with tags'."

Her family even ask for second-hand items as gifts for special occasions.

"Ninety per cent of my son's presents were second-hand last Christmas, all of which he chose. It makes me really happy that they have chosen to do this," Angela said.

"I feel it's a better choice. I talk about the impact fast fashion has on the planet with them and I hope that this helps them make an informed choice.

"People need to realise that fast fashion is cheap because someone isn't getting paid."

To help others get started with second-hand shopping, Angela has also shared some of her top tips.

Angela says it's a 'buzz' buying designer items like this Stella McCartney bag for £20 (Jam Press)

She said: "If you want to do the same, you need to be mindful of what you need and shop around on second-hand sites like eBay, Depop, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace.

"Set up alerts for anything you want. Vinted is great as you can negotiate the price with the seller. Talk to your friends about swapping clothes, too.

"This is a great way of exchanging unwanted clothes. Start off with small changes and don't be hard on yourself – you don't need to be perfect to make a big difference!"

The mum's environmental and ethical concerns about what she's buying have also led her to set up her own business and as a family, they've also tried to cut down on their plastic waste.

Angela added: "I'm passionate about not impacting the planet or the people in the supply chain when making purchases.

"I set up my business, Equal=ibrium, two years ago to reduce plastic waste in the bathroom."

Do you only buy second-hand clothing? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.

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