FAVOURITE SHIRT

Did you ever have an item of clothing that you adored? An item of clothing that you lived in and loved in until it fell off your body? That you wore so often that you memorised every flaw and stain, every bobble and snag from hours of idle study and contemplation? And, as if by magic, you can still recall the feel of it against your skin, even though it has been years since you wore it?

Special garments come and go; they are worn with love and in love.They are remembered for their patterns – from patterns to plaids, from weaves to prints. They are remembered for their texture, a feeling that remains in the mind long after the garment is gone. They are remembered for both embellishments and flaws, from the ladybird buttons on a dressing gown which looked great but were fiddly to fasten, to the tiny hole that has been slowly growing in your jeans until it is now a rather revealing rip.

They may even be remembered for their departure – a sudden loss through theft or forgetfulness, It may have been a happy adieu – the passing on to a loved one, or simply worn into unwearability.

Clothing can evoke memories, not just of textures and smells, but of times and places, parties and people, feelings and emotions.Where would we be without our favourite cardigan on cold dark nights – a handknitted hug in the form of a cardigan, a full-body flanellette massage from hand-me-down pyjamas, even the sensual caress of a silk undergarment.

Do you have an item of clothing that you just can’t bear to part with, even though you know it’s halcyon days are well and truly over? If so, Freaky Styley is here to help you maintain your memories. Subject to consultation and agreement, we can transform your old item into something brand spanking new and totally fabulous. Maybe you’d like an old pair of jeans transformed into a bag. Maybe you’d like your wedding dress turned into a christening outfit. Whether you have something in mind or you have an item but no idea of its potential,drop us a line and we’ll work something out!

For the record, of all the well-loved items to linger in the Freaky Styley wardrobe, the most tragic has to be a 1980s reversible 101 Dalmations sweater – bought new at the then-extravagant price of £25. This double-sided embarrassment is currently in the process of being converted into a quilt.

REUSE/RECYCLE

At Freaky Styley, we know that reusing and recycling is very important. But it’s not just about filling a bottle bank or collecting old tin cans – it’s about using up what’s around you.

The concept of reusing, recycling and reclaiming materials is no new phenomenon, as anyone who has lived through wartime will tell you. In World War 2, women were encouraged to ‘make do and mend’, and even new garments were subject to scrutiny – new fabric was scarce, so fashions were as minimalist as possible. In fact, guidelines were even written on the subject:



Interestingly, the make-do-and-mend ethic was maintained even in the 1970s and early 80s, with innovative seamstresses such as Ann Ladbury demonstrating on TV and in books how to work magic on tired old outfits. Even girls’ magazines such as Jackie promoted the idea. The recession-hit 1970s may have been a glum times for some, but many a young lady (and even the odd young man) were inspired to create their own looks.

Even literary heroines have been known to knock up something spectacular out of household objects, the most famous of which has to be Scarlett O’ Hara from Gone With the Wind:

The moss green velvet curtains felt prickly and soft beneath her cheek and she rubbed her face against them gratefully, like a cat. And then suddenly she looked at them.

“Scoot up to the attic and get my box of dress patterns, Mammy”, she cried, giving her a slight shove. “I’m going to have a new dress.”

So you see, it is possible to make beauty out of leftovers, and that’s what we do at Freaky Styley. Not only do we have ready-made garments, lovingly crafted from recycled and reclaimed items, but you can also request an item if there’s something specific you’ve got your eye on.

Visit us here and if you can’t find something to suit, just drop us a line!