September is a lot like January, offering the opportunity to pause, reflect and regroup before the busy fourth quarter sets in. And thanks to Second Hand September, the shopping campaign championed by Oxfam, it's also a great time to reconsider how we shop. Second Hand September encourages stepping away from fast fashion and rediscovering the value of reusing and repurposing what we already own.
Initially London's own range of accessories and linens is designed to be timeless and durable enough to last for years, and our bring-your-own (BYO) monogramming service offers the opportunity to transform almost anything (new or old) into something unique and personal. Monogramming is a great way give a charity shop find a stylish new look.
If you’re inspired to embrace Second Hand September through to October and beyond, here are a few ideas:
Gift sustainably and stylishly by supporting your local charity shops where you'll find pre-loved textiles such as vintage linens, denim, cashmere and accessories. Pre-loved baby clothes are fun things to restyle with a monogram... a hand-me-down becomes unique and personal once monogrammed.
Review your wardrobe as you change over your clothes from summer to autumn, and bring new life to a well-worn favourite with a monogram. You can even cover holes or stains with some creative embroidery.
When buying new, choose natural fabrics that age gracefully, wash well and decompose at the end of their useful lives. We love traditional British fabrics like linen, wool and leather, as well as textiles from further afield including organic cotton, canvas, jute, raffia and palm leaf.
Keep an eye out for monogramming in the charity and vintage shops. Even if the initials aren't your own, a monogrammed scarf or linens or bag brings along an extra dimension when you take it home. You can invent an acronym that works for the monogram initials to make it feel your own. Or you can add your own initials and consider yourself it's temporary guardian before you hand it back to the charity shop one day to continue its journey through the years.
Monogramming and second hand shopping are perfect partners, giving you the opportunity to style more and waste less. Making the centuries-old tradition of monogramming a part of the modern British lifestyle is our passion and, to that end, we will monogram anything... you can't imagine the kinds of things we've been brought for embroidery, laser-etching and embossing.