UASHMAMA is a family-run business rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and timeless design, and we love meeting others who share the same values.
This month, we chatted with Bristol-based blogger Lyzi Unwin, who shares her second-hand and handmade outfits and slow living lifestyle on her blog and as @lyziunwin on Instagram.
Let’s find out more about Lyzi and her love for sustainable style in her own words.
UASHMAMA: Tell us a little about you and your sustainable style journey.
LYZI: I grew up in Devon, and discovered fashion, designers, and Vogue magazine as a teenager. I loved going to Topshop, but I also loved finding special and unusual things in vintage and charity shops to try and recreate looks I saw in magazines.
After a brief stint at uni, I started blogging, sharing what I was wearing and creating. I moved to Bristol permanently in 2012, and developed my blog further. At this stage, I wasn’t really aware of the effect of fast fashion, buying things I wanted without much thought.
A few years later, I started working at a local vintage shop - Rhubarb Jumble - where I learnt more about what goes into sourcing and caring for second hand clothing. A larger proportion of my wardrobe was now vintage, but I still had a bad habit of over-consuming clothing, even if a lot of it was pre-loved.
I also started making more clothes for myself in the last couple of years, which really helps you to see how much goes into making every garment.
In the last few years, conversations about fast fashion and the effects on our planet have become a lot more prevalent. I’ve learnt a lot, and buy so much less because of it. When I do buy, I do it consciously.
UASHMAMA: Why is sustainability important to you?
LYZI: Sustainability is important to me because I am now painfully aware of the effect both manufacturing and disposing of items has on people and the environment.
As a whole, I think we all need to be consuming more mindfully, and thinking more about the impact of our actions. Of course, there needs to be more done by governments and big corporations, but I do believe we can make a difference at an individual level too.
UASHMAMA: How has the attitude towards sustainable clothing changed over the last 5 years?
LYZI: My own attitude has changed a lot in the past 5 years - I definitely bought fast fashion in 2020 without any thought about where it was coming from, and they were items I didn’t need at all.
Unfortunately, in the blogger/influencer world, there are still a lot of people encouraging others to buy fast fashion, showing off hauls of clothing, and promoting over-consumption, but I do think it’s gradually getting less popular.
It seems to be “cool to care” again, and having more of a conscience when it comes to the environment and the people affected by making or disposing of items is important to a lot more people.
UASHMAMA: What first steps would you suggest to a person wanting to move towards more sustainable fashion choices?
LYZI: First, I would suggest looking at your wardrobe - what do you wear often, and what do you never reach for? Sell or donate the items you don’t wear, so that your wardrobe is full of garments you love.
Next, consider what you feel is missing from your wardrobe - what do you actually need (not just want)? These can of course be stylish pieces, but try not to be too trend-led. Think about what you actually love wearing, what your core style is, what colours you love, etc.
I write down any pieces I need in my notes app, so that when I’m in a charity shop or vintage store, I can see if there is anything that fits the criteria. It also helps me to not get too sidetracked when I’m scrolling my favourite reselling app Vinted.
I’m certain you can find pretty much everything you need pre-loved or made sustainably, it might just take a little longer than searching on a fast fashion website. Lastly, don’t buy something unless it’s as close to perfect as possible - the right colour, fit/size, and style.
If things need alterations, make sure you’re willing to actually do them or pay for someone to do them for you, or those clothes will end up being unworn items that you then need to get rid of.
Lyzi wearing one of her handmade outfits
UASHMAMA: Where do you find your sustainable style inspiration?
LYZI: Everywhere! I find style inspiration in the street (Bristol is full of very cool and stylish people), in my friends, on Instagram, and I’ve been trying to pin more outfit inspiration to my Pinterest boards lately, for those days that I don’t know what to wear.
I love seeing all the different ways people style items of clothing, and then figuring out how to create a similar vibe with what I already have in my wardrobe, rather than buying anything new.
UASHMAMA: How and where do you shop for sustainable items?
LYZI: Vinted is great, especially for replacing the non-sustainable items that I have worn to death, like my favourite Converse hi-tops - you can find so many pairs that have barely been worn, and at a fraction of the price.
Bristol is an amazing city for second-hand shopping, with charity shops in every neighbourhood, and a lot of really good vintage shops too. Gloucester Road is the mecca for this, where you’ll find my favourite vintage shop Rhubarb Jumble nestled among other indies and charity shops.
There are also loads of makers in Bristol who sew clothing in small quantities or to-order, to keep things more sustainable and less wasteful. I love Palace Flophouse for gorgeous linen pieces, and Hello Cleo for fun clothing and scrunchies made from off-cuts.
Like I mentioned, having a handy list of the items I feel I’m missing from my wardrobe really helps me to stay focussed and not over-buy.
Lyzi wearing a coat & shoes from Vinted and a skirt from a charity shop
UASHMAMA: How did you first discover UASHMAMA?
LYZI: It was via Aime at web design co Studio Cotton (who I work with) - I saw her working on the website, and fell in love with the little washable paper bag that now sits on my desk.
I love the sustainable ethos behind the brand, and the fact that they’re a family business. The washable paper is so innovative!
As recommended by Lyzi
We asked Lyzi to recommend 4 podcasts, blogs, Instagram accounts, or shops that she'd recommend to those on their sustainable style journey
@saint.thrifty on Instagram
I met Sophie through the blogging scene over a decade ago. In 2019 she made the decision to only buy pre-loved clothing, and started sharing important info about the clothing industry on Instagram, alongside cool second-hand outfits.
@twinbrett on Instagram
Brett shares really informative videos about the fashion industry - both designer and highstreet - lifting the lid on labour exploitation, use of synthetic fabrics, and other damaging practices.
@sustainablefashionfriend on Instagram
This creator does amazing deep-dives of fashion brands, discovering the supply chains and practices that they try to keep hidden.
@lauracurates on Instagram
Laura lives in London and shares slow fashion outfits and her favourite thrifty spots locally and on her travels, including charity shops, vintage, and sustainable brands. I’ve loved her latest posts from her trip to New York - one of my favourite places.
For more from Lyzi, make sure to check out her blog, and follow @lyziunwin on Instagram for regular updates, and browse her Pinterest boards for sustainable style inspiration.
If you’d like more from us, make sure to scroll the UASHMAMA blog for style guides, travel inspo, and more Q&As with cool creatives. And while you’re here, why not take a look at our sustainable Christmas decorations, as the festive period is edging closer!