This year, I’m wearing only second-hand clothes for a year – well, buying them.

From charity shops, vintage markets and eBay. I’ll be spending less on clothes, making less impulse purchases, wearing more unusual things, accessorising better, giving more money to charity and generally not giving money to sweatshop factories via the high street.

I’m doing this throughout 2011 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, although other charities directly benefit whenever I shop at their stores.

Why, you ask? My Dad and his, both had cancer. Dad began his eternal sleep on 7th January this year. I originally began Prelovedreloved.co.uk as a focus for my family, to fundraise and help keep us strong in the dark times. Now I continue to fundraise in Dad’s memory, to raise awareness of cancer and other conditions, to promote the plight of selfless fundraisers and brave individuals who overcome the near-impossible. Not only is this about sickness, but also about promoting ethical fashion. It’s about learning to save money, changing my shopping habits, meeting new people and most of all having fun on this journey.

And it’s not as easy as it sounds! I’m really finding it hard to find some new summer pieces, so am starting to buy items to alter and amend. I am starting to amass a collection of vintage buttons to update some of my current wardrobe items, and intend to invest in a few pairs of vintage shoes to completely change my look from day to day. My favourite vintage period is the 1950s - luckily this is quite a popular era so there’s plenty to choose from and it’s very easy to wear - especially to the office.

I’ve flirted with second-hand accessories and tops (my local Cancer Research UK store on Ealing Broadway is a treasure trove) including brands such as Monsoon and River Island. I also have quite a large wardrobe, but I love new garments (new to me, anyway) so although I won’t struggle to dress myself, I will be updating my outfits as the seasons come and go.

One of my favourite items ever in my wardrobe was my first vintage piece. I can’t tell you where it’s from as the label has long-since faded. Why is it my favourite? My Mum gave it to me. Actually, that could be a lie – I may have pinched it from her during my second-year at University after an impromptu visit home and having nothing glam to wear. Thanks Mum.

You can follow my blog, complete with outfit posts and video blogs, at www.prelovedreloved.co.uk - I look forward to seeing you!