Kat is a nurse-turned stay-at-home mum who loves sustainable fashion. With a dream to live a more simple life in the countryside and work for herself, she writes posts for her blog, The Style Cycle, on all things ethical and slow living. And we are loving it.
We loved speaking with Kat about the story behind The Style Cycle, and what’s giving her hope for the future (spoiler alert: it’s very cute). Read on to find out more.
Tell us about the content that you create
Whilst on maternity leave I decided to start a secondhand kids’ online clothing shop and that’s where The Style Cycle was born. 2 years later I evolved the website into a sustainable living blog as I am so passionate about creating a simple and sustainable lifestyle (as well as fashion).
So, in my spare time, I write posts for the blog and try to live as sustainably as I can. I love creating this type of content because it allows me to learn as I go along and hopefully inspire others to join me on their own journeys. I’m definitely not perfect and I’m sure I won’t ever be but I am loving the process of creating a slow & sustainable lifestyle for myself and my family.
What motivated you to start doing what you’re doing?
I actually became interested in sustainability accidentally when I was looking for a project on maternity leave. After a lot of research on the fashion industry, I couldn’t believe how badly it affected the environment and how badly garment workers were treated. This awareness plus the benefits of buying secondhand clothing motivated me to start The Style Cycle.
I stopped buying fast fashion and mostly only buy second hand clothes now. Occasionally I will buy something new from sustainable brands I love. Knowing where our clothes are from and who made them is so important. How can you not change your habits when you know how damaging it is to other people and the planet?
What’s some advice you have for people wanting to shop more consciously?
We are so used to buying things we don’t really love or even need because everything is so accessible (or at least it is here in the UK). So my advice would be to slow down and take a step back and really think about what it is you are buying. Think about whether you really need it, does it bring you joy and whether it is something you could wear for a long time. Can you shop your own wardrobe first?
I also love the concept of only buying something new if you will wear it 30 times or more & even if the answer to all of these questions is yes, try and get it secondhand first.
What’s a brand you really admire?
I have 2 favourites. This is Unfolded & Big Wild Thought.
Who’s one person that inspires you?
Venetia La Manna! I love her! She is a fair fashion campaigner I found on instagram. I really admire her bravery and ability to speak out for those without a voice. She is a massive advocate for garment workers who are unfairly treated and her recipes for disaster featuring fast fashion brands are brilliant! Defo worth a watch!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard?
‘You can say no because nothing is worth your mental health.’ I only really realised this in my 30s. It is a hard one to master if you’ve spent your life trying to please others but it is definitely worth working on.
I still don’t have it perfected but even being aware that we have a choice can be life changing.
What’s inspired you recently?
The thing that inspires me the most is seeing other people wearing and promoting sustainable fashion. I’ve noticed a rise in secondhand/charity shop accounts since I started TSC which is amazing.
Recently one of my friends who wears a lot of fast fashion called me to say she had bought a couple of items from the local charity shop. I couldn’t believe it! It reminded me that we can make a difference, even just by documenting the way we shop for clothes will inspire others to give it a go too.
What’s one change you wish to see in the world?
I would love to see people being kinder to each other. Especially online.
What’s one thing that’s giving you hope for the future?
My kids. My children who are 7 and 3 are already aware of the importance of caring for the environment.
They do a lot of projects about how to look after the planet at school and nursery which is so positive and gives me so much hope for the future.
What’s one quote that you live by?
“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.” – Brene Brown
What’s a wardrobe essential you can’t live without?
My Lululemon leggings – they are about 6 years old but I wear them ALL the time!
Thank you Kat for such a lovely conversation, and for creating such wonderful content as well. You can find more of Kat’s work on her website, or on her Instagram.