After my article about The Exchange, Lancaster I wanted to have a chance to really rummage around among some of the amazing clothes and accessories that they have available. So I decided it would be interesting to see what outfits I might be able to put together for upcoming events in North. So, if you’re looking for ideas for events and festivals look no further!
Festivals and one-off events are one of the biggest sources of throwaway fashion. Every year about 7.5 Million Festival outfits are single use. With that amount, you could give everyone living in Jamaica, Lithuania, and Cyprus a new outfit… and still have 500,000 outfits left over! The problem with these outfits is that they’re often not made to last more than one festival, and can break easily… and because they’re so cheap, it’s not “worth” repairing them, so they end up in the bin. This accelerated production of garments puts massive stress on raw materials, water, and energy. So, instead, why not go and get a piece that’s going to last for years and can be worn again and again?
A big thank you to Izzy and The Exchange for helping me pick out/put these outfits together. NOTE: All outfit items were available when I picked them out on Saturday 2nd August, and may have sold in the week since. If you like any of these items, don’t hang about, either get down to the Exchange or drop them a message on Instagram to reserve them.
1940s Weekend/Vintage
Whilst the Exchange often has vintage pieces in, I couldn’t see/find anything that was exactly 1940s Vintage vibe that would have been perfect for the Lytham 1940s Weekend (Saturday 16th/Sunday 17th August), so instead I found these two pairs of shoes that had a cute Mary-Jane vibe that could work well with a 1940s dress! There were also some vintage brooches and earrings on display that could add a unique addition to any outfit.
Russell & Bromley – Size 4 – £45 (RRP £200+)
Clarks – Size 6.5 – £26.50
Leeds Festival
Leeds Festival takes place on August Bank Holiday weekend and with these two choice outfits you’ll be ready for anything!
Boho Look
This one was picked out by Izzy as to what she would wear to Leeds Festival for a more Boho look…
Lanvin Sunglasses – £80 (RRP £180+)
Cream Boho Shirt – M – £24.50
Mango Suede Shorts – UKS8 – £40
Le Chameau Wellies – S5 – £98.50 (RRP £160+)
All Saints shoulder bag in oxblood – £70 (RRP £229)
Rock ‘N’ Roll Look
This one was picked out by me for a bit more of a Rock and Roll kind of vibe!
Rino & Pelle Leather Jacket – UKS8 – £48.50 (RRP £85+)
The Kooples Tank & Skirt – XS – £40 each (RRP £120+ each)
Dune Shoes – S 6.5/7 – £30 (RRP £79+)
Fresher’s Week
Fresher’s Week is usually the last week in September or the first week in October, and with this cosy jumper & jeans combo you’ll be ready for those early autumn temperatures.
Kenzo Jumper – M – £45 (I loved this jumper, it looked so cosy!) (RRP £270+)
AGOLDE Balloon Jeans – 29″ waist – £45 (RRP £320+)
Tory Burch Flats – S5 – £65 (RRP £225+)
Flower Show/Garden Fair
Hobbs Flower Print Dress – UKS16 – £26.50 (RRP £169+)
Office Sandals in Brown – S6 – £28 (RRP £59+)
Fat Face Fedora – £15 (RRP £25)
Lancashire Game and Country Festival
Saturday 6th/Sunday 7th September 2025 at Scorton Showground.
Light Barbour Jacket in Blue – UKS8 – £65 (RRP £112+)
Polo Trousers by Ralph Lauren – XS – £39.50 (RRP £175+)
Tod’s Loafers – S5 – £245 (RRP £695)
Blackpool Illuminations/Light Up Lancaster
I also wanted to include something a bit warmer as we approach the end of summer, so here’s an idea for something to keep you a bit more snug to go and see Blackpool Illuminations (end of September) or Light Up Lancaster (November (might need a scarf for that one too!!).
Massimo Dutti Leather Jacket – Size S/M – £80 (RRP £299)
M&S Mesh Shirt in cream – M – £20
Topshop Corduroy in cream – UKS12 – £22.50
Obviously this is just a very small selection of what is available, and you’ve really got to go for a rummage to truly appreciate everything that is available. For example one of things I found was a gorgeous Balmain mini dress. It was HEAVY with beading and beautifully detailed and was on sale for £145. Considering that (looking at the Balmain website) their mini dresses currently retail for anywhere between £1,500 to a shocking £15,000(!!!!), this is an absolute steal. Sadly, it was a size XS and would probably have gone up one of my legs and that’s about it! But if you’re petite or want to give an amazing present for a petite friend/family member – that dress would be perfect. And there’s so many more things like in there, you’ve just got to go looking! Isn’t that so much better than a fast fashion item that will fall apart after one wear?
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