8 Tips for Sustainable Fashion on a Budget

In this day and age most of our wardrobes are full of clothes from fast-fashion brands such as Primark and Missguided. By fast-fashion we mean cheaply made, cheaply sold clothes that we may decide to toss away after a couple of wears. This is hugely unsustainable and unethical on the environment and those working to give us the clothing we wear every day.

You may think it’s hard to be more ethical without reaching deep into your pockets or shopping for completely obscure brands but GOLD wants to prove you wrong…

Source: Pinterest

1.     Research!

The main reason we fall into a trap when it comes to ethical fashion is that we don’t read up on the background of the brands we’re buying from. If there’s no real information to be found on where the clothes are made or how they are made then you should probably question it! Just by doing this you can do your bit and make up your mind for yourself whether you want to shop somewhere or not.

2.     Swap your wardrobe!

Whether you attend an organized clothing swap or just swap your clothing with friends and family, you are helping to keep a sustainable wardrobe. Just because you may not want to keep or re-wear an item of clothing, doesn’t mean that someone else won’t find joy in it and you might get something you have always wanted for free!

Source: moneycrashers.com

3.     Donate clothes

Taking your clothes to charity shops instead of binning them is one way of being more sustainable whilst doing something for a good cause. H&M also run a scheme in which you can drop off any unwanted clothes to any store worldwide and they will do the rest. Your clothes are then either donated directly to charity or given a new lease of life instead of being turned to landfill.

Source: www.brandchannel.com

       4.     Don’t buy if you won’t wear

When trying to be more sustainable it’s important to think about what you’re buying. If you don’t see yourself wearing an item of clothing on multiple occasions, it’s probably not worth buying at all. By being more conscious about this we can be more ethical whilst actually saving a ton of money in the long run!

  5.     Look after your clothes

One of the reasons a lot of our clothing gets chucked in the bin is down to its condition. Although fast-fashion is cheaply made and therefore more likely to break more easily, there are ways we can look after and preserve our clothes to limit how much we get rid of. Just by looking at the washing instructions instead of ignoring them we can really extend the life of our wardrobe. Also air-drying is usually better than tumble-drying. Keep it in mind!

        6.     Look in charity shops or vintage shops

Obviously this takes a bit of searching and browsing but by buying second-hand clothing we are really helping to be more sustainable and ethical. Don’t give up after looking in one shop though, persevere and you may be surprised at what you find! London especially has some amazing vintage shops and with the whole vintage trend becoming more of a thing at the moment, you can’t really go wrong!

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 7.     Less is more

Quality over quantity when it comes to fashion any day. By sticking to staple pieces such as a simple good-quality white t-shirt or leather jacket you will be much better off in the long-run. Yes, you may spend a little more to begin with, but by doing this you will actually SAVE money as you will not have to keep re-buying as regularly.

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8.     Buy handmade items

Look at sites such as Etsy, where you can buy handmade garments, as you can see exactly where the items are coming from and know they were not made cheaply in a completely different continent. By doing this you are not only helping to be more sustainable but helping someone’s small business or side-venture to grow.

 By following these few tips you can be more sustainable without splashing the cash on designer brands and hugely expensive items. After all, every little thing you do can help…

Working Hard is a Hard Work - Ways To Cope With The Bad Days

Self-doubt, stress, anxiety, it happens even to the most fearless ones… and it certainly happens to students. 

We all get tired once in a while and guess what... you're totally allowed to.
Breakdowns have become somewhat an “inherent” part of student life as we know it. And we learn to turn it all into jokes and memes. Fair enough, it helps to cope with everything. It makes us feel better to see we’re not the only ones struggling with similar problems.

As much as working hard (or hardly working, depending on what kind of student you are – we’re not judging) moments of stress might get to us all. Whether it's approaching deadlines, the amount of work you have to do or the big unknown in general – life. Here are some gold reminders on how to deal with the 'bad days'. The points are simple but often forgotten in a daily rush.   

*Mind that we are not medical professionals nor these points should be taken as medical advice as such, for any help head to ANXIETY UK or call 03444 775 774 if you're experiencing a severe anxiety/panic attacks*

1. A DAY OFF 

This doesn't necessarily have to be spent somewhere in the mountains or somewhere in a luxury hotel (but that would be amazing), your house can turn into just the escape place you need. Buy some face masks, light some candles make sure the day is all about you and doing whatever makes you happy. 

2. MUSIC

A cliché, but WAY helpful! Research conducted over the years proves that music not only boosts your mood but also the immune system and is beneficial in decreasing levels of stress hormone. 

3. DANCE IT OUT, SQUAT IT OUT - YOU CHOOSE
It doesn't have to be a two-hour gym sesh, any form of movement that will get your heart racing will suffice. Exercise in all forms and kinds is good not only for your body but also for your mind. You might want to wipe off the dust from your bike, head to your local swimming pool or blast on the volume and just dance! 

4. ORGANIZE
‘I’ll make a study plan for the new term and stick to it.’ Ha, yeah right. Do we ever? 

I’m not lying when I say that I usually fail to do that, but the satisfaction of doing all the chores that were on the list is divine. And it's worth keeping that in mind. Having a sense of accomplishment reduces the fear and anxiety about the multitude of work that is to be done.
Planning out things helps us focus and stay on track with responsibilities. Making a study plan, a reading plan or any plan will certainly help you get back in the game and brings clarity. 

Knowledge is power - the more you know the less stressed you are. 
(We know how this looks in reality… buying, flicking through printables, printing them and not filling them… I mean the pages look nice blank too, right? But we’re here to remind you to grab a pen and get it all down!)

5. APPS
In the digital age, we might find a solution to the stress problem in our app store.
There are plenty of apps that offer support during the anxiety attacks such as: 
• calm. is an app which offers over 100+ guided meditations, sleep stories and music chosen specifically to help you focus, relieve stress and anxiety; 
CLICK
• HEADSPACE where you can find 'exercises to add extra mindfulness to your day, and hundreds of meditations on everything from stress to sleep'
CLICK
And last but not least... get enough sleep. We're all students, we understand because we can relate - that's why we're reminding you! 

***If you’re suffering (or suspect you might suffer) from any mental health issues make sure to talk to someone about it, whether your family, friends or school/uni councillors. People are there to help you and it’s always good to have someone to talk to!***


It’s good to look after yourself first before you start looking out for anything or anyone else. It’s all about self-love and self-care after all!

And in the middle of all the hard work you do, put your mental health first - don’t forget to relax… you’re allowed to have bad days, you're allowed to be tired. 

TOP 7 LFW 2019 Runway Looks On a Budget

London Fashion Week 2019 has come to an end leaving the world of fashion with a dose of new inspirations. We know... the word 'designer' might frighten our pockets, that's why we created TOP 7 looks from London's runway shows. Looking good without spending thousands of pounds? We got you!

1. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

2. BURBERRY

3. PETER PILOTTO

4. HOUSE OF HOLLAND

5. VICTORIA BECKHAM

6. PORTS 1961

7. ASAI

[runway photos] source: lfw2019.co.uk


If you're an undergraduate student, don't forget about UNiDAYS, StudentBeans and NUS that offer extra discounts on clothing (and so much more).

Valentine's Day On A Budget

How to get the best out of Valentine’s day without breaking the bank.

We all know how financially troubling the celebration of love can be. It seems as though we’ve only just said bye to Christmas and yet here’s another celebration waiting to take up all our hard-earnt cash. But Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be all about who can spend the most money: sometimes the most creative ideas and gifts can be the best. That’s why we’ve provided you with some fresh, alternative and most importantly, cheaper ideas to traditional date nights, as well as some creative gift suggestions both you and your significant other can really enjoy.

Get Creative

When it comes to finding the perfect gift, sometimes all it takes is a bit of creativity. One of the more obvious, but still timeless gifts you can make, is of course a photo album of all the favourite memories you've shared. You can go traditional and print all of your pics in an old scrapbook or you can even get tech-savvy and make a video of all the snaps you've taken together. This way your date can appreciate your hard work whilst being taken back in time to relive those great moments - it's a win win.

Food. Now that's something trusted to win over anyone's heart. So cooking bae's favourite meal will gain you some serious brownie points. Not only does it prove that you know them, but it also saves you a tonne of cash from dining out. Result.

If cooking isn't your forte, then try creating a hamper of all the little things they love. This could be their favourite snacks, accessories or even their favourite bottle of wine. You could also give it a theme - are they sporty, crafty, fashionable? Creating a hamper around a particular topic may even make it easier and hey, they're pretty fun to make too.

You'll be glad to know the next idea is completely free (well, if you have a music app of any sort). For Valentine's this year, you could make a playlist for that special someone. Nothing says romance quite like putting together a playlist of all their favourite songs and perhaps even throwing in a few suggestions and throwbacks too.

If you're lucky enough to have a talent, then why not show off your skills as well as your affection for a gift idea this Valentine’s. Whether it's creating a piece of jewellery, sewing together an item of clothing or painting a picture - showcasing your talent as well as your appreciation for the one you love can have much more value than any high-end designer product.

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DIY Dates

Now we know how having a night in with a take-away can sound a bit, well… basic. But what about dedicating your Valentine’s day date to a movie marathon of all your favourite films, or even a series that you’ve been meaning to binge watch together? This way you can also avoid that awkward hour spent deciding on what to watch, plus you won’t have to spend half your pay-check on some popcorn like you would at the cinema.

Get out the face masks because it’s time for a luxury spa date… in the comfort of your very own home. Yep, where best to feel relaxed than lying comfortably in your own bed? We know spa dates can be a tad on the expensive side, which is why you should treat your partner to their very own spa created by you. Get the candles ready and brush up on those massage techniques because this is the type of date they’re bound to remember.

We often neglect games but that’s because we often forget how fun they can actually be! Be honest: when’s the last time you sat down and played a good old classical board game? - and no, we’re not talking about Christmas with the family here. Rediscover your old games and challenge boo to a night of trivia. Or even better, take out another controller and spend the day battling it out on FIFA, GTA or Mario Kart. It’s a great way to unleash your competitive side and is bound to keep the date fun and entertaining… just don’t be too much of a sore loser afterwards.

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Get Money Smart

If staying in isn’t your thing, then why not explore the hidden parts of your city through some great apps! You could check out Obby.com which offers a range of exciting masterclasses, from cocktail making classes to photography lessons so you’ll be sure to get those Instagram pics glowed up in no time. For the thrifty people out there, there’s great apps like Groupon which gives you high end locations at affordable prices – whether it’s restaurants, hotels or even travel deals.  

You could even go second hand: we know charity shops aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but you’ll be surprised at the amount of great gift ideas you can find through marketplace apps such as Depop and Vinted. And of course, don’t neglect websites such as Ebay or Amazon – just because it’s belonged to someone else before, doesn’t mean it won’t make a perfect gift.

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Whatever you choose to do, make sure you have the right company beside you and nothing will stop the two of you having a fun, romantic night.

Wake Up Motivated

source: Instagram.com/brigitadaisy 

Waking up early in the mornings is a big no-no for most of us, but it turns out being a morning person isn’t so bad after all. 

Let’s get real, hitting snooze is the only thing we’re motivated to do in the morning. Sometimes waking up early can be the last thing on our minds. So, we’ve put together five simple steps to help you out and drag that lazy ass out of bed.  

1.    Place Your Phone On the Opposite Side Of The Room

This has been said many times before but it works. Having your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room means you’ll actually have to get up out of bed. Unless of course, you want to listen to that awful piercing sound that we call an alarm. 

This is a quick and effective step that already helps you tackle the hardest part of any morning: getting out of bed. 

2.     Eat Breakfast 

Everyone says it’s the most important part of the day - and it is. Even if you don’t particularly like eating first thing in the morning, eating something simple like a piece of fruit is much better than nothing. And if you want to make every minute in bed count, there’s always the solution of having breakfast on the go.

All in all, eating breakfast in the morning has proven to improve your mood, focus and memory, making it a key factor in setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Plus, it’ll be the first out of many smart decisions you’ll make today.

source: Pinterest

3.      Play That Funky Music

Whether you’re into punk, classical or pop music, listening to your favourite tunes in the morning can give you that morning motivation and positive mindset you need. This is such a simple, yet convenient step that you can incorporate into your daily morning routine or even your commute to work. 

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4.      Create A To-do List

It doesn’t have to be putting pen to paper. Writing a to-do list in your notes is just as effective, whichever suits you. Creating simple tasks to-do throughout the day will not only keep your focused, but it’s also pleasantly rewarding. 

Let’s face it, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing how much you’ve completed in one day. 

5.     Wear Your Favourite Outfit 

Who doesn’t want to look and feel their best? When you wear something you feel comfortable in, you project confidence, which is always a major motivator. Choose a wardrobe that shows your personality and who you are. This way you’ll start looking forward to getting dressed in the morning. 

source: Pinterest

There’s nothing stopping you now.