Have you ever bought a dress and wished it had puffier sleeves? Or had to whizz your new trousers straight to the tailors? Well, one woman has decided to take matters into her own hands. Rachael Ballard has achieved a thriftier approach to shopping this summer – creating her own outfits using second-hand bed sheets and duvet covers found at charity shops from just 50p. And as a new mum, they’re all suitable for breastfeeding, too.
‘Since becoming a mum 18 months ago, I left London and my job of 10 years at Zara HQ and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do – my whole identity was up in the air. I've found getting dressed (and feeling good in what I wear) really difficult and I'm still breastfeeding so it's a challenge. My headspace and time is minimal, so I need easy to throw on, easy-to-access clothes that also make me feel like me again. By making my own summer wardrobe, I’ve also saved so much money – about £600,’ Ballard told Grazia.
Of course, the question on all of our lips is, how did she make these incredible summer looks? ‘For 8 weeks (2 hours per week), I went to a pattern cutting course I found at a college in my new local area. Clothing has always been a huge part of my life, but since breastfeeding I had to change the way I dressed. All the vintage dresses I would usually wear are high-neck or have a zip-up back, so they were no longer practical. It seemed so wasteful to buy maternity or breastfeeding-specific clothes I would only wear for a short period of time, and annoying that I couldn’t wear the usual clothes I had spent money on. So, I decided I wanted to make outfits that could work for any time in my life. I’ve also since decided to create my own label, Rita, Again.
Everything will be suitable for breastfeeding and it’ll be a sustainable brand using organic materials – new mums preserving our planet for the future generations. The outfits I’ve created are to sample necklines, shapes and styles for the SS23 collection.’
When it comes to finding the stunning vintage-esque prints, Ballard relies on unwanted bed linen. ‘Whenever I pass a charity shop, I pop in to see if they have any bed linen. Not all shops sell/display these, so I ask to see if they have any in the back and offer a donation instead. I’m always on the lookout for bold '70s floral print or '80s/'90s ditsy styles. Flat sheets are easy to cut up, but duvet covers have double the material and usually a different print on each side so you get more for your money. And from just 50p you can end up making multiple outfits.’ We're more than slightly obsessed with the pink short and cami co-ord and the midi dress in the same print.
Ballard adds, ‘Life is difficult in many ways but getting dressed shouldn't be – I'm hoping I've cracked it for a good few years to come.’
SHOP: The Best Vintage Sellers And Shops Online
1 of 9Nina Gabbana Vintage
The source of Rihanna's blue Dior by John Galliano beaded choker, Nina Gabbana Vintage is run by Marie Laboucarié from her apartment in Paris. She mainly sells '90s and '00s pieces from designers including Dolce and Gabbana, Dior, Gucci, Fendi and more. Well, if it's good enough for Rihanna...
2 of 9May de Vere Vintage
If you're looking for a showstopper of an outfit that nobody else will have even seen, May de Vere is your answer. There are glittering sequined pieces, puff sleeve party frocks and wonderfully over-the-top, frothy concoctions with oversized bow details. There are more understated options, too, but it's almost impossible to resist the frills and flourishes on offer. Every piece is a one-off and can be purchased [via Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/maydeverevintage/?hl=en){
3 of 9ASOS Marketplace
While you might not think of ASOS as the most obvious choice when it comes to buying vintage, there are actually a number of brilliant sellers on the brand's Marketplace. It's one of the best places to look for pre-loved designer pieces, some of which are very affordable. While many of the boutiques are worth checking frequently, look out also for The Rare Edit, a a limited curated collection of rare designer vintage pieces. Follow [@asosmarketplace](https://www.instagram.com/asosmarketplace/){
4 of 9Darling & Vintage
Cassie set up Darling & Vintage as a store on Etsy, where she still sells everything from embroidered 1950s jackets to sun dresses and '70s maxis. It's certainly worth following her [on Instagram,](https://www.instagram.com/darlingandvintage/?hl=en){
5 of 9Bonjour Vintage
A relatively new venture from influencer Rachael Clifton, this is a great Instagram account to follow if you're in the market for stand-out pieces you could wear every day. Think excellent accessories and statement jackets, all of which can be bought via DM.
6 of 9A Virtual Vintage Market
Not only will you find live markets that you can follow [via Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/avirtualvintagemarket/){
7 of 9Retold Vintage
Every piece is handpicked by owner Clare Lewis, who favours modern, directional pieces that are built to last. As well as clothes that work for every day, Retold also offers a [personal shopping service for prospective brides.](https://www.retoldvintage.com/aboutretoldbride){
8 of 9Rokit Vintage
A vintage stalwart in London, Rokit is a treasure trove packed with everything from perfect party dresses to knitwear, shoes, belts and bags. If you can't find something you love here, then you're possibly just not looking hard enough. Best of all, there's something for every budget.
9 of 9Imparfaite Paris
Imparfaite offers a curated selection of pre-loved clothes and accessories from France's most beloved vintage shops. From Gucci bags to Levi's shorts, this is certainly the place to find pieces that will collect compliments and become some of your favourite clothes in your wardrobe.