From vintage wool suits discovered during her theatre days to the relaxed, timeless pieces she wears today, Bernadette’s approach to fashion has always been rooted in individuality, quality, and storytelling. Once immersed in the creative chaos of London’s arts scene, she now embraces a quieter life in the Oxfordshire countryside, where comfort, natural fabrics, and longevity shape her wardrobe choices.

Passionate about circular fashion and thoughtful consumption, she believes clothing should be loved, lived in, and eventually passed on - allowing each piece to begin a new story with someone else.

If your personal style had to be described in three words, what would they be?

Comfortable, cosy, colourful.

How has your personal style changed over the years, and what influenced that shift?

When I was younger I worked in theatre as an actor and later, director. I didn’t have much money, certainly not in my drama school days, and so I bought most of my clothes from charity and vintage shops. It wasn’t just a question of money though - I thought the quality of fabric and design was better in vintage clothing - crisp cotton poplin dresses and skirts, a camel cashmere, cowl necked fitted dress with a silk skirt lining, and a 40’s wool trouser suit, fawn coloured with flecks of blue and red, spring to mind. The suit was a boys suit, and the label read ‘Clothing for Lad’s, Styled like Dad’s’. I was tiny then so it fitted me. It was the days of Punk, but I was more Bananarama than Siouxie and the Banshees. I would say that the main thing that has changed is that I tend to go for more classic, simpler clothing that will last, things that will mix and match, and are easy to throw on and wear. I like the idea of longevity. I used to love shopping, but I don’t so much now!

If your younger self saw your wardrobe today, what would they think?

I think they would say "Get You!”! I work as a Psychotherapist now, and I think my wardrobe has got a bit tamer and smarter over the years. My younger self would probably appreciate and like what I wear, mostly, and would be glad for me that I can have nice things.

What’s your go-to clothing brand, and what keeps you coming back to it?

Toast for tops, Oska for trousers and Plumo for dresses, largely because the sizes work for me, but mostly to do with the cut and quality of clothing, working with natural fabrics that hold their shape and colour. I keep things for years so this is very important. I get quite attached to my clothes, and find it hard to let go of things. Onanon helps with this, especially with clothes that don’t quite work or fit, as I know I have somewhere specific to pass them onto, and that things are going to a good new home.

Has selling your clothes changed the way you think about fashion or consumption?

Yes, very much so. For a long time I have tried to buy less, but to buy better quality and pieces that I know will stand the test of time and will last. I’m reading a book called ‘Goodbye Things’, about how to live a minimalist life. I’m not quite there yet, but it is helping me let go of a lot. I am moving soon, so I have to! One of the things the author suggests is to think about the things we buy as bering rented….and this has helped me to pass on treasured pieces. I can love them, but I don’t have to keep them. It speaks to a more circular approach to clothing and fashion, almost as a process, and it keeps it more interesting.

How does it feel to know someone else is loving a piece you once wore?

It’s a lovely feeling, and I like to think that things I have chosen will bring pleasure and satisfaction to others. I tend to go for clothes that are very easy to wear, comfortably loose and in nice, breathable fabrics. Every piece tells a story, and the clothes can make new stories, for someone else.

What would you tell someone who’s curious about selling their clothes, but isn’t sure where to start?

Well, I would tell them to start with you Amy! I like the ethos of Onanon, and am very into the concept of circular, sustainable fashion. I hate the idea of landfill. I went on two trips into the Sahara Desert about 20 years ago, and became acutely aware of what was biodegradable and what wasn’t. More recently I went to Wilderness Festival, and everyone was wearing glittery clothes with sequins galore and all I could think of was that before long they would end up in landfill. I must be getting old!

From Theatre Days to Country Life: Dressing Through Change