Inspired by Mum: A Life in Thoughtful Style
Meet Sarah, a beloved face around East Oxford and the creator of Indigo, a store devoted to natural and sustainable clothing, homeware, and gifts. Here, she shares stories from days gone by - vintage treasures, second-hand joys - and how she’s curated a wardrobe that celebrates life, sustainability, and individuality.
How would you describe your style in three words?
Muted layered and comfortable.
How has your approach to style or shopping evolved over time?
The obvious change over time has been the move towards a more sustainable wardrobe. In the 80's I would hunt out vintage pieces at Camden lock but I was largely a high street shopper, with a bit of charity shopping. I would spend hours spanning the rails of Top Shop in Oxford Street. New sustainable clothing wasn't a thing until around the time I opened Indigo. Now I just can't buy from the high street, knowing what we all know now. My travels in India shaped my style for a while, especially seeing women working in the fields in their colourful saris and jasmine in their hair. It opened me up to dressing more femininely and that how we dress can be a celebration of life. Although my wardrobe is mainly muted colours, I like a splash of colour and feel it's a gift to others when we put some thought into what we wear. Even just people we pass in the street. We could consider ourselves as walking art, an act of beauty. I love seeing older women, and men, dressing fabulously. I'm not quite there yet!
Do you remember the moment or reason you first shopped secondhand?
My mum volunteered in the first Mind charity shop, in Camden Town, when I was a toddler. I'd spend my days there hiding in the clothes. And while I grew up in a fairly posh part of North London, Mum would buy us second hand alongside new pieces. She also held clothes swaps at home, with her friends and we would go to jumble sales. Her wardrobe consisted of some designer pieces, M&S and second hand. So I was cultured in this way. She saved the wrapping paper at Christmas and didn't write on hand sent cards, so they could be used again. All these things I now do. So I guess there was never a time when I didn't buy second hand.
What secondhand piece from your wardrobe do you reach for again and again - and why?
During my years with Indigo I didn't shop second hand much, as I was mainly wearing clothing from the shop. And my size has changed, so all of my old second hand pieces I've let go of. Over the spring/summer I pulled out my L.F.Markey dress (seen above), that I got from Onanon, a lot. It's a great throw on piece, that works for the dog walk and beyond. In fact my wardrobe is now rapidly become Onanon.
Do you have a favorite brand you love finding secondhand?
Finding a Toast piece second hand is always a joy.
What would you tell a friend who's never shopped secondhand before?
I think those that don't shop second hand are missing out on widening their wardrobe. You can discover brands you've not heard of, hand made pieces and it opens your style to being more individual and creative. I also love that second hand pieces carry the stories of those of those who have travelled with them and you can daydream, imaging the lives they have lived.
These days you’ll find Sarah walking her furry friends, pottering at home, learning ceramics, and checking in with friends and family - whilst curating beautiful finds for Indigo. Follow along at:
@indigooxford
If you’re keen to dip your toe in the world of pre-loved clothes and see the next Onanon collection click below.