Meet the Seller: Dressing for Comfort, Connection and Joy
From timeless OSKA pieces to peaceful walks and random acts of kindness, discover why Susan, a free spirit, believes clothes should be loved, worn and passed on and how it feels to sell her pieces with Onanon.
If your personal style had to be described in three words, what would they be?
Relaxed, casual and tactile. The feel of a fabric is incredibly important to me – I can't bear anything itchy or uncomfortable. I'm always drawn to clothes that feel soft against the skin and are a pleasure to wear, because comfort is just as important as how something looks.
How has your personal style changed over the years, and what influenced that shift?
When I worked in the corporate world and later as a fundraiser, my wardrobe had to work hard. I wanted to look smart and professional, but I also needed clothes that weren't restrictive because one day I could be shaking a collection bucket outside a supermarket and the next I might be standing in a press photoshoot or hosting an event. I never wanted to look as though I'd spent a fortune on my clothes either. These days I've moved away from dressing to meet expectations and towards dressing in a way that simply feels comfortable and authentic.
If your younger self saw your wardrobe today, what would they think?
I don't think my younger self really knew what my own style was. Like many people, I probably copied what everyone else was wearing rather than dressing for myself. I'd like to think she'd be pleased to see that comfort now comes first and that I've become much more confident in choosing clothes that suit me, rather than following fashion.
What’s your go-to clothing brand, and what keeps you coming back to it?
OSKA, without a doubt. I love the softness of the fabrics, the beautiful quality and the timeless designs. Their clothes seem to last forever and, no matter how old a piece is, it always feels wonderful to put on.
Has selling your clothes changed the way you think about fashion or consumption?
I've always been quite conscious of keeping my wardrobe manageable and not holding onto lots of unworn clothes. One habit I'm trying to break is saving pieces "for best" – life is too short not to enjoy wearing the things you love. Selling clothes feels like a natural extension of that way of thinking and gives beautiful pieces a chance to be worn and appreciated again.
How does it feel to know someone else is loving a piece you once wore?
It's really reassuring. Something I chose and enjoyed has appealed to someone else too, and instead of sitting unworn in a wardrobe it gets a whole new life with someone who'll appreciate it just as much.
What would you tell someone who's curious about selling their clothes, but isn't sure where to start?
Start small. Pick one or two pieces that you haven't worn for a while, send the details over to Amy and see how easy the process is. Before long you'll have made some money from clothes that were simply hanging in your wardrobe – money you can save or put towards something you'll really enjoy.
Susan spends her days following whatever her soul calls her to do, whether that's walking in nature, finding a peaceful corner in Oxford Botanic Garden, carrying out random acts of kindness or enjoying those unexpected conversations and connections with complete strangers.