Hannah Sandling Champions Charity Shops

10 October 2008

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Hannah Sandling is a busy lady. She's a fashion guru, interior designer and stylist to the stars, as well as a best selling author and now she is putting her weight behind a new campaign- getting people to donate their clothes to charity.

It's a scary fact that most women buy things that they never wear and then throw them away, when they could clear the space in their wardrobe and donate to a good cause.

I caught up with her about her fashion lifestyle, how we can all help to prevent poverty and why charity shops are the new Harrods.

Hi Hannah, how are you?

I'm great thanks, just so busy and I'm always on the go!

What have you been up to recently?

Well recently I've been very busy launching my new book, the lazy goddess. You know, it’s all about how to drop a few pounds, how to feel good about yourself and some quick tips and stuff really.

What does the book include?

Yeah, well its style tips on how to look your best and take short cuts, like dropping a dress size without having to go on a diet and how to make people look stunning, without spending an absolute fortune. And we've got celebrity advice from people like Faye Dunaway and loads of funny little beauty tips too. It’s hilarious, because it’s a book on how not to be perfect, you know?

So, it’s sort of a guide for women on the go?

Yep, Lionel Richie and Jean Christophe-Novelli have been brilliant with their tips, you know just how to have a lazy day and still look good, and we tell you some fun shortcuts too. And also making your home look fabulous and look like you've spent a fortune, when all it is, is little changes which make a big difference. It’s great for the credit crunch too because everybody has opinions on how to look good and this shows different ways on a shoestring budget.

What do you think of the research that has found women throwing way clothes that they have never worn?

Well, A- it’s super accurate because I know a lot of guilty friends who toss all their unwanted garments and their wardrobes are wedged full of clothes. Modern women love shopping and love to buy new things, especially wanting that new handbag and when it’s got a little discount, well it becomes that you really need that new handbag, before you know it, you've bought a dress and you don't really need it, you get home and your like ‘what did I buy that for, it doesn't suit me’ and over the next few years your wardrobe is going to suffocate with the weight on unwanted clothes. I've got about ten wardrobes at home, I know crazy right!?

Do you think that cheap throwaway fashion has something to do with it?

Yes, absolutely. It’s a fashion crime; buy you wear it and then chuck it. I think we're so tempted by the cheap prices, you know you go to Primark and see a dress for four quid, of course you're going to buy it. And even if it doesn't suit you, you're tempted because it’s cost you hardly anything, so we're packing our wardrobes with rubbish. I understand how hard it is to part with things, especially if you bought something with like 75% off, it might be a Versace dress or something and if it’s that much off then it’s great. But at the same time it’s very hard to get rid of that then because it’s a designer label. You always think ‘oh maybe I will wear that’ and women are notoriously bad for buying something, even if it’s a size too small, and they try and use that as an incentive to loose weight to then get into that dress. But if you don't, every time you open your wardrobe you may have a beautiful dress, but if it doesn't fit you, then what’s the point, and by the time you do slim down it’s gone out of fashion!

With the credit crunch getting worse, what top tips do you have for savvy shoppers?

I would say go charity shopping, a lot of people are doing that now. I tell you charity shops are the new Harrods. I mean I go into my charity shop and I come out with a big cheshire cat grin, you know I'm like ‘check out what I've got in my bag, new clothes and a Gucci coat for 20 quid!’ It’s fabulous, and it’s absolutely true, if you live in a great area especially, or make the trip, or just check out your local one, they all have cool finds. You will come out with amazing clothes, You know A-Listers are in there, I've seen the Royal Family in there, it’s absolutely amazing. And also if you're dumping your stuff off at a charity shop, you are not only going to exit with some really cool stuff, but also you will be helping to combat poverty.

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