In the height of the economic recession with VAT rising and spending at an all time low thousands of women have to economise on their wardrobe choices. There seems to be a new obsession with the term “Vintage” and even the UKs largest fashion retailers are beginning to accept that that second hand fashion is gracing the wardrobes of celebrities and the average Joe alike.

Freshwinds, a Birmingham based charity, are the latest to try the new craze of Swishing which incorporates the vintage theme into an elegant and highfaluting event. Attendees bring along items of clothing, jewellery and accessories they no longer wear in exchange for vouchers. The items are then displayed and guests can browse to their hearts content. At a set time the swish booths open and the exchange begins, shoppers go home with a new style statement they love, whilst supporting their favourite local charity!

The issue with vintage is the potential to look like your Nan rather than a vintage fashion trendsetter and to help reduce this risk more and more independent fashion boutiques are opening their doors to the vintage virgin. Birmingham based, Pam Cheema of Frock on Vintage exhibited her latest lines at the Swish event at The Vaults in the Jewellery Quarter back in January, now through hard work, determination and vintage fashion panache her new collection is on sale with a major High Street retailer in the Bullring.

With the need for a fashion bargain increasing, more and more opportunities for young entrepreneurs are becoming available. To pick up an affordable fashion fix complete with a Vintage fashion show from new Tamworth based designer Elephtheria, come along to the next Swish event at The Vaults, Saturday 17^th September from 1.30pm, all in aid of Freshwinds the charity. Who knows we may be seeing Elephtheria in the Bull Ring next year?