A look back at my 2025 highlights
One thing I’ve learned about being in business is that you need to seize the moment and grab any opportunities that come your way. 2025 was very much a year for this.
The Power of Preloved fashion shoot
Velvet Magazine is incredibly supportive of small businesses and Trash Chic has been featured on many occasions. Last year an exciting photoshoot was planned for Second Hand September showcasing preloved clothes from four local sellers. The location was the lush Cambridge University Botanic Gardens.
Each seller had to choose ONE 'hero outfit' that epitomised their brand. I went for full out maximalist style with mismatched prints and bold patterns modelled by Liz Barker (more about her later). The results were magnificent.
Rainbow Runway
In June I was invited to showcase two Trash Chic outfits at the Rainbow Runway at Grand Arcade, in support of Cambridge Pride. There was a bit of time pressure, but what did I say about grasping opportunities? What a fun night. My models did me proud. Liz Barker wearing an incredible multicoloured sequin jumpsuit and Todd Gilbey in black sequin and feather pants, CHOOSE LOVE tee and silver sequin waistcoat.
Model and Muse Liz Barker
It’s been delightful working with Liz on several projects this past year including the Rainbow Runway, Velvet Magazine photoshoot and a dedicated photoshoot for the Trash Chic Autumn Collection (shot by Richard Green of Method Studios Photography).
I met Liz when she came to a private pop up at my house and we hit it off immediately. I didn’t know it at the time, but she was the presenter of the BBC children’s flagship show Blue Peter for 6 years. She’s a multi-talented woman: has won a medal in a bobsleigh championship. lived in a remote village in Vietnam, interviewed many stars including David Beckham and Elton John, launched Totally Dr Who and featured in various shows. She’s a poet and produces the podcast series ‘This House’ which I am absolutely addicted to. And now she's a Trash Chic model!
Riot Women of Cambridge
Inspired by the recent BBC TV series Riot Women – in which a group of middle-aged ladies set up a punk band and 'find themselves' in the process – I thought … why not get some of my Trash Chic customers to recreate the famous publicity shot.
I contacted 5 women who I thought would be ideal and, guess what … they all said YES.
The ‘project’ seemed to resonate with many of my friends, followers and customers and I like to think helped me spread the message that fashion should be fun and expressive and not limited by social judgement.
At my Grand Arcade pop up in November professional photographer Richard Green of Method Studios Photography took portraits of women wearing their Trash Chic purchases. The story was picked up by Velvet Magazine and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire who kindly invited me on the Thordis Fridriksson show to talk about it.
I understand there’s a second series of Riot Women coming soon, so I may need to ask the Riot Women of Cambridge to regroup.
Thanks to my Riot Women of Cambridge: Ellie Danville, Alex Elbro, Sarah Decent, Bridget Davisdon and Debra Fleet-Machin.
Grand Arcade Pop-Ups
Another strong supporter of small businesses is the Grand Arcade shopping mall in Central Cambridge. I’ve been popping up there with my preloved collection for several years and 2025 was no exception.
Finding venues that are not completely off the beaten track and have decent footfall is difficult. So, I cannot thank Grand Arcade and Marketing Manager Julie Kervadec enough for the opportunity.
These 3-day preloved shopping experiences are a date for the diary if you’re looking for something unique or quirky. I adore creating a colourful and enticing window display, catching up with regular customers and meeting new ones.
Trash Chic Boutique
In October I decided to try something new with a permanent retail space when an opportunity arose at Homemade at The Barn in Bassingbourn. I had a launch party … with fizz of course. And big thanks all my devoted friends and followers who came along to support me.
Homemade is just a 10-minute drive from my house so it’s super convenient to pop in with new stock and freshen up the rails. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 to 4 but what also works well for me is the fact that I don’t have to be there every day, which would be an impossibility. Managers Caroline and Shirley are always on hand to help.
The Barn is home to lots of amazing upcycled, recycled, vintage, retro, homewares and gifts from local artisans and producers. A great opportunity to SHOP LOCAL and support independent businesses. Also, there's the bonus of plenty of parking right outside.
I’m looking forward to 2026 at Homemade and will be hosting some events there … like personal styling sessions. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram or sign up to my newsletter to find out more about what I have planned.
Photo by Diana Hagues Photography
