A Conversation with a Maximalist:
I spoke with Indi, owner of a small illustration business, and a self-proclaimed Maximalist. In this post she shares her tips on how not to consume unnecessarily, and how she implements them in to her own daily life.
Q. Tell me a little about yourself?
A. Hi my name is Indi Stilling, I'm 24 and based in Brighton. I run a small illustration business under the name ‘Indi Arden’ where I sell a range of products in my colourful bright style, including prints, pins, bookmarks and stickers. I love all things colourful and bold which is something that I reflect in my work as well!
Q. How would you define your style?
A. I find it so hard to define my style because it totally depends on my mood and the weather! Some days I may go for simple jeans and a top with a shirt, but then other days I want to be a flowy flower dress, my wardrobe is very varied. But the overarching theme is definitely maximalism, I own very few neutral coloured items of clothing. The most plain item I own is probably some black jeans, I just love maximalism and all things colour haha
Q. Would you describe yourself as a sustainable person?
A. On the whole, yes I would. I mean I do occasionally buy new things, but majority of the time I shop second hand in charity shops so nearly all of my clothes are second hand. The only exceptions to that really is sportswear. I’m really lucky that where I live there are so many charity shops around, but you can find so many hidden gems in there! I have some fab dresses that you would never know I got second hand, and I also find a lot of great mugs in there too.
Q. So, how do you balance being a Maximalist and not overconsuming?
A. I think people have this misconception when it comes to maximalist fashion and overconsumption. Just because I wear brightly coloured or patterned clothes doesn’t mean that I own any more than someone with a more minimalist style. I think it’s fair to say that as a fashion student I do own a few too many clothes, but the past couple of years I have massively reduced how much I buy. I am more considered with my purchases now, and when I am looking at something in a shop I really imagine myself in it and how I can style it with what I already own.
Q. I think it’s important to address that not everyone is perfect, are you guilty of an impulse buy every now and again?
A. Oh of course I am! Especially around pay day or if I have achieved a milestone with my small business. I think that it’s normal and we she should treat ourselves to things, it’s just on the scale that you do it. I don’t for instance go to Primark or H&M and buy a load of new clothes, that’s not really the way to do it. I would also just feel so guilty afterwards as we all know how bad fast fashion is for the planet.
Q. What was your most recent impulse buy?
A. My recent impulse buy was all your fault! We went to peruse the charity shops and somehow I ended up leaving with 3 new tops! One of them had cats on though, so you know I absolutely could not resist and there was a Nike running top for £2 which is such a bargain I couldn't leave them behind.
Q. Do you have any advice or tips to give others to help them buy less clothes?
A. Yeah there’s a few I’ve picked up, one being that I have recently implemented a one in one out system. So, whenever I do buy a piece of clothing I go through my wardrobe and donate something so there’s room for that new piece. I’m really trying to work towards a smaller wardrobe full of clothes I love and wear equally. I also limit myself to buying no more than 3 pieces of clothing in one go. This makes me really think about what I’ve picked up and if I am buying it just because I like it. Helps with the impulse buying.
Q. I know you are quite a handy person, do you make or sew any of your clothes?
A. Yes, so I can sew. So, say I bought something from a charity shop and I couldn’t try it on and I get home and it doesn’t fit, then I can then adjust it. I think about this when I am in the shop though, I look to see if I can take it in myself and if I think I can’t, then I will put it back. It’s a bit of a mind game but in the end you do feel more in control as you’re not buying something just for pleasure, it is for practicality as well. I then don’t end up with a wardrobe full of clothes I can’t wear either. So, I would recommend that people learn to sew or mend their clothes. It’s so helpful and it’s also rewarding, you end up feeling really proud to wear that piece.
Q. Lastly, what is your favourite item of clothing in your wardrobe?
A. This is the hardest question ever because I have some things in my wardrobe that I have had for years and years because I wear them on repeat. I have other pieces that are handed down from my Mum or Dad, I adore my Mums Levi 501s which she gave me. But then I also have pieces which I very rarely wear but when I do I feel so great, so maybe I would say my red Dickies boiler suit which I very impulsively bought from the charity shop. I like to call it my lobster suit! It's very impractical to wear because its so big, but I love it and feel confident wearing it.
Thank you so much, this has been so insightful!
You’re welcome :)
