A new pre-loved clothing boutique in Deal aims to help women adopt a more eco-concious approach to fashion.

Owner Kate Sutton came up with the Feel Good Fashion concept just before Christmas 2019.

It offers people the opportunity to buy and sell second hand items of clothing and accessories at reasonable prices, earning 40% for themselves while donating 20% of profits to charity.

The fashion fiend was inspired to change her approach to buying new clothes after watching BBC Three's 'Fashion's Dirty Secrets' documentary starring investigative journalist Stacey Dooley.

She was also on the look out for a new venture, having worked in direct selling for 15 years in addition to a part-time job at M&S.

She said: "I was horrified to see what the world of fashion is doing to our planet.

"It showed how toxic chemicals released by the garment industry pollute waterways that millions of people rely on.

"And images of the former Aral Sea, once one of the largest bodies of fresh water, which is now reduced almost entirely to dust due to cotton production."

After discussing the issue with friends - many of whom confessed to buying second hand from eBay or charity shops - her new idea was born.

The Feel Good Fashion boutique launched in February and started as just a storage and office facility, with online sales.

In contrast to the majority of businesses during the pandemic, it expanded, establishing up a following of more than 600 people online.

When lockdown eased, this allowed Mrs Sutton to open a shop in Stanhope Road on August 4, where her eye-catching items are all displayed.

Open from 10am until 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, it stocks brands such as Next and M&S through to Whistles and Karen Millen, with prices starting from around £5.

She said: "It's been surreal. The business has grown rapidly over the last few months and many clothing items have been saved from heading to landfill and now have new owners.

"We’ve managed to fit the shop using upcycled furniture and by re-purposing unwanted building materials."

Not only is it eco-concious but the business has already raised £1,300 for charities including East Kent Hospitals.

Mrs Sutton added: "It has been a crazy year in so many ways but I am so grateful it has meant we could make this unique business a success."

Clothing take-ins are by appointment online. Find out more at ' FGF Prevloved Boutique ' on Facebook

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