Choose longevity over trends – expert tips from The Sustainable Conversation Podcast

Posted: 09.09.25

Episode three of the SATCoL podcast discusses buying and upcycling second-hand fashion as well as sourcing high end items at a fraction of the cost. The Sustainable Conversation is hosted by Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL).

Series 3 of The Sustainable Conversation has reached over 144,000 views on YouTube alone and is projected to reach 1.5million streams across all major platforms by the end of the series. In previous episodes, guests discussed shopping sustainably, upcycling and ways that organisations can improve their manufacturing processes to help drive lasting change. On the sofa with presenter/editor Naomi May on episode 3 was RTA Award winning TV Presenter, Sabrina Grant and Vintage Specialist & Team Lead of Brand Knowledge at Vinted, Winnie McGee.

“I think thrifting’s just a really fun way to have fun with your style, to be adventurous.” – Sabrina Grant

The episode also sheds a light on how people can find their style, be intentional with their purchases and choose longevity over trends. Winnie highlights that you should “choose pieces that speak to you”. This theme runs throughout the episode as Sabrina and Winnie encourage the audience to transform their relationship with fashion by choosing sentimental value and longevity over trends and impulse.

Charity shopping with a purpose in mind not only reduces waste and excessive consumption but also allows people to build a more personalised wardrobe with a mix of everyday items and investment pieces.

“If you buy one thing this year, it has to be good like a classic blazer, go for the most you can afford because that piece will last decades” – Winnie McGee

Consumers can acquire genuine, well-maintained high-end items at a fraction of their original price when they visit the right charity shops. Winnie states: “If you are going to buy second-hand, nowadays, especially in London, there are lots of boutiques that are consignment stores that resell luxury so maybe you want to invest in a piece.”

Winnie continues: “…each brand has their own philosophy, their own way of telling their brand story. So as an authenticity expert, you have to understand the brand history, also each brand has their own craftmanship style.” These are all things to consider when deciding what to invest in.

Episode 3 of The Sustainable Conversation podcast is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and SATCoL TV. (www.satcol.org/satcol-tv).

Tune in to learn more about upcycling, sustainable fashion, and expert advice.

You can also watch this and catch up with previous episodes on YouTube.