Category Entertainment News

If you’re wondering how to become a more conscious shopper then experts from one of the UK’s fastest growing retailers have shared 7 simple ways you can curb your spending

If you find it hard to curb your shopping habits, experts from Vinted have shared some simple ways to keep it under control.

With over 16 million users in the UK, Vinted has fast become one of the most popular ways to buy and sell second-hand clothes. Its mass appeal comes from the fact that it’s an easy and sustainable way to offload an old wardrobe, while also being a great way to spot vintage gems for ultra-cheap prices.

However, shopping is a hobby that can sometimes spin out of control. According to UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT), there are an estimated 200,000 and 350,000 shopping addicts in Britain. Meanwhile, a research review suggested that compulsive buying could affect 5% of adults, while a more recent study says it may have increased to 7.2% post-pandemic.

Experts from Vinted have put together their own guide for how to shop sustainably and responsibly, as well as how to make your wardrobe last longer.

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Create a budget

So you can plan your spending on what you really need.

Use your favourites as a wishlist

Add items you like to your favourites and leave them for 48hrs. If you’re still thinking about buying them, then it may be time to hit Buy now.

Take another look at your wardrobe

Are there items in the back you’ve forgotten about? It could be time to experiment with some upcycling or selling them on Vinted.

Quality over quantity

Whether it’s second hand or new it’s worth investing in fewer, but quality items.

Use filters to focus your finds

We’ve introduced a fabric filter on Vinted that will help you pick out long-lasting pieces made out of quality fabrics like cotton and cashmere.

Browse with intent

Try to avoid getting distracted by impulse purchases.

Sell and ship mindfully too

Create clear listings showing items conditions. Be sure to reuse your packaging. Use boxes or bags that fit your item closely for more efficient deliveries. We recently collaborated with partners including Evri to offer free reusable packaging in their shops.

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READ MORE: Unusual Vinted antics exposed from haywire haggling to tops wrapped in nappies

How to make your clothes last longer

As for how to make your clothes last longer, Vinted has shared some additional tips. They say: “Focus on prevention rather than repair, but in case of small breaks, use a needle that matches the fabric’s weight. Finer needles for delicate fabrics, thicker ones for heavy fabrics.

Hang clothes to air dry instead of using a dryer. This prevents shrinkage, helps maintain the fabric and it’s better for the climate.

It’s a similar story when it comes to jewelry. They say: “Keep your jewelry away from harsh chemicals which can damage metals and stones. Get into the good habit of removing jewellery before swimming or using cleaning products.”

Another great way to make the most out of your clothes is to upcycle. Maybe they’ve become too worn out to be resold. In this case, Vinted suggests: “Create flower crowns using fabric scraps from old clothes. Cut petal shapes, sew or glue them together, and attach them to a headband.”

Other ways to creatively reuse fabrics include making rustic pillow covers using pieces of old jeans and sewing custom book covers or e-reader cases from colorful fabric scraps. Vinted adds that you can even try making a reusable tote bag by converting an old t-shirt. Simply cut off the sleeves and neckline and sew the bottom shut.

Prince Harry is set to begin a trip to the UK today, and while a reunion with King Charles may be on the table, the same cannot be said for Prince William

Prince Harry will begin his latest trip to the UK today, which will coincide with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death.

While Harry is expected to potentially have a long overdue reunion with his father King Charles during his rare trip to UK shores, it is extremely unlikely that the Duke of Sussex will see his estranged brother, Prince William.

Despite an olive branch being extended between the Sussex camp and the Firm earlier this year when senior aides to both Harry and Charles met in London, Prince William is said to have firmly declined any potential reunion with his brother after years of public jabs between the two princes.

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A source told the Mirror that the years-long onslaught of highly-publicised allegations about the royal family from Harry over the years has led to serious trust issues between the brothers, with a potential meeting between William and Harry in the coming weeks being “rejected out of hand”.

The source said: “William feels Harry has repeatedly chosen public exposure over private resolution and that the Royal Family can’t keep being dragged into the headlines every time there’s a new contract to promote.”

They added: “The issue with Harry, as well as Meghan, is one of trust. Ever since moving to North America, they have eroded all confidence in their ability to keep things or their criticisms private. For there to be any chance of moving forward, that trust has to be rebuilt, and Team Sussex knows the onus is on them.”

According to the well-placed source, relations between Harry and William remain deeply strained. Their relationship has become almost non-existent since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the Firm in 2020, leaving their royal duties behind to start a new life in California.

After their shocking departure, a series of very public jabs at the royal family came from the Sussexes, with their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, their Netflix docuseries in 2022, and Harry’s memoir Spare in 2023.

In Harry’s own admission, the prince told the BBC in May that some of his family “may never forgive” him for his seemingly endless spate of allegations against them.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond also weighed in on Harry and William’s relationship in light of the Duke of Sussex’s trip to the UK, as she told the Mirror that while Harry may reach out to some members of the royal family during his trip, he is unlikely to try and contact his brother.

She said: “Harry may well see some of his cousins – such as Eugenie or Beatrice – but I don’t think there’s any likelihood of a meeting with William or Catherine. The rift between the brothers remains too deep and William has far too much going on in his life to worry about the Harry problem.

“I would never say never in a family dispute. As the years roll by, it may be that William will find a way to reconcile with Harry. But that day – if it ever comes, and it may not – is not any time soon.”

Despite William’s refusal to see his brother, King Charles has reportedly agreed to see his youngest son for the first time in almost two years on his rare trip to the UK.

A US source told the Mirror : “It’s clear there is now a determination on both sides to make this happen. Nobody is pretending the wider family issues have been resolved, but this is about beginning with Charles and Harry. For the first time in a long time, there’s a genuine sense that reconciliation is within reach.”

They continued: “After 20 months apart, and with the King continuing his treatment, the feeling is that the time is right to take that step. This is not about grand gestures or set-piece meetings – it’s about a simple face-to-face conversation between a father and his son. The priority is privacy and dignity, but also ensuring the door stays open for further dialogue.”

Strictly star Amy Dowden looked incredible in a blue bikini and skirt just weeks before the new series kicks off.

The professional dancer, 35, has been busy in the training room ahead of the new series of Strictly.

Amy slipped into a turquoise bikini top and matching bottoms with a ruffle skirt and a star-shaped gold belly chain.

She completed her look with numerous gold bangles, a multicoloured headscarf wrapped around her hair and pair of silver open toed heels. The news comes as one report shows Strictly ‘curse’ romances – Corrie star’s jealous tirade to bitter love triangle.

Amy beams during promo shoot

Amy flashed a big smile as she shot promo scenes for the new series.

She was seen standing in front of a swimming pool with inflatable flamingos floating in the background.

Amy – who recently said she feels “stronger than ever” after her cancer battle – looked in good spirits surrounded by Strictly crew members.

The ballroom star, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, recently enjoyed a family holiday to Ibiza with her twin sister Becky.

READ MORE: Coronation Street’s Colson Smith goes ‘full Fort Knox’ as thieves target homeREAD MORE: Emmerdale’s Daisy Campbell admits brutal ITV axing left her in ‘dark hole’

‘Cancer shifts your perspective’

She shared a series of snaps of her in a bikini and wrote: “After my cancer diagnosis, I promised my family (and myself) that I’d take more downtime.

“I used to live life at 100mph, saying yes to everything and everyone. But cancer shifts your perspective.

“This year I’ve been incredibly lucky with new job opportunities which have been full on but so rewarding and I can’t wait to share all to you very soon. So having time to slow down isn’t just okay – it’s essential.

“These past few days have been the perfect reset and I’m heading into the new season feeling recharged, happy, stronger, and HEALTHIER than ever.”

Amy then took time to pay tribute to her sister, writing: “Also bursting with pride for my sister @becky_dowden – she was accepted into her master’s program in midwifery while we were away (yes, while still working full-time in the NHS!).

“I’m so proud of her and loved treating her to a well-deserved break.”

The star concluded: “Feeling grateful, grounded, and SO excited for @bbcstrictly rehearsals to start tomorrow. Year 9 – let’s go!”

Fans rally behind Amy

Amy was inundated with comments from her fans, with one writing: ” Looks like the perfect break. Rest is absolutely needed and holidays are so good for the soul. Enjoy strictly rehearsals and can’t wait to see you back on the show this year.”

Amy was told by doctors that she had aggressive stage three breast cancer in May 2023.

The diagnosis came after she married her pro dance partner Ben Jones in 2022.

‘I just knew, I felt sick to my stomach’

Speaking in her BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me, she said: “At the beginning of 2023 I felt like everything I’d ever hoped for was falling into place.

“Ben and I got married, I was teaching at the dance school, I was going to be back on Strictly and all of a sudden my everyday life changed.

“To be 32 with breast cancer, you’re thinking, ‘This doesn’t look good — the outlook doesn’t look good’.

“The first time I felt the lump in my breast was the day before we went on honeymoon.

“I just knew, I felt sick to my stomach.

“I saw the doctor, and he told me they’d found something. I said, ‘Is it cancer?’ and he said, ‘Yes’.

“I think for me, I thought I was safe until my 50s when they start doing my mammograms. I didn’t think it would ever affect me.”

Strictly star Amy Dowden looked incredible in a blue bikini and skirt just weeks before the new series kicks off.

The professional dancer, 35, has been busy in the training room ahead of the new series of Strictly.

Amy slipped into a turquoise bikini top and matching bottoms with a ruffle skirt and a star-shaped gold belly chain.

She completed her look with numerous gold bangles, a multicoloured headscarf wrapped around her hair and pair of silver open toed heels. The news comes as one report shows Strictly ‘curse’ romances – Corrie star’s jealous tirade to bitter love triangle.

Amy beams during promo shoot

Amy flashed a big smile as she shot promo scenes for the new series.

She was seen standing in front of a swimming pool with inflatable flamingos floating in the background.

Amy – who recently said she feels “stronger than ever” after her cancer battle – looked in good spirits surrounded by Strictly crew members.

The ballroom star, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, recently enjoyed a family holiday to Ibiza with her twin sister Becky.

READ MORE: Coronation Street’s Colson Smith goes ‘full Fort Knox’ as thieves target homeREAD MORE: Emmerdale’s Daisy Campbell admits brutal ITV axing left her in ‘dark hole’

‘Cancer shifts your perspective’

She shared a series of snaps of her in a bikini and wrote: “After my cancer diagnosis, I promised my family (and myself) that I’d take more downtime.

“I used to live life at 100mph, saying yes to everything and everyone. But cancer shifts your perspective.

“This year I’ve been incredibly lucky with new job opportunities which have been full on but so rewarding and I can’t wait to share all to you very soon. So having time to slow down isn’t just okay – it’s essential.

“These past few days have been the perfect reset and I’m heading into the new season feeling recharged, happy, stronger, and HEALTHIER than ever.”

Amy then took time to pay tribute to her sister, writing: “Also bursting with pride for my sister @becky_dowden – she was accepted into her master’s program in midwifery while we were away (yes, while still working full-time in the NHS!).

“I’m so proud of her and loved treating her to a well-deserved break.”

The star concluded: “Feeling grateful, grounded, and SO excited for @bbcstrictly rehearsals to start tomorrow. Year 9 – let’s go!”

Fans rally behind Amy

Amy was inundated with comments from her fans, with one writing: ” Looks like the perfect break. Rest is absolutely needed and holidays are so good for the soul. Enjoy strictly rehearsals and can’t wait to see you back on the show this year.”

Amy was told by doctors that she had aggressive stage three breast cancer in May 2023.

The diagnosis came after she married her pro dance partner Ben Jones in 2022.

‘I just knew, I felt sick to my stomach’

Speaking in her BBC documentary Strictly Amy: Cancer And Me, she said: “At the beginning of 2023 I felt like everything I’d ever hoped for was falling into place.

“Ben and I got married, I was teaching at the dance school, I was going to be back on Strictly and all of a sudden my everyday life changed.

“To be 32 with breast cancer, you’re thinking, ‘This doesn’t look good — the outlook doesn’t look good’.

“The first time I felt the lump in my breast was the day before we went on honeymoon.

“I just knew, I felt sick to my stomach.

“I saw the doctor, and he told me they’d found something. I said, ‘Is it cancer?’ and he said, ‘Yes’.

“I think for me, I thought I was safe until my 50s when they start doing my mammograms. I didn’t think it would ever affect me.”