Penny and Nikki are the duo behind Style in the Stix, one of my favourite Instagram accounts for sustainable style inspiration. The duo met after both moving from London to Rutland, realising they both loved fashion and were mothers to young boys. They soon grew a following interested in how they styled and photographed their outfits in a countryside setting, pivoting their focus to sustainable fashion after watching Stacey Dooley’s Fashion’s Dirty Secrets and delving into the harm that fast fashion does to the environment. They now champion small, independent and sustainable brands from around the UK, alongside promoting second-hand purchases through their @stixstyled account selling pre-loved garments. We caught up with Penny and Nikki to chat about everything from their style inspiration to their tips for buying vintage clothing.
Where do you both find fashion inspiration? Are there any particular people whose style you admire?
We both enjoy looking at the usual forums – we still love physical magazines, as well as Instagram and Pinterest. Recently we have been looking back at old magazines from the 80’s and 90’s, as well as archive images for brands such as Armani and Yohji Yamamoto. Fashion week street style pictures are also always good for ideas – they can help pull together new outfit combinations from your existing wardrobe.
How has your style evolved since you left London and moved to the countryside?
Our move coincided with starting a young family so this also played a big part. I would say our style became more relaxed with the addition of practical footwear! Launching Styleinthestix was key for us, as it gave us a platform that allowed us to experiment with style and wear pieces that may not have been the obvious choice for dog walks or the school run.
What are your suggestions for adopting a more sustainable approach to fashion?
Buy less and wear what you already have in your wardrobe. Approach buying new garments with caution and make more considered purchases by identifying gaps in your wardrobe. And buy the best that you can afford from a sustainable brand.
It’s also important to keep clothing in circulation. There are so many imaginative ways to do this. Buying and selling pre-loved, maintaining and repairing pieces you love, up-cycling, and clothes swapping. There are lots of initiatives to recycle textile waste.
What are your essential capsule wardrobe pieces?
There are obvious pieces like an oversized blazer, a good pair of jeans and a good sweater. However, Penny’s capsule wardrobe is different to Nikki’s – one size does not fit all! Nikki’s would include a good hat, a trench coat and black loafers whilst Penny’s consists of a denim shirt, a bomber jacket and a colourful slide shoe.
We love that you also sell pre-loved pieces - do you have any tips for buying vintage/pre-loved clothes?
Search for brands that you love and ones that you already know your sizing for – returning preloved can be tricky with some resellers. Measurements are key especially with vintage – a size 14 in the 80’s is more like a 10 now. Never expect perfection, clothing can always be altered or upcycled. Shop in the mens department, especially for blazers and shirts. Look for material composition and also check for damage. Target vintage charity shops, there are lots out there and they make buying vintage fun and less risky.
You style socks in a way that is both playful and elegant - do you have any sock styling advice?
Be playful! Socks are an easy way to add colour and interest to an outfit. Choosing ’the wrong sock’ can be a good formula - for example, a sports sock with a suit, a heavy walking sock with a sandal, a bright sock with all neutrals.
What are your favourite GS pieces in your wardrobes?
GS socks are the best! Penny loves her oversized scarf; it’s a statement piece and makes an outfit. Nikki has a red cable knit jumper that’s super soft and adds that gorgeous pop of colour.
What other sustainable, British-made brands do you love?
Louisa Charlotte Oats
Beaumont Organic
Community Clothing
Been London
Studio Wylder
Discover the GS Spring Collection, Nikki and Penny are styling here.
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