In My Stylewith Cathy Martin

She is a single mum to Valentina (8) and lives in Helen’s Bay, County Down.

Cathy’s sustainable fashion market THE RESALE RAIL SALE will take place on Saturday March 21 at Life Church, Bruce Street, Belfast from 10am - 5pm.

There is a small number of selling spots available. The event is open to anyone who’d like to come along and shop sustainably across high street and designer fashion.

Describe your personal style

I think I’ve grown into a streamlined look of mostly neutrals now, cut to flatter my figure, with the odd statement piece just for fun and for the love of fashion as an art and a form of expression.

Where do you find style inspiration?

Truthfully, in the mirror. My first and most important decider on what I choose to wear is how I’m feeling and how I’m looking. I’ll be slightly less sharp on the silhouette if I have a few pounds on – my weight fluctuates according to where I am in my cycle, so I’ll be really booby with a swollen tummy for about five days and I dress accordingly.

What is the best style advice you’ve ever received?

To know your shape; to accept your budget and to tailor to fit. One size definitely does NOT fit all!

What’s the oldest item in your wardrobe?

Gosh I have many old things – more than two decades old, some almost three decades old! But I recycle a lot and wear the old things when I can. Plus I resell things I no longer wear or have completely grown out of and I shop on ebay and other second-hand sites too.

And the most recent?

Im on a bit of shopping hiatus at the moment. I moved house in December and rediscovered lots of items that I love, so apart from a few new bits bought with Zara vouchers for my birthday, I haven’t really shopped since last September! [The ‘bits’ from Zara included a lovely beige coat and a new pair of cream jeans].

Do you keep things in your wardrobe that you haven’t ever worn?

Yes – and this definitely was a problem. I now look at the rails and rails of clothes and feel overwhelmed. I know I am not alone. Sometimes I wonder what on earth was missing in my life to make me want to shop so much – probably a lack of self-love somewhere.

What was your worst fashion mistake?

I have ‘owned’ all the mistakes I made. There have been a few. Fringed white leggings in my rave days are probably the worst, but alas, no photos exist, just dodgy memories!

Is there a current trend you like?

It’s not a trend, I hope, but I love the (necessary) move towards sustainability in fashion.

As an industry it has caused so much environmental damage already and to offset this I am not shopping at all for fashion, or finding what I want from a selection of preloved stores and sites. It’s a small effort from one person, but I do believe we can make a difference if we all stop seeking out the new, new, new!

What is your favourite rule-breaking colour combination?

Pink and orange. Red and pink. Orange and red. Red and purple.

I do like a good colour clash I have to say.

What shoes do you wear most often?

Cowboy boots are a favourite. And trainers. I love a good trainer. Have been obsessing mostly about Golden Goose trainers as well as my VEJA.

Are your looks well planned or do they come with less thought?

I do plan a little, but I am lucky to have both a vast wardrobe and a half decent eye at this stage to throw things together quickly and just as I’m ‘feeling’ them that morning.

What are your favourite local shops?

The girls at Blush are best for formals and black ties as well as wedding or other occasion wear…

I do love a good boutique with personal service and clothes sourced – quite often – by the person behind the counter or on the shop floor.