Dalston-based Ellen loves to mix up her wardrobe and experiment with different outfit combinations – but sourcing clothes sustainably alongside her job as a Startup Accelorator Programme Lead is no easy task.

Ellen says: “As a teenager I used to be great at finding gems in charity shops and online, but I have less time to spend doing that now. When you do, it’s great knowing you won’t be wearing the same things as everyone else from the high street.”

As someone who enjoys the East London village-vibe, it’s no surprise Ellen likes the lack of chains in the area. Compared to more connected parts of London, she sees something special in the comparatively quiet pubs and coffee shops and the diversity of the area.

 “I love fashion but try to be a conscious consumer; I don’t buy from anywhere that feels too good to be true - because someone in the supply chain is suffering as a result – and I try not to buy too much but I’m by no means perfect here.” So, for Ellen Nu seems a perfect fit: “I think about the environmental impact of my decisions and I think Nu is an amazing solution to still wanting new and pretty things.”  

When it comes to fast fashion, Ellen sees the patterns of trends repeating themselves year after year. “The face of fashion is changing so quickly but I’m always surprised at how quickly trends come back around. We rebuy new versions of old styles when we could easily find them second hand - or borrow clothes!“

 Ellen loves designer and model Jeanne Damas’s style and describes her own look as ever-changing. “I'm quite colourful and love a print. My style varies each day; I like my outfit to reflect my mood and I'll always try matching new items of clothing together in different combinations. I could probably say I've rarely worn the same combination of clothes twice - quite a geeky thought but I sometimes wonder how many variations there are mathematically!” 

And finally, who would be Ellen’s dream dinner party guest? “Given my history degree, it would have to be Emmeline Pankhurst, I would so love to understand that bravery and conviction. Not sure if she was that fashionable...”

If you'd like to join our community in East-London as one of our first 100 members, click here to sign up!