Co-founder of clothes swapping events company My Swish, Sarah Maddox answers our questions on all things vintage and Brighton.

An action shot of Sarah at a recent My Swish event

Who are you? Sarah Maddox

What do you do? I am co-founder of My Swish, the South East’s premier clothes swapping events company.

What does vintage mean to you? Vintage means getting one off pieces that are unique and sometimes quirky, clothes that are more interesting that your mainstream high street stuff and more environmentally friendly too.

How do you like to get dressed in the morning (and afternoon and evening)? My main concern is to not look mumsy and/or middle aged.  Sadly, I don’t always achieve this aim and sometimes get it totally wrong, especially on the school run when a hoodie and tracky bots is sometimes all I can manage. Yuk. Swishing has completely changed the way I dress however, because it allows me to take risks with things I wouldn’t usually think of wearing, without worrying about how much they cost.

What’s your favourite decade for style? The early 1960s Mad Men-era curvy styles are perfect for my figure.

Sarah in Tramp Vintage Boutique with her bargain £5 bag from Loved, Worn & Reborn

What’s your favourite vintage shop in Brighton (and the surrounding area)? I love mooching around the vintage shops in the North Laine, especially Kate and Aud on Trafalgar Street, mainly because it’s so teeny tiny and cute and they always use the space really creatively to display the things they sell.  I also like Tramp just down the road – gorgeous stuff, I want it ALL.

What’s your favourite online vintage shop? Wooden Hill Vintage is a fab site.

Where do you like to go to eat and drink yummy things? I love China China in Preston Street because it is my son’s favourite restaurant so I always take him there for a little treat.  When I am feeling more grown up I adore the bars at Hotel du Vin and Pub du Vin in Ship St – they are so glamorous. We are going to be holding a special swish for Brighton Festival of Shopping there on 10 April.

Where do you like to go to listen to awesome music? Tragically, I haven’t been able to listen to music since I had my heart broken.

Sarah wears a refashioned jumper from the Global Cool workshop and vintage M&S skirt. Scott the cat wears demonic sequin eyes…

Have you been to any tip top vintage events of late? Loved, Worn and Reborn always hold great events. I got my divine cream cross body bag from there when I dashed in during the final throws of their last event to give out flyers and got the bag for the knock down price of a fiver as they were closing. Bargain!  I adore it. I also tuck in the strap and use it as an oversized clutch when I think I am being fashion forward!

What are your favourite vintage hangouts? I like To Be Worn Again, especially in February when they were selling everything at half price!  Joy.  I bought a black dress in there for £14. Am not actually sure if it looks that good on me now I have got it home and tried it on but I might swish it at the Vintage Only Swish we are planning.  Watch out for more info about that on our website www.myswish.co.uk.  Also I can’t actually walk in the fabulous black shoes I got from a Swish before Christmas, so they might have to be re-swished too.  It is going to be someone’s lucky day!

Where do you like to go hunting for second-hand bargains? I love having a good rummage at church fetes and school jumble sales. I got my gorgeous white beaded necklace from St Mary’s Church Christmas Fayre, a great place to nab a bargain.

Sarah shows off a vintage jacket from a My Swish event and white beaded necklace from St Mary’s Church Christmas Fayre

What has been your best ever vintage/second-hand/charity shop find? I found an amazing green leather Ollie and Nic handbag at a swish a couple of weeks ago with a matching little green purse inside. A friend got an L K Bennett dress with the £185 label still attached at the same event – I was so jealous!

What is it about Brighton that makes you smile? I’ve met lots of lovely people in the vintage and fashion worlds since we started My Swish. I love the fact that there are so many creative people around and so many fab events happening all the time in Brighton.

Any other hints, tips or recommendations for vintage-lovers in Brighton and beyond? Come to the My Swish clothes swaps and get yourself a new look for free!

Click here to read our Q&A with Leila McKellar – the other half of My Swish.