In theory, charity shops are everything a fashionista could want. Full of one-offs, you can guarantee your find will be individual, different from the mundane high-street selection and, best of all, CHEAP! However, I know this is easier said than done. In all honesty, I sometimes really doubt whether the girl who owns the 'amazing leather satchelll' I've just complimented really did pick it up for £2.95 in Oxfam, because when I set foot in any charity shop in my home town, the choice is very much limited to variations of old Laura Ashley knits & musty-smelling blouses. In my opinion, it's a bit of pot-luck. But after my recent finds, my confidence has been restored in all things second-hand, unwanted & cunningly re-labelled 'vintage'.
Aren't I glad now that I showed a bit of self-restraint when resisting to buy a velvet, burgundy skirt for £39 from American Apparel last week now I picked one up from The British Heart Foundation for just £3.99 today! I must also be glad that people seem to be removing all velvet from their wardrobes. That's the best thing about charity shops; by giving away your unwanted clothes, not only are you supporting the cause of the organisation, you will also make the person who buys that item a very happy person. Nothing beats that post-purchase high whilst shopping!
I've developed a technique for bargain-hunting. A key rule being: don't just take an item of clothing on face-value. A shirt could be a dress, a dress could be a scarf, a scarf could be skirt. Look for textures and patterns you like. Talking from experience, charity shops at the moment are brimming with velvet, corduroy and silk. All key materials & textures this coming Autumn/Winter. If a neck-line is hideous, cut it up. If a hem-line is too long, shorten it. With a few minor adjustments, you can have an outfit that's quirky & on trend. And you don't have to be a creative genius to make these alterations.
Not exactly a talented seamstress, I kept it simple. I teemed the velvet skirt with a brown belt to alter the shape of the garment and quickly tacked the back to transform the 5-sizes-too-big skirt into a dress that was showered with compliments, all in under 4 minutes. Sure, I was slightly late for the party. But I went with the satisfaction that only comes when you are completely happy with an outfit that only cost you £4.99. Imagine my joy that now, when someone asks where my dress is from, I can be one of those girls who smugly responds 'Oh this?! I just picked it up in a charity shop...'
Blue skirt worn as dress-£4.99 Charity Shop
Black Velvet Skirt-£3.99 Sue Ryder Charity Shop. Hat, Cardigan & Cami top-all H&M. Shoes-Urban Outfitters
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