Friday Fashion: Charity Shops Are Back Open
The re-opening of shops means that my own personal favourite kind of shop, the charity shop, has also opened its doors once more. Acorns, Cancer Research, Oxfam, Barnardo’s and now the British Heart Foundation have all opened in many towns, with many smaller, independent charity shops also opening. I have been taking part in an eco challenge pilot called The Unstoppable Challenge, and I did a plastic footprint calculator, which proved my plastic footprint was quite bad when it comes to buying new clothes, but it wasn’t strictly true, as many of the things I buy are actually preloved and second hand, and are therefore a form of recycling and are much better from an eco point of view than merely buying new.
Charity Shops are a little stricter on rules, many only allow 3-4 people in store at one time due to constraints on space, and you must use hand sanitisers that are in place. But as you can see from the images below, which have all been taken in the last few weeks, there are lots of real bargains to be had, more so as many people have had massive clear outs during lockdown.
If you do have donations, please ring the store first rather than just turning up at a shop with bags, many shops are not taking donations over the door at present, and will probably book your goods in for a specific time. But please do try to support your local charity shops, they have suffered lately and the charities certainly need the financial help.
Vintage Finds
Charity shops are always great for good quality vintage finds at bargain prices, how lovely are the pink, 1980’s Jacques Vert shoes shown below. The Roland Cartier (also 1980’s) would make a great work shoe.
1960’s mini suitcase from Cancer Research in Bilston was an absolute bargain, a little sad that I didn’t buy it now.
Another cute item I really should’ve bought, this is a Clarks vintage bag in fabulous condition.
Thinking ahead to Winter, I love this faux fur coat.
One item that did come home with me was this unlabelled, 1970’s day dress that was just £3. I just love it!
Modern Styling
Charity shops are not just about vintage styling, you can get some fab modern pieces too. This pretty Next top was new with tags and was less than £5.
Love this great Reiss jumper in a pretty thin knit.
These gorgeous Zara blue velvet shoes were too big for me. Pity.
This is an amazing, Ossie Clark top from when Debenhams did the relaunch a couple of years ago. Such a classic piece.
This is also gorgeous, from Gap.
A lovely vintage print from the sadly now defunct Oasis.
My favourite was this stripy Phase Eight top which had a split back detail.
Got this Osprey clutch for just £3.
The necklace below was a £1 bargain from Acorns Retail, I’ve already worn it three times so guess it’s paying for itself.
And another Acorns bargain is this blue print dress that was just £3 from Acorns.
Home wares – Vintage and Modern
Charity shops aren’t just about clothes and accessories, it is also worth checking out the home wares and furniture, you can grab a real bargain, especially if you are stying a vintage home.
Have you found any charity shop bargains lately?