Frugal Fashion – More Charity Shops And Vintage Finds

I’ve been enjoying being able to get back to the Charity Shops that have been gradually reopening since June and am happy to say there have been plenty of bargains on offer. My frugal fashion finds have also included eBay, another pleasure that I used to love, then fell out of love with (too much new stuff mass produced in China and the Far East and not enough real bargains) but have now started to enjoy again.

Charity shops do seem to be really busy at the moment. My mom manages an Acorns store in Wednesbury and has suggested that customers seem to have really missed the thrill of finding a thrifty bargain, as she has noticed really good footfall since they reopened a couple of weeks ago. Charity shop shopping is of a kind that is hard to replicate online, and it is good that the charities are once again receiving the kind of support that they need. I also love that there are some rich pickings if you are looking for vintage, with everything from 1970s accessories, to 1980s era dresses and shoes.

Here are some of the frugal bargains that I have found since lockdown eased and shopping began again.

1980’s Vintage Dress – eBAY

This 1980’s dress was missing a belt, which I imagine would be a tie or fabric sort, so I had to add one of my own, but at £5 I think this is a classic style design that is easy to wear, and, with the pleated skirt, is strangely modern.

1970’s dress – Acorns Retail

A bit of a cheat as this isn’t a new find, but one I rediscovered in my wardrobe. This is a catalogue label from the 70’s and is just so cool to wear. The shoes were also from Acorns in Bloxwich and were a bargain for £3. I had a similar pair a few years ago and were gutted when they gave up the ghost so was over the moon to find these.

River Island Maxi Dress St Katherine’s Hospice shop

This dress may just be my new fave, it is a really cool cotton style and I love the busy print. The label is River Island and the dress has obviously not been worn a lot, so for £4.99 it really was a no brainer.

Another item I found on the same trip and from the same shop was this floral cotton top that had a Debenhams Mantaray label and cost £3. I love it with shorts as the cotton is very cool for hot days.

Precis Pleated skirt from Acorns Hospice Shop

This skirt is a real classic and will look just as good in Winter. I know this will work with a polo neck in Winter too. The locket is a vintage piece I got from the Vintage at the Manor fair last year. I hope they come back again soon.

Another lovely skirt from Acorns, this is a late 70’s vintage piece and I love the floaty feel and the pretty print. The necklace is Butler and Wilson that I found on eBay during lockdown, whilst the velvet bag is ASOS, also from eBay.

M&S Skirt From Severn Hospice Shop

I have this M&S skirt in mustard, and always regretted not getting the printed version, so when I saw it for £4 I literally grabbed it from the shelf. It has a lovely print, relaxed pencil style with side splits and works for both work wear, and as an evening look.

Rock Follies Vintage, Worcester.

Didn’t buy this, but just had to share, I absolutely love this dress, a real 70’s classic. I know my mom had something really similar. Those sleeves are just beautiful.