Click bait title I know, but that's literally what my husband likes to call my charity shop treasure.....much to my dismay as one might imagine! He always takes great pleasure in grimacing to wind me up, denouncing my bargain finds as if they were actually clothing the previous owner as they kicked the bucket! Needless to say it never puts me off! I've always loved a rummage in second hand stores, whether it be for china tea sets (a business venture I didn't end up pursuing) or a wee hidden gem to add to my wardrobe but recently I've really gotten back in to it in a big way. I don't shop much for myself (the joys of being self-employed and careful with my dosh!) but when I received some birthday money last month I decided it was time to go shopping for some Autumn/Winter pieces. Uninspired by the high street, I took to the charity shops and boy, they did not disappoint.
Having recently donated two lovely winter coats (which I'd simply fallen out of love with) to my local charity shop in a mass clear out session, I was in search of a warm but stylish coat or jacket to fill that seasonal must-have-shaped hole in my wardrobe. Following a Pinterest-athon I had it firm in my mind that I was in the market for a tweed or checked monochrome piece. Low and behold one Saturday morning on the way to the bank, a quick nip into our local The Salvation Army store resulted in the purchase of not one but TWO stunning coats. The first find was this brand new Tesco black and white checked single-breasted coat (currently in store at £39!) that I'd actually nearly bought the previous day at full price. I love it as it's got that smart/casual thing going on. It can be dressed up but also works well with my skinny jeans and Converse. Result!
On my way to the till, I spied another long-line coat from Principles and just had to have it.This pure wool coat will be perfect for our trip to Paris in November-stylish but warm! Both coats came to the grand total of £20!! Both in great condition and both very on-trend. The charity-shop challenge had begun...what else could I find?!!
Often it can just be your pot luck as to whether you come across something you really like and you do have to be prepared to trawl through those rails. A trip to Morningside Road in Edinburgh, where I was convinced I'd bag myself several bargains from the array of charity shops on offer, proved to be a flop with not one single purchase made. So I now try not to have any expectations when I venture out on a second-hand shopping spree. Another trick is not to hunt for something very specific, as chances are you won't find it. My search for a pleated metallic knee-length skirt goes on, however, in the interim I did find this brand-new grey pleated skirt (originally from Primark) for £3. Not metallic sadly, but still a good find which will go well with my both my new winter coats. And at three quid I can still afford that gold or silver skirt when I find it.....which I will!!
For sometime I've been on the lookout for some slogan tees. Instagram is awash with some seriously cool chicks wearing t-shirts brandishing all manner of statements and sayings that add a little more personality to an outfit. Teamed with a pleather skirt and heels it makes for an uber stylish Saturday brunch 'I'm not trying too hard-but I kinda did' vibe. An early finish on a Friday saw me in Stirling town centre (which has an abundance of charity shops!) in search of a bargain or two. This Topshop beaut was only £3 and as I'd found it actually on a Friday, I felt the universe was telling me it was meant to be!
Additional bargains have included a Zara khaki denim shirt (yes, the paint splatterings are part of the design Dad!) for £1.99 and a leopard-print blouse and mustard fine-knit jumper, both from H&M and both only £3 each. You can't argue with that!
I'm thrilled with every single piece and know I'll get heaps of wear out of them this Autumn/Winter. Bargains they may be but like with every purchase I make, I ensured each item was in good condition and fitted me before committing to a sale-after all, I don't want to add more stuff I'm not going to wear to my collection when I literally just had a clear-out! You can't beat the thrill of finding a hidden gem and unearthing something that not everyone and their granny is sporting right now. If you have an eye for piecing things together and are willing to experiment with your style you never know what you'll come across in those rails. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on my charity shop adventures. I love being able to support so many wonderful charities and breathe life back in to clothes that someone has fallen out of love with. I actively encourage you to go check out your local charity shops-it's amazing what you can uncover and you'll be helping the planet and a worthy cause in the process!
Happy rummaging!
Weesse x
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