For unusual prints and one-of-a-kind garments, sometimes the best place to search can be your local charity shop. Earlier this week, I took to the shops to find a few bright pieces on a budget.
Blouse – £1.50: My first find was this pretty blouse, priced at just £1.50! There’s no label on it so I can’t quite tell who’s made it, but the material is lovely and soft. Luckily, despite it being so delicate, it doesn’t wrinkle easily. I know this because it’s been crumpled in a carrier bag for days and when I took it out it emerged like new. The front of this blouse is pleated and the buttons down the middle are covered, so the blouse is more fun than formal.
Blouse – £1.50: This gorgeous pussy-bow blouse was from the same charity shop for £1.50 also. It is a Marks and Spencer blouse (I can tell from the St. Michael’s label) and is just as soft as the aforementioned number. The bottom of the blouse is gathered, making it perfect to team with smart jeans, and the front is pleated. Although it is smart enough to wear to work, the brightness of the colour makes it flirty enough for a night out, too.
Scarf – £0.50: Yes – you read that right. This little scarf cost me just 50p! The fishes and aquamarine colour scheme are perfect for the ocean-inspired trends of many SS12 collections. It will also come in handy for adding a bit of print to any block colour garments or darker outfits.
After being so happy with these purchases, I got to thinking about other things I’ve purchased from charity shops. Here are two of my treasured items that were once owned by somebody else.
Jumper – under £5.00: I’ve had this jumper for years so I can’t quite remember the price, but isn’t it divine? The print is so striking and the shape is a God send – it hangs loosely from your frame, making it perfect for those days when you’ve had one too many spring rolls with your Chinese take away.
Handbag – under £5.00: Again, I can’t remember how much this was but I know I paid pennies for it. I bought this long before the Chanel-inspired chain handbags infiltrated the high street, meaning that everywhere I went with it people used to gawp! Even now the heaviness of the chains and quality of the leather in this handbag give it the extra edge from any high street replica. It’s the perfect thing to keep me going until the day comes that I can afford the real thing!
2 blouses, a jumper, a scarf and a handbag for under £15.00? Charity shops are the way forward. Not to mention, you’re doing your bit to help those less fortunate along the way.
