Pre-loved Affair

I think it's pretty obvious by now, but charity shopping is a very large chunk of my personality. Wherever I am, I am permanently keeping an eye out for a local Oxfam or British Red Cross. Maybe it's the bargain hunter inside me who lusts after a good deal on a pair of vintage Rustle & Bromley leather loafers, OR it could just be the joy of rummaging through an eclectic and chaotic arrangement of unwanted nicknacks that makes my heart soar.

Either way, there's no point in denying that I am well and truly head over heels in a Pre-loved love affair.

I've been a keen charity shopper for at least the last 5 years, and in that time i've found some of my most worn fashion essentials that I will continue to wear until they literally start falling apart. The pink satin shirt pictured below is probably my most loved item, snagging it from an independent charity shop in Bath for just £4 around 3 years ago. I'd imagine it's from the 80's, judging by the very worn away label, but I never knew at the time just how much of a staple piece this would be for me in my wardrobe.

This shirt has been with me everywhere. Gliding along the canals of Venice, out for dinner and drinks for a Birthday bash...and some less glamorous places like the floor of a Bristol nightclub toilet... (which I won't insert a picture of. You're welcome.)

That is the true definition of versatile my friends.

My point is, the cost-per-wear of this pink shirt is probably down to about 2p by now, and that is the beauty of shopping second hand. Suuuure, you might have to chuck it on an extra hot wash for the first time to get rid of the musty-moth-slightlyweirdoldpeoplesmell, but once that's out the way you can breathe new life into an old garment - AND you're staying sustainable, which is the biggest pro of shopping second hand.

In fact, I love thrifting so much that I've been documenting my finds on YouTube, as well as taking the camera along with me on a charity shopping spree and to explore my favourite vintage shops.

It's in my blood!!!

(I'll link my thrifting videos here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBNUL0-tzVQ&t=37s )

I'm at a point in my life where probably a good 50% of my wardrobe is either second hand or vintage, and honestly if it weren't for the frustrating tiny sizes of vintage clothing, it would be a hell of a lot more. Whether you love vintage clothing in particular like myself, or are more into trend-dressing, there's no telling what you'll find. I popped into a British Red Cross a few weeks ago and got chatting to the lovely volunteer on the counter. After vocalising how surprised I was to find so much brand new (with tags!!!) in-season Zara clothing hanging on the rails, the lady told me that Zara are actually one of their main partnering contributors. I walked away with two brand new Zara shirts for a quarter of the price, knowing that my money was going towards helping people in crisis - and saving stock that some irresponsible designer brands would have chucked straight into landfill.

(RIP to the one-size-too-big dreamy leather boots which I reluctantly left behind though... I hope you've found a deserving home <3)

As gratifying it is to find a high-street item at a heavy discount, I still much prefer searching for those more unique and and eye-catching pieces. Take my blazer collection for example, it is... urr... extensive.

Every single blazer featured below has been purchased second hand - top tip: never bypass the mens section!!!

I honestly think that is the one thing I missed the very most during the dreaded lockdowns of 2020/2021. Of course I missed the satisfaction of a cold, crisp, overpriced glass of Sauvignon...but not being able to quench my overpowering thirst for a mooch around a charity shop hit me hard...

Guess i'll just have to make up for lost time!