Charity starts at the shops

Charity shops divide people. They’re not quite marmite, as in you love them or hate them, but there are definitely those who do and those who don’t. Shop in them that is.

I doubt anyone can have a major aversion to donating to a charity shop, but buying from one is another matter. The view still exists that it’s a downmarket place to purchase from. Housewares are one thing but to buy clothing from there is a step too far, for some.
I’ll admit that some of the clothes on sale may be a smidgen plain or not terribly fashionable but that’s a matter of taste, there’s nothing wrong with the actual garment.

I’ve been buying kitchen goods from charity shops for years. A few of my favourite purchases include a turquoise glass water jug, vintage teacups and saucers, a vintage platter and crystal champagne flutes. To me, that it's been pre-loved adds to the charm, it doesn’t detract from or devalue it.

Recently I’ve spent more time looking through the clothing rails and do you know what I found? The odd gem! Yes there are plenty of clothes I would never wear, but the same can be said about high street chain stores. Some of the labels I recognise and some I’ve never heard of but that doesn’t matter to me, it’s whether I like the item, whether it fits me and whether I think it looks good on me. Some of my favourite pieces have come from charity shops – a green blazer, a Monsoon skirt, a Gap top and a Zara winter coat to name a few. Those four items would have originally cost around £130, at least. The total price I paid? £18. The clothes are in excellent condition, no-one would know they came from a charity shop if I didn’t tell them.

I have this sneaky habit of waiting to see if someone complements me on something I’m wearing before telling them it was a charity shop bargain. The reaction differs. Some look amazed that something so nice came from a charity shop. Others look surprised and then frown, as if the shine has now gone off the item.

Charity shop clothes shopping is not the same as shopping for a brand new outfit on the high street, no-one would say it is. But there is definitely a buzz to be felt when you find a gorgeous garment, that you know would have cost a significant sum originally, for only a few pounds. And, of course, any purchase benefits the charity! Good feelings in abundance. If you’re watching the pennies, care about the growing throwaway fashion mountain and the exploitation of garment workers, it makes so much sense to charity shop.

Comments

[Clair]

I love, love, love shopping at charity stores. The idea that I can pick up something I think is beautiful (or even better, make it beautiful again) that someone else has thrown out is just awesome.

Just getting into re-fashioning too, have you tried?

[Retro Chick]

I prefer Charity Shopping to High Street shopping. I've found pieces from Mulberry, Calvin Klein and Oscar de la Renta as well as top end High Street like Monsoon and Karen Millen and I've never paid over £12.

I think the hunt is more exciting and I can get a while new outfit for under £20.

[the green gal]

Hi Clair, is that the proper word for taking an old item of clothing and sticking something on it to make it look a bit better?! I like it if so! I have tried that with a couple of things, look at the appliqued cardigans in my Things I Made album or on Flickr. I've also refashioned a dress for my work Christmas do, will post a piccie if a decent one is taken!

Hi Retro Chick, where do you shop, what great labels to find! You're so right about the hunt, the sense of achievement when you find something fab, as well as the charitable feelings, are sooo good!