As you know, I've been just a little bit busy getting my handmade business, the green gables, off the ground, so it's been a while since I have written about my no-new-clothes-for-a-year challenge.
Well, I've not had much to say about it! All my time, energy and cash has gone into the green gables so I've not even stepped into a clothing shop in weeks. By not visiting clothes stores I don't think about, or miss, new clothes or fashion. Even during my charity shop browsing I've been far more interested in the housewares section than the clothing rails.
However, courtesy of my dear friend Kirsty, I have a new not-new summer dress.
The clever girl spotted this while wandering around her local charity shop and bought it for me. She knows I'm partial to a pretty summer dress, I love wearing green, and most excitingly it still had its shop tag so had never even been worn. A spot of pinning by my sister and a few minutes on the sewing machine and it fits me perfectly. The chain link butterfly belt is another charity shop find.
My charity shop and secondhand shopping has become so habitual to me I don't think I actually think about it any more. A comment from a friend recently proved to be quite telling. At my little birthday garden party last week, one friend remarked, while giving me her gift, that she was "sorry it's not from a charity shop". I don't know if I've ever heard someone apologise for buying new rather than secondhand! Obviously anything someone has been kind enough to give me is always very gratefully received, however old or new it is.
Still, it does make you wonder, when did 'new' come to mean 'better' for some people? Of course, not everything I spend my money on is new but really, I love a charity shop gem, don't you?
Such a pretty cute dress that looks beautiful on you. And such a funny birthday art comment. Does make you think, doesn't it.
Posted by: Kim | Monday, 26 July 2010 at 08:50
I agree: if someone 're-gifts' or gives something they saw & bought in a charity shop / at a carboot, I think it means more - they thought about you when they bought it not just spent £s on something cos they felt obliged (Christmas is a dreadful time for that). It should be the thought that counts, regardless of where it comes from. And 'made-yourself' gifts are the best cos time is the most precious thing you can give someone.
Posted by: tracey2412 | Monday, 26 July 2010 at 11:38
You'd never guess that this lovely dress was a charity shop find. It looks fabulous!
Posted by: Clair | Monday, 26 July 2010 at 12:23
A beautiful gift of a beautiful dress :)
Posted by: Julie Gibbons | Monday, 26 July 2010 at 20:20
All I can say is WOW! You´ve got a great friend with great taste.
And you got to love that comment. Unfortunately, my family still thinks my thrifty Christmas wishes are 'too humble'. Maybe I'll just ask for craft supplies next year - I don't see how that could go wrong.
Posted by: Nienke | Monday, 26 July 2010 at 21:53
A wonderful thrifty find.. and it looks so sweet on you (but who unkindly chopped off your head?!)!
I quite agree.. you can't beat a charity shop bargain - I just can't resist a good old rummage whenever I'm passing the Help The Aged shop. I can feel a blog post coming on.. really should document a few of those finds!
Posted by: SarahLP | Tuesday, 27 July 2010 at 23:21
Thanks for the fab comments, people! I am indeed a lucky lady to be given such a gem of a dress, it is amazing what real beauties can be found, never worn in your local charity shop.
And I amputated myself! Can't quite get to grips with showing my face in lots of photos on my blog, every so often I feel the need to hide!
Hope you have happy charity shop shopping weekends…
Posted by: the green gal | Friday, 30 July 2010 at 20:33
That dress is adorable. I love a good thrift store find.
Posted by: Junebug | Sunday, 01 August 2010 at 00:27
Oh I have just found you :) We were both mentioned on Indie Fixx's flickr inspriation post. So I trotted on over here and I love it. We share a love for charity shops, green and bunting just to start off with. You, my friend, just got a new follower.
I'm an Northen Irish photographer and allotmenteer x
Posted by: Carrie | Sunday, 01 August 2010 at 19:00
Fear not about the admittedly horrorific lack of bunting in my life. I am waiting for my new house to be built - then you shall see the bunting being released :) Oh and I wrote a reply to your comment on my blog, on my blog. Goodness my brain is everwhere tonight!
Posted by: Carrie | Sunday, 01 August 2010 at 20:16
Just catching up on your blogs. What a beautiful dress for a beautiful person. You are so inspiring. Please come charity shopping with me one day? x
Posted by: Kel | Thursday, 05 August 2010 at 21:10
Just saw the dress on flicker and Love it and the belt! Most of my wardrobe is handmade, vintage, and secondhand.
Posted by: Green Trunk Designs | Sunday, 22 August 2010 at 13:14