There’s a bit of a stigma in some circles about buying things in charity shops. Personally I think they are great. For me, going into a charity shop is just like opening your presents on Xmas morning. There might be something special that you want, but when you open that door and enter the shop you’re never quite sure what you’ll find. You may actually find something entirely different that is just as good, and if you decide you don’t like it when you get home, just donate it back to the shop and still feel good. The great thing is that if you do eventually find that special thing you’ve been looking for, you’ll treasure it so much more because of all the time and effort that’s gone into finding it.
I'm on the right, looking cute
I first came across charity shops when I was a student at Sheffield University. Rag week took place during the autumn term, and the crowning event was the infamous ‘Pyjama Jump’. The girls dressed up in pyjamas, and the guys got to dress up in nighties, tights and all sorts of female attire. Personally I think us guys had the better deal, as for one night a year we could wear make-up, use suspenders and look drop dead gorgeous. Most of the clothes had to bought in the local charity shops, and I think for months beforehand the shops stocked up on various garments and accessories. Even though the shops knew about the event, it still didn’t take away the embarrassment of buying a pair of stocking, a suspender belt and a short nightie from a nice middle class lady who could quite easily be your mum! In fact my mum did find my nightie and was quite confused for a while. Here I am on the right of the photo. Many people complemented me on how pretty I was!!
These days I’m a bit older with a tad less hair. For me, charity shops are a great way to spend an afternoon, wandering round and seeing what you can find. Some people may sniff at buying clothes in charity shops, but you can find some great items if you’re patient and can be a bit flexible.
My new top, as worn by a local model
Last year I found a great coat for under £5, and recently it took me three months of patient shopping to find this top in the photo. The biggest problem I have is finding a pair of trousers, as I have a slim waist and short stumpy legs. I may eventually be able to find something that fits but I’m not sure a pair of purple cords would be the best thing to wear to work.
So if you haven’t tried charity shops before, have a wander down Burleigh Street on a Saturday afternoon and pop into a few of them. If you’re worried about what people might think, don’t tell them, as many of the things you can find will look fairly new. The clothes I’ve bought have generally have been in good condition, and as long as you check them all over before buying, it should be fine. You might even bump into me, wandering down the street trying to look inconspicuous in a pair of lederhosen.