Your trash, my treasure

Charity shops are no longer a hoarding site for unwanted, old and unfashionable wares, but a treasure chest of cheap, chic and unique finds.

Ok, so it isn’t as easy as fingering the rails of your usual high street stores, but it’s a lot more fun, rewarding and purse-friendly.

My tips of the trawl:

• Keep an open mind and keep rummaging: the diamonds are hidden amid the rough.
• Shopping in more affluent areas generally means the items in store are of a better quality.
• Alteration, alteration, alteration – If it doesn’t fit or it’s too long, adjust it.
• Find what you like in the main high street stores beforehand and then hunt out its (better) twin in the charity shops.
• Be daring.  It’s cheap so you can afford to buy things you wouldn’t normally buy, which usually means taking home more eccentric and original statement-pieces.

Everything you buy holds a story, so you’ll love what you find even more. Many of my favourite clothes and accessories are charity shop finds.  From on-trend cream lace cropped tops, blanket check shirts and boyfriend blazers, to classic and sophisticated Italian leather handbags, leather boots and jewellery.

You’ll find the difference in quality exceptional: solid bling, real leather and a wealth of brand names; it’s surprising but wonderful. And the best part is that my friends and I won’t be wearing the same outfit, and nor will anyone else.

This really is shopping for today’s consumer: the bargain hunter who wants to look great.

Now, don’t be fooled, this isn’t a brand new sport.  Charity shop shopping has been a popular pastime for many of my generation for quite some time.  The challenge and excitement of the hunt and the contentment and glee of the find makes this style of shopping simply darling, darling.

So, get rummaging and find those gems.  One-offs to show off!