What is your charity shop bargain of the week?

In Age UK last weekend, a mushroom coloured Hawkshead feather and down filled quilted body warmer, for £6.99. I nearly didn't try it on as it was a 12 (I'm generally a 14/16 up top), but it looked big enough so I did, and it fitted perfectly. However... there were several greasy looking marks all over the front, so I put it back on the rail.

The next day I went in again and it was still there. My little voice was giving me "meant for you" signals, so I tried it on again, inspected the greasy marks again, cheekily asked for a discount on account of the marks, to be told only the manager could authorise that and he wasn't in until the next day... and I was going away then.

Little voice was getting quite adamant, and eventually I decided to go for it. Worst case scenario I could wear it around the house in cold weather.

I gave it two 15 minute 30 degree washes, liberally dousing with pre-wash stain remover first, and almost all the marks came out. The remaining couple I have been rubbing with a soapy flannel, and they are barely visible now :beer: .

The funny thing is, I discovered concealed half zips in the neck (so there had been a hood that was missing), and in the armholes, so it apparently started off life as a jacket! Never mind, I am very happy with my find - it's good to go with your gut sometimes! I wore it on a short break during the week, and it kept me toasty warm on draughty station platforms.

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I have avoided chazzers of late but my mum came back with a couple of handbag bargains (including an evening Guess bag, not to my taste at all). I always wonder why people donate big everyday handbags though, can't help but think there must be something wrong with them else surely they'd still be used by the previous owners?

My most recent buy was 3 books for £1 that I'm enjoying atm - yes I've started all 3, when I finish them is anyone's guess

Don't forget a lot of charity shop donations are made by relatives clearing out a loved one's home when they have gone into a care home, or passed away. We donated binbags full of perfectly good things when my parents' house was sold. So there isn't necessarily anything wrong with the items.

No bargains here this week. I was looking forward to a look around my favourite local hospice shop as I had a spare half hour in town , but I was shocked at the price hike! Most of the tops, and I am talking Matalan, Peacocks etc were priced at £5.99. There were some lovely bits there but everything I picked up was over £5. I haven't been in there for a couple of months so I am not sure when the prices went up. The Salvation Army shop usually has very good prices but I didn't have time to check that out this week