Shop Charity in '23!

Rosa_Damascena

Wednesday2000 said:

I went back to Cornerstone and got my husband a Ralph Lauren shirt and a warm zip up blue jumper. I got myself a night shirt, and a copy of Pride & Prejudice to reread. I got my dog a teddy that she playing with now.

There were only a couple of awful scarves in the shop and the woman behind the counter asked me why I looked so serious.😆 I said I had wanted a warm scarf to wrap around my shoulders for when it gets cold in the evenings. The other woman went in the back and brought me out a beige blanket scarf. Brand new George at Asda for only £1. Perfect. It was all £14.

I did see the marmalade Rosa mentioned but I had spent all my change paying so I didn't  buy any.

Will definitely pay a visit to The Cornerstone now I know its open again and drag Mum out with me again. She is a big fan of the HM marmalade and can take her pick of flavours.

Coxy11

I have that Pyrex pattern on a large platter that we use all the time, particularly when BBQ'ing. Love it @dND.

Great that you got a scarf @Wednesday2000 and new too!

I went to the Post Office at lunchtime to post another Bay of E sale. A large shop unit which was once a kitchen showroom is going to be a Demelza Hospice shop. Must be my age, but I am so excited at the prospect lol!

Rosa_Damascena

Coxy11 said:

I have that Pyrex pattern on a large platter that we use all the time, particularly when BBQ'ing. Love it @dND.

Great that you got a scarf @Wednesday2000 and new too!

I went to the Post Office at lunchtime to post another Bay of E sale. A large shop unit which was once a kitchen showroom is going to be a Demelza Hospice shop. Must be my age, but I am so excited at the prospect lol!

I've only ever seen these stores in Kent - nothing local to me.

I am reluctant to peruse second hand furniture now that bed bugs are well-established locally.

Wednesday2000

The scarf is washed and it dried very quickly. It is very warm and cosy. I'm about to get into bed to watch some TV and then read. I got that second book at a free little library in Hadleigh the other day.

MrsStepford

In the past, husband has had some amazing shirts from Oxfam. New or almost new, in quality cotton, regular fit and without fashion features ie cutaway collars, coloured buttons, skinny fit. We got Jermyn Street stuff, French and Italian designer labels and new M&S luxury shirts. Husband likes double cuff shirts and most men buying from charity shops or shops generally, seem to avoid them so he got some bargains. But as @Cherryfudge says, basically they do wear out over time. 

Oxfam does group clothes together now, so that they are more often sold from hubs. This puts prices up, because volunteers or staff with more experience know the difference between Ermenegildo Zegna and Per Una, whereas volunteers in smaller places would often underprice obscure designer stuff and overprice Per Una, in the past. 

I can find new shirts reduced in John Lewis for £17- £29 and that's often way cheaper than Oxfam. 

Husband never tells anyone that his shirts and suits come from charity shops and sales. I don't think anyone ever suspects. He polishes his shoes, has the trousers shortened so that they look made to measure, and pre-Covid, spent some of the money he saved on brand new silk ties. Double cuff shirts with cufflinks too. 

We don't buy for the label, we buy for the quality of the fabric. Just because something has a label, doesn't mean that the fabric is the best or that it has been sewn properly. 

Anything he's wearing around the house is either Primark, Peacocks or the very cheapo stuff from charity shops !

Cherryfudge

MrsStepford said:

Husband never tells anyone that his shirts and suits come from charity shops and sales. I don't think anyone ever suspects. He polishes his shoes, has the trousers shortened so that they look made to measure, and pre-Covid, spent some of the money he saved on brand new silk ties. Double cuff shirts with cufflinks too. 

He sounds like a man of style, despite the primark!

Coxy11

We had a cheeky long weekend to Majorca two weeks ago with my BFF and her DH. They are like Posh and Becks and wouldn't be seen dead in a CS - everything has a label.

My suitcase was more CS clothing than not, comprising 2 dresses (including the Oliver Bonas one!), a pair of crop trousers and a blouse that I travelled out in, a denim jacket, 2 pairs of shorts and a top. I've said it before that my reason for CS purchases isn't because I can't afford to buy new, just that I object to the fashion industry waste. If something still has life left in it, then it's worth using imho.

My new job starts in a month and I'm going to be in the office 5 days. Will be looking for suitable pieces to compliment what I already have, and CS's are top of my list to search!

Cherryfudge

New job sounds exciting! When I had an office job I did all the clothes buying in CS - the nearest I've ever come to a capsule wardrobe. It was fun.

I have a job interview soon so I think I'd better get my interview gear together. I absolutely never wear jackets and they wouldn't be suitable for the post if I get it, so I need to find an alternative. One of my interview tactics is to try to look like a smart version of myself in the role, so for an office job I wore a skirt and a borrowed jacket. For a support work job it was definitely trousers with a neat top and sensible shoes. Not sure what I need for a teaching assistant job - any ideas, folks? (I quite fancy another buying trip but perhaps I need to 'shop from home' first).

beanielou

@Cherryfudge. I would go with trousers & a nice top but not a t-shirt. 

Positive vibes for you. 

Floss

beanielou said:

@Cherryfudge. I would go with trousers & a nice top but not a t-shirt. 

Positive vibes for you. 

Something washable & not fussy - no dangle sleeves or tie-neck x