Shop Charity in '23!

Ellie79

Hiya, I'm such a lurker but always watching with interest. Hello all! 

@Cherryfudge trousers and a smart top for a TA job, tidy but flexible! 

I'm a big CS shopper. Mostly I don't have enough time to really browse but, recently, have hit very lucky with lots of marksies gym gear, a brand new pair of Nike trainers for my youngest and a few bags. I need to visit the nicer shops at a different location, because the prices and stock at my most local is... difficult. Very jealous of so many lovely finds here but it does keep me motivated to keep trying and to try different styles, too. 

Rosa_Damascena

@Cherryfudge - dress a grade above what is expected of the role at the interview. It shows both respect and that you are serious. 

@MrsStepford - whilst shopping at a chaz is nothing to be ashamed of, I too don't advertise it. Unless to those in my "circle of trust". OSers included!!

Cherryfudge

Thanks all!

Trousers and a nice top seems like the way to go. I have black trousers that only get worn for interviews so I'll have a quick check that they still fit me, and pair with a simple top and perhaps a scarf. I'll see what winter-weight things are still in the loft, and clean my shoes.

Rosa_Damascena

Cherryfudge said:

Thanks all!

Trousers and a nice top seems like the way to go. I have black trousers that only get worn for interviews so I'll have a quick check that they still fit me, and pair with a simple top and perhaps a scarf. I'll see what winter-weight things are still in the loft, and clean my shoes.

Make sure they are closed-toe and of a sensible height. Nothing that would offend workplace H&S: you will be dealing with spirited little ones, after all.

flamingo747

I'd say something with some colour to it, shows a lively, child friendly side

Rosa_Damascena

I passed my favourite chazzer earlier today - closed for a facelift (their expression) until the week after next.

Not to be thwarted, I moved on to the next where I bought 2 thick shawl-type scarves (handy for wrapping myself up in), 3 books I can't wait to get stuck into (famous last words) and a CD. £3 well spent.

goldfinches

@MrsStepford - I usually wear whatever new find I've snapped up to my Wednesday walking group and show it to the others for them to admire which I regard as publicising charity shopping as an activity IYSWIM. I make a point of telling people that apart from my shoes and underwear most of the clothes I'm wearing were bought secondhand and showing what nice items can be found for very reasonable prices. Because we have two universities locally the idea of secondhand rather than buying new is coming through loud and clear from the students as well as the eco-conscious among people my age and I've definitely noticed it's becoming much more socially acceptable. I see really smartly and expensively dressed women perusing the shelves at my favourite BHF shop nowadays, in fact a very chic lady bought some glittery reindeer ornaments while I was there at lunchtime today.
@Rosa_Damascena - I thought it was a fridge at first but the brush on the door and the brand name confused me as I couldn't imagine what one would use such a brush for in a kitchen and I didn't recognise the name. Having dredged the depths of my memory I do now recall reading recommendations to refrigerate one's makeup and general facial goo in Good Housekeeping etc. so was initially in awe of your level of sophistication and grooming, when I then read that you will be using it for drinking my admiration knew no bounds. Clever you and cheers!
@Cherryfudge - very good luck with your interview and I definitely agree with all the previous suggestions about outfits. 
I popped my head around the door of the original Oxfam shop on my way home yesterday and snapped up a Food 52 cookbook, £2.99, an Australian Women's Weekly book, £1, and a Maeve Binchy short story collection, £2.49. Then I went on to my favourite BHF shop where I found two James Meade shirts one of which is silk and cost £15 and the other is a very pretty tana lawn in blues and greens, £6. I also picked up Donna Hay's classic sweet recipes, £1.49, a Waitflower small loaf tin, £1, a white Uniqlo thermal top, £4, and a wellness jigsaw, £1.


Front to back, James Meade silk shirt, two white long sleeved tops of which I'm keeping the Uniqlo one on the right and returned the other as it was uncomfortable to wear and the Food52 cookbook.



The other James Meade shirt, the baking tin, the jigsaw and I appear to have photographed the Food52 cookbook twice and the Maeve Binchy collection not at all so sorry for that, it's this one here.

Floss

@goldfinches I love that silk shirt 

Cherryfudge

Rosa_Damascena said:

Cherryfudge said:

Thanks all!

Trousers and a nice top seems like the way to go. I have black trousers that only get worn for interviews so I'll have a quick check that they still fit me, and pair with a simple top and perhaps a scarf. I'll see what winter-weight things are still in the loft, and clean my shoes.

Make sure they are closed-toe and of a sensible height. Nothing that would offend workplace H&S: you will be dealing with spirited little ones, after all.

LOL - sadly no choice here as I'll be walking to the interview so may be dealing with November weather! And foot problems mean I have too many sensible shoes. But thanks you for the reminder, I will plan shoes with the rest of the outfit.

flamingo747 said:

I'd say something with some colour to it, shows a lively, child friendly side

Nice thought. I'd ruled out a dark top as I remember thinking our dark work uniforms made us look like a row of crows but going beyond that to actively child-friendly - that's a nice touch.

Can't fail to wow the interviewers now!  

@goldfinches, I've never seen a wellness jigsaw before. What a relaxing idea. 

DigSunPap

Rosa_Damascena said:

Don't laugh....I bought this today:

It's actually very light so will accompany me on my UK travels.

Lol! What is this? A suitcase????