Pick'n'Mix - the joy of the chaz in '26!

annieb64

When I worked in a charity shop we were often sent teenagers who were on some kind of scheme to get them into work.One or two worked well and I know they eventually got jobs but some obviously didn't want to be there.

Wednesday2000

I have another event to go to and I have to wear green this time, last time it was purple. I found two dresses in the Southend Hospital shop this morning. I bought both, obviously.

Wednesday2000

I just noticed my dog got in the pic!😆

Brie

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82159100#Comment_82159100

took me a while to find it! need a better pic next time!!!

Rosa_Damascena

I bought this yesterday, I'm such a sucker for a kitchen gadget! Whether it actually encouarges me to bake remains to be seen…

Rosa_Damascena

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/oxfam-reese-witherspoon-laura-dern-notting-hill-designer-clothes-b3063451.html

This is what happens when celebs discover your local charity shop

Forget Knightsbridge or Dover Street Market… thanks to Hollywood A-listers Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern, London’s hottest spot for designer shopping – and celeb-spotting – is now my nearest Oxfam, says Charlotte Cripps

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Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern were spotted in theNotting Hill branch of charity shop Oxfam this week. The longtime friends, who co-starred in Big Little Lies, did a little window-shopping before heading inside for a rummage.

It's my local branch – and it isn't any old Oxfam.

In chichi Westbourne Grove, it's known as “Oxfam Boutique”. The shop is a dumping ground for local celebrities' cast-offs, often left in black bin bags in the doorway. Some items are brand new, with the tags still attached; others have barely been worn. There are designer pieces donated by wealthy residents who apparently can't be bothered to return them, sell them on Vinted or take them to the dump – all under the guise of “luxury donations”.

The shop still has that familiar Oxfam aroma – a distinct, almost comforting mustiness. There's also a small bric-a-brac section stocked with souvenir mugs and plates. But little else about it feels like a traditional charity shop. The rails are bursting with expensive clothes, handbags and shoes.

When I popped in this week, the manager, Dara, told me he's just received eight black bin bags containing £8,000 worth of designer clothes, including brand-new items with all the tags still attached.

open image in galleryBig Little Lies stars Laura Dern and Reese Witherspoon made a surprise trip to Oxfam Notting Hill this week (Getty) (Getty)

Among them are eight frilly shirts, available in every colour, that typically retail for between £285 and £385 at a French boutique across the street. At Oxfam Notting Hill, they're £80 each.

“They're all size 14,” he said, with a knowing glint in his eye. “I think she [the woman who dropped them off] was on the skinny jabs and lost weight.”

Within seconds, I’ve spotted a yellow Moncler puffer jacket, £250; Isabel Marant gypsy skirt, £90, black Prada gladiator sandals, £90; new Paul Smith green women’s blazer with tag, £190; Proenza Schouler yellow flower dress, £350; and a bright green Ganni coat, £250. I nearly buy the Reformation floral mini skirt, £22, as it seems such a bargain – did they forgot to add another zero?

The expensive items like a big black Mulberry satchel, £350, and YSL canvas shoes, £180, are under lock and key in a glass case. A volunteer, with a huge bunch of keys, opens it for me to try on a pair of Isabel Marant suede moccasin boots, £185.

Forget the soon-to-be-soon-to-be-pedestrianised Oxford Street, or Knightsbridge, or designer hangout Dover Street Market – London’s only shopping destination now is the Notting Hill Oxfam.

When Dern and Witherspoon popped in on Monday, the manager tells me he was busy downstairs sifting through goodies – but Cat Deeley was in the shop the other day, and bought a pair of Miu Miu jeans.

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It’s no surprise Oxfam Notting Hill is such a destination stop-off for Dern, Witherspoon and their ilk. Eco-conscious fashion is a massive trend, and choosing to support sustainable “rewear” – we say vintage, and definitely not “dirty old clothes” – projects an image of mindful consumption.

Over the years, I’ve popped in for a few celebrity cast-offs myself: a pair of Jimmy Choo black heels, £80; and a Burberry trench, £280. A friend bought me an amazing art deco purple vase for my birthday last year – and proudly told me it was Oxfam Notting Hill. God knows whose mansion it once sat in.

Many times I’ve double-parked outside the shop to drop off second-hand clothes – but from places like H&M. Dara told me such stuff would be instantly shipped off to the sister branch in Earl’s Court. No Primarni here: he only wants the really top-end stuff.

open image in galleryOxfam Notting Hill is brimming with super expensive designer clothes, handbags and shoes (Google Street View)

The Oxfams in Marylebone and High Street Kensington are also fashion havens, but Notting Hill is the flagship “boutique”. Highgate is a favourite for people sourcing bohemian Kate Moss hand-me-downs, the store she disclosed is her designated drop-off when doing a clear out.

Recycling designer pieces bought for one-time events like parties, or worn once on social media and then thrown aside is all well and good – but excessively buying clothes without guilt, thinking you can just sell the items later, doesn’t always stack up.

Last year, a Yale study found that shoppers who frequently buy secondhand clothing, also buy new clothes as well, which lessens any environmental benefits and reinforces the cycle of over consumption. Re-sale clothes still end up in the same landfills as fast-fashion.

Rather than “luxury donating”, people who buy designer clothes they don’t want, need or intend to wear for a second time should take a long, hard look at themselves in the mirror.

Miró

Been fancying a Boden needlecord dress for autumn/winter but even on Vinted they were rather spendy. However in the Herriot Hospice shop in Bedale I found this M & S version in navy for £9.99 and it looks b/n 😊

Miró

Seems as if cord dresses are like buses…none, then 2 come at once! Today, in the Age Concern shop in Northallerton found this pinky/brown jumbo cord dress by ‘George’ for £6…lovely quality and appears unworn 🤗

suzeesu2000

oooh @Miró I do like that dress. I’m after a cord skirt, noticed I really only have 1 winter skirt.

Rosa_Damascena

@Miró - I like both dresses, but I always wonder what is the point of having pockets on the chest? They do my figure no favours by drawing attention to that area, and serve no real practical purpose either.

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