Wearing 50p earrings from Cancer Research shop in Rushden. All jewellery charity shopped.
I'm determined once again to cut down on my clothes charity shopping. I've said this on several occasions since I started blogging three years ago. I've tried adding up what I spend on a weekly and monthly basis - scary. I've tried limiting myself to once a month trips and most recently trying to only shop from the sale rails. I've been good at clearing stuff out and have a friend who is collecting clothing to send to the Gambia, so that's an incentive but I have to curb my addiction! Christmas is an expensive time of year and I am hoping to go to Devon for a weekend in January so need to stop spending money unnecessarily...I don't need anymore clothes!
I'm determined once again to cut down on my clothes charity shopping. I've said this on several occasions since I started blogging three years ago. I've tried adding up what I spend on a weekly and monthly basis - scary. I've tried limiting myself to once a month trips and most recently trying to only shop from the sale rails. I've been good at clearing stuff out and have a friend who is collecting clothing to send to the Gambia, so that's an incentive but I have to curb my addiction! Christmas is an expensive time of year and I am hoping to go to Devon for a weekend in January so need to stop spending money unnecessarily...I don't need anymore clothes!
I'm experimenting with tunics over skirts at the moment and will, at some point, try tunics with dresses. As I'm bulky round the middle I find it tricky to find the right sort of top to wear with skirts and because of this I don't wear them as often as I would like. I'm hoping tunics over skirts will solve this problem...
Everything charity shopped. If you look carefully you can see I'm wearing a black skirt bought from Barnardo's sale rail for 79p. Spotty tunic by G21 but can't remember where I got it from; striped shirt under the tunic was from the Red Cross 1.99. I wore these boots to town to run errands last Thursday afternoon and wondered why my feet felt a bit wet. When I got home the sole had dropped off the left boot! It will cost about 12 to 15 pounds to have a sole replaced and as I only paid 1.99 for the boots (from Barnardo's but by Miss Selfridge) it really isn't worth it. Into the bin they went.
On my trip to town I went to the Mercy in Action charity shop. I bought a lovely tunic for 2.00 and the scarf I'm wearing in the photo above. Not only is it yellow but it has this lovely chintzy print.....only 1.00!
On my trip to town I went to the Mercy in Action charity shop. I bought a lovely tunic for 2.00 and the scarf I'm wearing in the photo above. Not only is it yellow but it has this lovely chintzy print.....only 1.00!
It needs an iron...
Here's the 79p skirt again. I wore this type of skirt a lot in the 1990's with thick tights and ankle boots. Not Doc. Martins. I've never owned a pair of Doc. Martins or even worn a pair; I find them very clumpy and no good for short, chunky legged people like me! I do love them on other people though, and what a fab range of colours and designs I've seen.
 |
| Picked up an Xmas jumper for 1.00 for middle grandson (on radiator) - they're having an Xmas jumper day soon at school and I refuse to go to a big chain store and buy a new one...it later transpired the one I'd bought was for girls! |
Everything charity shopped except the boots which were from Sainsbury's a few years back. Knitted tunic - or it may just be a long jumper - from Kim and Co and was 99p from Barnardo's in Ampthill. Animal print shirt - charity shopped but can't remember where or how much. There was a time when I was desperate for an animal print shirt and I seem to have ended up with three! Green tights. charity shopped. I'm on the look out for striped tights at the moment; I already have a purple striped pair.
Oh dear, I must have been rubbing my eye... all jewellery charity shopped except necklace which was a present many years ago from my middle grandson's mum.
Well, so much for my restraint re
charity shopping but at least it's not clothes! I had more errands to run on Friday morning and as I've been looking for a knitting bag, although without success so far, thought I'd look in the Keech Hospice shop. They didn't have a knitting bag but they did have a velvet draped model covered in brooches - all 2.00 each. You can see my choices above. I could easily have bought ten more!
My third outfit of skirt plus tunic. Everything charity shopped. Skirt by Topshop. Sweater and blouse both Primarni and both from 99p rail in Barnardo's, Great Denham.
Boots; on line retail. I''m very hot in this photo hence the red face; I'd just put more coal on the fire...
All jewellery charity shopped.
Went to see my son on Saturday and these photos were taken when we got back. This is the 2.00 tunic by Masai bought in the Mercy in Action charity shop in the week.
I wore it with a black jumper underneath for warmth but I turned the jumper backwards. The neckline didn't sit properly as a result so when I wear the tunic again I will wear another long sleeved top the right way round! I love the colours in the tunic; cream, silver grey and fawn. I thought my copper, gold and silver necklace went really well with it.
I bought this jacket for 1.00 in the 3:16 charity shop. I thought it was vintage; it's not - made in China but it has lovely beaded embroidery on one side and tiny pockets, cuffs and lapels trimmed in satin. It also has lovely shaped buttons. I can see me wearing it a lot.
Black stretch trousers by Phase Eight; 79p in Barnardo's, Great Denham. They were a little too big for me and have been redonated. You may remember I was looking for black leggings but had to resort to buying a pair retail - M&S. All jewellery charity shopped.
Monday's outfit, Joe Brown dress, boots and tights charity shopped. Yellow cardigan Christmas present from OH.
All jewellery charity shopped.
On Tuesday I went to the foodbank. There is so much food! Over 5 tonnes of food were donated through our Tesco collaboration. In the afternoon I went for an 8 mile walk with my friend, Lynne, from the foodbank. Quite a chilly day with occasional bursts of sunshine. We walked through three villages; Biddenham, Bromham and Stagsden back to Biddenham. This is Stagsden church - you can see it was a rather dreary day.
Striped leggings 79p Barnardo's rail; knitted tunic 1.00 rail (don't like it - into the charity shop bag it goes). Italian cardigan bought from the Sally Army a few weeks ago for 4.99. Boots from Oxfam.
All jewellery charity shopped.
Now to my outfit mistake...
I wore this outfit to my Ramblers Christmas lunch and carol singing event last Wednesday. It was a lovely lunch and I always enjoy the carol singing. It was always my favourite Christmas activity at school; singing carols. I might think about joining a local choir - if I can find one who would have me!
Anyway, the outfit above. It was a mistake of an outfit. I nearly didn't post a full length photo but as you know this is a warts and all blog! The white gathered top is a go to wardrobe staple of mine, bought in a La Redoute sale some years ago. The top and trousers have been in my wardrobe - unworn - for at least three years. The trousers are beige, high waisted with pockets; by Mary Portas bought for 5.00 from Oxfam. I wore them with brown suede ankle boots but the trousers make me look short and dumpy because they're too long for me. This outfit is not helped by the voluminous M&S Autograph top for which I paid 1.00 from a sale rail somewhere. I liked the top because it's kimono-like but the sleeves are very big and at the back it has an elasticated waistband like a blouson. I also should have worn something patterned or at least more textured as all the materials are pretty similar. Having analysed what's wrong with the outfit I will redonate the top as I have plenty of kimono type tops and try to shorten the trousers to see if that improves them. They are dressy trousers and I only have one other dressy pair...They also need different shoes; possibly sandals would be better and as they are very lightweight trousers they would be good for summer wear. I wore leggings under them on this occasion!
I've started my second 'Sunburst Blanket' and have 12 squares made so far...not sure what I'm doing with it when I've finished it but I'll think of something or someone who might use it. Possibly my brother, Julian, he said he'd like a blanket ages ago.
More tunic and skirts, trying for the Gudrun Sjoden look here - layers, patterns and colours. Must try harder...Everything charity shopped. Skirt by Red Herring 3.00. Top by Bon Marche 1.00 rail. Striped top by Papaya can't remember where.
Tights, boots, scarf and all jewellery charity shopped.
I was very good this second week of December. On my trips to town I looked in several charity shops but I only bought a long green cardigan for 2.00 in the Independent charity shop and a yellow necklace (yes, another one!) for 1.00 in the Sally Army.
The weather turned really cold this week. Not very conducive to walking.
Everything charity shopped but cardigan from Primarni.
Top 1.00 rail 3:16 charity shop. Checked trousers can't remember; boots from Oxfam.
All jewellery charity shopped except earrings bought in Oxford market by my lovely OH.
Another couple of outfits worn last week...
Rupert bear trousers charity shopped last year. Kimono Christmas present from daughter about four or five years agp. The striped shirt is by Tu and was from the sale rail at Barnardo's - 79p. I love the sleeves...
Boots daughter donated.
All jewellery charity shopped.
East dress; charity shopped and Houndstooth cardigan from F & F; also charity shopped. Check leggings: New Look charity shopped. Boots charity shopped in Northampton.
All jewellery charity shopped.
Everyone is coming to us for Christmas and we should have a fun day.
Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and if you don't celebrate it have a wonderful festive season and break. See you in 2019!
Well, so much for my restraint re
charity shopping but at least it's not clothes! I had more errands to run on Friday morning and as I've been looking for a knitting bag, although without success so far, thought I'd look in the Keech Hospice shop. They didn't have a knitting bag but they did have a velvet draped model covered in brooches - all 2.00 each. You can see my choices above. I could easily have bought ten more!
My third outfit of skirt plus tunic. Everything charity shopped. Skirt by Topshop. Sweater and blouse both Primarni and both from 99p rail in Barnardo's, Great Denham.
Boots; on line retail. I''m very hot in this photo hence the red face; I'd just put more coal on the fire...
All jewellery charity shopped.
Went to see my son on Saturday and these photos were taken when we got back. This is the 2.00 tunic by Masai bought in the Mercy in Action charity shop in the week.
I wore it with a black jumper underneath for warmth but I turned the jumper backwards. The neckline didn't sit properly as a result so when I wear the tunic again I will wear another long sleeved top the right way round! I love the colours in the tunic; cream, silver grey and fawn. I thought my copper, gold and silver necklace went really well with it.
I bought this jacket for 1.00 in the 3:16 charity shop. I thought it was vintage; it's not - made in China but it has lovely beaded embroidery on one side and tiny pockets, cuffs and lapels trimmed in satin. It also has lovely shaped buttons. I can see me wearing it a lot.
Black stretch trousers by Phase Eight; 79p in Barnardo's, Great Denham. They were a little too big for me and have been redonated. You may remember I was looking for black leggings but had to resort to buying a pair retail - M&S. All jewellery charity shopped.
Monday's outfit, Joe Brown dress, boots and tights charity shopped. Yellow cardigan Christmas present from OH.
All jewellery charity shopped.
On Tuesday I went to the foodbank. There is so much food! Over 5 tonnes of food were donated through our Tesco collaboration. In the afternoon I went for an 8 mile walk with my friend, Lynne, from the foodbank. Quite a chilly day with occasional bursts of sunshine. We walked through three villages; Biddenham, Bromham and Stagsden back to Biddenham. This is Stagsden church - you can see it was a rather dreary day.
Striped leggings 79p Barnardo's rail; knitted tunic 1.00 rail (don't like it - into the charity shop bag it goes). Italian cardigan bought from the Sally Army a few weeks ago for 4.99. Boots from Oxfam.
Now to my outfit mistake...
I wore this outfit to my Ramblers Christmas lunch and carol singing event last Wednesday. It was a lovely lunch and I always enjoy the carol singing. It was always my favourite Christmas activity at school; singing carols. I might think about joining a local choir - if I can find one who would have me!
 |
| Crumpled and rumpled as usual! All jewellery and scarf charity shopped. |
I've started my second 'Sunburst Blanket' and have 12 squares made so far...not sure what I'm doing with it when I've finished it but I'll think of something or someone who might use it. Possibly my brother, Julian, he said he'd like a blanket ages ago.
I was very good this second week of December. On my trips to town I looked in several charity shops but I only bought a long green cardigan for 2.00 in the Independent charity shop and a yellow necklace (yes, another one!) for 1.00 in the Sally Army.
The weather turned really cold this week. Not very conducive to walking.
Everything charity shopped but cardigan from Primarni.
Top 1.00 rail 3:16 charity shop. Checked trousers can't remember; boots from Oxfam.
All jewellery charity shopped except earrings bought in Oxford market by my lovely OH.
Another couple of outfits worn last week...
Rupert bear trousers charity shopped last year. Kimono Christmas present from daughter about four or five years agp. The striped shirt is by Tu and was from the sale rail at Barnardo's - 79p. I love the sleeves...
Boots daughter donated.
East dress; charity shopped and Houndstooth cardigan from F & F; also charity shopped. Check leggings: New Look charity shopped. Boots charity shopped in Northampton.
All jewellery charity shopped.
Everyone is coming to us for Christmas and we should have a fun day.
Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and if you don't celebrate it have a wonderful festive season and break. See you in 2019!
I'll have another look when I get home, as my company's server doesn't like most of your pictures! However, I just wanted to say: I love all your outfits (that I can see), and I'm especially enamoured with your Masai top (we have that brand over here too). As always, stellar accessorizing.
ReplyDeleteI would like to gently say, don't worry so much about shopping. It performs several functions that are important:
1. Like me, it's your art, getting dressed up. That is something we do for ourselves.
2. You're giving back to charity! That's a good cause.
3. It's your money and you can spend however you want.
Having said that, I do recommend a "one in, one out" rule or even a "one in, two out" rule to help you whittle it down if your collection is getting too much. It's also really useful to give yourself a shopping break of a week or even a month, if you can handle it. You'll be amazed at how it can spark creativity.
Anyways, as a pal who also shops a lot, that resonated with me! I also struggle with the thought of what I spend, but I've mostly come to terms with it. You do you!
Have a wonderful week, Vronni, and take care of yourself first. ;-P
Very wise words, Sheila, and so true!
DeleteSorry you couldn't open some of the pictures I think Vix had a similar problem, too.
Have a lovely Christmas and New Year!
xx
I love that you're experimenting with skirts and have found a way to make them work for you. I like your idea of pairing them with tunics, it's a smashing look on you. The grey/taupe tunic suits your colouring and oh heck, how I am in love with that little tartan skirt teamed with navy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a sharing your mistake, I think and the tights under thin trousers is the issue, trousers invariably cling. Tights under any trousers make me feel claustrophobic!
Good luck with curbing your charity spend in 2019.
Wishing you a merrily cosy Christmas with your family, x.
I don't think the trousers clung as they were quite loose on the lower leg they were just too long and not suited to boots. I'm reluctant to redonate them as they're Mary Portas so they'll be summer trousers worn with sandals.
DeleteHave a wonderful Christmas and New Year, Mary.
xxxx
I agree with the PP above that tights/leggings under thin trousers will make them extra-clingy, but having seen this outfit now, I like it from the waist up. I read about a clothing theory around "cake" (boring neutrals, solid colours) and "icing" (accessories, and bright/shiny/highly-textured clothes), and how to balance them. Frankly, I think you have too much "cake" in that outfit! The solids on top need some sort of pattern, colour or texture on the bottom, and vice versa: the trousers need to take a back-seat to some pattern and shine!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think it was possible to have too much cake! Ha ha!
DeleteI see what you mean about the top having too much volume, but I wouldn't call it a fail. I like the elegance of the neutrals without much detracting from them. Sometimes the camera doesn't reflect how things appear in life.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do-don't stop buying clothes and load up on brooches instead! I'm speaking from experience ;)
Have a very happy Christmas and a great New Year!
Now you've given me an idea, Goody...
DeleteI went back to the shop and the model is still there still with plenty of brooches!
Happy New Year!
We all have outfit mistakes from time to time, and I think you're very brave to "go public" with it ;-) But what's one mistake (and I think it's just the combination, not the individual pieces) when you've been wearing all these other, brilliant outfits? As usual, I'm going to pick my favourites and, as always, I'm having a hard time doing so. Love the Joe Brown frock with the yellow cardigan, the Rupert Bear trousers (which are glorious) with the striped top, and the grey dress and houndstooth cardigan. I applaud you for doing an 8 mile walk in such dull weather, but I guess any daylight is better than nothing, so why not? I don't think I'll ever be able to stop buying clothes at the charity shops, but I'm trying to adopt the one in, two out rule as recommended by Sheila and others. I said trying ... doesn't mean it works all the time. Wishing you a happy Christmas spent with your lovely family! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann. It is difficult to not feel guilty about the spending in the charity shops but it does go to charity and I do get a lot of pleasure out of it.
DeleteHave a lovely Christmas and New Year!
xxxx
Well Vronni we are always looking for new members for our little village choir,no auditions, we sing all sorts, meet every Wed. evening, but expect we are too far away(other side of Kettering).
ReplyDeleteSadly it is too far, Polly but I'll find one closer to me I'm sure.
DeleteHappy Christmas and New Year!
xx
Sadly there's a few photos that won't open so I can't admire your latest crochet masterpiece but i know it's going to be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteDon't feel guilty about charity shopping, it's a hobby, you get pleasure from it and you're helping good causes. Have you ever thought of doing some eBay selling? you've got a great eye and it allows you to continue buying and make a little spending money?
All your outfits are fab especially the blue one. I can see why you weren't keen on the Mary Portas one (love her, don't you?) , you're too fab to be neutral!
xxxx
Love Mary Portas!
DeleteSorry you couldn't open some of the photos. My latest crochet masterpiece won't be finished until the New Year and I am probably going to change ot from the original plan anyway - not 100% sure at the moment...
I find it hard not to feel guilty about the spending in charity shops - having an Irish Catholic background does that - but I am trying!
I'm too lazy to do ebay selling...
Have a fab New Year and see you in 2019!
xxxx
Dear Veronica, Why do we have a passion for thrift shopping? Stretching our creative muscles during the treasure hunt is so incredibly fun. Growing from strength to strength in successfully mixing pattern, you have become THE expert. Picking a favorite outfit is impossible because I love them all. Thanks for inspirational sharing. Judy @fancified.ca
ReplyDeleteI love the thought of a creative muscle! Thank you, Judy and happy holidays to you and Handsome.
Deletexx
I am in love with the gray ensemble with the metallic boots, the spotty tunic at the top of the post, and the peachy-salmon blazer paired with the geometric print top (I would have never thought to wear checked trousers with that- but it looks fab!)
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you & yours!
xox
Thank you, Bibi!
DeleteHappy holidays to you and yours, too.
xx
As Vix said, don't feel guilty about charity shopping!. However, I understand your point of view, as I'm also trying to reduce my visits to charities and markets.
ReplyDeleteLove the yellow printed scarf and I think that you look fab in tunics over skirts! great idea!. Love your red tartan skirt and fab red accessories, love your copper and silver necklace, love the tunics and necklaces, love particularly your striped red shirt and plaid pants (such a brilliant ensemble!!) and love your monochromatic outfits (so elegant!)
And I love that you shared your 'outfit mistake' and I think that previous commenters have offered great advice! so lovely!
besos
DeleteThank you Monica - I'm going to try really hard to cut down in the New Year...
Happy Christmas!
xxxx
ReplyDelete
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ReplyDeleteThe tunic and skirt combo is very flattering for you. Love all these outfits, pieces in particular the hounds tooth cardi and the plaid skirt. Also trying to curb 2nd hand shopping - my cupboards are just too full and I love most of what I already have and don't want to get rid of it. So my goal for 2019 is shopping my wardrobe and coming up with fun outfits. Happy Christmas and New year to you!!! Lise in Nesebar
ReplyDeleteHello Lise!
DeleteI, too, hope to shop my wardrobe more in 2019. I may also limit myself to a once a month charity shop trip. Here's hoping we both make more space in the wardrobes...
Happy Christmas and New Year to you, too!
I'm wild about those plaid trousers!
ReplyDeleteOutfit mistakes...we all make 'em.
Thrifting can become quite an addiction, one always wonders what they're missing out on. Today for example we went out to a thrift store I hadn't been to in a while and picked up Fluevogs, a Missoni cardigan, a Karl Largerfeld striped sweater and an Escada jacket. Yeah. It is crazy the stuff you can find. That is why it is so addictive. You never know what amazing treasure is waiting around the corner. A few weeks ago I picked up a Gucci sweater set.
As a reseller my business is suited to my ability to thrift like a pro. I'm glad I have my shop though. Otherwise it would be difficult to let so many treasures slip through my hands.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and all the very best in 2019!
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Wow - you did so well! The plaid trousers are by Abercrombie and Fitch - I did well too!
DeleteVix suggested I tried ebay selling as that way I can still pick up up wonderful things just not keep them, but to be honest I'm too lazy to do this. Charity shopping is so very addictive though!
I just have to be sensible and buy only what I really, really love or need.
Wishing you a fab Christmas too and a very happy 2019.
I hope you too had a fab Christmas and are enjoying the New Year so far.
ReplyDeleteLike you my middle's less defined than I'd like. I tend to avoid anything strongly contrasting that draws attention to my waist (eg a top that ends at the waist and is dramatically different in tone/colour to the bottoms; contrasting belts). Tunics are great - you've probably got good legs/bot from all the walking you do, so a tunic and pencil skirt would be fab.