That Charity Style, by Debbie Attwood

I am now around four months into my challenge of only buying clothes from charity shops for a whole year. Yes, I am actually sticking to it, I promise!  After spending a few weeks umming and aaaahing about what I could start a blog about back in August and at the same time crying over my lack of money, I came up with the idea to help a good cause and stop me spending ALL my money on clothes. I loved charity shopping anyway and so thought why not take it to the extreme! I vowed not to buy any fashion item anywhere other than a charity shop for a whole year! Yes, 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days!

The Charity Shop Challenge

I found it suprisingly easy to restrain myself from buying clothes from High Street shops and internet outlets for the first month or so. The blog kept me busy and I loved hearing everyones stories and comments and even opened my eyes a bit more to all the good charity shops actually do. The charity shop news comes flooding in daily and there are some great campaigns going on to help such worthwhile causes.

Now, however, the challenge is getting harder. I suppose that’s why they call it a challenge. I feel summer coming and catch a glimpse of a gorgeous maxi dress or a beach skirt and I have to run away… literally! Or… every night that I plan an evening of drinks with friends my typical routine would be to head to the shops and buy a new outfit. Not any more! You can try finding something to wear out in charity shops but the one thing I have learned about charity shopping is not to go looking for anything in particular.

A different shopping style

If you are in a rush you have no chance. Rummaging! That is the problem. Sometimes that is the joy, but when you are in a hurry it can be your downfall and you come away with nothing. Still, it stops you buying impulse purchases and instead buying clothes that you really like, well it does with me anyway. So really it’s a good thing. I have found in the past that I get home and the piece that I have just bought from a High Street shop does not look nearly as nice as it did about an hour ago in the changing rooms. If anything the opposite applies with charity shop buys.

I have so far found some amazing bargains. Nearly all of the things I have found seem like they will last. They are vintage style and built to last so they won’t be going out of fashion next month before I have even had a chance to wear them. The great thing about charity shops I think is that you can find amazing designer garments that are a fraction of the price! My best piece so far would have to me my Karen Millen coat. It was £22! I love that I would spend so much more than this on a normal winter coat let alone a Karen Millen one! It is a lovely red colour and was bought from a British Heart Foundation shop. It is great to be getting some amazing purchases when you know the money is going to a great cause!

For more about my challenge visit www.thatcharitystyle.com and follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/charitystyle