Ever wondered why you never find anything in charity shops? Ever considered it may be the town you're visiting? It's a common misconception that posh areas have richer pickings. True, the range of high-end labels may be wider but the prices reflect this and customers flock from miles around with the same thoughts as yourself. My advice is to head for the less "trendy" areas where the staff wouldn't know Marni from Matalan, the vintage gems rub shoulders with the supermarket labels and the customers shop from necessity rather than because they're making a style statement.
This morning's chazzing trip took us to our neighbouring Black Country town, West Bromwich, well-known for it's iconic arts centre "The Public" and birthplace of Adrian Chiles.
With a lively high street packed with charity shops and a busy Indian quarter well-stocked with fabulous bejewelled sarees, exotic fruit and vegetables and tantalising aromas reminiscent of the street food of downtown Mumbai, West Brom's bustling vibrancy and colourful local character sure beat a mundane trip to a sterile shopping mall.
With a lively high street packed with charity shops and a busy Indian quarter well-stocked with fabulous bejewelled sarees, exotic fruit and vegetables and tantalising aromas reminiscent of the street food of downtown Mumbai, West Brom's bustling vibrancy and colourful local character sure beat a mundane trip to a sterile shopping mall.
The original purpose of our trip was to get the finishing touches to our planned fancy dress outfits for a party next weekend. Needless to say we were soon distracted by the fine array of random goodies in each shop we visited.
Vintage leather Brogues £2
Spanish-made leather bag with paisley design £1.99
Today's pièce de résistance has to be the "Kate Moss for TopShop" playsuit I snaffled for £3.49. Ideal for tonight's birthday night-out!
I'm wearing it with: Vintage Renata of Italy irridescent heels and clutch (Charity Shop), Black opaque tights, TopShop Chandelier earrings, Thrifted leather belt with brass rivets, stacks of brass bangles and vintage leopard print scarf (Charity Shop).
I recognise that building. Have they decided what to use it for yet?
ReplyDeleteGreat bargains again! :) Love the shoes! Emma
Gorgeous brogues. And bag! And the playsuit... wow! You have such great eye.
ReplyDeleteI think the problem I have is a lack of time. Charity shops are only open Saturdays, often for reduced hours, and I never seem to have the time to spend scouring them or travelling to other towns. I'm definitely gonna make that one of my new year's resolutions though - more second hand shopping!
What a great find, Moss for Topshop!
ReplyDeletewww.trustme-itsparadise.blogspot.com
Thanks for all your comments!
ReplyDeleteEmma - The Public's currently got a restaurant and live music. Great looking building, shame about the expense...
xxx
Amazing finds, especially the brogues!
ReplyDeleteI totally live in a less trendy area,
but at the same time, but never does anything good turn up, and never is it a reasonable price!