No tags yet.
I don’t know about you, but when I was at school, second hand meant washed out, shapeless and old fashioned clothes that immediately attracted unwanted attention – I wouldn’t have been seen dead in anything that wasn’t new, and my parents were very into clothes, so I had little exposure to pre-owned, unless I “borrowed” it from my mum’s wardrobe.
Move on a couple of years and to sixth form college…..I embraced the charity shop hippy look so popular amongst students, in an attempt to look different. And goodness, didn’t I look different. My step mother still tells the story of when she purposely avoided me in town because I was wearing a pair of men’s paisley pyjama bottoms, plimsolls, and a huge belted cardigan. I thought I looked great, she recalls a Seven Dwarfs kind of vibe……..
And then on to my first job – I almost bankrupted myself buying clothes almost daily – massive credit card bills, sneaky ways of returning items bought on cards for cash (don’t think you can do it now). I forgot about second hand and caused myself huge problems, which took years to put right, but I did love the clothes, the shopping, the feel of new stuff.
Then I had my first child.
For many reasons, money was extremely tight. I decided not to go back to work until I absolutely had to, but something had to change. I had become used to spending money that I earned on whatever I wanted. Suddenly, on SMP and then on money I raised from doing car boots, I had very little extra to buy new clothes for me. Of course, baby was well dressed, but growing fast and at first I started to find brilliant bargains on the car boot or in charity shops that would keep him a decent distance from naked – and no one could tell!
A light went on in my head; could I find things in the same places for myself? I started to look in earnest – and I was amazed by what was available. A little bit of rooting around turned up brand new items with tags, branded clothes and pre worn clothes in great condition – I was hooked. I still got the buzz of a new purchase, but not the guilt – an outfit for less than £15 – who can complain?
And so, to today. My love of clothes means that my wardrobe is full (overflowing), but a decent proportion of that is second hand. Most of my work dresses have been worn by someone else before me, or at least hung in another wardrobe. People often ask me where things are from, and it’s often charity shop, ebay, given……But I know that some people don’t like the thought of sifting through piles of clothes or even going into charity shops. They don’t trust ebay and can’t find what they are looking for.
That’s why I started this website – If you can overcome your fear/aversion to second hand shops – more power to you – go shopping and buy, buy, buy – It’s guilt free, environmentally friendly shopping! But if you would rather see a carefully chosen, good quality range of clothes from the comfort of your armchair (desk, bus, garden…..) then I probably have something just for you.
The pictures included in this post are items I have sold - they include an LK Bennett dress, - Jasper Conran and I think you'll agree, they are a far cry from ugly.......
