Charity shop tip #1

Hi everyone, hope you're enjoying your weekend! Today I've decided to do something a bit different to my usual outfit post, and something that I hope will become a regular feature. As you know, most of my outfit posts feature a lot of charity shop buys, and I've had a few comments from people asking for tips, or how I manage to find so many nice charity shop items. So, off the back of that, I've decided to put together some charity shops tips - and here's my first one!

Look through ALL sizes of clothes

There are several reasons for this. The first is that although you do find a lot of primark, new look etc items in charity shops where the sizing will be correct (or as correct as primark sizing can be...) there are also a lot of vintage items where the sizing is different to nowadays. I think a lot of this is to do with vanity sizing, but for example a size 12 vintage skirt may fit the same as a Topshop's size 8.

The second reason, and the reason that I usually look through all the sizes is because oversize tops look great when paired with well-fitted bottoms. In all the high street shops you will be able to find examples of these - floaty blouses, slouchy tshirts and baggy jumpers. I actually bought a top this week that inspired me to write this post. It's a snakeskin patterned shirt, and was labelled a size 20 and a bargain at £1. As a size 8-10, it is long and baggy enough to wear over leggings (or in my case, riding pants as I don't own any decent leggings). And here's the outfit in action:

 

shirt - charity shop, riding pants - american apparel, shoes - creepers

It also looks good tucked into high waisted trousers/ skirts/ shorts:

Although I really enjoy wearing oversized items, I know that others maybe don't - but that's no reason not to buy oversized items if you find a cheap shirt in a pattern or colour that you like - they are also great for layering. Here's a couple of examples.

Layered under another top, with a necklace around the collar:

 

cardigan - charity shop, velvet top - charity shop, necklace - matalan

Layered under a jumper/ sweater with just the collar and bottom hem poking out:

sweater - charity shop

  Also - belts help if you're wanting to wear oversized but still want to show off your waist! 

So, next time you're in a charity shop, don't just skim past that size 20 shirt - try it on, think what you have at home that you could layer it with and you might just end up with a bargainous and versatile new item of clothing!

Well I think I can safely say that's the most writing/ photos I've had in one post - can you tell I'm passionate about charity shopping?! I've got a few more tips lined that I'll be posting at some point over the next few weeks, along with my usual outfit posts.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Laila x