The Charity Shop Revival

There was a time when shopping in charity shops was something stigmatized. Or, at the very least, something you certainly didn't go out of your way to admit - unlike the origins of that Zara dress. To say you brought a piece of clothing from a charity shop ran the risk of being met with an air of snobbery. I remember once, at school, a girl said that she would never shop in charity shops because the clothes had been worn before and must therefore be 'dirty'.

One of the older Oxfam stores in Oxford 

The changing tide

This snobbery has, in recent years, been replaced by admiration and even awe. One now experiences a feeling of pride when explaining that an item was bought from a charity shop - to which the usual reaction is ‘are you kidding?’ A beautiful M&S pure silk shirt is just one hidden gem that I myself have been lucky enough to find. And do I care that it has been previously worn? Not one bit. (In fact, I like to think that it was previously owned by some glamourous woman). For £12 in Oxfam, this was a bargain. 

M&S silk blouse

Also, I'm sure we've all had that awkward moment when we've seen someone wearing the same top/jumper/shirt as us. But with charity shops, more often than not the clothes you are buying are no longer being sold. In that sense, there's a strange air of exclusivity about them.

A helping hand

Shopping in charity shops doesn’t only do yourself good (#shopping therapy) but OTHERS good too. You’re getting some fabulous clothes whilst at the same time giving to charity – who could protest? Although Oxfam is the most 'obvious' charity shop, there are some other small chain or even independent charity shops who donate part of the earnings to less established charities. Given the busy lives we lead, factoring in charity work might seem hard, so this is one way of helping out without even realising you're doing so.

Mind charity shop in Jericho, Oxford

Time well spent 

Perhaps the only negative is the sizing. The nature of charity shops – where people donate their clothing – means that there is only ever one size available for anything. So if something’s not in your size, sadly there’s not much that can be done. (I’m still lusting over a real leather jacket from Zara *sighs*). 

But when you do find something that’s a) wonderful and b) in your size, the feeling of reward and satisfaction makes the time and effort well worth it. Think of it as a challenge. And actually, sometimes you might want to buy something a few sizes bigger (say, for example, an over-sized denim shirt  which can look very cool when worn bare-legged - think Glastonbury vibes). 

A diverse selection 

So I guess this is a message for all the charity shop virgins out there: in an age no longer designer obsessed, and one in which the ways of buying clothes is ever-increasing, there's no better time than to pop into your local charity shop. You never know what you might find!

Guys listen up! A few tips on how to dress for the opposite sex

Image: Allposters

Calling all the men out there. Are you tired of being single? Is it the case that no matter how many times you turn on that charm you’re still riding solo? Now it might simply be the case that a) you aren’t very nice or b) you have some other personality turn off (as opposed to turn on, if you pardon the pun). But have you ever stopped to think that your clothes may be an important determiner for attracting the opposite sex? 

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of men who try so hard to look stylish it hurts. Quite frankly, it completely defies the whole point: would I want to go out with someone who had clearly spent more time in the mirror than me? No thank you. But, on the other hand, a guy who has just thrown on a pair of jeans and t-shirt in the hope of finding love wouldn’t go much further either. With this is mind, here are seven magic tips for looking amorously stylish….

An ironed shirt. Yes. Take note of the word ‘ironed’. Fair enough, you’re busy and have a list of other things to do. But come on now, if you’re hoping to find love then an ironed shirt is a MUST. It shows that you have taken pride and time in your appearance – what women love.

Iron out those creases - or risk us creasing up with laughter

No over-patterned/polka dot/flowery shirts. Perhaps this is a personal preference, but if a guy is wearing a shirt so ‘arty’ that it would look better framed and put up on my living-room wall, then it would have to be a no.

Polished or (at the very least) clean shoes. It doesn’t matter how expensive those shoes are or what brand they’re from, if there’s traces of dirt on them then sadly they are no better than a pair of battered old pumps.

Be sure to invest in some good shoe polish

A good wallet. There are some guys who don’t even own a wallet, preferring to stuff their money into their back pocket. Fine, until it comes to paying for drinks: watching you wiggle around desperately trying to find that tenner isn’t ideal.

A proper jacket. A good coat isn’t just for attracting the ladies - it's a wardrobe essential generally speaking! Long trench coats are great or a plain black one if you’re feeling less adventurous. Essentially something that flatters your stature – so not that blue mac you bought for a sixth form camping trip.

Who says trench coats have to mean Sherlock Holmes?
Image: Burberry 

Trousers that actually fit. Let’s get this straight: overly tight trousers look wrong. They look like you’ve borrowed them off your younger brother or they’ve shrunken in the wash. Similarly, length. A fraction too short and beware the ‘ankle bashers’ look.

And finally, when it comes to Christmas jumpers….. A snowman on your chest attracts toddlers not ladies, so go for a festive pattern that is stylish as opposed to cringe worthy.

Sorry Mr Darcy! No matter how handsome you may be, that jumper does you no favours