Tuesday 26th June

I've been on an unofficial blog-holiday

WOW cant believe its nearly been three weeks since my last blog, I feel awful. The funny thing is that missing one day just seemed to roll into a week and without realising or meaning to, its been this long. I myst say, and this is the truth, I haven't strayed from the challenge and despite not writing every day, I have still been wearing and only shopping in charity shops. Quite simply, I'm a charity shop convert.

I've got a back log of photos from my three-week blog holiday so will do my best to get upto date and get back to my daily blog. I've missed this.

Nina x

Sunday 3^rd June

Let’s keep this party going

Bank holiday Sundays are made for going out for. I think it’s mainly because it’s the few times a year when Sunday isn’t a school night and it feels a little naughty to go out. I swear usually I don’t go out this much but as with the majority of people in the country, it was the jubilee weekend, it would have been rude not to.

I wore a gorgeous (well I think it is anyway) black tailored playsuit. That you can see in the photo but is backless, which I love about it.  I teamed it with a chunky black and gold belt I also picked up from a charity shop and black heels.

One thing I’ve found since starting this is that belts are a good find in charity shops, vintage fairs and fetes. I’ve picked up half a dozen all for £1 each and they are perfect to have to accessorize an outfit.

Saturday 2^nd June

Drinking summer in a glass

Carrying out the partying throughout the Jubilee weekend, I went out for dinner and drinks with some friends. I wore a maroon red oversized top that has long red tassels on the bottom. Perfect for a festival and a little different. I teamed it with black shorts and chunky black heels. My take on boho chic for a night out.  Not bad for £4 (that doesnt include the cocktail though)

Friday 1^st June

You can’t dampen our spirits

We had a week of blazing sunshine and heat and now we’ve returned to grey skies and wind but people are refusing to put away their summer clothes, and I’m proud to say I am one of those fools, as is my boss.

When you have beautiful summer clothes that deserve to be worn, it would simply be rude not to. My boss looked gorgeous in her black silk shift dress with bright flowers teamed with the shoes we all wanted. Brown platform wedges with ankle detailing. The perfect summer wardrobe shoe that will go with dresses, trousers, shorts and skirts. ..... Basically everything! I’m not remotely jealous that she got these in her local charity shop whatsoever, honestly.

Thursday 31^st May

Let the stars shine.

Last night I attended the first ever Stars of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation awards. A ceremony to award individuals, groups and companies who support the charity and help to raise awareness and funds for it.

It was an emotional evening with everyone in the room deserving of an award.

Although my dress for the evening wasn’t charity shop it was a bargain and received lots of compliments. I don’t know if it’s just me but whenever I receive a compliment for my outfit, I can’t help myself but tell the person where it’s from and I seem to get the most pleasure when they admire a piece of charity shop clothes.

My dress I wore cost me £8 last May from Primark. It was a dusky pink lampshade dress that fell longer at the back than the front. I teamed this with a brown suede blet I bought for £1 in a charity shop and a beautiful bring pink glower in my hair that the lovely Fishlocks Florists brought for me. 

Month 3 – day 29

Drawing the short straw

The sun is still shinning and skies are bright blue so I am making the most of it as not sure how long it will last. Today I’m wearing blue spotty culottes that remind me of my Brownie uniform but I love them. I’ve teamed them with gladiator sandals, a must have summer shoe, cream blouse and gold necklace. The shorts and necklace are both charity shop items, costing me £4 and £1 respectively.  

Walking my new route to work this morning I spied with my big blue eyes a few new charity shops I hadn’t seen before. It would seem impolite not to check them out, they are my new neighbours after all.

Month 3 - Day 25

The sun is shining and the carnival has come to town

I hope wherever you are reading this, the weather is as gorgeous as it is where I am. Its so true what people say, the weather has an affect on how you feel. There are lots of happy smiling people in my work today and thats not just because its Friday.

Even better than the smiles are the clothes. Out are the darker and arguably dull colours and in are the vibrant tones and shades and daring patterns. Including this carnival inpsired kaftan my boss is wearing.
Summer called and she defintiely answered, teaming the top with white linen trousers and block coloured bangles ... all from her local Roy Castle charity shop.

Month 3 - day 24

Three times a lady

I know that I'm being a little naughty and uploading three entries in one go but its been a mad busy week in work so this is the first chance I've had. I've said this before and I swear its the truth, even when I havent blogged or taken a picture of my outfit, I have been wearing charity clothes or have at least one item from a charity shop on. Nearly 4 months now, time is flying by.

Although this isnt strictly charity shop chic, this is what I was wearing on Sunday and I was very proud to be part of the 60 strong 'Roy's Runner' team.

Month 3 - day 24

Like mother, like daughter

I'm really happy with this blog entry. Despite my mum being camera shy so looking headless in the photo below, I'm so happy she is on board with my charity challenge. Her, like most people I talk to, know all about my challenge and why I'm doing it and are supporting not only me but also the cause.

I think she looks pretty fabulous in this dress and teamed with a gorgeous silver long waistcoat, very hippy chic and summer trend.

Month 3 Day 24

Give as gain

I've been taught recently that a good way to think in business is 'give as gain' which is basically what I'd been taught in school ... some years ago. Basically, if someone helps you, you do what you can to help them in return or vice versa with gifts. I know we should never give to receive but its nice to pay back, which I'm trying to do.

By this I mean, I am promoting wearing charity clothes and buying from charity shops so seems only right I myself should give to charity shops, which is exactly what I've been doing.

Since March I have given several bin bags full of clothes and shoes to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and Age UK. This included clothes that were too big for me and sellable and those fit only for rags, but both help the charity.

What are you waiting for? Those jeans you've had for years or the dress you swear you will wear again .... you know you never will so why not donate them to your local charity shop. Even better, buy a new item whilst you're there.

Wednesday 16^th May – Month 3 day 16

United colours of charity shop  

Yesterday without planning for it, I wore a pair of bright pink jeans and I loved them. Colour blocking is really on trend at the moment and although when flicking through magazines such as Look, I’d be a little afraid to try such bright jeans, I’m really happy I did now. Teamed with a simple and plain top I think they look fab which is why I’m sticking with colours today.

Pastel colours no less. Today I’m wearing a pair of skinny pastel purple / lilac jeans from Topshop that I bought in the Roy Castle LungCancer Shop for £4. Not bad seems in the shop they come with a £38 price tag. I’ve teamed my coloured jeans with a plain black t-shirt and black cape / jacket from Next I bought in the Christmas sale for £20. I’ve closed it with a baby pink belt I bought for £1 again from Roy Castle.

Not sure everyone is loving the two pastel colours but thought I’d give it a go, after all this challenge is all about trying new things and putting them together.

Month 2 - day 15

The joys of pink jeans

April showers I can just about deal with but hail stones in May I think is taking it a little too far. Come on people! This morning wasn't a good morning to be anyway, I couldnt decide what to wear and the old faithful looking out the window trick didnt help me either.

I settled on black cut off, silvery grey jumper, black blazer and pumps. In my head, I was going for Spring office chic .... that lasted about ten minutes. Walking to work the heavens opened and not only did it rain, it hailstoned, just lovely. I ran (marathon legs came in handy) and took shelter under a tree, all this before 8.30am, who ever said marketing wasnt glamorous.

The point of this story is  I arrived in work, pumps flooded and trousers stuck to my legs. Its days like this, I'm so happy to be on board with charity shop chic challenge as I simply looked through my runner rail of clothes and came across a gorgeous and bright pair of ankle skimming skinny pink jeans. Maybe a little on the bright side for 9am and not really matching with my blue ribbon hairband but I love them all the same. They cost me £5 and although they werent what I was wearing this morning, I'm a happy customer to be wearing them now.

Month 3 – day 9

Still sticking by the rules

I’m going to be truthful; I am starting to struggle with my challenge. Not that I am not still enjoying it because I really am and I’m still surprised by the clothes I’ve purchased from charity shops but because putting together outfits is taking longer than expected and choices are limited.

That said, I am not a girl to give in to a challenge so I am still going each and every day in my charity shop clothes that I am teaming with clothes I already own. This is becoming quite interesting too because (and I like to think a lot of women are like me) I have a tendency to keep clothes even if I’m not convinced I’ll wear them again. WELL, now I am. I am pulling out gems from every part of my wardrobe to team with my charity clothes and keep my outfits fresh, attractive and hopefully on trend too.

It’s not just me though; several of my colleagues are getting into the challenge too and often wear their own charity shop clothes to work.

Here are our latest outfits:

Wednesday 2nd May

A picture tells a thousand words

Here is a selection of the outfits I've been wearing since last week.  Still cant believe I managed to get going out dresses from a charity shop, especially ones as gorgeous as I did.

Working the red look in work = £7

Wearing purple chiffon to Juice FM Inspiration Awards

Every girl needs a LBD especially when it only cost £7.

Wednesday 2nd May - Month THREE, day 2

It’s been too long!!


I feel terrible when I came on before to post a new blog to realise it’s been a week since my last post. Apologies all round. The thing is, I have just been so busy in work and not feeling too camera ready that I haven’t been wanting to show people what I'm wearing. That said, I have not strayed for the challenge and have been mixing and matching my charity shop items every day.

I'll post the pictures from what I've been wearing to show you all. These have included two of my FAVOURITE items I bought in the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation shop. One being a sheer purple dress with black detailing that I wore to an event last week and the other being a beaded jumpsuit I wore to my fundraising event on Saturday.


Both outfits received lots of compliments and like a proud parent; I happily and loudly proclaimed where I got them from and just how much.... or rather how little I paid for them both.

Monday 23^rd April – Month 2, day 23

Happy St George’s day

Dear Mr Weatherman, please can you make it a little warmer and a little dryer please and you’re playing havoc with my outfit planning? Many thanks Nina. x

I really do feel like writing to him directly and seeing what he can do as I was rather cold yesterday. Granted it’s not the weatherman’s fault but still in April I think cut off trousers should be acceptable.

This is what I wore today:

Black cut off trousers (charity shop) teamed with a teal chiffon blouse (Next one-day sale) cream blazer (charity shop) and a embellished hairband (yes the one I bought for my sister that I will give her this weekend when she’s home)

Friday 20^th April, month 2 day 20 

I’ve got that Friday feeling, again!

I attend a business networking group each Friday morning called BNI which is great but comes with a 6am start so an early get up. What’s worse than having to set your alarm for 5.30am? Heavy rain beating on your window and waking you up at 3am and again at 4.30am, that’s what. Just lovely.

I need to learn that the temperature it is at 5.30am is not the weather to pick my outfit too. Today I’m wearing a gorgeous black dress with frill tier at the bottom that clings and shapes in all the right places that I’ve teamed with a bright coloured scarf. I love this dress and for £9 I hope other people would and at 5.30am this morning it was the perfect choice and it’s nice and warm but now as we nearer lunch time and the sun is trying to shine (yay!) I am a little on the warm side but the compliments on my dress must admit are keeping me going.

Thursday 19^th April – month 2, day 19

Keep the compliments coming

I came across a bit of an unusual dress (for me anyway) in our shop during my first ever charity shop chic shopping trip. It is bright yellow with black lines almost forming a tree and white birds scattered across it. It really is a good job I put images on these blogs as even reading that back it does not sound appealing.

What I love about the dress is the fact that is has a waterfall hemline which I think is the correct fashion terminology but in a nutshell it falls several inches longer at the back than the front. I think it’ll look lovely in the summer with sandals and sunglasses but today I wasn’t brave enough to have bare legs so I’ve teamed it with black tights and shoe boots.

Must give a thank you to Suzanna, who I work with, who actually took the dress in for me as it was a little too big. A downside to charity shop clothing is you can never predict what will be there and its usually one of everything. To me though, so far this had added to the fun of the challenge and led to me customising clothes and trying new styles where before I wouldn’t. 

Wednesday 18^th April – Month 2, day 18

In honour of Little Red Riding Hood

It’s April, so April showers I can deal with but the cold weather this morning was not part of my pre-planned outfit. Needless to say I was not all that happy at 8am this morning when I was layering up for my walk to work.

That said, in December I bought a bright (and it really is bright) red coat from one of the Roy Castle shops for £10. See, even before this challenge I was supporting the shops and wearing some charity shop items. I do love this coat, usually worn with jeans and boots when I walk my puppy but it’s great as its only short but really warm and has a hood which did come in handy this morning. 

Tuesday 17^th April

Would you like an accessory to go with that Miss?

Women of all ages love accessories, I’ve been teaming my clothes with jewellery, shoes, glitter since I can remember and it’s ever present still today.

With summer fast approaching (although I’m not overly hopeful with the weather) my attention turns to festivals. For the second year on the run I’ll be heading to Parklife in Manchester and I can not wait. One of the most important things to take to a weekend festival is sunglasses and I have found the perfect ones for me. Check these bad boys out. Now bad for £3 hey especially when they have proper lenses in them!

My sister is a big fan of Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf and her hair bands and wears one most days. She was having a bit of a bad day so I thought being the good baby sister that I am (if I do say so myself) to buy her a little treat to cheer her up. This came in the form of a rather gorgeous black hair band with a diamante bow detail, its rather cute.

Sunday 15^th April – Month 2, day 15

I feel like a cheat ......

I feel like I have failed as today is the first day since I started this challenge six weeks ago that I haven’t worn any charity shop clothes. There is a good reason behind this though as I’m up early and climbing Mount Snowdon. As well as this challenge I have my physical Challenge 25 as I’ll be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Snowdon was part of my training.  I did say I could never say no to a challenge and this is proof of that.

The climb was amazing, the weather stayed dry and the views were just stunning ... oh and we made it to the top which is always a bonus.

When I got home, it was a quick change and I was in my charity shop classic fleece pyjama suit so guess I didn’t really break the rules did I? This pic isnt from Sunday as I was not looking camera ready after Snowdon but this is what I was wearing and they are amazing and from Roy Castle shop.

Friday 13^th April – Month 2 day 13

It’s Ladies Day!

Today is one of if not THE highlight of the Liverpool fashion calendar as its Ladies Day at Aintree.

The preparation, planning and often money that goes into each outfit is rather high. Well to buck the trend this year, I’m sporting my charity shop chic finest and a 2010 classic.

My blue and white dress is from Zara and it’s what I wore to Aintree two years ago. Then the sun was shining so I went jacketless but today I’m not feeling quite so brave so I’m wearing my ‘what-would-I-do-without-it’ beige blazer I bought for £6 from a Roy Castle charity shop.

I’ve teamed this with an oversized floppy hat that is totally acceptable for such an occasion that again I bought Roy Castle charity shop for £3. I wasn’t sure at first but now I love it and can’t wait to take it to Marbella with me in July.

I’ve tied a bright teal sash around the hat for a hint of colour and think it actually works.

Hope you all have a flutter on the fillies and maybe try something different this weekend and head to your local charity shop.

Hoping for some sunshine!

Thursday 12^th April – Month 2, day 12

Its Liverpool day!

Today is the start of Aintree races so the city is full of glamorous ladies, dapper men and more importantly amazing outfits to look at.

I, on the other hand are not at the races and instead having a bit of a ‘shabby chic’ day clothes wise. I think I’ve taken inspiration from last night’s Apprentice episode.

Today I’m wearing a dusky pink Topshop jumper that I paid £6 for in The Roy Castle Allerton Road shop, a place I would highly recommend any bargain hunters to attend. 

I’ve teamed that with my trusty Miss Selfridge skinny jeans and grey ballerina pumps I bought in a charity shop in Newcastle last year. Feel awful saying this but I don’t actually remember which shop I bought them in.

Wednesday 11^th April – Month 2, day 11

Back to blogging

Don’t know about you but the long weekend really took it out of me. I had a hen party, baked 100 cupcakes and 40 chocolate crispy cakes and had my god son’s christening. It was a jam-packed weekend but it was fabulous.

This led me to be rather naughty, both with licking the spoon and bowl after baking as well as not blogging, so sorry for that. That isn’t to say I wasn’t wearing charity clothes because I was, girl guides honour. 

Here are a few of the outfits I've worn over the weekend:

Little black dress with lace detail = £7

Lady in red = £7

Thursday 5^th April – Month 2, day 5

Topshop? Don’t mind if I do!

As I hope you all know, I work for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, we have 12 charity shop across the region, two of which are near to where I live and have become my new Topshop and today that’s a literal Topshop.

I like to think I’ve got a little eye for fashion, that doesn’t mean I necessarily wear the latest trends as they don’t always suit me but I will incorporate the styles in ways that will flatter my figure.

This was one of the things that worried me when I agreed to take on this challenge. Sticking purely to charity shop clothes will limit my availability to the latest trends or flattering clothing, or so I thought.  Granted, I’m spending more time and effort putting together my outfits but I’m certainly spending nowhere near the same amount of money on them.

Today I’m wearing a pair of Topshop violet skinny jeans that I’ve teamed with a long black vest and a silver and white woollen vest on top.

Hands down my favourite item I have found and bought in the past five weeks is this ridiculously gorgeous brown leather jacket again from Topshop that cost me £20. They say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and this is most certainly the case here. Again, people donate items to charity shops for their own reasons and gems like this I’m sure I won’t come across every day but today, I’m incredibly happy with my rock chick charity chic look.

Wednesday 4^th April – Month two, day four

Oh the weather outside is frightful

What is with the weather please? I had to pull out the black tights again this morning, which after bare legs and summer dresses last week, I really wasn’t expecting.

As I mentioned yesterday, Roy Castle Lung Cancer charity shops have had their changeover and got some fabulous clothes in all of their shops across the region.

I picked up a black sheer cape last week that I thought would look fab with a vest and skinny jeans or over a black bikini when I’m in Marbella in the summer. That said, I loved it so much today I’ve worn it over a black shift dress with black tights and dolly shoes. I also have my hair in a bun so think I’m looking like I’m trying for a geisha look which wasn’t intentional but quite funny.

Over the top of my dress and cape, I wore a leopard print Mack that again I got in our charity shop. It’s from Marks and Spencer’s and only cost me £6. Cant believe the quality of items people donate to our charity shops and I’m sure across them all. Obviously I don’t know the reason as to why people donate the things they do but my opinions on quality in charity shops have changed so much. Think it might be too soon to say I’m a convert and will leave the high street for good but it’s certainly going that way.

Tuesday 3^rd April – Month 2, day 3

New season, new wardrobe

It’s getting to that time of the year when the summer clothes start filling the rails in shops and the colours from darker tones to vibrant and bright shades. Whether you love shopping or not, you cannot say that you don’t at least smile when you see all the summer clothes on display.

Well, that is exactly what is happening in our charity shops today. As they prepare for changeover I am drawn to the summer options and how I can piece outfits together.  

Today I’m wearing black trousers and mocha-coloured cardi, neither of which are summery but I was having one of ‘those’ mornings.

Here are two dresses I bought from our shop today, both of which I can’t wait to wear with a little pair of sandals and sunglasses. Not bad for £7 each are they?!

Weekend roundup

This weekend I went to London to see my sister which was fab! Not only as I got to see her but also because we went to Portobello Market and had a good rummage through the charity shops and stalls that lined the road. I tried a few dresses on but nothing was screaming ‘buy me’ so I nearly left empty handed, until I came across a stall selling scarves and pashminas. I was in love with them all. Scarves are a great way to dress up and outfit or add a splash of colour and I’m rarely seen without one.

Here are the three I bought for £1 each!! Usually I dont think '!' should be used but on this occasion they so do.

On Saturday night we headed into Clapham for some drinks and even on a night out all glammed up, I was still proudly wearing charity shop. I teamed a River Island summer dress with my trust blazer, teamed with a thin belt I picked up in one of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer charity shops and a silver clutch I bought in that there London.

Friday 30^th March – Day 30

"Are you still doing your challenge?"

Don’t know about you but I have definitely got the Friday feeling, I think it’s the weather. That, and my charity-related smile I can’t seem to wipe from my face. With each day, I’m telling more people about my blog and the concept behind it and I’ve had a whole range of reactions; my friends laughed, my mother looked scared, my colleagues were encouraging and people I meet are positive. A few have told me they don’t think I can do it, obviously they don’t know me too well, and this is where my determination and stubbornness will come in handy. Plus I’m a Roy Castle girl after all, dedication is all you need!  

What I’m loving with each outfit is the ever present question “is that charity shop?” or my favourite “No, you didn’t get that in a charity shop did you?” but the answers are yes, yes I did. I have only bought clothes from charity shops and wear at least two items of charity shop chic every day. Often, my whole outfit including shoes is charity shop. Take today for instance. My tops, shoes and blazer are all charity that I’ve teamed with a pair of skinny jeans (shop bought earlier in the year) and a scarf (birthday present) so I’m more charity than high street and I love it. 

The more I do this, the more I have an eye for price tags and how I can mix and match key signature items I have with clothes I already own or can pick up in charity shops, and I’m only one month it.

(Also, check out Suzi bear in the background. Cute!!)

p.s. Its not just me either. Check out the GORGEOUS dress my boss is wearing today, that she bought from one of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer shop's. I think she looks fab (and not just because she is my boss) and has teamed it with a black blazer and court shoes. She is meeting ready and noone would ever guess it only cost her £8 from a charity shop and thats why I really love this challenge.

Putting the tights away!!

Sorry for lack of blog yesterday, I was in London but stuck to my guns and rocked charity in the capital!!

Today was the first time I ditched my tights and had bare legs in 2012, it's been a big day. Granted I wore them with my trainers when i walked to work, which as I'm sure you can imagine was quite the look. In the safety of the office though they came off and I braved bare legs.

I wore my chunky brown shoes with a beige and blue print dress teamed with my survival blazer. Loving my spring / summer look today, just hope the sun stays out too.

Monday 26^th March – Day 25        

Challenge 25 hits day 25 

How lovely is the weather please?! The sun is out big time which always makes me smile.

Today I’m wearing a nude cross over top with black cut offs, little pumps and a black and pink scarf for a little extra colour.

Having to plan my outfits in advance and really think about them I am discovering little gems that I'd forgotten I had. Its terrible I know but its true.  I'm loving my spring look especially when I went for a walk at lunch and teamed it with my divatastic sunglasses. 

Sunday 25^th March

Weekend round up ......

How lucky have we been with the weather the past few days? So happy to have my sunglasses on and sit in the garden, bliss.

That said, on Saturday I layered up with a jumper, coat, scarf and gloves, oh yes, was rather hot outside but once inside I was cold. Confusing you yet? I was in Altrincham Ice Rink watching the Trafford Metros play. My friend Jamie Rogerson plays for them and its great fun so we went to support them. Shame about the score though ..... but thats a whole different story. *bad call ref*

On Saturday night it was time for cocktails and dancing with my friends. My feet are still sore from all the dancing, fab night though. I teamed my dress with a cream leather clutch bag that I bought at my local church’s charity bring and buy sale for £3. It’s plain and simple and easy to carry, I use it all the time as I love it.

Friday 23^rd March – Day 22

I've got that Friday feeling ....

Happy Friday everyone. Oh yes, the weekend is finally upon us and I’m feeling good! The sun is actually shinning in Liverpool, who’d thought that would happen this close to the weekend?

Today I’m really happy because my lovely boss Emma is sporting a very Spring-esq yellow print cardi that she bought in our charity shop. Costing just £7 and looking gorgeous over her black jersey dress, Emma is officially the latest member of the charity chic army.

Today I’m wearing a white blouse with little blue stars on teamed with a black pair of high waisted trousers. Must say the trousers are both comfortable and flattering but with seven buttons, they are quite the effort to get into, shall we say.

As its Friday, I’m also wearing my rather special (if I do say so myself) blue suede shoes to add a sneaky bit of colour and make me smile.

Thursday 22^nd March – Day 21

“Dedication, that’s what you need”

Here I go, three weeks in and I’m still going strong. Granted, to start with I did have a pile of new charity clothes to wear but that aside, I have stuck to it and up until now I’m enjoying the daily ooh’s and aah’s as I strut into work in my charity shop items.

Although I’ve not deliberately misled or lied about this challenge, I do feel that I should make a small confession. I’m sure this probably won’t come as a huge surprise to some, as I work for a charity. As my about me states, I am a marketing manager but it’s for a charity, The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to be exact, a cause I openly supported before I started working for them and a job which I really do love.

The rest is all true. The challenge started after our retail department told the team about their change around. Basically, their seasonal change of stock in the shops. Always with an eye for a bargain and luckily with insider privileges I hit the shop and bought myself some fabulous new dresses, trousers, shorts and a blazer I’m now addicted to.

It was after that, I was given the challenge to keep it up and only wear charity clothes for the year. Although this will be a great challenge for me, I am incredibly fortunate to have the backing of our retail team who are just as excited as me for the outfits I’m able to put together.

This also doesn’t mean I will be only wearing clothes from The RCLCF shops. Yes, I obviously know those shops and staff well but in the last three weeks alone I have worn clothes I’ve bought from BHF, my local church

Today I’m wearing a nautical-esq ensemble of a white Topshop jumper, I picked up in the British Heart Foundation in Wilmslow last summer. That same shopping trip also included a fabulously bright summer shirt for a friend’s beach theme party which I’ll save until summer.

I’ve teamed this with skinny jeans, white pumps and a vintage blue scarf I bought for £1 at a charity accessories sale at my local church

For walking to work I added my new favourite cream blazer which I bought from our charity shop for £8.

Wednesday 21^st March – Day 20 

Are we nearly there yet?

Today I’m wearing what have quickly become my go-to trousers. I think most women have at least one go-to item in their wardrobe, be it for their comfort, flattery or sheer convenience. I’m a terrible shopper, I know it and I admit it. I buy too much, too often and spend the time after the purchase justifying the cost. That said, there are always the exemptions that may have cost money but the times you wear them they are practically free .... well bearing in mind I only paid £6 for these trousers to start with, they are fast becoming one of the best items of clothing I ever bought.

I teamed those little beauties with a teal green blouse I bought from Next in the Christmas sales. It cost me £8 so although not a charity shop purchase, the price is certainly heading that way. I’ve pinched that in with a thin black waist belt that I bought for £1 in the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation shop on Allerton Road. I shop I liked before my challenge and one I now LOVE.

Hmm decisions, what to wear?! I must admit, its getting harder to put my charity shop outfits together each day. I've started spending time each night planning ahead and pairing items together. My work is never done but not complaining, a girl and a wardrobe of clothes is never going to end badly.