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.