Second-hand Rose: I’m £10,000 richer thanks to charity shops…
Swishing down the road, I ignored the stares my outfit was garnering from passers-by. I was in sixth form college and had just begun to experiment with my fashion choices. That day, I’d picked an old pair of men’s pyjamas and paired them with a vintage leather satchel.
‘It’s certainly a look,’ called out a boy I didn’t know as I swept through the school gates. It was quirky, but I felt cool!
Despite always being interested in fashion, I wasn’t often able to buy whatever I wanted. As the fifth of 15 children, we were more than used to hand-me-downs!
My siblings and I spent our childhoods in and out of jumble sales.
It was a conscious choice on Mum’s part – she was ahead of her time and could get cheap, good-quality clothes for all us kids.
By the time I was an adult and spending my own cash on what I wanted, I relished buying new clothes from high street shops like H&M.
After years of wearing my brothers’ old boots, and borrowed dresses, I loved treating myself.
It wasn’t until I had my two kids – a son, now 16 and daughter, 13 – that I fell back into second-hand shopping.
‘How have you grown so much?’ I’d ask my thentoddler son, incredulous that the dungarees I’d bought him just weeks before were already tight.
I realised that there really was no point in buying new things as they grew out of everything so quickly.
And so, we began visiting local charity shops near our home in Forest Row, East Sussex. I quickly realised it wasn’t just clothes I could save money on, but books and toys for the kids too.
Everything was so much cheaper!
And before too long I was spotting incredible bargains for myself too. I was blown away by the quality of the things I was finding.
As a single parent, I was mindful of money and my family were incredibly supportive of my charity shop mania.
Before long I was only shopping second-hand. My wardrobe had become so much more fun, and better quality. I very rarely bought anything new at all – other than tights and knickers, of course!
I’d invest in proper brands that were sustainable. It was a bit more expensive at first glance but good quality, so I rarely had to replace things.
And second-hand shopping led to some amazing designer bargains – and a very electric wardrobe.
Of course, it wasn’t always straightforward, like when I found something stunning but
sadly it wasn’t my size – but it was the thrill of the chase that I enjoyed most.
‘It’s like a treasure hunt,’ I explained to friends.
Before lockdown, my boyfriend Gus, now 44, and I would go on days out to check out a town’s charity shops.
‘Bit of architecture – and bargains for us both!’ I’d laugh.
I’ve found posh towns are best for second-hand bargains.
Wealthy local women, who update their wardrobes regularly, will donate their designer bits to their local charity shop, just waiting to be sniffed out by people like me!
One of the best bargains I’ve ever bought was a grey Thierry Mugler belted dress for just £20 (they cost hundreds of pounds new) and I once picked up a Moschino silk dress in a gorgeous polkadot pattern for £15.
After doing some sums I’ve worked out that I’d saved around £10,000 in 10 years – all though bargain hunting!
Despite the pandemic, which has seen charity shops closed for the best part of a year, I’ve still managed to find ways to buy pre-loved clothes. And it’s more important than ever now, while we tighten our belts. Lots of charity shops are moving online, which is fantastic!
I also use Depop, a website where people can buy and sell pre-loved and vintage clothing.
I’ve joined a Facebook group called The Great British Clothes Swap too. All you have to pay is postage and packaging.
Just over a year ago, I set up an Instagram account for all my purchases with pictures and tips.
I wanted to be able to help others on a budget feel amazing in their clothes, just like I did.
Now, I have nearly 3,000 followers.
My account is called @not.needing.new and helps me promote my ideas about conscious fashion and sustainable style.
Although the last thing I ever want to do is preach, the account is all about being informative without judgement.
Hopefully it will show others that there are alternatives to fast fashion.
Some people worry charity shop finds will be smelly or dirty, but that’s hardly ever the case.
If I’ve ever had a problem with a lingering odour, soaking the garment in fabric conditioner overnight always does the trick.
For me, the number one thing is that women like what they’re wearing and don’t dress for anyone’s agenda but their own. You also don’t need to be rich to dress well.
People may not understand my love of jumble sale chic or charity shop buys, but I’ll wear that badge happily.
I find wearing incredible, fun, well-made, second-hand clothing makes me hold my head high.
It gives me the confidence to be myself – but most importantly, it doesn’t break the bank.
Now, at 47, I would never go back to ‘normal’ shopping now – I’m having too much fun with my sustainable style. And you can too!
Follow Anna’s account on Instagram, @not.needing.new