Money Talk
Christmas parties will soon be popping up so I’ve come up with some great ideas if you want to get a new dress at a snip.
I’m a big fan of buying second-hand clothes on ebay or hunting in charity shops. One of my favourite places are
Mar y’s Living & Giving Shops. Started by retail Queen Mar y Portas, these boutique style shops sell top quality second hand clothing and it’s all in support of Save the Children.
If you want to head for the high street, most have their own selection of charity shops and with some you can shop online too. The Air Ambulance
Service has shops and an online outlet on ebay. WWW.THEAIRAMBULANCESERVICE.ORG.UK.
Check out charity shops in posh areas. I’ve nipped in charity shops in parts of the Cotswolds and spotted top designer labels at budget prices. Other online sites worth checking include Patatam which sells good quality clothes from high street brands including M&S, Monsoon, Karen Millen and Next. I even spotted a pair of Jaegar trousers on there at just £13! You can expect to save around 60% compared with the new ticket price plus you get 20% off on your first order.
Of course buying online means you don’t get the chance to tr y stuff on so my trick is to stick to labels where you know your size inside out. And if you’re buying second hand on ebay it’s always worth double checking the condition first.
SUE’S TIPS:
◆ Pay by PayPal for automatic protection in the event of problems say if the item’s not as described.
◆ Make some money by recycling stuff you don’t wear.
◆ Cash in at charity shops. Oxfam give you a £5 M&S voucher if you take along M&S items.
◆ Swap with friends especially when it comes to party dresses or accessories!