Surprise, it hit me between the eyes!!

Here is a sentence I never thought I would read with out some degree of scorn let alone write but here goes.  This week I found some amazing things in an Oxfam Shop.  I know!!  It helps that the shop in question is run by a genius in a fairly affluent area of the country, for those of you that wish to go hunting, its the Oxfam Boutique on Park Street in Bristol.  My love affair and change of heart began with this Ozzie Clark, original 1970's dress, unfortunately Sarah does know her stuff so things are priced appropriately but think of the yummy feelings you get knowing that you have done something good for the world and achieved fashion greatness.  As we have previously discussed it is all about the added value, not what you spend so much as how you feel about the items you take home.

So what else did you find - I here you cry, well the answer is lots actually.  Particularly if you are the proud owner of a little imagination.  I was there for the International Women's Day event, obviously I was very proud to be asked to help out.  I went in with a certain amount of trepidation, as Charity shops really aren't in my comfort zone and I expected to be next to useless but very quickly I started to see the potential and a great alternative to throw away pieces from the high street, which do not allow for much in the way of setting yourself apart from the ever growing crowd.  So it was a case of changing my perspective in order to achieve the potential, I felt like I was on Oprah - it was an Aha, moment (if you don't know what that means, lucky you as you are obviously significantly cooler than me).  Come on Lizzie not much more track lets try to stay on it... There were fabulous accessories at great prices, a great way to update or try a new look without a heavy investment.  Instead of focusing on the stereotyped negatives I started to look at the shop as a wardrobe of items that still had potential, like the Jaegar oversized blazer, that was baby soft and easily could be used in a wardrobe as a weekend option and look very on trend, whilst having the advantage of knowing you won't see another.

I'm not saying I'm going to start taking my clients to charity shops but I am saying that if you are walking past and have 10 minutes, it is absolutely worth having a look at the offerings and asking questions, ask the staff what they consider to be their gem pieces, they'll tell you where and what they are.