What I Thrifted This Month- April//Homeware

Hello everyone!

Welcome to April's thrifty finds. I may have gone a little overboard this month with my bargains.

When I say overboard, giving money to charity is never going to be a bad thing but I did buy some non-essentials this month but on the other hand, I found some things that had been on my charity shop list so that equals out right?

I keep buying things for my house. The problem is I don't have a house yet...yet being the important word. After we've been on our travelling adventure it would be amazing if my boyfriend and I can find our own place. We're both living with our parents at the moment and it's coming up to a year since I moved in the caravan 'just for the summer' haha!

I think it's better to be organised and buy a few, useful things (that you love!) from the charity shop. Instead of moving into a new place and having a mix-match of tat you bought from uni, your parents cast-offs and then having to make an emergency dash to Homesense! See I'm sure my future self will thank me ;)

So without further ado here are my homeware bargains for the month...

Eco Balls
This was definitely the universe pulling me in the right direction. I was talking to my mumma that morning about how many toxic chemicals are in laundry powder and softener and how I was going to look for an alternative. Later that evening, mum comes back from work (she works at Age UK) and she said these came in and she had to buy them for me!
They're they older style Ecozone balls but I used them last night and they're amazing! I do love my washing to smell nice and bizarrely, the fragrance-free smells really clean. I don't know how they do it. I only put them on a cool 15-minute cycle too and all the clothes came out so fresh and so clean. Apparently these balls do up to 1000 washes without detergent and they come with extra refills.

Karrimor Rucksacks
Whilst not technically a home item, these rucksacks will house all of our belongings on our travels!
I have had backpacking rucksacks on my charity shop list for months, I wanted one that was almost new and not too big and my prayers were answered not once but twice! So now my boyfriend and I have matching rucksacks for our adventures -score! I remember watching videos on youtube like what in my backpacking bag or travelling supplies haul. I'm sure you know that travelling gear isn't cheap and one vlogger had said that it had cost her over £400 for all of her stuff! I couldn't believe it would be that expensive but once I started doing research it easily totted up. That kinda money would get me to the other side of the world! So I vowed I would find all my stuff secondhand. I had found a few odd bits that would be useful but I was holding out for a decent rucksack! These are 55L & 65L Karrimor Panther bags they were definitely over £100 each when they were new. They are in fantastic condition and have waterproof covers with them too!

Mason Jar
Since researching more into a zero waste lifestyle I have become a jar fiend. Full blown mason-jar lover haha. I bought a few last month in TKMaxx but this one is a three-litre beast so I couldn't leave it on the shelf. It was only £2 which I think is great as large sizes are usually around £10-15 mark. When I have my beautiful pantry, I think this jar will house all of my bulk-bought oats :)
I think food always looks much more enticing in glass jars rather than mix-matched packets and tins.

Glass Shaker
I understand that the zero waste movement isn't about going out and buying things specifically to be 'zero waste'. There are some things I just don't own and it would be silly to pass up something that will be useful especially when it's secondhand. I've seen a few of my favorite #ecobabes using glass shakers for all sorts, from cleaning products to homemade dry shampoo. So I don't know what I'll put in it yet I know it will come in handy.
I'm a believer in charity shop karma, if you really need something the charity shop will provide it for you, if you don't buy it then and next time it has gone it wasn't meant to be. That's what I thought with this particular item as  when I went back to buy it, it had gone. Saying that I visited the same shop a few weeks later and there was a different, prettier one! Yayy thanks, charity shop gods :)

Paisley Jar
Mmhmm, it's another jar :') This one is paisley and made of ceramic so I needed it. This is another find from mum's charity shop. She is as bad as me I promise haha. I'm not sure entirely what I'm going to put in this one but the pattern is so beautiful.


So I'm going to stop here and I'll show you guys my thrifted clothing finds in my next post! I've found some bohemian gems :) Plus I'm going to talk about my plans to create a charity shop capsule wardrobe and who know's I might even do an old fashioned outfit post.

Have you found any amazing secondhand pieces this month?
Thanks for reading :)
Rachelle xxx

What I Thrifted This Month: MARCH

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to my new feature- 'What  I Thrifted This Month'!

I'm a regular in the secondhand clothing game so I thought I'd show you my purchases each month. I've decided that I'm not going to buy any new clothing* (*apart from underwear, tights & socks) because I've been finding brilliant pieces in the charity shops lately.
Plus I'm trying to reduce my impact on the environment and of course, buying new clothing contributes to that! Honestly, it's got to the point where I rarely buy anything new anyway, I often browse TKMaxx and have a little mooch on ASOS but I haven't bought new clothing for a while.

Another point is that I'm trying to create a super-duper capsule wardrobe of my favourite pieces and long-wearing basics. I'd love to be able to wear lots of different outfits with a few fun building blocks. I'm not the kinda gal who's going to don a basic, neutral wardrobe, I love colour and print far too much for that!

So without further ado let me introduce you to my March thrifted finds...

Nightingale T-shirts
So at the charity shop where I volunteer we had a lot of donations that were the brand 'Nightingale'. I've never heard of them but after a lil Google it seems like it's a jazzy brand for the more mature woman :')
Anyway that's totally fine by me, the black tee is a thick, ribbed cotton which is a clothing essential in my eyes. Perfect for layering up and still on trend.
The red, patterned tee is amazing, again it's a thick cotton with a crazy eighties print all over it.
I think they were around £2 each.

Monochrome print trousers
I just love the print on these trousers, they remind me of henna tattoos. These are by George and they are my new lounge trousers. They come up a little short on my giraffe legs but I kinda like the cropped look. I think in the summer I could possibly get away with wearing them as casual hippy trousers.
They were £1.50.

Cheap Monday Jeans
These were a brilliant find! I was mooching Preston flea market as I some time to kill between trains and I went to the stall which is literally a mountain of clothes. I've had some good buys from here before such as a vintage Laura Ashley dress and a Topshop faux leather skirt both cheap as chips. So I had a little scour of the pile and I saw this label peeking out at me. I had ordered some Cheap Monday jeans a couple of years ago from the Urban Outfitters sale but had to send them back as they were too small. So I dug them out of the pile and whaddya know-my size & leg length! For any of you taller ladies out there you know how difficult it is to find well-fitting jeans that are long enough in the legs, so I was definitely bagging these. I asked the man how much he wanted?
'Errrr 50p love'
YASSS
So I put them through the wash as soon as I got home and when they were dry they were perfect fitting. I also had a look on the Cheap Monday website and this style are still retailing for £55! I love it when that happens.

River Island Print Trousers
I realise that this is quite a 'trousery' thrifted feature and that is because I only owned 4 pairs of trousers before this month, Three of them being jeans. Sometimes you just want some fun trousers that are really comfortable too.
I've already worn these and they are really comfy, I wore some thermal leggings underneath coz A. it's still freezing and B. I'm a reponsible adult haha.
They also take up very little space so I can definitely see them coming with me on travelling adventures.
They were £3, similar River Island styles are retailling at £40 on their website!

So that's my March finds, 

Have you found any charity shop bargains recently?

Thanks for reading :)

Rachelle xxx

OH HELLOOOO...I'm back :)

Hello everyone,

Wow, so I have been a little absent haven't I...

It's been all go here in my cosy caravan. I've been promoted to manager of a local, indie gift shop which has taken up a lot of my time as I am the only member of staff! I'm not complaining though it's a great learning curve for me. If I was back in the city I doubt someone would give me the opportunity to run a shop! Whilst it's low season up here in the lakes I work Thursday-Saturday, Saturday night-Tuesday morning I spend with my boyfriend so I try and avoid social media/staring at my phone as much as I can during that time and then on Wednesdays I volunteer at my local charity shop.
Add into the mix I'm the new colour and style writer for Making Jewellery magazine!
I'm enjoying a jam-packed schedule but I have really missed blogging. so I have been getting up early and typing away most mornings just to get back into the flow of writing again.

I'm feeling really inspired to write at the moment, I think working in a creative environment has reignited a spark plus I've been reading a lot more recently too. I used to read books all the time. I went to the library each week to get my fix but since moving back to the lakes I've favoured Netflix over a novel! Mum's bookcases are brimming with fantastic reads so I've been working my way through those...

I've still been avidly bargain hunting, volunteering in a charity shop doesn't help with the addiction! I'm still on my eco-babe journey, things are still really exciting I just haven't been updating like I used to.

Here's my face, promise I'm still alive!

So I'm not having a blog 're-launch' so to speak but I will be posting twice a week on a Wednesday and a Sunday. I've never really got into a proper routine with blogging so I think two posts a week is achievable! I'm not going to kid myself that I'll post daily. I want to write for the fun of it again.
 My aim is to use my internetz time more wisely and be productive instead of just aimlessly scrolling or spiralling down an eBay loop!

I kinda bowed out of the blogging game as there are SO many fantastic bloggers who are consistent, have great design and whose blogs/Instagram/twitters look super-polished. I'm just not in that league but hey, they all started somewhere. Plus a lot of bloggers on my feed were high-end beauty bloggers which don't really interest me anymore.

Inspired By The Retired's content is going to cover charity shopping, second-hand bargain hunting, vegan lifestyle, cruelty-free beauty, vintage style, positive vibes, book reviews, budget traveling ideas, eco-lifestyle, slow fashion, wardrobe building, healthy recipes and general life updates from a hippy in a caravan :P I'm basically a boho grandma from the 60s trapped in a 25 year old's body :')

So thank you all for sticking with me (again!) I can't wait to dive back into the community! I've missed Y'all...

I'll see you tomorrow (Wednesday) for my latest update :)

Thanks for reading

Rachelle xxx

#CheapNChicChallenge: 3/30 My Favourite Second-Hand Finds So Far...

Hello everyone!

To inspire you on your second hand quest I wanted to share some of my favourite pieces of my wardrobe that I've bought second hand. A few have been featured on here before or you may have spied them on Instagram!

Windsmoor 80s Pink Coat 
I bought this coat from Oxfam in Liverpool last year, Whenever I wear it, it instantly puts me in a good mood as the vibrant fuchsia brightens up any grey day! I paid more than I would usually pay in a charity shop but £16 for a coat that always receives loads of complements & the money goes to a good cause is a win in my books.

Oasis Check Trousers
Being a lady of height I always struggle to find well-fitting trousers. I bought these in St Johns Hospice in Lancaster for £3 and they are the most flattering pair of trousers I own! They are a size 12L which initially I would've ignored in the shop as it's not my usual size but I tried them on regardless and I'm SO glad I did.

Black Fur-Lined Pixie Boots
I bought these boots from the flea market in Preston a couple of months ago. They are vintage but they had never been worn. They cost just £5 and I've worn them loads! They were made in Britain and are excellent quality :)

Topshop Blue Dress
This find might not be the kookiest or a one-off vintage piece but I still really like it. It's originally from Topshop and I bought it as a last minute addition to my wardrobe a couple of hours before a night out. It was only £2.99 which is a bargain! I love the shade of blue and the ruffled effect of the fabric. I used to think that there was no point buying second hand high street clothing as it's no where near as good quality as vintage but if you love it-buy it!

Checked Flannel Shirt
This is the perfect oversized, cosy flannel shirt. It is an extra large/tall mens shirt which means it looks great worn over leggings or skinnies as the back is much longer. I found this on the vintage stall at the flea market and paid just £2 for it :) It's a classic red & blue check which I doubt will ever 'go out of fashion'.

Next 90s 'Mom' Jeans
These are another flea market find! Original 90s Next button-fly jeans :) Everyone was going crazy buying the £40 Topshop mom jeans when these are the real deal and only £2!! They look cute rolled up and I'm debating whether to distress them a little more but I can't decide.

Handmade Fruit Shift Dress
Ahh one of my favourite recent finds! I got this dress from Debra charity shop in Preston for £4.99. It's handmade which adds to the charm but I adore the print! Fruit prints have been huge this summer so it was great to find something with pineapples on. I wore this to Glastonbury and it's become a firm wardrobe favourite.

What is the best thing you have ever found in a charity shop? Please do share!

Thanks for reading :D

Rachelle x

#CheapNChicChallenge: 1/30 The Challenge Begins...

Hello everyone,

Thank you so much for joining/following me on this journey. If you haven't read my introductory post about the challenge, don't worry you can read it here. As it is the first day I wanted to share a few tips to ease you into the challenge...

First things first-have a little wardrobe sort-out. Anna is a queen of organisation & this video shows her extensive clear out routine :)

I'd recommend Homebargains or Primark for thin, velvet hangers on a budget. They create more room in your wardrobe that way & when things are hanging up you're less likely to forget about them.

Instead of a 'maybe pile' I'd be more inclined to make a 'fix it/re-work pile'. I have dresses that need a hem shortening, or maybe a white top that needs to be involved in a Dylon party plus the odd thing that needs a button sewing on etc. Next time your sat in front of the TV why not get something from the pile & spruce it up a little. Hand-stitching is so therapeutic.

Be ruthless with your giveaway pile, if you haven't worn it for over a year it needs to go to the charity shop. There are so many charities that are desperate for donations so do a good deed & give generously. It increases your chances of positive 'charity shop karma' too ;)
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If you have an impulsive nature, set up a Pinterest board, write an 'I want it but can't have it...yet' list. Basically take note of everything you would usually buy on impulse & after 4 weeks see if you still really need it in your life. It's an excellent show of will power plus you can really work out if the neon, furry jumper has a place to be adored in your wardrobe!
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This is totally optional (I mean it's ALL optional) but I'm putting aside a tenner a week so that at the end of the challenge I can invest in some eco-friendly basics. There is a post lined up about finding fair-trade & organic cotton clothes on a budget so keep your eyes peeled for that.
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Join me here on Monday, Wednesday & Friday Evenings for the latest installment of the challenge for all of September  :D Remember to use the #CheapNChicChallenge hashtag on your social media & feel free to use the image on your blogs/Instagram. 

Good luck & please share this post with your friends who would be interested in taking part :) Send me a tweet if you're getting involved!
Thanks for reading!
Rachelle xxx

Currently: APRIL EDITION

Helloo!

I’m writing from my new place that we have lovingly/appropriately named ‘Whimsy Towers’.

We moved over a month ago and we are now nicely settling in. I have so much to share but to spare this post being a gazillion words long-I'll summarise:

• I survived over 2 weeks without internet (including mobile internet!)
• My commute is now exactly 7 minutes instead of an hour each way-PARKLIFE!
• We're still sorting out the flat but I promise I'll do a mini house tour soon :)

and here is a little 'currently' update for you too...

Currently WATCHING: 300! Okay okay so I’m a terrible human being and I’d never watched 300 until Monday night! Also I didn't know who Gerard Butler was...:| Now I know ;) I mainly just looked at the beards and the abs and shouted ‘AWOO’ all the way through.

Currently READING: Holy moly since having no internet I have actually been reading, reading A LOT! I went and mooched around the library in the Harris and got a few books out. But then I read them all, all in one night!

So far I have read:

‘The Goddess Experience’ by Gisele Scanlon

‘Blog Inc’ by Joy Deangdeelert Cho

‘Google Blogger for dummies’ (Y)

‘Mastering Pinterest’

Alexa Chung It

‘How I lived a year on just a pound a day’ by Kath Kelly

‘How to delight your customers’

‘Luella’s guide to English style’

So a very varied mix as you can tell but I’m planning to get on the ball with my blog (no really this time!) I’m always pondering business ideas and standard fashion/thrifty mix as usual.

Currently WEARING: I don’t think that I actually mentioned my amazing, pink charity shop coat on here before, as the weather has warmed up slightly my parka has been swapped for my vintage eighties hot pink coat that I got from Oxfam in Liverpool. It was £16 which is more than I would usually pay in a chazza shop but it is so cute! My new wardrobe mantra is that as I wear head-to-toe black for work, on my days off I have to wear a bright colour!

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Currently AMAZED BY: Food at The Ferret! OMG Mad Ferret as it used to be known was my favourite place when I was at uni, now I’ve moved back to Preston and it’s had a revamp we just had to try out the food. All I can say is YUM! The sweet potato fries are incredible and I went for a Brisket burger which was delicious. PS just on the rum front they serve Old J which is the best rum ever, super sweet and vanillary, like a coke ice cream float.

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Currently LOOKING FORWARD TO: Easter Weekend! I'm planning on going to The Lakes to visit my mum and help her out in her new jewellery shop, potentially doing a vintage fair, eating all the chocolate and a big roast dinner sounds perfect to me :) Nothing is set in stone but I like being spontaneous!

Currently LISTENING TO: Radio 6, Whilst I’ve been reading and organising I’ve had radio 6 on in the background for the majority of the day. Lauren Laverne is my fave show. It makes me feel like I’m down with the kids listening to all the new releases as most of my music is from 2006 and before haha. I'm really enjoying this song by Little Dragon which they keep playing.

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Currently PONDERING: Money making schemes. As always I have loads of ideas floating around my head but I need to focus on a part-time venture! As my commute to work has reduced drastically I have a lot more free time on my hands. I have debated getting a pub job after work but I think it needs to be something that I’ve created. Something to fuel my creativity and earn me some pennies in the meantime. I've really got into watching Marie Forleo on Youtube and I think she talks a lot of sense! Check her out if you haven't already.

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Currently IN LOVE WITH: So I had a dream that I was bezzie mates with Alex Zane, super random as I hadn't watched anything with him in or seen any photos/mentions NOTHING! But I am in love with him haha.  Can’t beat a funny guy with a nice suit and scruffy hair J 

Currently BUYING: Hmm I have bought a few things, days off are pretty dangerous for the old bank account. I got tempted with the old 3 for 2 in Boots. I’ve bought the new Effclar Duo+ to try, my usual Vichy Dermablend foundation and I thought do y’know what I really need? More supplements! So I decided on the magical Red Krill Oil which is meant to be super-good for you, much better than cod liver oil. I’ll take a month’s worth and let you know the outcome! I bought a couple of things from the charity shops, some hair dye and all the fruit and veg to make green smoothies! Apart from that there hasn't been any major purchases!

What have you been up to recently?

Thanks for reading :)
Rachelle xxx

Outfit Of The Day: WILLIAMSON'S PARK

Oh hey there, s'been a while...

On bank holiday Monday we had a little venture to Williamson's Park in Lancaster. It's one of my favourite places to visit as it's sooo pretty. The monument is beautiful and there's 360 degree views of the Lake District! 

 Dress: Tesco (about 3 years ago)

Sandals: Vintage via Charity Shop

Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson via TKMaxx

I wasn't planning to do an outfit post hence why it's not the most exciting outfit. It was actually pretty warm so I decided to wear my super-old, Tesco floral dress that I bought for holiday aaages ago and I thought I'd give my newly aquired vintage sandals a spin for the first time. I bought them from Banardos for a mere £2.99 and they look brand new :) I noticed they had very similar styles in Topshop this summer too so I'm really happy with another charity shop gem.

So since my last post you may notice that I've had the chop, I'm loving my new coupleofmonthsoldnow bob style hair. It was actually a purple-toned black when I first had it done but my hair fades so quickly.  It's kinda weird purple, brown again now but I like it. Still dreaming of a lilac bob but ohhh so much hassle/maintenance....

I hope you're all well. I have been pretty quiet in bloggyland but I've still been catching-up on bloglovin'. The combination of working lots, practically living in my uniform/pajamas & broken camera doesn't exactly make the recipe for the most thrilling blog posts. I've had a bit of 'blogging block' but now I'm inspired again I'll be updating a lot more...

Have you visited Williamson's Park before?

Thanks for reading :)

Rachelle xxx

Charity Shop Chic: BUMPER EDITION!

Hello everyone,

 So I've been a bit lapse on the whole charity shop blogging, although that doesn't mean I've not found anything! I did attempt to make a video showing all the things I'd managed to find but I just look like such a goon, hopefully I'll feel more confident doing them in the future. Until then here are my favourite buys from the last few weeks...

St Michael Houndstooth Jacket £2.00: Really cute 60s inspired jacket. There was a teeny mark on the cardigan in the shop so she let me have it for £2, nothing a bit of Vanish couldn't sort out :) I love the gold buttons!
Jaeger Wool Cardigan £3.50: This cardigan is much brighter than the photo and its a lovely thick quilted wool material. Great for the transition from coat to thinner outer layers for spring (haha it's peeing it down as I type this!) Again I must've been having a thing for gold buttons that day as this one has them too!

Floral Crop Top £3: Not sure what brand this is but I'm guessing it's just a high street cheapy. I used to be very particular about not buying high street brands in charity shops unless it was decent quality but I've worn this little crop top so much already and it's still looks new!
Polka Dot Crop Top £2: I've worn this polka dot number so many times too! It's actually a size 16 (I'm more of an 8-10) and has a big square neck but I just wear it backwards and it's a relaxed, oversized crop shape :)

Fred Perry Tee £2.99: I'm having a bit of a Fred Perry moment, I bought my Fred Perry dress from TKMaxx a few weeks ago for a bargain of £25 and then I spotted this beauty in the mens section of the charity shop a couple of days ago! It looks really cute with my denim shorts. I was contemplating whether to go a bit scissor happy and cut the sleeves and length a bit but I've decided against that, instead I'm going to appreciate it's classic t-shirt shape.
Tie Dye Sweater £1.99: If you follow me on Instagram (which you totally should by the way!) you will have noticed this tie dye top getting a lot of attention! I wear it so much! I remember being in Oxfam thinking 'it's awful but I love it' so for a measly £1.99 I just couldn't leave it behind.

Printed Shorts £1.50: Ok so these shorts are actually pyjama shorts however I think on a sunny day I can totally get away with wearing them as daywear. I love the monochrome 'fleur de lis' print, and they are a sturdy cotton material with an elasticated high-waist :)
Diesel Dungaree Dress £3.50: Eeee when I saw these in the charity shop I actually did a happy dance (When I got into the changing room where no-one could see me!) I've been looking for a black dungaree dress for aages. I just couldn't bring myself to go into Topshop and pay ridiculous amounts for something that is having a moment in the fashion world. It fits perfectly although is a little on the short side, but hey that's the story of my life-thanks giraffe legs!

80s Leather Jacket £15: Ahhh another beautiful find! I've been on a quest for the perfect leather jacket for  like, ever. Here it is folks! Found in the mens section of a charity shop in Grange. It always pays to check out all the sections! It is really 80s, has gorgeous flocked leather panels, a leather tie belt and even a top gun lining!! £15 is such a bargain for a real leather jacket and I'm planning on getting it altered so that it fits perfectly and I can wear it forever I.D.S.T.
Tan & Black Stag Bag £2.50: I found this last week, and although it isn't vintage (Accessorize if you were wondering) it still has vintage charm. It looks like new and the gold stag head it super cute! I don't usually wear brown bags but this is a sweet exception :) I found it online and although it went in the sale and is now sold out, it's original RRP was £32 BOOM!

Oasis Checked Trousers £3: As I mentioned before my giraffe legs don't always make trouser shopping the easiest of activities, hence why I usually stick to tights and skirts/shorts combos. These trousers are just the most flattering shape I have ever worn! They are tight enough on my tiny waist, skim over my shapely bottom haha *adecdote time* Once whilst I was waiting at the train station with my headphones in but not on (anti-social) I heard a group of girls say 'Wow her bum is so out of proportion to her body, she's skinny but her butt is like HUGE!' Some people would be mortified at that comment not me though, I like my big bum! Although 'huge' is a massive exaggeration! Anyway, then the trousers taper down to a skinny leg that finish below my actual ankle instead of mid calf like most trousers-hooray for longer length! They are from Oasis, no idea how long ago though. they are a size 12L which makes me think they are quite old as it is a very small 12!

I hope you like these kind of posts, I often get asked by my friends and family if I could charity shop on behalf of them, it is difficult to shop for other people anyway especially even more so when charity shopping as you never know what you're gonna find and the sizing is so unpredictable! I genuinely wish I could be a professional charity shopper. I wonder if such a job exists...

Which is you favourite item from my 'haul'? Do you enjoy charity shopping?

Thanks for reading :)

Rachelle xxx

Charity Shop Chiiiic-DECEMBER FINDS

Hey guys!

So I have quite a few bargains to show you. I bought some great things from the charity shops last month. I wrote a few tips for charity shop shopping last year. I'd say I now buy about 60% of my wardrobe second-hand! Also I'd really recommend having a look in the charity shops at the minute as most of them will be having sales especially on the sparkly, party wear :) Sequins galore! 

Here's what I bought last month:

1) Furry Next Coat-This was £10 from the PDSA charity shop in Ulverston (which is awesome by the way). I don't usually spend that much on one thing in a charity shop but it's SO FLUFFY! (& I'm helping the cats & dogs!) Its a great quality coat and it keeps me toasty on the morning commute.

 2) High-Waisted Check H&M Wool Skirt- I spotted this skirt in the reduced section of Age Concern in Grange. It was only £2.75 and it is made of super-duper thick wool material so great for the chillier weather with some fleecy-lined tights!

 3) Lee Denim Jacket- I've never owned a denim jacket that I'm really happy with, I always get the wrong wash of denim or it looks really boxy and strange but I love this one. I actually found it in the mens section but it is definitely a ladies jacket, not that I mind wearing a mans coat ;) It was a bargainous £3.

 4) Glittery Pinstripe Pencil Skirt- I picked up this skirt to wear to work. It has shiny, silver pinstripes which I thought were festive enough to wear over the Christmas period! I think this one was about £2-£3 I can't remember exactly! It's now actually waiting in my 'to-sew' pile because I thought I could leap over a huge puddle in a tight skirt and, yep you guessed it, I ended up ripping it all up the back :'(

 5) Chilli Pepper Black Denim Cropped Jacket- Who remembers Chilli Pepper?! I had a Chilli Pepper coat when I was about 14! I saw this cute, little cropped jacket and thought that I'm missing a blackl jacket from my wardrobe. It was £4 from Cancer Research in Lancaster. The label says 'Guaranteed to raise more than a heart rate' oo-er ;)

I'm planning on volunteering in a charity shop this year. Lancaster has loads of charity shops so I'm not sure which one to go for! Do any of you volunteer? If so I'd love to hear your experiences :)

Have you found any gems in the charity shops lately?

Thanks for reading :)

Rachelle xxx