Second Hand Style

Hey, welcome back!

In this blog I'm going to be talking about my experience with all things Second Hand!

CHARITY SHOPS

Charity shops used to just be where I went with my granny to find jigsaw puzzles and try and find an unscratched High School Musical DVD. But as of late I've become a bit of a charity shop fiend. Around Belfast there are some great Charity shops where I've found some of my favourite pieces. The Charity Shops up near Botanic are some of my favourite. Last year I was in so often I got to know the staff working in them. I think Charity Shop shopping is such a great way to be sustainable, find a bargain and support great causes. I often give my old clothes away to my local charity shops at home and would encourage you all to do the same!

Here are some of my favourite charity shop finds.

1. This Jayne Stilton bag is my go-to bag on a night out. I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it but it was definitely less than a fiver. Everyone needs a black bag and it's such a staple piece. I wouldn't typically look at the bags in a charity shop but retro handbags are very in at the minute so it is definitely worthwhile having a nosy!

2. The red and pink combo was not my cup of tea originally but I've come round to it and last semester I loved pairing my red scarf with a pop of pink. This jumper is cosy and the stripes are very in trend. It was also under a fiver if I remember correctly. It'll be so nice paired with linens or jeans.

3. This coral crochet jumper was put to use last Winter and no doubt it'll be the same this year. It's such a brilliant vibrant colour, such good quality and such a lovely length on may I add. It can sometimes be hard to find a jumper that's a nice length, not being too long or too cropped. 

I've had many more Charity Shop finds but those are a few of my favourite. Most likely you'll see me wandering around the Charity Shops of Belfast again this year scouring the racks for a bargain. 

VINTED

Vinted has become my go-to shopping platform. Last year I hadn't used it at all and now if I see something I like, trust I'm searching on Vinted to see if I can get it at a cheaper price. It's also a great way to make some money from clothes that you don't wear anymore. I've sold a couple formal dresses and a reasonable amount of other items of clothing on Vinted. Although if I'm being completely honest none of that money has reached my bank account. As my Vinted balance increases I simply find something on Vinted that I'd like to buy and it feels like it's free- the absolute definition of girl math. 

1. I love love love Carhart and I got this Blue Denim Carhart jacket last year. Carhart jackets can be so expensive so I was very pleased to have got this on Vinted for £50. I love wearing it with linens, skirts, and I think it also suits a double denim moment. It's a lovely casual, comfortable soft denim jacket that gives an outfit a stylish edge. My flat-mates last year loved this jacket and it got loads of use and will continue to do so this year. 

2. Gypsy skirts are such a lovely style of skirt because they can be worn casually or dressed up and I've bought two on vinted. This blue one has the kind of light denim look and goes with so much. My best friend Courtney is wearing one of my favourite colour combinations here, her yellow top and my blue skirt. you can see why. A skirt like this is so nice to have, as worn with a t-shirt it also looks great. 

3.Hoodies are also great to buy on Vinted and I've bought a couple. This Scuffers one was down to £50 and normally at retail price they are £70 so I was well pleased. If you can't tell already I love blue and this cornflower blue was gorgeous. This hoodie just spoke to me and I was compelled to purchase. It's a very recent addition to my wardrobe and I haven't had the chance to wear it much so I just have this picture but I'm positive it will get lots of wear this Winter.

My housemates also love Vinted and have bought watches, shoes, dresses and much more it's such a great platform and I will definitely be buying and selling more on there this year. As a student it is the best because it is the budget friendlier option, there is so much variety and so it's a no brainer, students get on it! 

Buying second hand doesn't feel like a compromise anymore, it doesn't mean settling for less, it's the wiser choice.

Thanks again for reading, come back again soon to read more!