I love hunting for bargains in Charity Shops, Boot Fairs, Vintage Stores and Second Hand Shops. The majority of my wardrobe comes from one of these places, Ebay, or it was bought in the sale.
Whilst I think I would love to go on a huge shopping spree with limitless money the truth is that whenever I’ve had the opportunity to shop with a reasonable amount of money I’ve never found it anywhere near as satisfying as hunting for that elusive bargain. I also love to hate that tiny corner of me that feels a little tiny bit smug when someone says to me “Oh, I love your dress!” and I know it was only £2.99 from a Charity Shop.
I’ve found some amazing bargains. Calvin Klein skirts, a silk Monsoon Ballgown for £4 and vintage shifts for 50p at Boot Fairs. However it must be said that it can be a long, difficult and dirty process to find that perfect bargain.
Tonight Mary Queen of Charity Shops starts at 9pm on BBC2. Whilst I hope she doesn’t make them too savvy and ruin all the amazing bargains for those of us that love the hunt, I have to admit that sometimes it would be nice to find things a little cleaner, and maybe not have to untangle 500 scarfs dumped in a dusty corner to find one amazing item.
Until that happens there are a few things in my bargain hunting kit that I think are essentials to sort the manky old tat from the glittering gems
- Hand Sanitiser
Sometimes I’ve come out of shops trying to avoid touching my face as I feel so grubby. I certainly wouldn’t want to eat anything or apply lip balm. A tiny bottle of alcohol hand rub, available from any Chemist, can be a lifesaver.
- A Tiny Torch
This was a tip I picked up on Twitter, though I can’t remember who from. Shine a small torch behind a garment to show up any tiny pinprick holes in dark fabric that you might otherwise miss. Before I found this another trick I used is to hold things up to the window, which works as well!
- Anti Bacterial wipes
A small pack of normal household anti bacterial wipes can be used to wipe over shoes, handbags and jewellery to remove dust and give them a quick clean and make them far more pleasant to handle!
- A Bag for Life
Lots of places don’t offer bags at all or charge for them, and anyway plastic bags are terrible for the planet. I’ve also found that a bag for life with a shoulder strap is way easier to carry when stuffed with buys than 5 carrier bags with cheese wire thin handles. Ouch!
So, those are just 4 things I’ve found handy I’d love to hear any essentials in your bargain hunting armoury that I can add to mine! Do you love hunting for bargains or do you prefer the ease of stores that have already cleaned, mended and sorted the wheat from the chaff?
Photos by Morning theft and dno1967
Great tips you have there! I love shopping for bargain as well, and would love to do it one day in London –
so I must visit your Blog more often for greta finds
Yep I have all those trusty tools in m bag.. and one other. A tape measure! Saves me from having to try on garments in less than pristine condition before I can get them home for a good wash.
Ah yes, that’s a fantastic tool! As long as you make sure you know your own measurements before you go of course….
This is a really useful article. Thanks, RC.
I second the need for a tape measure. Often you’ll find that sizing has changed or that the label has been lost, and charity shops are a long way from getting their own flattering changing rooms!
Now the sun is out, I am addicted to car boot sales. I do the £10 challenge – on the high street, the best you could hope for is a cheap top but at a boot sale, i can fill my little car!
I would also wear comfortable, but fitted clothing. Sometimes, there is no change room and you will want to slide the garment over your clothes to test the fit.
Great tips! I have not done much bargain hunting myself, so I’m glad I read this little guide before doing so.
I always have wipes with me cause I especially love the old old ones so I can dig.
sometimes I feel best when i wear something for £2
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I agree with you, especially on the hand sanitizer. I am not manic about germs, but those places can make you feel pretty icky.
It depends upon where I am going, but I don’t take my nicest purse to most- I may need to put it down between my feet to sort through something. I also love a cart with wheels if I am flea marketing in a large area (other shoppers don’t love you but your back will and I do try to be courteous)
Neat post!
Normaly go hunting in my gloves,little leather ones that go with my coat,also protects my manicure when haveing a rummage and protects the pams of my hands from carrying bags.
But yes wet wipes are a life saver!
Ohh a safty pin and a key ring loop(or length of ribbon) just in case you get that zip stuck and need extra leverage to get out of things if you get dreaded ‘Zip Trapped’!
Verity Vale´s last blog ..What a Ladybird!