Dolly Does Charity Shops

Elbows at the ready… There are not many things I love more than an amble around a vintage or charity shop. I think I’ve inherited this from my mum who is the original thrifter.
Luck can be a factor as to whether you strike gold, but there are some tips that can help you, even when Lady Luck is not on your side.

So let’s talk strategy:
Manage your expectations – enjoy the journey. You can find absolute gold dust or diddly squat! Make sure you have a coffee cup in your mitt and a good book so that if the day doesn’t turn out golden, you can abort mission and go and people watch (hopefully in the sunshine in a park!)
Dressed to thrill – I always make sure I have a body or one piece on and clothes/footwear I can slip on and off easily. Bear in mind, many charity shops do not have swanky changing rooms: you may find yourself in a cupboard with someone’s charging laptop, egg sandwich and only a curtain to semi-cover your modesty. Whilst clambering into THE most fabulous sequin 1970’s jumpsuit, I lost my footing and ended up on display in the window of MIND on Camden High Street!

…you may find yourself in a cupboard with someone’s charging laptop, egg sandwich and only a curtain to semi-cover your modesty.

DOLLY

Scan and rummage – charity shops will differ on the way they display pieces: some by colour, some by size and others by item type.

If I know what I’m looking for (eg, an 80’s jumpsuit, sequin cardigan, tulle skirt) that can help so you can zone in on areas. However, it’s great to also keep an open mind: you can miss some real treasures by rushing. Sometimes I will pick up an item that catches my eye and take it for a walk around the shop and abandon it if I upgrade to something better!

Timing is everything – regular visits pay off, particularly during the week when shops tend to be quieter. Be friendly and if you’re a loyal customer, staff may magpie pieces for you if they know what you like. Also they may let you know when they get new drops so you can be there when the bounty hits the rail. Also bear in mind that stock turnover can be high, so just because you don’t find something one week, doesn’t mean you won’t find that Alexis Carrington jewelled jacket the next!
Location, location, location – sometimes the leafy, market towns can behold treasures which are great quality. Hip neighbourhoods may have real treasures but will often be more expensive and thin on the ground. Occasionally you will find real treasures in the bargain bucket – my mum once found Nicole Farhi jeans for 50p because the lovely ladies in the shop didn’t recognise the name (M&S jeans in the same shop were £11!)

Vintage all the way – I will tend to look for vintage pieces that are well made. I also look for unusual pieces that stand out. I always ignore the sizing labels. A size 12 in 1970 is not what we would consider a size 12 today! Try it on – I slip things on over my own clothes if there is no changing room available. Don’t despair if it doesn’t fit – if it’s a treasure and a good price, consider having it altered. I infamously buy items the wrong size and often will repurpose them – I have turned some lovely tulle skirts into ruffs. Remember you can look up on YouTube how to change buttons, add shoulder pads or dye pieces.

PS. Whilst shopping is a lovely thing to do with friends, when shopping for preloved I am a completely independent shopper – I love to shop alone and get stuck in. For me it means I don’t have the competition of my crew looking for similar pieces (those elbows of mine are sharp!)
After shopping it’s great to meet with friends to discuss your endeavours and hopefully show the spoils of war.

Traditionally in the UK charity shops on the high street have been the most popular way to shop preloved, but look out for local clothes swaps, pop up shops, vintage fairs, preloved markets and there’s a further plethora online.
I will follow up with an online guide to shopping preloved soon.

FASHION & STYLE