This week, Alice Elizabeth Varney from Alice Tinted Glasses has taken on the Barnardo’s style challenge. Here she talks us through her festival themed finds!

I was asked to take part in a style challenge to create an outfit, shopping only in my local Barnardo’s stores; and I was so very much up for the challenge!

The Barnardo’s in my home town is always full of great bargains and they regularly have special offers. My aim was to create a festival inspired look, now we are in the midst of of festival season.

I made the trip to town to take on the rails, and before I knew it I had spotted an absolutely incredible sequinned maxi dress! The dress was a couple of sizes too big, but I grabbed it anyway as I knew I could easily modify the dress at home with a few small alterations.

I also couldn’t resist as it was only £1.99., I couldn’t believe how cheap it was!

The Barnardo’s in my home town rarely has any items for over £1.99 so there are always huge bargains to be had. Last winter I picked up a fab faux sheepskin coat for the same price!

Once I returned home, I shortened the lining to make my legs visible through the sequin sheer material and also took the sides in to make the dress fit me better.

It was a quick and easy job and the results are just fabulous! Don’t get put off if something isn’t in your size as small alterations can turn something un-wearable into one of your  favourite fashion finds.

Here I’ve styled the dress with a gorgeous floral crown and white chunky heels, finishing the look with a touch of glittery festival- style make up.

This dress proves what absolute gems can be found in charity shops, not only do you get the joy of searching through the rails but you also get to find one off pieces that no one else has. It’s so much more exciting than high street shopping! I can’t wait to dance about in a sunny field in my fabulous new dress!!

Sequin Maxi Dress – Vintage, Barnardo’s
Floral Crown – Le Lapin
Bindi – eBay
Glitter – Mixes from eBay
Eyeshadows – Urban Decay, Alice In Wonderland palette
Lipstick – Makeup Revolution, Crime
Rainbow Lens Circle Glasses – Primark
White Chunky Heels – Topshop

Inspired to go on a Barnardo’s shopping haul? Find your local Barnardo’s store here with our store locator.

Fancy guest blogging on The-Thrift like Alice? Simply comment below and we’ll get in touch!