Despite migrating to Manchester, the nation’s soggiest city,  years spent in torrential-downpour denial (hoping for the best and preparing for the slightly overcast) have left me hazardously short on suitable shower protection.

I’ve often scoured south Manchester’s second-hand hotspots, armed with £8.50 and a dogged determination, for a suitable Gortex garment, but my sensible intentions are always thwarted by the plethora of pretty dresses and printed playsuits that turn my head.

Acknowledging that I may be suffering from a rare form of anorak-buying allergy, I was about to concede to a life of looking stylish but slightly sodden when a browse in my local Barnardo’s presented this perfect khaki cover-up.

Official uniform of my adopted abode, this pretty parka is just robust enough to see off a light shower, folds neatly into my little leather rucksack and, although it may not have the rain resilience of a Regatta storm-cheater, it does have fabulous embellished epaulettes, which I’m sure you’ll agree are worth the compromise.

Embellished Miss Selfridge Parka: £6.99 Barnardo’s, Chorlton.

All clothing featured also thrifted. Check out Lisa’s blog, Dolly in the street for more thrifty finds.

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

Want to share your top Barnardo’s looks with us and feature on The-Thrift? Comment below and we’ll get in touch!