As someone who is happy to live in pinafore dresses and blouses, I am not one for ‘dressing up’ to go out. I also don’t go out very often, if I do then it is usually just for a meal where a dress and leather jacket works but I struggle with what to wear for a slightly classier occasion.

As soon as I saw this top in my local Barnardo’s, I knew I had to buy it! It’s such a gorgeous purple shade, features stunning beading and was only £3.50. The colour will also work really well for A/W, and I can imagine this top looking really pretty with jeans, heeled boots, and a faux fur coat- although I am a Geordie, I cannot go coatless in Winter!

For a Summer evening look, I styled the top with a suede pre-loved Zara skirt, which I adore because it is so seventies yet also looks amazing with modern pieces. I threw on a leather jacket, just in case the evening got colder but it also looks great draped over the shoulders, if the weather is too warm to wear it.

For shoes, I went with flat sandals, I cannot walk in heels to save my life and the gold on the sandals perfectly matches the gold beading on the top. In keeping with the gold elements, I took a gold clutch bag, which I got for my high school prom three years ago. It also features a chain strap, which is really practical as holding onto a clutch all night can be a bit of a pain. The humidity lately has been making my hair go seriously bushy, so I tied some of it back in a small bun, which I think frames my face really nicely and also shows off the earrings. I actually got a secondary lobe piercing a few months ago, but it’s never on display since I don’t usually tie my hair back. The other earrings were borrowed from my mum and match the gold elements of the outfit perfectly as well as adding the perfect amount of sparkle.

To see more of my outfits and pre-loved finds, you can follow me on social media @hollyyolivia or read my blog www.bisoushollyolivia.co.uk

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