You can imagine my excitement when an email landed in my inbox from Barnardo’s, inviting me to guest blog for The-Thrift. And then the doubts crept in…I don’t even have a blog…what topic shall I choose…will people even find me interesting? Then I decided to get cracking, be creative, and try my hand at blogging! With hibernation weather just around the corner and onesie season creeping up,  plus the fact I talk to myself all the time, I figured, why not get my thoughts down on here and share some of my favourite pieces!

As a clothes-enthusiast who likes things of yesteryear and anything vintage, I started my Instagram at the start of this year. I share my charity shop finds and vintage items from the shops, fairs and markets I’ve been to, with a bit of outfit styling thrown in for good measure.

I’m sure I’m not alone in being excited about the onset of autumn? The hues, the textures, the fallen leaves, and pumpkins cropping up on corner shop vegetable stalls. I’m a summer baby, but fully embrace this season when it comes to fashion.

You’ll mostly find me in high-waisted denim and Dr.Martens, and I lean towards the 80’s for a lot of my outfits. I’ve been living in bodysuits for the best part of the year which are a perfect pairing with my denim choices, but with the onset of Autumn, I’m more than a little excited about digging out my favourite jumpers. I have already picked up a couple of new additions on my travels. Many charities, including Barnardo’s, have specialist vintage shops or sections in-store making it even easier for you to spot the vintage and retro pieces if you’re unsure of where to start.

I don’t tend to follow current fashion, and instead buy things that make me feel good and put a smile on my face. For the last year, all of my wardrobe purchases have been pre-loved. I can’t pass a charity shop without heading in, and many a Sunday is spent rummaging at a vintage fair. The excitement of buying vintage and retro for me is finding unique, one-off pieces that most likely have a story to tell by the time I find them. The fact that I’m doing a little something to help the environment, reduce my carbon footprint and donate to many fantastic causes whilst shopping is the icing on the cake.

I really hope that my somewhat eclectic knitwear collection inspires you to try something a little different! Whether it’s a shoulder-padded number, an embellished piece, or a print that stands out, you’ll be surprised how much you find yourself reaching for it.

This embellished, shoulder-padded black jumper is from a vintage shop and has served me well for the last five years or so, and is,probably the most complimented knit I own! I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about this cropped oatmeal one, but when I tried it on I knew I’d found something a bit special. At just £1.50 from a charity shop I definitely lucked out that day!

A trip to Camden last month found me stumbling across this nautical masterpiece. It was hidden among a rail rammed with jumpers in a little thrift store on Chalk Farm road and is an old Liz Claiborne number that I’m happy to be reviving.

Oversized 80’s jumpers are something I’m always drawn to and I lived in this earthy toned one last year. I picked up the purple and green one for just nine euros in a vintage store while in Paris last month. These are much thicker knits and perfect for when the temperatures really take a dip.

I’m like a magpie when it comes to a vintage print. Throw in a pretty button and I’m sold! This was a vintage find from a charity shop.

This cream waffle-knit wonder was a £2 charity shop steal and is fast becoming a firm favourite. There’s nothing I can’t pair it with.

Despite this one being black and gold with a lurex thread running through, don’t be fooled into thinking it only makes an appearance at Christmas! I’ve already worn it twice since summer officially ended. Not a particularly thick knit so splendid for this in-between weather.

Kayt

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Spied some pre-loved denim at your local Barnardo’s? Get sharing and tag us using #MyBarnardosStyle

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