My Barnardo’s Haul

My names Alicia, I’m an avid charity shopper and new blogger from Northampton, I have just recently published my first blog called Sauver. I was thrilled that Barnardo’s reached out about guest blogging and I couldn’t wait to get the challenge underway.

I did my research and found my closest Barnardo’s and brought my mum along with me, how edgy! They had rails and rails of stock but I was distracted by the giant bargain bins in the middle of the store. Items were priced from 29p, I completely zoned out. Like a woman possessed, I was waist deep in clothes within seconds and completely lucked out too. Before I knew it, I had 2 skirts, 2 pairs of trousers, a cardigan and sarong (don’t judge, it was 29p).

blogRead More »

The Black Friday Black Bag

And just like that, it was November. Where has this year disappeared to? I woke up this morning to see the start of the online Black Friday whisperings and I’m already spying those Black Friday and Christmas campaigns with adverts on social media.

Now, the cynical side of me will put down my ‘broad-minded’ filter and pick up my wine glass, as I roll my eyes at another opportunity for western world consumerism to grasp us by the purse and take us for a ride. However, I’m not writing this with a glistening halo above my head. I openly admit to loving a spot of shopping and believe if shopping was a sport then I could probably compete for an Olympic medal! However, I fear there is something wrong in our world when my boys, like many other Kiddlywinks, are already enticed by ads and encouraged to think about their Crimbo wish list items!

I love a bit of history so I did some research to find out more about one of the biggest bargain bonanza days in the retail calendar. I was curious to know more about a growing global consumer event that I have always associated with Americans and their U.S Thanksgiving.

Flic 3Read More »

April’s Charity Shopping Tips.

It’ April here and I’m, back with another monthly guest blog! In this entry I’ll be sharing my ideas on how to end the stigma around charity shop shopping and sharing some more smashing Barnardo’s finds.

When you hear the words charity shop, what immediately pops into your mind? For me it’s a treasure trove of amazing fashion finds! I’ve had people compliment me on my outfits, followed by the classic question “where is that from?” – I have always proudly answered: “Barnardo’s”. Cue the shocked expression! I was once your stereotypical charity shop doubter but my first trip to Barnardo’s immediately changed my mind.

April Feb 4

Read More »

How and Why I Charity Shop!

Hello you lovely lot!

If you know me – or even if you don’t – just by browsing through my blog you can see that in most of the outfits I’m wearing, is something from a charity shop.

Now, some of you may shy away at the thought of pre-loved clothes, BUT YOU SHOULDN’T! So bear with me because I’m going to tell you exactly why…

olivia-5

Read More »

Barnardo’s On The Red Carpet

Award season is officially in full swing and our minds are focused on all things red carpet fashion! So far Rihanna and Solange have hit our best dressed list, have you curated yours yet?

With the likes of Givenchy, Roberto Cavalli, Zuhair Murad and Gucci making strong appearances on the red carpet we challenged ourselves to do the same. Why not look good, feel good and embrace all the glam of your favourite looks in a Barnardo’s find?

Image sourceRead More »

April’s Favourite Barnardo’s Finds

April’s the name and charity shopping is my game. I’m a self-confessed charity shopping shopaholic!

I’m so excited to been given the opportunity to guest blog monthly on The-Thrift, courtesy of the fabulous Barnardo’s Retail.
I will be blogging at the end of every month, sharing my Barnardo’s hauls, outfit finds for under £10’s, Q&A’s, seasonal outfits, customising charity shop wear and much more!!

All outfits you will see and read about have been purchased by me from different Barnardo’s shops. I’m kicking off my first blog with one my favourite January buys, keep scrolling to see how I style it.

First off we have one of my current favourite outfits! Everything I am wearing (apart from the distressed tights) I purchased from my local Barnardo’s!

april-1Read More »

Volunteering at Cheadle

Hey guys! I hope you have all had a brilliant start to the New Year? Speaking of New Years, did you guys make any resolutions for 2017? Ever thought about volunteering? Here I give you an insight into why volunteering for Barnardo’s is amazing and how I got involved myself!

Last year, after I started blogging, one of the lovely ladies from Barnardo’s Retail contacted me, asking if I would be interested in writing for their blog ‘The-Thrift’.

I jumped at the opportunity and set off to my local Barnardo’s. I hadn’t previously shopped at charity shops, but when I did I was amazed, most of the clothes are brand new or in immaculate condition, the staff are friendly, and the stores look amazing – clothes colour blocked and in size order which makes it easy to view.

I had certaintly caught the charity shopping bug, and this in-turn encouraged me to sign up to volunteer at my local Barnardo’s.

tash-1Read More »

Future Fashion

Still in that post-Christmas slumber? Got a case of the January blues? This is nothing a little retail therapy can’t fix. Create your fashion future to fast track you into the New Year!

Keep scrolling to see what trends and key pieces we are trying RIGHT .

Trackstar

We couldn’t be more excited about this trend making a comeback. Break your loungewear out of your bedroom with the coolest and comfiest fits.

Read More »

Breakfast at The BBC with Gemma

I was recently very lucky to receive a phone call from Pav the producer of BBC Radio Manchester. She invited me to the studio to talk about vintage and collectables and advise callers on what to hang onto for value in the future.

I arrived at the studio bright and early and was met at reception by the lovely Libby, who briefed me on the schedule for the morning. I can talk about vintage forever which was perfect as they asked me to stay for the whole breakfast show rather than my expected 45 minutes. It was really exciting to see the behind the scenes operations and all the people who run the production of the radio show.

Read More »

New Year’s Eve Sparkle

It’s nearly time to wave goodbye to 2016 and kick start the New Year in style.

Make sure this New Year’s Eve goes off with a bang in perfect party attire. So whether you’re glamming it up for a girls night out, staying in or something in-between, we’ve got you covered. Let the outfit planning commence!

Keep scrolling for our favourite party fashion trends and set the stage for a very chic year ahead!

The Dress.

New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to embrace your love for all things glittery. Kick off the festivities with a sparkling sequin dress that will make an impact and light up the dance floor.

Read More »