From Charity Shop Dress to Disco Jumpsuit

When Barnardo’s asked me if I wanted to take part in their upcycling challenge for Recycle Week, I jumped at the chance! I’m very passionate about pre-loved clothes, and even more so, recycling and upcycling them into something new.

I was asked if I wanted to choose my own clothes or be sent a mystery parcel. I opted for the latter. When my parcel arrived  (which including a sweet little sewing kit) the dress inside was something that I would never have chosen myself in a million years (I think this is a good thing… I love a challenge!)

The dress was a pretty smart evening gown from Hamells Wavelength, made of stretch velour with a great glitter detail and a deep v-shaped back. I’d guess it’s not that old, so not my usual vintage style (I love the 60s, 70s and 80s), plus it was a bit big and shapeless on me.

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My Market Bag

Recycle Week is in full swing and we wanted to get involved. We set some fabulous thrifty bloggers an up-cycling challenge with some rag found in-store. Be sure to follow the blog and our Instagram this week so see what they created!

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When Barnardo’s contacted me about their challenge for Recycling Week I was so excited albeit a bit nervous. Don’t get me wrong, I have shortened the odd dress but that’s the extent of my sewing abilities but I couldn’t say no to a challenge!Read More »

College chic – Looking fashionable on a budget

Hi there! My name is Imali and I’m a student blogger from the Midlands. If you are a student, or even if you’re not, I’m sure you can relate to the fact that clothes are expensive. It’s easy to spend £100 on accessories alone, and that’s before the clothes and makeup! As a full-time student, I just don’t have that kind of money but doesn’t mean I have to compromise on my style.

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Homing Your Houseplants, the Thrifty Way

Houseplants are an absolute staple in home décor and this style statement shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. I, for one, am over the moon about this, as houseplants are taking over my home!

However, I wonder if any of you fellow houseplant lovers are familiar with the following scenario as much as I am? You arrive home with another dreamy green friend, only to realise that you’ve run out of pots to home your new shrub and soon discover that a new pot is more expensive than the plant itself!

Well, you can now cast those woes aside. I’m here with a few tips on how you can home your plants the thrifty way, whilst still staying chic and making a décor statement!

Thrift those pots

Check out the homeware section of your local Barnardo’s for some affordable plant pot possibilities. You may find a gem that is perfect just the way it is or you might discover something that offers a DIY opportunity. Either way, you will be sure to find something that does the job you need and doesn’t break that bank.

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Pet Bed Makeover Project

Doesn’t your pet deserve the best? By best, we mean a beautiful bespoke bed created just for them. The lovely Cassie most definitely seems to think so.

After a trip to her local Barnardo’s and armed with a pre-loved wicker bed, some fabric and some amazing up cycling skills, Cassie created this beautiful ice-cream coloured pet haven.

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Volunteering At Cheadle

Have you got some spare time on your hands this summer? Why not volunteer at your local Barnardo’s! Check out just some of the reasons why Katy and Daisy love volunteering at our Vintage store in Cheadle.

I decided to start volunteering after I finished my degree. I knew it would be the perfect time to develop a number of transferable skills. While I’ve always been a fan of charity shopping, I knew that Barnardo’s Vintage was the shop I particularly wanted to volunteer for. I have been a fan of the store for quite some time, finding most of its appeal in the fact it sold vintage clothing at a much more affordable price than anywhere in the Norther Quarter. There is also that added value of knowing that the money raised is going to a great cause. I have always enjoyed working with children, and in the past I have helped teach STEM subjects at schools, as well as helping out at a local Brownies. Being involved in a charity which does so much to help children is something that is very important to me.

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Vintage Shopping At Cheadle

Hi I’m Gemma and I manage Barnardo’s Vintage, situated in quaint Cheadle.

The store, which is Barnardo’s only specialist vintage shop in the UK, stocks a vast range of clothing and accessories. There is an eclectic mix of pre-loved items, ranging from 1960’s tea services to 1970’s dagger collar shirts and maxi skirts. It’s a vintage enthusiasts dream; brimming with treasures just waiting to be discovered.

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Fashion DIY: A Man’s Shirt to a Frill Hem Top

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I always think that a man’s shirt is the absolute easiest item to pick up in a charity shop. For a few pounds you can usually find a shirt with a jazzy pattern or colour you love. Being cotton they are also so easy to work with when sewing so that’s why I am always drawn to them when looking to do a little upcycling.

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My Barnardo’s Lookbook

So, I’ll start off by saying a huge hello and thank you to everyone that’s taking the time to read this blog post I’ve put together for Barnardo’s. I’ve created a look book featuring some of my favourite Barnardo’s finds and how I style them to create some of my favourite looks.

I started charity shopping when I was just 13. I picked up a black pinstripe blazer for just £1.99 and it quickly because a wardrobe staple of mine. Since October 2017 I started to re-embrace the slow fashion movement. I have been browsing weekly to collect some fabulous finds, initially wearing a mix of high street and vintage, but now wearing full-on charity shop looks. Lucky for me, we have not one, but two Barnardo’s stores in Worksop. The 99p store is always my first point of call!

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