Tag: fashionista

My Personalised Denim By April

barnardosretail1 Comment

April here! I’m back with another monthly blog for The-Thrift! This time, it’s all about getting creative and personalising your pre-loved finds. So, let’s get right to it!

April June 1

Denim finds are my favourite to get creative with. It’s so easy to jazz up old denim with a quick DIY fix, and from the comfort of your own home.

I got these Mom jeans in my local Barnardo’s in Brixton a couple of months ago – a bargain at just £7.99! They fit perfectly but I wanted to make them unique. I knew they would look great distressed and decided to give it a go myself. Here’s how I did it. Read More »

Blaise Q&A

barnardosretail1 Comment

Hey, my name is Blaise Tykal Simmons-Johnson, but my nickname to everyone at home is drama queen! I’m 20 years old and I’ve been modelling professionally for just under three years now and I’m also an actress.

I enjoy taking part in sport and dancing is one of my favourite things to do. I also love to cook and read. My star sign is Gemini which means I can be a little crazy but the good kind of course!

My aim for 2017 is to continue everything I was doing in 2016 but bigger and better, achieve my goals and travel the world.

Read More »

My Spring/Summer Trend Picks

barnardosretailLeave a comment

Spring has finally sprung and I couldn’t be happier. As much as I adore my ever-growing collection of faux fur and teddy coats, I am also a big fan of sunshine, ice creams and mini dresses, all of which are not the most Winter- friendly! Now, I am not one to follow trends – I enjoy wearing what I want to wear and don’t want to repurchase a whole new wardrobe every season because that’s boring (and expensive!). Luckily, a lot of the key trends for Spring/Summer are purse friendly and ‘oh- so- me’, which makes being on trend more natural and fun. Without further ado, I’m going to talk you through my favourite key trends for Spring/Summer 2017!

Trend One- Gingham

Holly - 2
Who doesn’t love looking like a picnic blanket?! In case you’ve been living underground, you’ve no doubt seen that gingham is everywhere this season. It’s been seen on catwalk shows including Molly Goddard and Shrimps and everywhere on the high street from Primark to Topshop; it is probably the key print for Spring.Read More »

Your Wedding Day On A Budget

barnardosretailLeave a comment

Can you hear wedding bells? That’s right, wedding season is here!

With the average wedding leaving couples a whopping £27,000 out of pocket, this special day could be one of the biggest purchases you ever make; unless of course, you’re best friends with pre-loved shopping!

When my husband and I started planning our big day, I instantly knew I would be hitting my local charity shops. I used our wedding as the perfect excuse to go rummaging! I was pleasantly surprised when I realised that most of our decor and attire could be found when shopping pre-loved.

First up is my dream, retro-styled wedding dress. It was the actual one I’d spotted online a few months prior. Luck was on my side, it was my size, brand new and only £30!

Fran 1

Read More »

Holly Olivia – My Style Challenge

barnardosretail3 Comments

When Barnardo’s set me the challenge of styling an item from one of their shops in three different ways, I was so excited. I love charity, pre-loved and vintage hunting; it is so much more rewarding than high street shopping, especially when you find an incredible piece! I headed down to my local Barnardo’s in Whitley Bay, and it wasn’t long before I found something. A white shirt, or blouse, is a basic which everyone should probably have in their wardrobe, but I didn’t actually own one since I’ve never quite found the perfect one for me within my budget. Cue this amazing Wallis number! The ruffles on the front are so on trend for S/S17 and I love the balloon sleeves. It is such a versatile piece and I actually got it in the sale for £1.55!

Collage 1

Read More »

Jada Sezer Q&A

barnardosretailLeave a comment

My name is Jada Sezer, I’m 27 years old and a born and raised Londoner. I’ve modelled for just under 4 years.  Before being a model I was studying my Masters in Child Psychotherapy. I fell into this career through my campaign work and I’m still very passionate about diversity, mental health and personal development.

1. What was your favourite look from the shoot?

I loved the cute sparkly elephant shaped shoulder bag!

2. Did the shoot help change your perception of charity shopping?

I never realised you could get such cool things.

3. What is your favourite charity shop buy?

I once bought a Helmut Newton book on fashion photography.

IMG_8952

Read More »

Our Top Spring Clear Out Tips!

barnardosretailLeave a comment

Spring is finally here which means one thing – it’s time for a wardrobe overhaul. Not what you wanted to hear? Don’t worry; we are on hand to make this a fun activity, even involving some of your best girlfriends. Keep scrolling to see our top quick tips for a carefree wardrobe clear out.

Leave the guilt at the door.

Taming a wardrobe full of clutter can be an emotional task and let’s be honest, one most of us fears. First things first, leave the guilt at the door! Don’t feel bad for not wanting to keep items you haven’t worn or don’t need anymore. These pre-loved items can be donated to your local Barnardo’s and will soon be a much loved piece in somebody else’s wardrobe.

Spring_525x525Read More »

Emma’s Fairy-Tale Fashion

barnardosretailLeave a comment

She’s a Brown University graduate with a degree in English literature, a UN ambassador, a long-term advocate of sustainable fashion, starring in one of this year’s most highly anticipated movie releases and all round female boss! Emma Watson is a force to be reckoned with.

With International Women’s day having just passed we thought it only right to pay homage to one of our favourite fierce fashion icons. Keep scrolling to check out our favourite red carpet looks from the Beauty and the Beast premiers so far.

Emma Watson 1

Read More »