On Saturdays we have swimming lessons first thing in the morning, which is always a brilliant way to start the day.
In this post-corona world you have to be ready for action by the time you reach the pool, and on trying on her month-or-so barely-worn swimming costume, biggest announced it was too small and was hurting her shoulders. Standard. Kids grow WAY too quickly for my liking.
Smallest had also completely wrecked his term-old shitty Asda school shoes WAY beyond repair with only 5 sodding school shoe wearing days left before the summer holidays, and with a wedding to go to (and no receipt… obviously), we decided that while we were in town we would go shopping.
Into town we go; charity shop shopping!
One of our favourite pastimes (ok, mine. Kids aren’t always so keen, especially the small one, but they get little say in the matter) is to go into the MANY MANY charity shops in town to see what we can find in the way of bargains. It’s a fun way to pass half a day, get some steps in, and less expensive than a round of mini golf or a pub lunch.
Charity shop shopping is brilliant because everything is usually organised by size; if you find something you like, and it’s in your size, it was OBVIOUSLY meant to be and you must buy it there or you’ll make the gods of shopping sad, and you wouldn’t want to do that.
You’re not subject to the strange whims of fashion (why is everything cropped?! I’m thirty fucking seven) and it’s unlikely you’ll spot 20 other people wearing it out and about.
Plus, you’re helping charity and (hopefully) getting a bargain into the deal, and best of all you’re making your wardrobe more sustainable by not buying new. You can buy a new outfit for every member of the family and have change from £20. What’s not to love?!
As well as clothes and books for the kids (although I managed to get a swimming costume in a SIZE 8 rather than an age 8, which wasn’t my finest moment, but it was only £1…) I managed to find three dresses which I couldn’t resist.
Dress one: Vintage style
This lovely emerald green 50s style swing dress was brand new with the tags in, and on the sale rail in British Heart Foundation for six blinking quid!
It was originally from vintage-inspired online retailer Dolly and Dotty (which, I’ve just discovered, stocks sizes 6 to 26 and currently has an amazing sale on, RIP my credit card).
It had a big bow on it at the front but I picked that off, added an old Primark £2 belt and underskirt which was a Hellbunny sale item a few years back. I’d usually prefer capped or longer sleeves in a swing dresses (this one is my favourite!) but I do really like the neckline and the black piping and I’m really chuffed I found it.
Honestly, I’m unsure I’ll ever have cause to wear it but sod it. For six quid I was happy to add to my growing vintage-inspired wardrobe and I can do the cleaning in it or nip to Asda.
Dress two: Summer staple
This light denim palm leaf pattern dress was also new and originally from Next.
It isn’t particularly exciting, but it is comfy, and I know this one will get worn loads over summer if the weather cheers up… I’ll probably wear it with a belt to cinch it in a bit, sandals and my white denim jacket.
Oh and it has POCKETS, which mean it is an instant favourite #morepocketsplease #sayyestopockets
Dress three: Wedding ready
This patterned dress was originally from And Another Stories, which is basically the expensive ‘designer’ branch of H&M. I’ve never bought anything in there before because the dresses are usually way out of my budget.
Unfortunately I have to admit it is just a little bit on the small side, but was another sale rail bargain at eight quid. I love the pattern and the colours, it’s just a bit different.
I’ll wear this one to the wedding if I can find some shoes to match…and perhaps lose a few pounds otherwise I’ll not be able to raid the buffet adequately.
Cheers kids for helping me choose and for all your help with photography and styling. Sorry I couldn’t be arsed with hair and make up, I’m new to this.
Bonus pictures from our day:
A lovely tree with knitted hearts by the river in Tonbridge (Coat from Joules sale, sandals from Aldi, dress was a charity shop bargain originally from Yumi and pose, model’s own).
Some Poundland immaturity (it was NOT me, promise guv).