Charity shops-I used to avoid them like the plague. Just imagining the potent stench of urine and stale body odour was enough to make my skin crawl; I pictured an army of single mums struggling to manage their screaming brood, whilst little old dears argued irately in the corner over the brand new Sir Cliff Richard novel at a knockdown £2.45!
Still, I would read articles about how some fashion savvy twenty-something transformed her wardrobe working charity shop pieces into wonderful vintage one-offs with a little light magic needlework. I’d heard stories of hidden gems and unique vintage pieces at bargain prices, and been dazzled my friends quirky attire…
Then, last Saturday, as I sat pondering over the wonders of Simon Cowells hair gel sipping my pint of Strongbow Cider with a splash of black currant, I suddenly found myself memorized by the most magnificent sweater. A vision of delicate lace and pearl embroidery, I was overcome with desire; I yearned to know where I could purchase one for myself! I dashed over to make my enquiry and gasped in horror as I heard those dreaded words…
Remarkable! Could those dingy, dated, pokey old hovels really house such prosperities?
Now I was intrigued…
Thursday was really breakthrough day. Armed with numerous cans of air freshener and deodorant, I made the valiant decision to face my phobia...
Holding my best friends hand (and my breath), I hesitantly stepped inside the first store… To my delight, I was greeted not by the ungodly shriek of screaming children, but rather the gentle sound of jazz and the soothing voice of Frank Sinatra and friends. Urine I smelt not, instead the lingering scent of cotton fresh oust filled the air. It really wasn’t quite the horror story id imagined; and in just a few short minutes I found myself lost in a material world of granny chic; knee deep in china tea sets and lace aprons, unstoppable and determined to find something, anything potentially fantastic.
The adrenaline rush I felt as I frantically rummaged for hidden treasures lost amongst the foliage; I squealed in delight as I unearthed an 80s sequin adorned knit sweater-practically an antique and at the mind-boggling price of 4.99! Then five minutes later the most incredible original vintage leather belt at an astounding £1.95. My preconceptions were rapidly melting away as- oooh! A vintage oversized check shirt for just 2 whole pounds!
That was last week…
And so, one week on, and my opinion of charity shops has swiftly turned from holey dreck and bargain margain to Holy Grail, and I have only this left to say. Hi my name is FiFi and I am a charity shopaholic!
No comments:
Post a Comment