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Emma Mitchell

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February 14, 2011 By silverpebble 45 Comments

A year of wardrobe thrift

About a year ago I decided to follow Judith Levine’s example, join in with Tif’s challenge and try my hand at buying only thrifted or hand-made made clothes for a year.

A whole year. It was daunting. I had visions of carrying home bags and bags of musty-smelling purple cardigans from charity shops by mistake and looking as though I’d dressed from the rag bag every morning.
I decided to approach it strategically. I made lists of things I needed. When I ran the charity shop/carboot gauntlet I had a specific mission each time. I tried hard not to be flummoxed by all the cardigans. 
I didn’t need any very smart outfits this year – fancy frocks aren’t usually called for when supervising playdoh sessions or making jewels. I managed to find basic casual items that fitted fairly well and make up several outfits that I feel pretty good in. I was pleasantly surprised. 

All of the clothing items shown were thrifted from charity shops or ebay and cost £4 or under, except the dark blue White Stuff dress, which was £15. The boots were bought before the thrifting experiment – they’re Fly London. New tights are classed as essentials so are permitted.

On a crack commando mission to find trousers one day my eye strayed round the local Cancer Research shop and I spotted this skirt – vintage-style floral linen, edged with lace, twirly dirndl, £4. It’s a good skirt. I was thrilled.

So, so far so good, but I’m afraid I did not stick entirely to the virtuous thrifty path. Here’s my confession:

I fell off the thrifty wagon three times and I bought:

Avoca cardigan coat: £60 (sale)
Fat Face dress £31 (sale)
A purple cardigan, TKMaxx. £19

Ha! I bought one after all (It is made of angora and has quite lovely leg o’ mutton sleeves and MOP buttons so I think it’ll be alright).

What about hand-made clothes? I had very good intentions but the reality of a five year old, a two year old, some jewellery customers, a conveyer belt of viruses and hardly any skill meant that I didn’t hold out much hope. I went to Val’s house last week armed with a copy of Weekend Sewing, a vintage brushed cotton candy stripe sheet and a total lack of confidence. I came home one pair of pyjama bottoms richer.

I MADE these! I’m gobsmacked. Val, you are a sewing sorceress of some kind. Massive, massive thanks for your tuition, patience and encouragement.

So, what did I learn?

  • Thrifted outfits do not have to look scruffy or odd
  • Friends could not spot that I was wearing second-hand
  • Charity shops are upping their game because of the financial climate: the quality of stock is improving all the time
  • A budget stretches a lot further with thrifted clothes (obviously)
  • It felt good to be greenish

I will certainly be buying more thrifted clothes in the next year although I think I’m sorted for purple cardigans at the moment.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Floss says

    February 14, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    Lovely to read your experiences – it's all very in line with the February 'How Green are my Wellies?' chapter – this is a book I'm reading month-by-month this year.

    I've given up buying new clothes unless for specific purposes (walking shorts for example) but I've kind of given up buying second-hand too! I have bursts of buying when in Edinburgh Charity Shops – I'm afraid French clothes don't seem to be designed for my 'generous but not overweight' proportions (well, that's how I think of them, the French just think of me as large, at size 12 – 14…)

    Your buys are fantastic – I reckon you'd have more luck in France than me, too!

    Reply
  2. The Coffee Lady says

    February 14, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    I do buy quite a lot in charity shops but also find an awful lot of ropeyness locally – things from Primark, George at Asda, etc.

    To be honest going without buying clothes for a year wouldn't be that different for me; I never have the damn cash anyway – my Christmas present voucher session in the White Stuff January sale is about it, really.

    I do sometimes see things in charity shops and fear that I'll look like an idiot in them. I always want to go for a thrifted but slightly bonkers look, but fear that what I'll end up with is just bonkers.

    Reply
  3. Planet Penny says

    February 14, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    I'm SO impressed, and you look great! I find it really hard to find clothes to fit,anywhere, I always have and yet I don't look like a freak of nature!
    Penny x

    Reply
  4. Gina says

    February 14, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    I must say you've always looked very lovely when I've seen you this year and I certainly wouldn't have guessed where your clothes came from.

    Reply
  5. SewHappyGeek @ excellcrafts says

    February 14, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    That was so awesome of you! Well done! I keep thinking I need to undertake something similar for me and my tween, but most the stuff we buy is clearance, and I don't buy anything I can make. So now I have tons of clothes cut and ready to sew, and no time! Aaargh!
    that skirt is so cute, and your boots are fab! they look really comfy, too.

    Reply
  6. Locket Pocket says

    February 14, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    You've done really well Emma and come up with some gorgeous outfits – and you know how much I covet your handbag! Lucy xx

    Reply
  7. Calico Kate says

    February 14, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    Well done you – but will you continue with it?? I buy clothes in charity shops more often than I do in ordinary shops as I can never find anything I like or want when I want them! Ebay is a blast too!
    You looked lovely and I love the skirt and the pj bottoms! Off to see if I can do something similar……!
    CKx

    Reply
  8. Tabiboo says

    February 14, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Hey Em, I think you've done really well. Far better then me – I'd always fall off the wagon come the first FF/WS/Toast sale.

    Lovely thrifted outfits,

    Nina xxx

    Reply
  9. Dan says

    February 14, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    What a great challenge! I love the skirt, it's gorgeous! We have a charity shop in town where one of the volunteers is so good at co-ordinating the clothes that the window display makes you wonder why on earth people donated them.
    Dan
    -x-

    Reply
  10. Julie says

    February 14, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    You've done very well with your shopping and they all look very wearable. My Mum equipped herself for all her cruises with charity shop buys of beautiful sparkly blouses and pretty skirts. Well done for the stitching too! Keep going!

    PS I do love that little niche with the jug of flowers.

    Reply
  11. Sarah Talmage says

    February 14, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    Good on you, Emma – you're an inspiration and now I can't wait to see what you'll be wearing on Wednesday evening!

    Reply
  12. French Knots says

    February 14, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    Charity shop clothes suit my budget these days! You have picked up some great things that really suit you.
    I've been to a couple of clothes swapping parties too which were great fun and free/recycled clothes and accesories means a guilt free wardrobe!

    Reply
  13. Betty says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    you have done well and worn some very acceptable items! I have had a mental barrier about thrift as I was brought up on jumble sales and never had new clothes until I bought my own with a saturday job age 13! This year I am indeed going to buy clothing second hand if it is a good price and I need it. Betty

    Reply
  14. sea-blue-sky & abstracts says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    Well done Emma, it can't have been easy with two young children in tow, because sorting the 'wheat from the chaff' takes time, lots of time! Have a good week. Lesley x

    Reply
  15. Belinda @ Wild Acre says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    You have shown huge restraint and discipline – I am so impressed. I feel the urge now for a charity shop rummage, you've got me thinking!xx

    Reply
  16. Belinda @ Wild Acre says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    PS dont' know what I'd do without my brown Fly boots – they are the best!

    Reply
  17. Bobo Bun says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    I was discussing the Dottie Angel challenge with someone I met yesterday. My year ends in April and this woman asked me if I would be relieved and go back to how I was before. You know the buying it because you kind of like it and then never using or wearing the thing aswell as buying more than I needed anyway. I've realised as the year has gone on that it has been a wonderful challenge and has changed the way I perceive what I need and what I want. I can't imagine buying needlessly or without thought anymore. It sounds very much as if you're the same Emma. You looked fabulous in the Avoca cardi coat so that would have been a crime not to buy. Mind you all those shots of you look very wonderful creative cool woman and not at all granny charity shop chic.

    X

    Reply
  18. mynestofyarnandbuttons says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Wow, what an undertaking. I go to TJMaxx a lot and I can find lots of great inexpensive clothes. But I still like other things. I commend you. xoRobin❤

    Reply
  19. harmony and rosie says

    February 14, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    Do you think Mary Portas has helped the CS up their game too? Well done on the trews, what a sense of achievement, there's no reason now why you can't make them again in all sorts of different fabrics. And yes, Fly are definitely THE best!

    Reply
  20. greenrabbitdesigns says

    February 14, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Well done you and you look great in the photos.
    I can understand you being tempted by Avoca, I'm tempted by it all the time!!!
    Vivienne x

    Reply
  21. Lina says

    February 14, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Such a great post Emma and glad that you had a successful year. I have bought thrifted clothing myself for the first time in 2010. Not a huge amount, 3 or 4 tops (including a cardigan!!) and 2 skirts which I've worn quite a bit. I'm aiming for a bit more this year!

    Reply
  22. Jacquie says

    February 14, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Great post Emma , I buy lots from charity shops , clothes for me and yarn and pretty things. I love searching for hidden treasure :0)
    Jacquie x

    Reply
  23. Jackie says

    February 14, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Well done. You look lovely in all of them I bet.
    I'm a big fan of the cardigan..especially purple…when one has suffered hot flushes an easily escaped outer garment is a must.

    Reply
  24. Lynn says

    February 15, 2011 at 2:10 am

    I don't care what you say about wet dogs and whatnot, you really do have the most fabulous hair ever.

    Oh, wait – this post wasn't about hair, was it. Okay, the outfits were fab, too. I 'specially love that dress. And that you were bold enough to wear it with turquoise tights (and they worked!). And congrats on the sewing!! Of course, you couldn't have asked for a better teacher.

    I forget to visit our one local charity shop, which is unfortunate because I have found some great stuff there. Including an as-new cashmere pullover for the equivalent of two pounds. Yowza! That settles it: I am hauling my offspring over there TOMORROW. Stay tuned…

    Reply
  25. driftwood says

    February 15, 2011 at 7:15 am

    hurray for charity shops. they are in fact the only clothes shops here, unless you count dorothy perkins, and a posh old persons shop. and because I hate paying postage and sending stuff back that doesnt fit I never buy off the internet. the problems come whenever we go away and suddenly I find myself with new red shoes!

    Reply
  26. Menopausal musing says

    February 15, 2011 at 8:31 am

    Don't you look lovely?! I love that last floral linen skirt. I "fell off the wagon" re flowers last week. I set myself the goal not to buy any all winter but bought two small posies at £1 each last week from Lidls. They were so reminiscent of the sort of bunches I put together from the garden. Love that little niche you have in your wall………

    Reply
  27. Ali says

    February 15, 2011 at 9:49 am

    Wow – you've done so well. I am such a hopeless shopper, charity shop or regular. And in spite of a stuffed wardrobe, I never seem to have the right thing to wear. How is that?

    Reply
  28. Rachel says

    February 15, 2011 at 10:31 am

    I've bought secondhand ever since I was a student. The trick is in picking the good stuff, which does take time…

    Reply
  29. shadygrey says

    February 15, 2011 at 10:47 am

    IMPRESSED! Well done, you look great and you're an inspiration. But could I do it? Maybe…

    Reply
  30. sylviesgarden says

    February 15, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Well done. Some great outfits there.
    x

    Reply
  31. Tara says

    February 15, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Love all the outfits. Good for you. Great job with the pj bottoms. I've been wanting to make those for awhile myself. Maybe with warmer weather around the corner (okay, two months away), I'll make a pair for myself. Finally, too funny that you bought yourself a new purple cardigan.

    Reply
  32. Fiona says

    February 15, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    I went to a business meeting yesterday dress entirely in charity shop clothes – except for my boots – and didn't look out of place. It can be done.

    Reply
  33. Paula says

    February 15, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Until very recently it had never crossed my mind to buy 2nd hand clothes although I'd been buying plenty of other stuff from my local charity shop. Then one day I saw this coat on the window and after trying it loved the way it looked on me it was just perfect. Since then I have bought 2 pairs of trousers, a jacket and 2 skirts and all this for a fraction of the price they would cost originally.

    Reply
  34. Madelief says

    February 15, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Hi Emma,

    Wow, you joined the chalenge! Well done! I am not sure if I could. Although I often buy second hand clothes I love to buy new things now and then. Your outfits look great. Love the floral skirt!

    Lieve groet & happy day!

    Madelief

    Reply
  35. Scented Sweetpeas says

    February 15, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    Fantastical, great to read your progress on being thrifty. I love buying second hand – you get some fantastic things that way. Also when you read how bad clothes production (especially jeans) is for the environment it really makes you think twice.

    Reply
  36. mrspao says

    February 15, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    What a great challenge! I'm trying to work on keeping costs down now I'm unemployed and it is great to read your thrifty ideas. I'm planning on doing a sewing course in the spring 🙂

    Reply
  37. mandy says

    February 15, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    I love your white stuff dress espesh with the tights, looks gorgeous…. I (obviously) think charity, bootees, and jumbles are the best! I'm inspired by the PJ's and love your nook (does that sound rude? Hope not!) x

    Reply
  38. home made gorgeous says

    February 15, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    Hi Emma, thanks so much for sharing your charity shop challenge this is really inspiring, you have bought some lovely things which don't look second hand at all, especially the White Stuff dress! Wow well done on the pyjama bottoms I am really impressed! Sarah x

    Reply
  39. kristina says

    February 16, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Oh I am so impressed! This might have to be one of my resolutions for this year. Is February too late for resolutions? And hooray for pyjama bottoms! K x

    Reply
  40. Tania says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:29 am

    How the heck does anyone get through life without a purple cardi?* So pleased to hear you have joined the ranks.

    * OK, I do. But I am obviously entirely missing out. I'll be a woman on a mission in the Salvation Army shop tomorrow…

    Reply
  41. A still small voice says

    February 16, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    I would love to do that but I find charity shops rarely have nice things for us big girls. So I sell on eBay or charity shop things I don't wear and use the money to buy something new. I have a very small wardrobe and stick to a simple palate. Perhaps when I have lost weight I could follow your example.

    Reply
  42. jus says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    Hello petal, after looking at the photo's I can see why you're so tempted by the heidi top, you'd look gorgeous in it!
    I've sent you an email about it anyway, x

    Reply
  43. Thimbleanna says

    February 17, 2011 at 1:44 am

    Wow — congratulations on a successful year Emma — that's amazing!

    Reply
  44. Anja says

    February 17, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    The outfits look so good! Great bargains!

    Reply
  45. skybluepinkish says

    March 2, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    Love the comment about the cardigans. I head straight for the woollies because I boil them up and make them into other stuff. It's surprisingly hard to find good wool these days, everything is machine washable so you can't felt it.

    I like the idea of a plan, that would make it so much easier, I tend to get so distracted and then when I come home I look at what I've bought and realise I now have 3 denimn skirts but still no decent summer tops!

    Reply

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