Weekly Vlog #23 - Cumbria, Shrewsbury and Fourth Wing!

Are Charity Shops Too Expensive?

Are charity shops too expensive these days and are they potentially pricing themselves too high to attract people?

I was flicking through Tik Toc the other day and came upon a lady talking about the price of charity shop items.  Her point was that she understood that they need to make money for the charity, but are they potentially pricing themselves too high and driving people to use fast fashion instead.  

 I personally like to buy second hand for a few reasons.  I feel good about my second-hand buys because it’s more sustainable and better for the environment and reduces the demand for ‘fast fashion’ where companies just churn out cheap clothes that probably won’t make it through more than a couple of wardrobe clear outs because they’re just not good enough quality or they’re a trend that won’t last. 

I have also noticed that after lockdown and people ordering online items there seems to be more and more fast fashion brands in the charity shops. 

So what do you think?

Howdy, Guess Who's Back!!!!!!

 Gosh It feels like a long time since I updated my blog.  

Well as it is now half way through the year, the weather is looking great and I thought it was a bout time to get a grip of myself and write a blog!

 I am just getting over Covid !,(yes i dogged it for two and a half years but it caught up with me).  And whilst laying in my bed convalescing I was planning how I can get my ACT together to become a more competent and regular content creator.  So I hope you will join me on this journey to see if I can break through and keep organised and creating content for everyone to enjoy!!!

In the mean time here are a few photos of what I have been up to!

Day out at McArther Glen in Cannock.(Photo taken by cr_studios_photography)

Practicing Self Portraiture. 

Photoshoot in Worcester City, 

(Photo taken by cr_studios_photography)

Birmingham New Street Station (Photo taken by cr_studios_photography)

Pintrest Challenge Collaboration with @JoDee Kenney

My Thrifty Tips

I get asked all the time about how I manage to find such gems when I go thrifting.  I don't always get lucky and some days I will walk out of the thrift shop empty handed!  But here are a few of my tips and strategies I use whenever I go thrifting.

1. Look through every size - Even thought I am a UK size 14/16 I will spend time looking through all of the sizes especially  if I see a pattern or colour that sparks my interest.   Size is only a number on the label and the sooner you get to know that the better you will be at finding some great gems in the thrift shop.

2. Take your time to browse -  this is linked really with tip one.  i know that sometimes that is just not possible but when you do have the luxury of time then use it to your full advantage.  Enjoy the experience of the hunt and the treasure will find its way to you!

3.If you see something you like grab it!- Nothing haunts you more than that one item you did not pick up from the store!

4.Try not to go thrifting with a specific thing in mind.  yes have a wish list with you but just let it happen and the more frequently you thrift the more likely you are to find that diamond in the rough!

I hope these tips help you on your thrifting trips in the future.  If you have any other tips you would like to share then please post a comment below.  Have a great day and happy thrifting xx

Jewellery Trends for Spring Summer 2022

 In September 2021 we saw a revamp of all the worlds fashion weeks as we were allowed back into the live runway shows.  We are here to celebrate the fact that we are allowed to see and be seen and that was reflected in all of the shows.  

The Top trends for jewellery are colour and bold statement jewellery as well as the classics such as the hoop, albeit reinvented for the seasons.

The Upper Cuff or bicep bracelet was all over the catwalks.  This trend makes the most of bare arms in the summer or even layered over long sleeve tops for the autumn winter.

Chokers are back with a little edge and elegance all in one swoop.  They are a little nod back to the Y2K. I always used to wear a choker of some form when I was in my teens in the late 90's and early 2000's.

And for the maximalist who loves to make a statement with their accessories there was a cornucopia of statement pieces on the runways as well.

These are just a few of the trends that have been witnessed on the catwalk.  In my opinion I think that using accessories is the best way to add a new fresh feel to your own wardrobe and a good way to try out new trends.

Have a great day and remember the world is your catwalk!

London Fashion Week

 London Fashion week is sandwiched in the middle of New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week, It seems to be a little bit of a low key affair compared to the other fashion weeks albeit still with a huge influence on the fashion scene with its legacy of designers such as Burberry, Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen and of course Vivian Westwood . This fashion week has not disappointed.

I always like to see what people are wearing to the events and that's how I usually get my inspiration for creating outfits and shopping for them in thrift and charity shops. The street style from this weeks events demonstrates a perfect blend of elegance, preppy and a hint of edge. Here are a few examples of what was seen in street style looks this week.