Hi everyone
I thought I’d tell you about a very recent successful set of finds from our local charity shops. The thing is my other half, Mr F, hates clothes shopping and for some time I had been asking him to go to Brighton to look for new trousers and shirts. Well, finally, he agreed he needed new clothes, so yesterday he took himself off to the shops in Brighton. A couple of hours later I got a text – I can find nothing in my size! Actually it was about his height, he could not find one pair of trousers in his leg length. Being over six foot, a long leg length is essential. Long sighs came over the ‘net via texts and back he came with nary a purchase.
OK, I thought, hmm, I bet he didn’t go into a single charity shop. Yes, Mr F, won’t look at men’s clothes in charity shops and if he actually deigns to put a foot inside one, he restricts himself to looking at books and CDs, never once glancing at the clothes as he is convinced they are all ‘old dad’s clothes’ not worth a light!
So that afternoon I went searching in the local charity shops for men’s clothes. In the first charity shop I went into I found a new (all labels intact) White Stuff men’s shirt, size Medium. A bit of a risk, but I bought it on the understanding that I could bring it back if it didn’t fit. In the next charity shop, I found two absolutely pristine and new (again all labels intact) M&S trousers at 33″ length, which I nabbed instantly. And as I turned to the counter my eye caught sight of a lovely men’s shirt, it was cotton with a small blue plaid, size 15, yup that’ll do, I thought. And without taking up any more of my time I returned home.
The first shirt, the White Stuff shirt didn’t fit, no worries, I’ll take it back today. But the M&S trousers were a perfect fit. Originally priced at £19.50 I’d got them for £9.50 and don’t forget they were new. And then we turned to the shirt. Wow, what a great shirt, but it had a cleaner’s label over the actual label. I took it off, and double wow, it was a Thomas Pink shirt! They retail at £125!
Mr F tried the shirt on, a perfect fit and it’s a really beautiful shirt.
Just look at those cuffs!
It’s not often I rave about men’s shirts but this one is a beauty. And reader, hear this, I got it for £7! Now that was a bargain! Instead of spending £164 on two pairs of trousers and an expensive shirt I spent £26!
I think the lessons, I want to impart from this expedition, and one I want to gently remind my other half (!) is that:
It is the looking that finds the bargains! Charity shops can look daunting or even off-putting. There are racks and racks of clothes in these shops and you might say, how can I ever find anything suitable? You might even look and yes, there’s nothing. But 99 times out of a 100, I walk out of a shop with nothing. Why? Because you are looking for that one find amongst the many. And those finds do exist!
Never forget your money goes to a charity
You are also are saving clothes from landfill or being sent to Africa to ruin the local fashion industry.
You save yourself many pennies, rather essential these days, don’t you think!
On top of all that, it’s fun to search for those bargains.
And yay! Yesterday’s outing was perhaps the best find (that Thomas Pink shirt) since last winter’s buy of a Toast coat – see below.
I tell you, it’s the looking that does it!
The end of the month review is coming soon, but that’s all for now! But do tell me what is your best bargain buy!
With love, Penny, the frugalfashionshopper
A (male) American friend once taught me a valuable lesson – probably the only one! Anyway, he said that when faced with a daunting rack of clothes to sort through, the first thing is to look at is the fabrics of those in your size. If you don’t love the fabric, you won’t love the garment, and I’ve found it to be true in general. I hope that’s a useful tip.
I absolutely agree with you, and my hand always goes along the rack looking for wool, linen, and cottons. It’s a very useful tip!
Hello Penny, I love the Thomas Pink shirt! Here in Hull the charity shops have benefited from the closure of BHS,Debenhams and Marks and Spencer as these stores donated lots of new items. My bargain was a black cashmere coat with BHS label showing £125 -I got it for £5. Some of the prices are so low e.g.linen jacket for £2.50 that I do put in an extra donation as it is for charity…
Wow, that’s quite a bargain and cashmere too, bet it looks good. I agree that we shouldn’t get too carried away with our bargains. My rationalisation is that I am such a regular customer to charity shops that they are gaining from me anyway. Here in Brighton and Lewes though, prices are not that cheap, there’s nothing at £2.50 and one is lucky to find things at a fiver. But cost of living, etc… I’m expecting some prices to rise.
Thanks Hilary
Great shirt Penny. I wonder if Mr F is like my husband – he has neither the patience or the interest to really look for/at things? He would go into a shop and give it a wide sweep then decide there would be nothing there for him. We used to have a Beales store and went there in the sales to see the very knowlegeable salesman who found things for him in the right size/colour etc and made suggestions about additional things/other options. HI would always come out with something and most of it he is still wearing many years later. The store closed of coursed. Perhaps charity shops should train volunteers as ‘personal shoppers’ – I would have loved to do that! HI does use Cotton Traders online ; he bought 4 reduced price shirts for our holiday which is not going to happen now as I’ve had more, serious surgery to be followed by immunotherapy treatment, if I can tolerate it. Hey Ho!
Lynda, my other half is exactly like yours, and doesn’t know the meaning of a long, cool search through the racks, and I’m not talking charity shops, just ordinary shops. If I’d gone with him we might have found something, but on the other hand, he’s got three great items at a much reduced price. I’m sorry that Debenhams has closed down as that’s where I would have sent him, there were always plenty of options in that store. I’ve given him a good talking to (!) and he’s promised to look in charity shops from now on. You’d have made a great personal shopper! Well, you never know.
And oh blast and damnation, Lynda, I’m so sorry you’re having more surgery, and fingers crossed re: the meds. I can’t say thoughts and prayers, as you know I don’t do prayers. But nevertheless, I have thought about you and the unfairness of the post-code lottery of speed that’s necessary with melanomas. I expect you’re in very good hands now though. Very best to you and your medical team. And here’s to your next cruise! Btw, did I say I’m planning a Hurtigruten, more about that at some point. Have a good week.
Now with a little effort right! I’ll bet Mr. F was thankful!
He was very surprised that I’d found new items and as for the shirt, yes, he was pleased. He’s promised to look for clothes in charity shops now!
I absolutely agree Penny. When I shop anywhere for clothes I can scan the rails in a couple of minutes. It’s all about colour and feel of fabric first. Sizing is perhaps a little less important as brands vary so much. If I find something I like the look and feel of I try it on.
I agree with you too Jane and I forgot to say, run your hands down the rack and feel for the wool, linen and cotton. After all, what one wants from a charity shop item is the quality find. Thanks Jane 🙂
Hi Penny,
Yes it depends on how well you like shopping, even in a charity shop!
My husband hasn’t the patience. However I’m happy to spend time looking.
I get a really good feeling when I find something.
All the best Penny x
Yes, same here, my husband really doesn’t like clothes shopping, and he was absolutely amazed at the finds I produced for him. Ah yes, that buzzy feeling when you find that quality item and it’s a bargain as well!
All the very best to you too Vivien
What wonderful finds. Maybe he will rethink his stance on thrift, then maybe he will rely on you to find the treasures. My husband will go into them when we are together, but I do look for him when I am alone as well. He jokingly said a couple weeks ago ” what did you find for me”, and I had nothing, so this past week I was looking for books and popped over to the mens side, and ta da. I found a gorgeous mid blue brand new with tags cashmers sweater in his size ( I almost wish it was my size). He was surprised when I showed him and loved it. As we know, some days are a nothing day and others are fun finds. I enjoy all your posts, but the thrifting is great to see.
I wonder if Mr F will change from hating doing any clothes shopping to wandering into a charity shop and looking for himself? Probably not, but when I go with him then I think he will look with me!
What a brilliant find though, and cashmere! I do love it when one finds new items, but indeed some days are nothing days and all the better for that too as what one wants is the finding of a quality item.
Thanks for the feedback Diane, I have been quite lucky this past month and will endeavour to show more of my finds 🙂
Oh yes, it’s definitely the looking that does it! Yesterday, I priced a Pink shirt at 4.00 and put it on the rails…we have far too many men’s shirts donated to us and they don’t sell very well at all. Men seem to wear them less and less these days. You’ll have to keep Mr.FF needs in mind now when you go charity shopping!
As for bargains I’ve had a few; one that springs to mind is a 100% wool maxi skirt by Acme, which when I looked online, I found their skirts retail at 120.00 plus; I paid 6.00 for mine…
xxx
I think the quality of men’s clothes in charity shops varies hugely and that’s why my other half hasn’t got the patience to keep looking but I’ll look at men’s clothes from now on!
Your clothes are amazing and I always think that the area you live in has very reasonable prices as well.
Thanks Veronica xxx
Yes, I find things for my husband too. He will look sometimes, but it’s funny, he tends to search the home good and cookware instead. But I’ve found great shorts and shirts for him. It’s a treasure hunt.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh yes, it certainly is a treasure hunt and I shall look for men’s clothes from now on!
Thanks Jodie xxx
Really nice shirt what a bargain. Just a few weeks ago I saw a man’s Burberry trench coat in a charity shop. It was brand new but marked €120 my husband wouldn’t go into town to try it on. I looked at prices and I think it would have cost the best part of €2000. I find like you if I just appear with something my husband will wear it and often grow to cherish it but always says ‘I have enough clothes’ at first.
My other half really doesn’t have a lot of clothes and what he has is now very much in need of replacement, and yet he finds it very difficult to look for himself!!! I will look in charity shops from now on for men’s clothes. What a bargain that Burberry coat was, and brand new! It is amazing what people get rid of.
Thanks Flora 🙂
I volunteer in a charity shop, over the years I can’t believe what a throw away society we have become,I’m always looking in other charity shops, you have to buy items when you first see them,the next day they will be gone,would you say Brighton is better than Lewis for charity shops?
It is amazing what one can find in charity shops, but one has to look and that’s what my husband finds so difficult! I’ll look for him from now on.
It does vary as to whether Brighton or Lewes is better for charity shops. There are more of them in Brighton, but only one or two are outstanding, like the Age UK one in Kemptown, which I will be visiting next month when I come in for my 1-2-1. Lewes has several really good charity shops, so on balance I’d say Lewes is the better option for charity shops in a smaller more walkable area as well. So, yes, Lewes, wins!
Hi Penny,
Over the years of searching the rails of the local charity shops I have unearthed many a treasured find. One of my best finds was an early 1970s Jean Muir dress for £4.00! I have more recently found a range of lovely Hobbs pieces that I love and have quite a collection of pure silk Jaeger blouses. A few days ago I found a gorgeous brown suede long length coat from Jigsaw. I am looking forward to wearing that this week. People tell me that I have a good eye.
Ah Hobbs pieces are very sought after, I’m always on the lookout for them, and that Jigsaw coat sounds fabulous. It’s great to meet another charity shop expert!
Mr. F will certainly be stepping out in style! I do wish you lived next door so you could take me charity shopping! I’m afraid I just find the ones around me so overwhelming. I wonder if they’re like the ones you visit. Ours are large, crowded, and so unattractive! That Jack Pink shirt was a real find!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
The thing is Marsha, the charity shops in the UK are very different to the US shops, as from what I hear yours are more like warehouses?? We don’t have those large outlets and because our shopping areas are predominantly in small shops in High Streets all around the UK, charity shops are also set up in small shops and are, in some instances, indistinguishable from any dress shop or high-end boutique. It seems to me that there is actually a gap in the US market and that your charity shops could make themselves more attractive to the discerning shopper like you! I’ll put a photo of a charity shop in another blog so you can see for yourself, what they look like here in the UK 🙂
Thanks Marsha X
Well done, Penny! I’m sure Mr. FFS will enjoy that Pink shirt! My husband does like thrift shopping if I am the one to do the scouring! Our best purchase together were new Orvis leather/webbing belts normally sold for $40-$50(US). We purchased four different colors to go with his casual pants for $1ea. He makes such good use of them!
Looking forward to your Toast coat outfits!
Charlene
Hi Charlene, I think Mr F might have a look now and again since the amazing finds of this week of two pairs of new trousers and that Thomas Pink shirt! It certainly surprised him!
Thanks Charlene 🙂
I’ve never thought of looking at men’s clothes in charity shops! Mr M has a lot in common with Mr F, hates clothes shopping, over 6ft, never goes in charity shops (not even to look at books or dvds). I’ll have a look on his behalf!
Sigh, yes, my other half just doesn’t like clothes shopping in any form, and if I’d gone with him, he might have found the right size but on the other hand he wouldn’t have had the much more frugal but perfect buys that I found that very same day!!!
I shall now continue to look for men’s clothes as well as for myself.
That Pink shirt is quite a find. I do miss the resale shop I frequented for years. All these years later I still have a couple of items from it in my wardrobe. The three women who worked there got to know me and would suggest items of clothing when I came in. I loved it! A few years ago my son requested some clothing items for Christmas. I took myself to a local department store. He had wanted a couple of nice shirts for work. I could not believe the prices. the shirts on display were all over 200 US dollars! I ended up going to a smaller men’s chain brand, higher end but I did get good service, which simply does not exist in the larger stores. everyone seems to shop online now. Well that’s it. Love, Darby
The Thomas Pink shirt is so good and in great condition, a real find. Yes, here many shops are closing down too, both large stores and smaller more niche shops – a sign of the times, perhaps. Even in Lewes there are empty shops, but several are continuing, and long may that continue, as there is nothing better than looking, feeling and trying on. Even better when there is good service.
All the best, Darby, take care and I hope you’re miles away from that hurricane we’re hearing about.
I’m very impressed with the bargains you found for your husband. I will definitely see what I can find for Mr FF next time I’m in a charity shop.
My youngest son snapped up an Yves St Laurent jacket in one of our local charity shops, a few years ago, when he was a student. Not a bad find!
Oh wow, a Yves St.Laurent jacket! What a find. I found the three items in a Hospice charity shop. The lovely assistant told me they get some great donations and have better quality men’s clothes than the average, so I shall continue to look in that shop. I must say, I haven’t looked at men’s clothes much up until now. But I shall from now on!
Thanks June 🙂
Well done! I don’t think my husband has ever worn anything from a charity shop but he has worn hand me down dress shoes from an uncle and he has a couple of shirts from our late brother in law.
You find some wonderful things for your husband!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Yes, men’s clothes are more difficult to find in our charity shops, but I now realise that the bargains and quality items do exist so I shall now look for men’s clothes as well as clothes for myself.
They were great items including that fab shirt!
All this talk of husbands not being keen on charity shops made me smile as mine loves them! Not necessarily for the clothes, although it was he who found my beautiful tweed winter coat several years ago, but for anything he finds interesting that he can repair and then pass on. That leaves me plenty of time to sort through the clothes and books, so win-win, eh?
Charlene’s mention of Orvis really caught my attention, reminding me of the long linen dress I bought (new) from there (new) a long time ago. I still love it. Years later, I was so pleased to come across an Orvis store in New York and couldn’t wait to get inside. What a disappointment! It just wasn’t the same store at all, even one of the assistants agreeing with me. Don’t get me wrong, it was nice enough but had changed course over time and not selling the (to me) interesting styles I’d known earlier. So I was so delighted to learn that Charlene’s husband had been so lucky with his belts. Orvis lives on, it seems. Hooray!
Amazing finds, Penny! That shirt is just gorgeous. I do think the charity shops can be overwhelming, especially to men who are used to knowing what they want, going to a store, looking for that one thing in, getting it and leaving. There is no browsing. LOL!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Wonderful finds Penny, the shirt is so good you can tell its a top quality. Unfortunately the charity shops in my town are full of cheap chain store stock these days so I rarely bother. I do find items in our recycle shops even though the prices are higher at least I know the stock is more me.
Wow such great finds!