Just realised a whole year has passed

Oh, meant to say, I can`t shop in charity shops for myself, they rarely have things in my size. I have bought other oddments in there though.

Greatnan, I agree regarding French clothes. I`ve only ever been to France on a couple of daytrips, but when the Continental market comes here twice a year, I`m amazed at how dull and ordinary the clothes on the French stalls are, I was expecting so much more.

just goes to show phoenix how excessively silly the fashion industry can be. And that there must be too many excessively silly customers who fall for this nonsense. And also lacking in new phraseology - or new ideas. i had the ultimate ripped jeans back in 1973 - a pair of levis that were more patches than original jeans. yawn.

I haven't bought many clothes for years, but I had to get some black trousers when I lost weight last year. I really miss charity shops and try to visit some whenever I am in England.
I find French clothes very dowdy (how did they get the reputation for being chic?') and in New Zealand they are hideously expensive, so before I emigrate I will be stocking up for the next 30 years (I am a great optimist) when I visit my sister in England.
When I was still bothered about looking smart, I used to go to 'posh' towns like Tunbridge Wells and Tenterden (I was living in Kent) because their charity shops used to have designer clothes.

read something in todays Telegraph magazine, which said that this seasons "must have" (which puts me right off to start with) was......Ripped jeans! The ones shown in the article were white and cost £215

Ana Thanks for the link. I like those shoes! I wear similar ones - but don't think I'll be buying any at that price any time soon.

Well done butty that is a great achievement. I cannot claim to be so virtuous and have my eyes on a pair of stretchy craghopper trousers to replace the pair of fleecy tracky bottoms that went into a hot wash by mistake.

Looks like you'll be bang on-trend, Butty!

Pre-dirtied trainers for £55!

The French aren't big on charity shops sadly, and if they were the sizing and styles don't suit me. I returned from UK this time last year, when I'd bought the wedding kit - but since then zilch.

Must admit to the beginnings of itchy on-line fingers - but the faffing around and expense of returns stops me hitting the 'BUY' button.

Working on the 'distressed' look.

I do, Ella46! It's the hunt that makes it so good, too, I think! DH found 3 books at Oxfam as well, so we're both chuffed! I definitely prefer it to buying new - I can't be bothered going in ordinary shops for clothes, because I won't try them on. If I make a mistake with anything that I get from the charity shop, I just hand it back to be resold again!

Don't you get a real feeling of satisfaction when you buy good stuff from charity shops?
I think I prefer it to buying new

Oh Butty! I haven't bought ANY new ones, but found 4 lovely items today in the St Andrews charity shops! Really pleased with myself - 3 blouses and a knee-length A-line skirt for less than £20!

Big dear Butty