Second Hand September: Charity Shops and Shopping Your Own Wardrobe

Second Hand September: I’ve just about sneaked it onto the blog in time, haven’t I…?!

I’ve never really covered it on the blog or properly committed to it before, but I’ve always loved the concept of Second Hand September – I’m usually too late to the party though. I wrote last month (within my pandemic-related life struggles and reasons to buy secondhand and preloved clothes posts) about committing to shopping second hand wherever possible from now on.

I want to buy new only if (for whatever reason) it’s absolutely necessary. I’m not going to stick to it so steadfastly that I restrict myself, but I’m all-in on the “wanting to do better” and “think before you buy” concepts.

If Second Hand September is new to you, here’s what Oxfam have to say…

Take part in Oxfam’s Second Hand September and shop second-hand to reduce waste, take a stance against climate change, and help create a fairer world – all while looking super fabulous.
~ Oxfam, Second Hand September

 

So this month’s outfit post comes to you via the preloved pink jumpsuit I nabbed in a local charity shop several months ago: it’s been on repeat for me all summer.

(Well, the weeks during the months of June and September that might vaguely pass as “summer”, at least. #EyeRoll)

 

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This post contains some affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Full disclosure

 

Scroll down for some links to preloved pink jumpsuits I’ve found for you to shop – in all different sizes…

 

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SHOP THE LOOK… I’ve put these in size order, from Small to Large, left to right

eBay – secondhand/preloved high street picks and usually cheaper (many are being sold via auction so don’t fanny about if you like something):

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Vintage Etsy – more expensive but far more unique and retro:

 

My photos today show off one outfit version with the pink jumpsuit, and the whole look is either secondhand (charity shopped) or rediscovered from my own wardrobe, closet for those over the pond. 😉

Most of my outfit posts have always involved a hefty proportion of previously worn items – I’ve NEVER been one for hauls (ughhhhh) or shopping in Primark. I haven’t stepped foot in Primark for maybe… 13? 14? 15? years. And I can’t say I’m going to start anytime soon.

 

So let’s break down what I’m wearing:

Pink jumpsuit: Bought early summer as mentioned in a local charity shop. Cost maybe about £6.

Sweater: Bought a couple of winters ago, again in a charity shop. It’s one up from my usual size but I like sweaters a little baggier. Cost was about £4.

Belt: Charity shop again – and I like this because you never have to worry about your waist size or needing extra holes with a woven belt. It allows for shrinkage, happy weight gain and Christmas food babies. Was probably £2.

Shoes: Shopped from my own wardrobe. I did buy them new, but they are SO comfy and I love them SO much because they go with just about everything. Cost per wear is going to be minimal and will continue to go down. I know giving you a link for them new isn’t in the spirit of Second Hand September, but I’m sure I’ll be asked: here’s the matte black platform brogues like these ones and here’s a link to loads of other colours (beige, white, brown, burgundy, gold, silver) in both matte and patent.

Necklace: Shopped from my wardrobe… Keith bought it for me in Santorini back in 2015. So glad to have “rediscovered” it in my jewellery collection, and I’ve been wearing it a lot as the length is perfect for summer.

Bag: Shopped from my bag collection, I bought it years ago. I always need a shopper bag with me when I pop out (for more charity stuff?!) and I still love the happy colours. It’s going to get used a lot more.

Glasses: Not new-new, but since I got them earlier this year they’ve been almost permanently glued to my face due to my failing eyesight. They’re my first pair of bifocals and they’re a GODSEND because I can finally walk around with my glasses on. I’m so unbelievably long-sighted now that my standard reading glasses make me go trippy if I look up into the distance, they’re that strong…!

 

I hope I did Second Hand September proud: I bought a few preloved bits and pieces for the home (tell me if you’re interested in seeing all the vintage and preloved stuff in my house?) as well as secondhand clothes this month. I will admit I bought just one new item of clothing… a 2 in 1 orange rain mac/shoulder bag that I’d had my eye on for ages was reduced and eventually came back into stock. It cleverly folds up and into a built-in bag that goes over your shoulder, and as I do so much walking it makes perfect sense for me. I’ve worn it almost every other day out walking so it was a wise buy.

Nearly October – that means Saturday’s post will be this month’s Things I’m Loving, don’t miss it!

Did you/have you taken part in Second Hand September? What piece in your wardrobe have you owned and worn the longest, and do you “shop” your own wardrobe regularly like me? Comment below…!

 

Thanks for reading,

Linking up to… Monday: Stylish Monday (second Monday of the month), Inspire Me Monday, My Glittery Heart, On Mondays We Link Up || Tuesday: Style With a Smile, Trend Spin/Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Turning Heads Tuesday, Confident Twosday, Happy Now Blog Link Up || Wednesday: WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish, Ageless Style Linkup (third Thursday of the month), || Friday: Neverending Style, Fancy Friday, On the Edge