Thrift it, mend it, care for it

Some people see charity stores as a place for unwanted rubbish, frilly bits your nanny might wear or home of old tweed jackets that someone died it. That's because they aren't looking at the potential, the only limit to what you can do with charity shop finds is your imagination. the other day my boyfriend brought me on a hunt of some of the best cahrity shops in Dublin, he unearthed complete Jack and Jones outfit for 19 euro. here are my finds modelled by my adorable sister, the dress is Diesel, has never been worn came with the tags still attached and was just 6 euro. I am in love with it! the waistcoat is topshop and was 5 euro. the key to second hand clothes shopping is patience and imaging what you can do with the item. It's all about how you style it and mix it up.

Here's my quick guide it repairing and caring for your vinatge and chairty shop finds:

Try to avoid clothes with under arm staining but this can be removed by sprying hte stain with vinegar and washing it in water and some soluble aspirins.

Make sure your new finds are not ruined by moth by placing lavender sachets in drawers and hanging in bundles in your wardrobe.

Keep delicate vintage finds in breathable cloth bags.

Remove grease stains by soaking clothes in coca cola before washing.

Stuff shoes with newspapers so they keep their shape.

If an item does not fit perfectly do not overlook it have it taken in

If something is too long for your taste with a ruler and sharp scissors very carefully slice a length of it.

If a piece has little holes or tear it can be stitched up and covered with a brooch, corsage, some lace or beading. The same can be said for small permanant stains, try a little bow sticthed over it.

If something is a nice good quality material but you don't like the item itself try to think of something it can become for example jeans or trousers into shorts, dresses into skirts or tops.

Have fun because it's guiltless shopping it's recycling and it helps chairties for example my finds helped unicef and Irish Cancer Society.

xox