Charity Shop Checks

A couple of mornings a week, I volunteer in one of the Cancer Research shops in Belfast. I used to call into this particular shop regularly as it's renowned for having good quality stock so when the girls started nursery, I decided to start working there. If you've ever thought about doing this, I urge you to give it a go. The other girls who work there are so friendly and there's a real satisfaction in knowing you're helping a great cause.
Oh, and you get first dibs on anything nice that comes in…like today's coat! Perk of the job..

Coat - Charity Shop
Jeans - Gok for TU @ Sainsburys
Boots - Mango
Necklace - Promod
Handbag - Fossil c/o Menarys
White Vest - M&S

It's a checked asymmetrical hem wool coat from Savida at Dunnes. Not an expensive brand but I loved the quirkiness of it. It's a distinctive style and not one that I would normally go for - therefore not a coat I would want to pay a lot of money for. But I loved the grey colour way and the neckline and for £10, you couldn't go wrong. It went through the wool wash in my machine and came out perfect….couldn't resist a wee twirl to show it off…

 The colours in this coat were perfect to wear with another Christmas present - this time from my friend Colette who came to stay with us just before Christmas. Loving this statement necklace from Promod…it's the perfect colour for my wardrobe..

Underneath, I had another charity shop find - one I've shared before on this blog. It's a cashmere All Saints long line v-neck number in charcoal, which I picked up for £4.50. 

Moral of the story - don't write off a charity shop for picking up quality items at a fraction of the price. Sure, there's a fair amount of tat but that makes finding a wee gem even more satisfying! And if you don't what to shop in one, why not volunteer for a few hours a week? Most are desperate for helpers and mums with a few hours free in the morning make perfect volunteers, especially if like me, you're hoping to re-join the workforce in the near future. This kind of practical volunteering work is very useful to fill gaps in employment  - my gap is almost 5 years….how fast that went in! 
I'll leave you with a funny photo one of the twins wanted me to take. I think she has blogging aspirations - totally rocking her Girls' Brigade uniform, Boden hoody and mummy's Fossil Bag!