I wanted to share my latest charity and local shopping triumph with you. The jacket is C&A .. what can I say? I’m a 70s child, that alone and I had to buy it. It was a bonus that it was a gorgeous long, suede waistcoat. I love a waistcoat, great for hiding the extra curves my 3 kids have left me with! And you don’t see many long length ones, so I snapped it up .. £10. I did try to negotiate but as I’ve said before, charity shops know their market better than ever and the value of things. And why not? It’s in great condition, it’s the real deal and I’m sure I’ll get £10 worth of wear out of it. It came with a beautiful soft belt, which I’ve taken off and worn with other pieces.

The jewelry was bargain of bargains! I was looking for an 18th birthday present for a very dear friend, I’ve known all her life. I had spotted a bracelet in a jewellers but her mum had also said she was into stationary and I saw a gorgeous and clever journal (the lines are the words of the novel in tiny text!). The two together were over my budget! I thought I’d check out the Arbery Emporium, a shop that sells upcycled furniture and pre-loved items where I often go for a browse for presents and gift inspiration. I spotted a few pieces of lovely jewelry and a very pretty box.

One of the pieces was a gorgeously pretty gold charm bracelet, a fraction of the price of the new one at the jewellers and way more unique. AND enough money left for the journal aswell!! I made a little satin cushion for the box, the bracelet looked a treat. I think perhaps some people would think it’s weird to give second hand for a present but to me the fact that it is second hand and has a story already is what makes it totally unique and special … hey, I’m living the dream and taking a few friends with me, I’m sure Lauren gets it;

This one was for me, I wore it to her party with my Lauren dress, to be posted soon. Where else would you get that amount of detail for less than £10?!