The FastDay Forum

Tml13 I love buying on line, I order loads of stuff and generally send it all back but still get the shopping satisfaction without spending any money hahaha unless it's from Karen Millen as I normally keep what ever I order from there, I have loads of KM shoes that I just look at as there is no way I could ever walk in them but there so pretty I had to keep them hahahaha

Yes, always have used charity shops - love them! In my younger days I was a charity shop manager for a while so I've been on both sides of the till.

The trick is to call in regularly and get to know the stock. I whizz round all my local ones roughly twice a week. It doesn't take me long as I can quickly spot the new items and don't need to go through every single rack. What you'll find is that those who donate (and that include me) tend to always donate to the same shop so if you find something you love that fits you perfectly then it's worth targeting that shop frequently. I'm thinking for example if you need either long or short leg length in trousers, or you favour a particular brand that is cut to your body shape.

As I'm going down through the sizes now, I couldn't possibly afford to buy a whole brand new wardrobe every couple of months, and so this way I can still look OK, and not feel like I'm wearing a tent. Our whole household is changing shape as my husband is also on this WOE and we have two fast growing sons. If I was buying new for everyone it would be unmanageable.

I want the pleasure of going to the shops. trying on shoes can be better than sex sometimes!
A shopping trip to London is like taking xanax for a year to me!

I love shopping but as many others my size + shape is changing so much and no way could I afford a new wardrobe every few months so the old singer came out first then a couple of shopping trips and accepting hand-me-downs
But Ooohh TML trying on shoes better than sex I don't think so have you got a short memory or what !!! Dr Sexy Swoon mean anything to you?
Happy dreams Sue

He he heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it means a lot, of course, but a pair of Louboutins... aaaaaaah...

Charity shops, boots sales and eBay....that's where our clothes come from, always have always will..... I'm lucky I live where ladies who lunch donate their cast offs

Dahlings preloved is the way to go.......buying new is soooooo last year!

Sounds like you have a '' posh '' wardrobe minsmum
Footballers wives by any chance? Sue

No footballers here, let's just say my village high st consists of 3 beauty parlours, 2 hairdressers a v expensive deli, a coffee shop and 2 florists ( got to have something to do when hubby's at work and the cleaner is in)......oh and a Spar! The car park is full of nice cars, not quite sure how I managed to get a house here! But a charity shop is opening up and I will be watching the designer handbags and jimmy choos in the window drooling ❤❤❤❤

Absolutely, both charity and "vintage" shops. Not only do you find some really great bargains, but you also find things that are distinctive and interesting and not what everyone else is wearing. My daughter and her friends donate (or sell, in the case of vintage) their clothes to these stores and then buy more. They look cute, original and hip! And, they are living the "reduce, recycle and re-purpose" mantra.

As a refugee from the 1960s, I leave a secondhand shop feeling re-energized rather than feeling slightly depressed from all the materialism in many regular stores.

I would use charity shops more if they actually stocked decent stuff in bigger sizes. All I ever seem to find is polyester bell tents in ours.

I love fashion but hate racks full of the same style it has always turned me off. Now since I discovered the fun of op shopping about 3 years ago it has become a regular thing. Nothing personal as mentioned above. First forays were wool, silks and cottons then you bypass all the synthetics which I don't like anyway. You start to get a eye and feel for a quality item as well if you know your good brands which suit you all the better.

I look for Australian made which is really vintage now. I find the preloved idea appeals as most people pass on what is decent and they can't bear to bin. I see it as a contribution to the planet eg reduce, reuse, recycle. I still supplement from sales but once you build up a wardrobe to match your shape and your colours and style you don't want for much. Ahem until 5:2

Winter wardrobe is layers so have mainly had to get new trousers or use a belt but I am going to have to start preparing to find for my new smaller summer wardrobe. What fun

Goes around comes around - I donate stuff to and buy from charity shops. Had some great things from them over the years. Couldn't buy shoes though and underwear would be unthinkable.

Came across the term 'pre-loved' recently as a substitute for second hand. Made me laugh. And a lift (elevator) is a people lifting transportation unit. Sure.

Yes, and have done for over 40 years! As a single mum for a long time I had to.

Also, like some others I really enjoy finding a bargain, quality fabrics like merino wool, silk, cashmere and angora that are either not used or too expensive in today's garments.

On 5:2 I have gone down two sizes so far and have reduced my wardrobe and given away lots to the same shops that I buy from. Easy to give away when you only paid $5 for trousers or even a jacket. Definitely getting up to third and fourth hand by then, but with beautiful material they are still very good clothes.

When I get to maintenance I may treat myself to something new, but on the whole I find I'm happier using money for other things than clothes when I can get lovely things for a twentieth of the price, or less!
(other things being quilting fabric and beautiful yarns )

Absolutely! I hate shopping in general, but in some moods actually enjoy browsing opp shops. Melbourne had fabulous ones, and of course which suburb makes a massive difference in the type of clothes you'll find. 2nd hand jeans are always more comfortable, jumpers/jerseys/shorts/skirts often better 2nd hand. Tshirts I tend to buy new online though.

Hi judo+katamac I couldn't agree more when the clothing has already been sort off softened up by wearing that's the only reason I'm getting into a size 20 LOL but having said I'm very happy to have dropped down 3sizes in my tops and prob 2 in trousers Sue