Urban and Rural

This is my first post dedicated to an item of clothing; a Charity Shop item of clothing. You'll notice that my URL for this blog is "charityshopcouture". Charity shop shopping has always been a big influence on my interest in fashion and I have practically grown up in the charity shop where my mum has volunteered since before I was born. The wonderful team of volunteers in the shop are always picking out items they think I'll like or giving their opinions on items I try on and I appreciate their enthusiasm towards my fashion sense, I really do.
Practically all of my wardrobe is second hand clothing; whether that be from ebay or the Charity Shops I visit regularly, and whilst I love going on a shopping spree in Topshop or a spend up in Primark, vintage clothing is what I love and unique items are only truly found in charity shops.

Recently I bought a white shirt with black lace covering the chest and neck area. As a rather smart item, it wasn't something I would usually go for and it returns slightly to my preppy style that I wore in late 2013. Nonetheless I couldn't help but buy it and my friends' "Urban and Rural" gave me the perfect opportunity to have it photographed.

Hannah and Myself

I am a fan of dark colours in these winter months and in this outfit in particular the crisp white in the shirt highlights the rich burgundy tones in the coat and most importantly, the classy black. 

Coat £35 h&m

Beneath my shirt I wore a black lace bra-let although not entirely noticeable. 

I am also wearing my favourite boots. They are black with a red tinge, patent ankle boots with cut-outs. They are from my favourite shoe website shoebou.com who are perfect for ankle boots or heeled boots and are affordable and good quality! Here I am wearing them with fringed Topshop socks which I am in love with and feel complete the look.

These shorts are from Topshop a while back now. They have a frill detail around the leg and buttons going up the side. I simply adore them and they can be either smart or casual. 

I would best describe this look as smart grudge as it; much like a lot of my outfits, is based around a shirt which is smart and classy, however it is dressed down with the baggy cardigan and coat. The colours simply add to the grunge feel. 

Cardigan - Charity shop (with adjusted buttons- I am an enthusiast of customising clothing to suit your style)

Chloe and Sarah are two brilliant aspiring photographers and I absolutely love helping them out and as you can see, the shirt is truly beautiful. Alright, so the shirt may not to be to everyone's taste but isn't that was fashion is all about? Or more importantly, style. My style choices are a way for me to communicate and feel good about myself and my purchases must reflect that. What can be better than getting yourself some genuinely vintage clothing; individual and fashionable, whilst giving money to charity?
x

White Christmas and a late Happy New Year

I know this post isn't about fashion (and it's very late) and I'm sorry about that but I simply had to share with everyone about my most wonderful of Christmases!!!
Christmas 2013 I had the pleasure of spending Christmas in Canada and let me tell you, I felt like I was in the North Pole. 1) because of the temperatures and 2) because of the 2ft of ice encasing everything and that was underneath the ft of snow! It was a true white Christmas.

With all this beautiful snow came power shortages and water shortages unfortunately (ironic really- there was so much water outside). And whilst it made me panic to say the least when Christmas morning came and we still had no contact with the outside world, or a working shower for that matter, I put on my Topshop Boutique pink jumper and embraced the Christmas spirit. It was that spirit that kept us going I believe. Cooking our dinners on the fireplace and using melted icicles to wash our faces; we had resorted to old age tactics and whilst they were difficult and not how you expect to spend Christmas; it definitely brought our family and friends together closer.

Oh I forgot to mention, we were staying with friends and it was these friends who helped me take the following pictures of beautiful Canada; where they are lucky enough to live.
Enjoy!

On Christmas Day I wore my coral pink Topshop Boutique jumper (only £3.50 because I found it in a Charity Shop) and a sale Topshop blouse (£10) with Abercrombie and Fitch Jeans (£5 in a Charity Shop)

Whilst I am definitely one for dressing fancy in the right situation, who would turn down those bargains?!

Charity Shops are my heaven.

                                        

Thank you friends and family for a brilliant and beautiful Christmas, I wish everyone a happy new year.

x