Experts advise charity shopping in wealthy catchment areas where residents are hopefully motivated to generously donate their designer cast-offs to a good cause. I decided to test the theory out in Henley, the Oxfordshire town, beautifully situated on the Thames. I was lucky enough to be there on market day which added even more vitality to the already vibrant and stylish ambience.
There are four charity shops in the town (one is a books only Oxfam), and they didn’t disappoint. I spotted many top end high street names on the rails – Reiss, Jaeger, M & S Autograph and Jigsaw. I did learn one thing whilst I was shopping – do not go with a friend the same size as you. There are bound to find the good things first!
I didn’t find any designer bargains along the rails. I reckon the best stuff is probably creamed off by Henley’s de-luxe second hand shop “Revolution”. This has the feel of a luxury boutique with a great mix of labels. When I am next looking for a special dress, this will be my first stop. There is a four week window in which to buy an item, with the possibility of a further reduction in the final week. Prices are about three or four times higher than a charity shop, but it is well-edited stock, nothing older than two years.
Did I buy anything on my Henley jaunt? Yes, one thing - a slightly flared oatmeal cardigan by Part Two. I didn’t recognise the label but the fibre content was a wool/silk mix, so I guessed it was good quality. It’s probably a size too big, but as fit doesn’t need to be exact with knitwear, I can probably get away without making any alterations. As it’s an interesting shape, I will have to put some thought in what I can wear with it, though the neutral colour makes it very versatile.
So I reckon my Henley shopping experiment was a success and will definitely be returning before too long – though probably alone!
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