Vintage Bargains?

(but only when it's a bargain)

I've decided to start treating the big Oxfam store in town as less of a charity shop and more of a bargain vintage store. I'm just as guilty as anyone of bitching and moaning about how prices have gone up in charity shops recently but the same applies to vintage stores. I'm a girl in constant search of a bargain and I'm no more likely to spend £12.99 on a secondhand Primark dress from a charity shop than I am £55 on a dirty, ripped 70's maxi from a vintage shop.

But this particular store always has a really good selection of stock. Their stuff is clean, it's good quality, it's in good condition and I personally think prices are pretty reasonable. The frocks tend to range from £6.99 to about £12.99 (maybe up to about £20 for the more evening dress type things but I don't tend to peruse that section). I know this can't compare to unearthing vintage treasures for £2.50 in a little charity shop or 25p at a jumble sale but frankly, I don't have that kind of luck! I'm constantly envious of Vix's bargain hunting skills and have come to the conclusion that I just don't have that sort of luck/instinct/perseverance.

My general rule of thumb tends to be that if I love it and I'd pay the same price or higher for it in a High Street shop then I'll buy it. Do bear in mind that I'm quite stingy and rarely buy anything from proper shops that isn't on sale. Ultimately I'd rather my money went to the charity but I won't pay silly prices for things from charity shops. Barnados in Hunts Cross, with your £39.99 grubby Oasis frock, I hereby name and shame you. I know they have overheads etc but ultimately they're getting their stock for free so I strongly object to being swizzed on prices.

The manager of my local YMCA shop has strong views on this. We had an excellent chinwag about it last time I was in and most of the other customers chimed in with their thoughts (mostly outrage at the prices that the shops in Smithdown Road charge). She's firmly of the opinion that she prices on the low side of realistic because it gets people shopping there and they will come back again and again in search of a bargain. She won't implement the national pricing standards because the shop is always way ahead of its targets anyway. Rock on Mrs Charity Shop Manager.

Ahem. Where was I? Oh yes, today's frock cost £9.99. I think that's reasonable. It's a little too big around the waist but a belt sorts that out. I bought a couple of other dresses whilst I was there but one didn't suit me and has winged its way across to Pearl and the other has a pesky pinging zip which will need fixing before I can wear it out in public safely.

The print is a little bold but hey, I like the crazy prints. That's why I am drawn, magpie-like, to the vintage section in the first place. It's just so much more interesting, colourful and shiny.

Frock - vintage, possibly handmade? No labels anyway
Cardi & belt - Primark
Wedges - Dolcis, present ages ago
Ring - Stolen Thunder