I had the most amazing shopping experience yesterday in Shirley, Birmingham which is known for its very well stocked and supported charity shops. One woman’s designer trash became my much desired treasure. I spent 50 pounds in the Acorn childrens charity shop (at the time this was the best Charity shop in Birmingham) on a pair of fabulous Dune, black, flat, patent leather riding boots,  almost new, a Sticky Fingers black unique jacket, also almost new, a Kenzo black jumper brand new, my best purchase of the day with tags £15 and a pair of fab Victoria Beckham skinny jeans.

My new charity shop pieces now mix and match with my Venus Cow staple collection at the same time I gave something back to the world of doing good, which makes me feel warm and satisfied, win win all round I think!

Don’t get sucked into constantly wasting your money on a quick fashion fix solution every time you feel the need to fill the empty comfort hole inside. Try being savvy and give back at the same time. We should all take a long hard look at why we have too many clothes  we never wear, that don’t suit or fit us and have a closet clear out. Take my challenge and begin to realise you cannot buy style, you must create it by being unique.

Updated; 20th Oct, 2020 This year has been very different for us all and I haven't been back to Shirley in Birmingham for a while now. These days my favourite charity shops are in North London, St John's Wood, West Hampstead, Maida Vale, Hamptead, Primrose Hill and Highgate all have a few fantastic ones within close driving distance for you to have a good old rummage and try out my charity shop challenge.

Don't expect to find something incredible first time out then you won't be disappointed if that high designer treasure isn't sitting waiting for you first time out the gate. Keep an open mind and be prepared to really look, remember "Happiness in the pursuit" not "Pursuit of happiness" And don't forget to take them something too. We've all got something fabulous in our closets we know we're never going to wear but cannot detach from. Make sure to watch out for the volunteer's face when you hand it over. This exercise of detaching and giving away something you love but cannot wear will do you more good than you can imagine.