Making Good Use

On Trend On the Cheap

I had the Evans autumn catalogue arrive last week and I was quite pleased to see that at least some of the thrifted items in my wardrobe bear more than a passing resemblance to what is featured.

 
Berry-coloured jumper - check.  Found mine at the local boot sale - £2.00.

 

Waterfall cardigan - check.  Mine was £3.00 from one of the Basildon charity shops.

 
Longline check shirt - um, check.  £2.00 from the local booty a couple of weeks ago. 

Now, I'm no great fashionista and I'm not overly fussed if the clothes I like wearing are 'on trend' or not - as long as they're comfy and look reasonable, that's fine by me.  However, I was quite surprised by how similar these thrifted items were.  I spent a grand total of £7.00 for the three items, had I bought the Evans equivalent they would have cost me a whopping £93.50!!   Yikes!!!!

There May Be Trouble Ahead

The small market town where I live is essentially a quiet, sleepy, part-retirement place, part dormitory town for London where nothing much of any note ever happens.  Probably it's greatest claim to fame is that it is the hometown of Chantelle Houghton, erstwhile winner of a Celebrity Big Brother.   I have seen it described in a newspaper as a 'rundown market town' which, although a little extreme in the description, is essentially a fairly accurate statement of the state of the High Street.  Nevertheless, it has been my home for the past six and a half years and I'm rather fond of the place.

Unfortunately, tomorrow afternoon it is to be the starting point of a protest march against the imminent Dale Farm eviction, the site of which is only a couple of miles west of the town.  I gather that most of the High Street is shutting up shop on Saturday as the police are warning of possible trouble from the protestors.  Following so closely on the heels of the recent riots in England, the news of this protest march (which I only learnt of by over-hearing a conversation between two shop owners a couple of days ago) is just a little worrying.   I have to admit to being more than a shade perturbed about what will unfold here tomorrow afternoon.  Hopefully, it will all pass off without incident but to be on the safe side P and I are heading in the opposite direction and taking ourselves off to a village fete, well away from the proposed route of the march and well away from any potential trouble.  I'll let you know what happens.

A Welcome Return

The 'Coffee and Jumble' Monday morning fixture always takes a break during August and restarts on the first Monday of September.  Although I often visit and come away empty handed, I always miss the opportunity for a root around the tables of bric-a-brac, clothes and books when it's not being held.   This week was the first 'Coffee and Jumble' for five weeks and I was thinking I would again be leaving without buying anything when I spotted a beautifully iconic Bush radio next to a pile of second-hand ladies winter boots.

 
I'm assured it does work - although I haven't tried it out as yet - but, frankly, for the £2.00 it cost me I'm more than happy to have it as a large ornament even if it turns out it doesn't work.  It's just gorgeous to look at and really shouts late 50s / early 60s quality design.  The buttons are good and chunky, the dial turns smoothly and elegantly, the carrying handle is just the right size to hold and the milky pastel tones of the bodywork are very pleasing to the eye.  I love it (though heaven knows where I'm going to find the space to put it!!)

 

Boot Sale Finds

It was by no means certain that we'd be able to go to the boot sale this morning as the weather forecast had not been at all encouraging - with rain forecast from 10.00 am onwards.  Luckily, as per usual, the weather forecast was totally wrong and it was dry, sunny and pretty warm when we arrived at just after 10.  There were a lot of sellers and buyers this week as there's no boot sale there next week.  Unfortunately for me, a lot of the sellers were offloading their baby and toddler items.  I did manage to find a few nice items though.

 
The usual toiletry selection for moi.  Rimmel Shower Gel - 50p, Soap & Glory Conditioner - 50p. Crabtree & Evelyn travel size Shampoos and Conditioners - £1.00 the lot.

 
A new pack of Paperchase Ladybird Candles - 50p.  Not sure why these caught my eye really but I thought they were really sweet and unusual and could always come in useful.  Accessorize 'Paris' coin purse - 5op and an almost matching travel card wallet that's still got its original labels on - also 50p.

 
A selection of postcards and an unopened cat greetings card - always handy to have spare stationery items around - 50p the lot.

 
A pair of vintage embroidered pillowcases - 50p.

 
And this really cheerful hot pink Rock Cats print oilcloth messenger bag.  It's from Paperchase, is in really nice nick, is hugely capacious - so I can fit loads in - and it only cost £1.00.   Fabulous all round.

Funnily Enough....

 
.... Mum was only saying a few days ago that she'd like to get my nephew a Junior Scrabble game.  So I was very pleased to find this one for 50p at a 'bumper coffee morning' at a local church hall.   It looks to be in pretty good nick and to have most, if not all, of the letter tiles with it.  Having never played Scrabble in my life, I'll be interested to see how we get on with this - especially as I can't see the rules booklet in the box!!

 
I also found a jersey Monsoon dress which I hope will suit my sister - £1.50.

 
A 1970s linen M&S pinny - 50p - for resale.

 
A super-duper upmarket body wash for me - 50p (it retails at £8.00 on their website) and an ultra-posh wrapped soap - also 50p (this one is £5.00 on the manufacturers website.)  So, £13.00 worth of toiletries for £1.00 - well happy with those finds.

There were also two jars of homemade marmalade at £1.00 each.  I do enjoy marmalade on my breakfast toast in the morning, so I'm looking forward to giving these a taste.