I don’t mean the title of this to sound as homelessly charming as it does however, I am a bit of a self confessed dumpster diver.  One of my favourite things to do is take a trip down little streets and hit the local charity shops and retro vintage stores.  When I say I hit them , I really don’t mean it in the ‘Look at me, I’m alternative and my scarf was 80p from Oxfam’ – I genuinely spend my entire paycheck on makeup as it’s my number one passion and if someone on YouTube tells me I need something, I’m after it (Here’s looking at you Jamie Genevieve…)

I’m not some rich bitch who is looking for a kitsch little purse to match her Vivienne Westwood  pumps.  I have the odd night out and in an attempt to a. look nice and b. wear something that isn’t black my first thought would be to look through the charity shops first.  There’s something thrilling about finding a little gem hidden in the rack among the moth ball infested coats that look like your Great Aunt might wear.  Would it not be the worst thing to go into your favourite high street shop and panic buy a top that you only really half like and that costs you 6 hours worth of work?  To then casually drop by somewhere like Oxfam and find a little beauty for £2.  Not only have you saved yourself around £48 but you’ll have contributed to charity AND not even feel as bad if you only wear it once.

Now, I don’t shop exclusively in charity shops.  I shop in Topshop and River Island and online with retailers like Missguided, etc but I LOVE going into charity shops too.  I think it’s great to find a balance between them.  I like to get my statement pieces, like my jeans and things I wear all the time brand new but I can’t help but want a cheeky little bargain from the charity shops.  One of my all time favourite cardigans I got in St Vincent de Paul in Newcastle, Co. Down about 6 years ago and I snuggle into every now and then – it’s so comforting.  There is something thrilling about the fact that someone else’s trash is my treasure.  There’s an ornament chilling on my shelf that cost me £1.50 and I LOVE it.

Anyway, I didnt really have a point – just that I love bargain hunting and in fact I’ve talked about it that much now that I’m going to have to go to Red Cross Vintage for a nosy.  Last time I bought a bag that had a little sachet of glitter hidden inside – it was magical.  That was a good day.

Ciao Bellas,

Amy x

@cosmeticsjunkiee