b'TOP TIPS: HOW TO SHOP PRE-LOVEDSo lets talk fashion. That is to say, fashion on a budget; fashion that enables you to look different; fashion that is good for the planet. I am talking, of course, about styling yourself with charity shop finds. If you are completely new to this world, here are my top tips for getting started:Tip1: Step through the door. GoodTip 4: Try it on. Unless you get into the charity shops, like Cancer Research UK, arechanging room and try things on, you will now run in exactly the same way as highnever know. I tend to ignore sizing too: if street stores: they have seasonal rotatingits a size 16 cotton shirt I can work with it, stock;theysizecodeandtheyregularlywearing it loose or tucked in, it gives me change their window displays. Their staffoptions.I never worry a jot what the size have fashion mood boards to refer to; theysays as manufacturers all vary. I find that the havecleanchangingrooms;theyacceptbetter the label(Jaeger, Alexon, Aquascutum majordebit/creditcardsandtheyofferfor example) the more generous the cut. refunds. They are just like a normal clothesFor vintage pieces expect to go up at least shop.Except that by purchasing, you are2 sizes. donatingtoaworthwhilecharityintheTip 5: Be fearless. Think about styling process. yourself differently; do you always want to Tip 2: Know your wardrobe gaps.wear what the high street is telling you? Onemistakeweallmakeistorepeat- Theyneedyoutoberepeat-purchasing buy the same item, over and over (jeansand entice you in with ever changing trends, and knitwear are good examples). What isto keep their turnover high. I always keep it that you are actually missing from youran eye on what the fash pack are saying, but wardrobe? Always have that in your mind(now Im in my 40s) I know what I like and when you are shopping and it will make yourwhat suits me and that gives me an edge shopping time shorter and more focussed.and a confidence in how I dress.Cancer Research UK shops categorise theirBe brave and have a go: you never know stock and colour code too, which meanswhat you might find.youcanheadstraightforjacketsand quickly flick through the rail.Tip 3: Get browsing. Get to know your local charity shop and it will make browsing so much quicker. I can flick through a rail in under 2 minutes as I know what I want, what colours work for me and what my shape is. Remember too, that stock rotates at a pace in charity shops and once its gone, its gone.I can think of several items that I dithered about, only to find they had gone to a better home the following day!Page 89'