It is really good to know that by charity shopping I am recycling, helping the needy and saving the planet. I might be a bit over-enthusiastic about things, but it is true. There is, however some truth in this list of positives.
I find some great items and occasionally glamorous labels, which are much better materials. Living on the pension often does not stretch to shiny new things at huge prices, so I have to compromise.
Life after 70 is sometimes a challenge, I have had to adjust to health problems as well as the daily fight to rise above the poverty level. I have had a knee reconstruction, suffer from an irregular heartbeat, and have rheumatoid arthritis, so nine pills a day keeps me functioning and upright. Before I was properly medicated it was seizing up, my hands and all movement in my body were becoming almost impossible. I do my best now to keep it all working and very rarely take any pain killers. Next year I will be 80, and I don’t aim to give in easily. I will still wear makeup and the sparkly things.
My love of clothes and my excuse for my obsession is a need to feel good about myself.
I have a collection of charity shop clothing. I like a bit of glamour so there are sequins and shiny satins and quite a collection of scarves and shawls. That and costume jewellery I also buy at a very good Vinnies. I have 41 garments from charity shops and 14 from chain stores that I’ve either purchased or have been given as gifts. I buy my earrings to go with the colours I wear, and I stick to mainly black or white for basics like shoes or trousers.
My figure is perhaps over-generous in the middle, so I dress to enhance my assets, which are longer legs, and play down my bad bits. I was interested in a recent fashion feature idea with Starts at 60, and the problems we face getting older. I also feel for ladies who say they are rather short and more round. I still think they will have beautiful shoulders and curvy bosoms, so can experiment with different necklines to accentuate that area. As I am of average height I can wear longer cardigans, and they cover a multitude of sins. I wear them open, not buttoned, and also use blouses in the same way, worn over camisoles in summer.
I recently attended a huge charity sale, which allowed me to plan my spring wardrobe. Denim, perhaps some slim-fit stretch jeans and a button-through dress or long shirt were on my purchase list, the latter of which I shall wear with a plain white camisole under. It’s important as we shop for clothes that we remember to dress for ourselves, after all we have earned a right to please ourselves at this age, no one else matters.