Skip to main content

aimee-grant-cumberbatch
28th November 2014

Charity shop challenge: the Altrincham edition

Aimee Grant Cumberbatch scours the charity shops of Manchester to see what she can buy for less than a bottle of Sainsbury’s Basics vodka

Categories:
TLDR

By now you’re hopefully all acquainted with the charity shops of Fallowfield, Withington and Didsbury. But if your thirst for style steals is still unsatisfied, or if you simply fancy a change of shopping scenery, why not try some of Manchester’s urban outskirts for size? Our intrepid editor Aimée Grant Cumberbatch headed to Altrincham to see if its second hand stores measured up to its city centre rivals. Here are the best buys she found for £10 and under.

Winter is making its frosty presence felt in Manchester at the moment, and there’s nothing sadder than having to hide an artfully arranged outfit under last year’s coat. However if you’re already well into your overdraft, forking out for a brand new model isn’t always an option. But charity shops are the perfect place to stock up on all things outerwear without hurting your bank balance. I spotted this gorgeous green suede number (pictured above) for exactly £10 in Altrincham’s branch of Cancer Research, not only is it real leather but its faux fur collar and cuffs make it extra toasty.

Also high up on anyone’s wish list at this time of year are cosy knits, and again charity shops are a gold mine for these kinds of garms, particularly if you’re a jazzy jumper fan. This colourful cardie came in at a saintly £3.50 from Headway.

Colourful cardie and velvet drawstring bag, Photo: Aimée Grant Cumberbatch

I also couldn’t resist this luxurious velvet drawstring bag, costing a bank-balance friendly £2. Perfect for party season.


More Coverage

A look at the young creatives and sustainable ideas putting Northern fashion on the map

As the Spring/Summer 2027 season kicks off in New York next week, the lesser known Copenhagen Fashion Week has a voice that deserves to be heard, although troubles with sustainability still prevail

The second-hand marketplace is now lots of people’s first choice for clothing, from your housemates to your mum. But over time, the platform has turned into a sea of re-sold fast fashion. Heidi Taylor asks a 19-year-old and a 71-year-old if that’s such a bad thing

The fashion industry’s ongoing erasure of Indian craftsmanship, as seen through the popularisation of the South Asian Jewellery staple: Jhumkas