The opportunities in second-hand sparkle

Vintage value: as celebrities and mainstream retailers leap onto the bandwagon for recycled fashion, surely toys should be the next pre-loved must-haves

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I HOSTED an awards do last the weekend, wearing a second-hand dress and, far from being considered an out-of-date cheapskate, I was bang on trend. Finally, even big brands are seeing value in “vintage”, but it’s been a long time coming.

I’ve always been a fan of thrift stores and charity shops, a hobby born of a childhood spent delving deep in jumble sales with pennies earned in the church choir and honed as a student, trying to carve out a look on a limited budget.

To be completely honest, I still find charity shops strangely compelling. But, even just a few years ago, anything but this season’s togs were still viewed with disdain in fashionable circles.

I remember a cocktail party at which I played down a compliment on another designer frock I was wearing by revealing it was from a charity shop. The hostess turned to welcome the next guest with the words “Well, your dress definitely isn’t second-hand is it? You look marvellous.” A perfect put-down for my hand-me-down outfit.