INSPIRATION AND ADVICE

CHARITY SHOPPING TIPS W/ ASOS MARKETPLACE

By Symone Keisha, 20 September 2023

If you loveee a charity-shop rummage, you might be surprised to know that ASOS Marketplace hosts some of your fave stores in its very own charity section – like Cancer Research UK and British Red Cross 🤩 We caught up with the charities' thrifting pros to get the inside track on uncovering those uncut gemz – coz whether you're scouring those rails online or IRL, you NEED a game plan! Check out their top tips below AND a have peek at the Marketplace wins available RN 👇

1. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Vintage Brown Nova Plaid Check Pleated Skirt, £60

If you want fancy gear, you'll want to hit up the fancy areas of your hometown📍–Kensington and Chelsea in London, Selly Oak or Bournville in Birmingham and Manchester's Didsbury, for example 🔎 It'll be worth the trek – from It-bags to must-have trench coats, the higher-end gems are all there, waiting for you to root 'em out 👀

2. CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Reebok American Football Red Sports Jersey, £30

So, you've nailed down a few charity shops that really deliver on the beaut pieces – what do you need to do next? 🗣 KEEP GOING! The experts at ASOS Marketplace recommend going back to your fave store on the reg, coz stock is constantly updated, and you don't wanna miss out on those need-right-now pieces, do ya?

3. OPEN MIND, ALWAYS

Vintage 80s Tan Brown Leather Bomber Jacket, £30

We totes get it. When you've got your heart set on that perf piece, nothing else comes close 💔 Butttt, when it comes to charity shops, an open mind is essential! As everything is one-of-a-kind, it can be a little tricky to source specific things, so stay posi and look out for items that vibe with your aesthetic, rather than one singular piece.

4. SIZE MATTERS

90s Vintage Preppy Red Tartan Kilt Skirt, £30

So you've been trailing the rails for the last 20 mins looking for that chunky knit to end all knits and you've finally found ✨the one✨SWEET! Buttt it's three sizes too big 💔 Don't sweat it and don't you DARE put it back down. Size labels can be wrong on vintage items, so take it straight to the dressing room for a try-on. And don't forget, you can always get a piece tailored, too.

Pictures: ASOS MARKETPLACE

5. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

Looney Tunes Denim Light Wash Blue Cotton Jacket, £45

Another tip to keep in mind when browsing charity shops is that it doesn't always have to lead to an instant purchase 🛍 To avoid having a wardrobe filled with things you never wear, you can always ask the store staff to keep an item on hold so you can have a proper think about it – if you're a regular visitor, they won't mind!