Peackcock inspired de(tails)

This week our display in store was inspired by a few peacock feathers and some iridescent craft materials.

We loved the mixture of purples, emerald green and blue and gold. Ellie and set off on a mission to find props to better our planned display. After wandering along Union Street we decided to nip into a couple of pound shops. From which we found some fake straw plants and shiny wrapping paper in one. Upon leaving the store (and the less than cheery shop assistant) we went across the road to find some more props. Here we found some lovely shiny-straw-like items and some gold wrapping paper. After nearly bringing down a display of vases we paid and swiftly made our exit.

After getting back to the shop we made quick work of the new display. The props worked out well and really helped to bring the whole thing together. It was quite amazing to think that our inspiration came from only a few small objects. You can see the finished result in the photos below.

Peacock feathers and iridescent beads taken as the display colour inspiration

I am really pleased with the end result. I think the display really catches the eye and I love the colours together. The rolls of wrapping paper on either side add a strip of colours whilst the straw and shiny-straw-like (things!) give a sparkle to the whole set up. The above photos show the feathers and iridescent beads (strung around the beige and brown straw) from which we took the colour palette. This jewel tone colour palette will also look great running into Autumn. We also used colour blocking and added a splash of gold here and there.

Here are some close ups of the display as well showing off the lovely jewellery on our new perspex displays. The top photo shows a card from Sunita Shroff. Sunita has presented many television projects, films and commercials. Sunita is probably best known for her presenting of Secret Location. Sunita has kindly donated two rings to the store (as displayed on the black hand in the first photo). I particularly like the amber one on the right.

In this section we also have a pair of purple Roberto Vianni shoes at £5.29. They are a fabulous colour and are in very good condition. We also have a ruffle purple tshirt at the window side (watch out for ruffles coming up during Autumn time!).

In the window we have displayed this lovely Laura Ashley (size 10) dress with a bag that matches rather perfectly! For anyone who is looking for a ball/prom/wedding dress then this will certainly make an impact. I was hard pressed not to buy it myself. It was times like that were I had to think of how good it would look on the mannequin in the window instead. Oh the sacrifices I have to make...

Speaking of which, there was a lovely kaftan we were putting the mannequin in the top left hand corner of the display. I guess what we were doing was right as not five minutes after I had put her on the shelf did a lady purchase that very item. What is more, only a short while later some ladies  bought a gold top and bag from the display as well.

In the rest of the store we have some other lovely finds such as these Limited Collection (Marks and Spencer) sandals.The colours are great for summer and they will be sure to keep your feet nice and cool. They would work wonderfully with a nautical theme and look rather comfortable! I would estimate that they are a size 7 but it was not clear when I looked at them. They are priced at £4.99.

We also have these heels form Internacionale. I think the gold heels are great (shame they were too small for me!). They have hardly been worn and are in great condition (like the previous two pairs). I believe that they are a size six, priced at £5.29.

In terms of jewellery, we have this interesting necklace pictured below. I do love the cameo style pendants. I think it would work wonderfully with a plain shift dress.

We also have this white evening wear bag. Shame, RB was looking for a white handbag for a wedding this weekend. She did find one but this would have been quite perfect as well! It has kept very nicely and I am sure it will be much admired.

If you are looking for vintage-style bags then this patent brown one would be perfect. Like we have displayed here, you could also decorate it with your favourite silk scarf.

If you like Hobbs then this shirt (size 12) is a fantastic steal. The pink might be a bit bright for some but if you are brave enough then I am sure it will be a great summer staple. Also, there is no denying that the fabric is bound to be very comfortable.

Finally, we have this handbag. It looks to be a great size for fitting in all your ods and sods and is a nice colourway and fabric.

Overall, Friday was a busy but enjoyable day in the store getting the new display sorted. Shame the sun has not really come out this weekend. I don't think there will be too many sunburned Scots wandering around....

For now I am off on a short holiday, taking a break from dissertation woes and worries. Until next time, keep charity shop shopping in the Granite City!

In store bits and bobs

This week's post features some interesting and different pieces.

We have the store layout changeover every two weeks so this week we were just updating the store stock and making it look as nice as possible for this summer weather!

 

This first piece is a hat which is made out plastic threaded together. This upcycling and recycling of materials has been seen in many fashion pieces at the moment. For example as with the handbags shown below the hat.  

 



Recycled plastic sun hat for sale in store



Recycled handbags

Small recycled handbag





  This second piece is a dress from New Look and the neckline and colour look great for summer.



This is a pair of leopard print New Look shoes in excellent quality. They would match amazingly with a red dress or with black jeans.

 

 

This is a beautiful pair of Dana Buchman ankle boots with black fur trim. They are in top quality and have hardly been worn. I would estimate that they are around a 6-6.5 for ladies. The suede is totally undamaged and the shoes are a great investment for your autumn wardrobe! Dana Buchman for Kohl's is an American brand of upscale of womenswear and their shoes can sell for up to £60 at RRP (recommended retail price). Click here for the link to their online website.

 

 



Here we have a lovely pair of sparkly red office heels which are still in good condition and perfect for brightening up evening wear. Red shoes go with everything so you cannot go wrong here.

 

This is a beautiful Planet jacket which sits at about hip height. It is a lovely shade of bright pink and is in perfect condition. If you are looking for it, it is located in our pink and purple display section. I already saw a couple of ladies trying it on on Friday so no doubt it will be snapped up soon!

 



 

Here we have just a selection of bangles and bracelets for any jewellery lovers out there. The purple bangle second from the left is really interesting. The materials are resin on the outside with an inner metal ring.

 

This is a lovely little dress from TopShop. If you are a little lady then this would be a perfect summer dress. It has a waisted belt to nip you in and its delightfully silky to touch.

 

Here is a purple bodycon dress from River Island. It is a small one but the tight elastic material should provide lots of support and comfort. 

 

This is a lovely red lace dress from New Look. Yet again, it would be a perfect summer dress for the day or evening and it comes to just above knee length. The elasticated waistband creates a nice shape for the dress and it is an eye catching colour and design. 

 

Now if you like hats then this is definitely one for you! This fantastic hat has a pop of red colour with the scarf and is decorated with netting and a black feather. It would be perfect for fancy dress or for a wedding (obviously depending on the colouring of your dress!).

 



 

Now this little dress I just had to get for myself (sorry..). This really is a divine dress and gives a hint at some of the gems that are donated to the store daily. The shape is fantastic and I adore the red tartan bow at the waist.

Finally, the River Island playsuit that was in the window last week has now sold and a lady came into store today wearing it. It looked fantastic on and will be a lovely summer outfit.

 

 

Do keep an eye out for next weeks post and photos!

New photos tomorrow

Today has been lovely and sunny in Aberdeen (apart from one or two clouds..). I'm looking forward to seeing what has come into the store over the past week.
We have some lovely summer dresses in at the moment along with brick-a-brac and plenty of books for you to read over the summer.

Keep an eye out for photos tomorrow!

Pretty in pink

This week our new main display is in pink and purple. It was a nice day on Friday and the sun was shining.

Pretty in pink

The nice flower canvas bring the display together alongside the purple and pink flowers. There is a lovely purple river island playsuit in the window with new pale pink brogues. We also decorated the sunhat with a pink and purple fascinator. The final touches of these displays are by far the most fun bit! I'm particularly temped by the topshop purple sheer dress at the bottom left. Come visit us in store on Castle Street for a closer look.

Do you want to go to the seaside?

This is one of the more recent ones as the summer finally decided to get sunny! We wanted to create a colour palette of pale blue, red and white. The inspiration came from just one stripy dress in the store. The display came together with the addition of a seascape painting which encapsulated the British seaside. The weaved bag would be perfect for storing your beach picnic in and we have plenty of other summery clothes in store.

Seaside display

If you are in Scotland and looking for a beach side holiday destination then St. Andrews is a lovely place to go. It is especially great destination for anyone who enjoys playing golf. There are many nice restaurants for dinner, one of our family favourites is The Dolls House.

Spots n stripes

During this display we created a display made primarily of spots and stripes. With so many different colours and patterns it was a challenge to say the least! However, it was fun seeing how many different spots and stripes we could find.

Spots and stripes

 When wearing stripes the best idea is to wear more narrow stripes around your hips and below and wear thicker stripes towards your waist and chest. Here is a link to the Elle website on how to best wear stripes for Spring/Summer.

Into the jungle...



This safari display was one of my favourites. It was a bit of a risk but it just so happened that we had enough items to make up the display. Leopard prints are very much in season at the moment and are sure to carry though to Autumn 2013. Also coming in are snakeskin in alternate colourways. This combination is particularly highlighted by Kate Moss recently who was spotted (pardon the pun) wearing leopard print sunglasses whilst carrying a bright snakeskin patterned handbag. 

Safari

Safari mannequin

Pink and green displays

Green mac

Colour block green dress

 Pink and green display

 

Mannequin wearing green with a lovely sequins scarf 

Store displays

During my time at the store I have worked alongside my fellow staff members to design exiting store designs and layouts. The following photos and posts provide an idea of the variety of designs we have created. Enjoy!

Monochrome white and black display

The story so far

The charity shop that I volunteer at is a great find within Aberdeen City for quality second-hand goods. Money raised from this store go towards vital fundraising for the  charity who are "committed to helping children throughout the UK".

My aim, as a volunteer at this store is to highlight the great work going on, highlighting store events, fabulous fashion finds and new store layouts.
On a weekly basis I seek to make at least one post about the store.

In addition, I hope to gauge the potential for social media and blogging within charity retail stores. This blog will include surveys and questions which I hope you will take the time to participate in.

I have been volunteering in the store for around 4 months now for one day per week. The stores' close knit staff made me feel welcome from the very first day. Currently, I am studying for my MSc in Fashion Management. For my undergraduate I studied 3D Design, specifically, Jewellery. During which I always had a keen interest in the value of materials and I am particularly passionate about re-using materials towards altering conceptions of value.

I have always loved shopping in charity stores and have been able to find some great bargains in my time. Working at this store was originally planned towards working on my dissertation. From which, I have taken far more from my time at the store so far and have enjoyed it far more than I could have imagined. Having the freedom to design store layouts has been a totally worthwhile opportunity and chance to express my creativity whilst applying knowledge from my course.

During the course of my blog I welcome any comments or feedback. Please share this page with anyone who you think might be interested.