A woman in her 50s revealed how she has rescued thousands of dollars by thrifting her entire wardrobe from charity shops over the past three decades.
Victoria Abadi, 55, is a Manchester resident who started shopping in charity shops in 1989. She was a student and had to struggle financially. However, she soon discovered a passion in second-hand shopping.
Since then, the mother of three has pledged to only shop sustainably. 95 percent of her wardrobe is made from one-off charity shop finds.
Victoria, who works as a psychotherapist, currently has a wardrobe worth £5,000, but only paid £500 thanks to her weekly charity shopping sprees.
She revealed that shopping is therapeutic for her.
Victoria Abadi (55), Altrincham, Manchester. She started shopping in charity shops in 1989 as a student. But she soon discovered a passion for second-hand shopping.
The mother-of-3 has pledged to shop sustainably ever since. 95 percent of her wardrobe is made from one-off charity shop finds (pictured below, left and right).
Victoria, who works as a psychotherapist, currently has a wardrobe worth £5,000, but only paid £500 thanks to her weekly charity shopping sprees (pictured)
Victoria managed to find second-hand clothing at a fraction the price of brands like Gucci and Topshop, Miss Selfridges. Asos, River Island and many other high-street retailers.
Victoria managed to find second-hand clothing at a fraction of the cost of brands like Gucci and Topshop, Miss Selfridges. Asos, River Island and many other high-street shops.
Victoria explained, “I started shopping in charity shops after having a little bit of trouble financially.
“They were all a little stinky and smelly back then, but I did find some good pieces and that ignited my passion.
“I shop in charity shops now because it’s therapeutic and it forces my creativity when it comes to creating outfits.
The mother-of-three now chooses to shop in charity shops because she finds the process therapeutic, and said it helps her ‘think outside the box’ when creating outfits
“I visit charity shops twice a weeks. The nearest town has eight to nine charity shops. I love spending an hour going in and out to see what I can discover.
‘My favourite charity shop is Shop with Sue Rider and Barnardo’s where everything is £1.’
Victoria started an Instagram account called “My Trendy 50s” in order to share her favourite fashion finds.
Fashionista has raked in more than 20,000 followers.
Victoria now goes to charity shops twice weekly and spends several hours looking around to see what she finds (left and Right, in charity shop clothes).
Victoria started an Instagram account called “My Trendy 50s” in order to showcase her favourite fashion finds. It has grown to more than 20,000 subscribers.
She shared that she loves showing her followers similar pieces that are available on the high-street but can be purchased from a charity shop.
She stated, “I love showing how similar pieces are available on the high-street but can be purchased from a charity store.”
It gives me a sense of accomplishment. My followers are also interested and involved in thrift shopping and charity buying.
“We can look good even on a tight budget. That’s why I love to spread that message.
“Whatever I spend is usually 5 percent of the total cost of the item.”
Victoria revealed that she loves spreading the message about how anyone can look great on a tight budget (pictured).
Victoria hopes to inspire other women 50 years old to be comfortable in their skin, and to experiment with fashion.
‘One of the first pieces I got was a vintage Biba suede waistcoat that stood out to me, and it was beautiful and only cost me £1.’
Victoria hopes to inspire other women 50+ to be comfortable in their skin, and to experiment with fashion.
She said, “I love feeling good in my 50s. I dress up for work. It’s inspiring for my clients.
Victoria stated that she hopes to inspire others and encourage them to shop sustainably. She also said that she continues to’recycle all’ of the things she has.
The psychotherapist predicts she has saved £4,500 over the years by shopping in charity shops to build up her wardrobe
“You can still feel beautiful in your 50s and I love to experiment with fashion.
“I want more people shopping sustainably. I recycle everything I can.
“My daughter follows in my footsteps. She loves charity shops. Her favorite is the British Heart Foundation.