A few weeks ago I met up with Sophie and Kezzie and introduced them to the charity shops of Ipswich, shops that Kezzie later described as 'very superior' (good to know).

I always seem to come home with bags of stuff when I meet Sophie for a shop-a-thon and this day was no exception. We started at one end of town and made our way, charity shop by charity shop, to the other end. I say we started at one end, the first shop I wanted to go to had a tea room. What better way to start a day's shopping than with a cuppa? Embarrassingly, we got there to find it had closed down. Honestly, it wasn't that long ago I visited last.

Anyway, after a cuppa and a muffin elsewhere we started our shopping. I thought it would be a fun idea to set ourselves a little challenge. We were each to choose an item for one another and we'd style up the item and show how we wore it. Sophie and Kezzie chose a stripey, colourful dress for me, which I'll get to in a bit.


I also came home with 2 dresses, 2 cardigans, a jumper, a summer top and some summer trousers.


And this.


It's so cool - its transforms from a flat erm, thing, into a bag! Granted it'd be useless for your weekly shop but it's bouncy and made of orange felt - what's not to love?


This little chap was a real blast from the past - I had one of these as a child. I have an urge to take home all the unloved, unwanted toys I see, especially soft toys. I feel sad for them sitting in a shop unloved and no longer played with (honestly I think Toy Story is to blame for this). Luckily, my sane side takes over and convinces me to leave them where they are. Can you imagine the crap I'd have if it didn't?!

Anyway, it was a lovely day - great to meet Kezzie after reading her blog for so long, and nice to see Sophie again. A plan is afoot for a trip to Felixstowe for ice cream (and more shopping).

And so, here is the dress that Sophie and Kezzie picked out for me. It's something a little different for me but I like it and think it's something I'll wear. I like the length, most maxi dresses drag on the floor but this is just above ankle length and good for showing off my shoes - on closer inspection it has been taken up, so I have to wonder how long it was originally?


 It needs little more than shoes and a bag (and sunshine). The bag is also pre-loved and makes for a lovely pattern clash. The shoes are one of last year's unworn purchases so I'm pleased to get them on my feet, and although I'm not a fan of denim jackets, I think I'm in need of one - something lightweight and well worn!

Edit - See how Sophie styled  her dress here. And here's Kezzie's post.

What's your favourite recent purchase?