Friends who shop together, stay together- 12th October.

One thing I love more than Charity shopping is charity shopping with a friend. Rummaging through bits to try and find things they would be into is a challenge and something different. It’s also like shopping without spending money = win.

Recently my friend Josh hit me up about a Charity shopping trip as he needed some new clothes and of course, I was more than happy to oblige. We had such a good shopping session and picked him out some really cool shit.  Although I have taken my girlfriends charity shopping loads before, I love the challenge of trying to find stuff for men. It can take dudes just that tad more convincing to embrace second hand fashion because they don't tend to have as much on offer as the ladies but josh was stoked and really eager to get stuck in. So we were ready to take on Northampton town, bag for life at the ready.

I had a full circuit prepared, which is my usual Northampton route with a couple of other shops thrown in for good measure.

If you fancy a charity shop session in Northampton, it goes;

DAPP, Abington street.

Salvation Army, Abington Street

Scope, Abington Street

Cancer research (both) Sheep street & Parade

Cynthia Spencer, Market Walk

British Heart foundation, Gold street

Salvation Army, Gold street

Sue Ryder, St Peter's Way

Josh wasn't necessarily looking for anything in particular just a general wardrobe refresh. So we started at the top of Abington Street and made our way through. Altogether he picked 3 shirts, 1 t-shirt and a tweed suit jacket with matching waistcoat. The black & blue shirts and AllSaints top were from the first salvation army on Abington street. This shop is huge and has a large men's section which isn't that common in Charity shops. They sell a combination of preloved and new goods and have nice quality shirts.

The biggest purchase for Josh was probably the Harrison Tweed by Topman jacket and waistcoat which came as part of a set in Cynthia Spencer. It fit perfectly and didn't break the bank, obviously its not something that you can wear every day but it can be dressed down with a pair of Dr. Martens and black jeans. I think its a staple wardrobe piece for a dude, it will last a life time and look fucking boss!

The final shop we hit the jack pot in was Sue Ryder. We found the best vintage maroon-y corduroy shirt for £3 (pictured above). I rarely come across corduroy, but when I do that constitutes as a top find in my eyes. Something like this shirt would easily be sold in a Vintage shop for £25, so for £3 that is a top bargain.

Top tips for Charity shop clothing for men:

• Shirts, shirts, shirts. Whether it be work shirts, or casual shirts, shirts are the easiest finds in Charity shops. If your local, DAPP has an array of vintage flannel shirts ranging from £4-£10.

• Check any unusual brands for designer, a good quality shirt can be picked up for next to nothing but retail for anything up to £100.

• A personal fave, check t-shirts for band Tees or vintage logo Tee's.

• The older the clothing, the more likely the sizes are probably going to differ - try before you buy if your unsure.

• A good pair of shoes or boots can set you back a bit if brought brand new, check for good brands and designer makes, you might find a pair of brand new Barker shoes still in the box for £3 (Yep, true story. Chris was happy that day)

• Knitted jumpers are also a win, you can find a really good quality one for under a fiver (also make great Christmas presents)

I had a great time Charity shopping with Josh and were already talking about doing it all again. I love to see guys get involved with second hand fashion so #asseenonssomeelse any charity shop, vintage or secondhand clothing.