While it’s no longer novel to piece together an impeccably chic wardrobe out of charity-shop finds, knowing where to look is where it becomes trickier—especially with fashion editors generally gatekeeping their local favourites. The good news for those in need of intel, however, is that one of the most iconic shopping destinations for bargain-hunting, Bicester Village, will soon be playing host to what you might call the ultimate charity shop in partnership with Smart Works.
If you’re not yet familiar with the charity’s pioneering work, its mission is to help women get into employment by furnishing them with the coaching, clothing and, crucially, the confidence they need to find their way into the job market. Launching today and running until 20 November, the fruit of their collaboration is The Village Attic, a pop-up where “retail meets purpose”.
(Image credit: Bicester Village)
Stylist Bay Garnett has lent her inimitable eye, curating the pop-up’s collection of vintage designer clothes, shoes, handbags and jewellery, with 100% of sales going towards Smart Works.
And as the woman responsible for making “thrift-chic” not just cool but worthy of the glossiest magazine editorials—as well as delightful material for her book Style and Substance—it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find a one-off gem that you’ll treasure for decades (seriously, Immy Waterhouse has even donated an outfit for the cause).
(Image credit: Bicester Village)
Bicester Village’s chief culture officer, Chantal Khoueiry, commented: “When fashion meets purpose, lives are transformed. Through our philanthropic programme, DO GOOD, we harness the power of our platform to create lasting impact locally and globally.”