THE cycle of fashion trends is all about repetition, every season we await the announcements from the catwalk style dictators of what decade is making a comeback the second, third or even fourth time around.
By Lesley Comrie
THE cycle of fashion trends is all about repetition, every season we await the announcements from the catwalk style dictators of what decade is making a comeback the second, third or even fourth time around.
The high street predictably follows suit, with either a noughties interpretation of a Victoriana blouse or a modern day rehash of a classic Fifties prom dress popping up on the rails.
For fervent fashionistas who still shop in these somewhat predictable high street stores, the contest to be individual has become an unwinnable battle. You may think that your discovery of that gorgeous acid hued Eighties style blazer is gloriously exclusive, but upon wearing it out on a Saturday night you'll most probably bump into at least ten other girls in that same "individual" piece.
So why not buck the trend and find a key fashion item from when it was in style the first time around?
Following the success of the BBC2 series Mary Queen of Charity Shops, second-hand shops are all the rage again. Only now we don't call the items they sell second hand. No, now it's all vintage, darling.
More to the point, buying from charity shops is a much more ethical and economical alternative to the fast fashion of the high street. A place where after much rummaging you might just come across an original Eighties blazer rather than a new' pastiche version.
With the prospect of an original piece at a knockdown price, it's surprising that the trend for shopping second hand hasn't come to the fashion sooner. However credit-crunch conscious style shows such as the latest offering from fashion mogul Mary Portas are finally highlighting the practicality of the stores for the savvy style maven on a budget.
We scoured charity shops in across the city to prove that there are wearable pieces to be found in amongst the rails.
And remember, unassuming items can be easily updated or altered to create stand-out styles. Add to that the array off one-off and off-beat items on show and you'll be sure to find an outfit for you. What's more, every outfit featured cost us less than a tenner, bargain!
 Left, blue blouse, white T-shirt, yellow Capri pants and red belt |  Navy and white jumper, hot pink skirt |  Pink blazer, British Heart Foundation, white T-shirt and belt, St Margaret's Hospice | ||
 Tie dye T-shirt and denim waistcoat, St Margaret's Hospice, multicolour skirt, British Heart Foundation |  Man's blazer, Barnardo's, white ruffle dress, British Heart Foundation, belt, St Margaret's Hospice |  Stripey dress and cord waistcoat, Barnardo's, bag, scarf and belt, St Margaret's Hospice |
 QUIRKY: CHLOE SEVIGNYSTYLISH oddball actress Chloe Sevigny is a prime example of how spontaneous and original fashion can be a positive rebellion from the usual high street trends.Known for her offbeat outfits, the starlet isn't afraid to mix vintage finds with more modern pieces. Pay homage to her style and assemble an outfit with bright pops of colour and insanely fabulous vintage items for a look that screams eccentric cool. Don't be afraid to mix and match different decades, it's all about evoking an unapologetic attitude to fashion. |  ON TREND: AGYNESS DEYNFOR those who are still a slave to seasonal trends, charity shops have more to offer than you might think. With the high street currently awash with the bright colours and strong silhouettes of the early late Eighties and early Nineties, it's easy to emulate that aesthetic with original second hand finds rather than paying big bucks for tatty remakes.Look to current style icon Aggie for inspiration and rock that Miami Vice look. Mix an Eighties style neon blazer with modern accessories and simple but bold basics packed with lots of colour for on trend individuality without the designer premium. Cinch in at the waist for a fresh take on an old silhouette. |  CLASSIC: ALEXA CHUNGTHE young and trendy are attracted to the achingly hip style of TV presenter Miss Chung like moths to a very fashionable flame.However, her brand of gamine glamour and effortless outfit combinations can be very easy to emulate with unassuming charity finds. Keep your eyes peeled for anything with gold buttons and classic detailing with a neutral, nautical palette. Be sure to raid the boys' department to shrug on a men's blazer or oversized cardigan for the perfect hybrid of laidback style and Alexa cool. | ||
Where we hunted down the charity shop bargains
Barnardo's, 340 Duke Street. Tel: 0141-556 1893A VERY tidy little charity shop, beautifully laid out by manager Lesley and her eager team of volunteers. If you're a little tamer with your fashion preferences then their collection of colourful basics, T-shirts and blouses is regularly updated and rotated with items from their warehouse. Take note that with the government's gift aid scheme, for every £1 you spend in store they get an extra 30p donation from the government, so spend, spend, spend!
British Heart Foundation, 217 Byres Road. Tel: 0141 339 7273IF rummaging for vintage finds is a regular Saturday afternoon hobby then this Byres Road landmark will most definitely already be on your radar. In addition to a wide selection of fab bright granny tailoring and a plethora of accessories, there is also a specialist vintage section brimming with really interesting pieces. If you pass the shop regularly, make an effort to have a good look at the mannequins in the window which are always beautifully styled.
St Margaret's Hospice Shop, 349 Dumbarton Road, PartickUNFORTUNATELY this gem of a charity shop is about to close down. More like an old style boutique than a second hand store, every item has been lovingly chosen and displayed by the shop's expert manager, Jill Kennedy.
The hospice team are now on the hunt for new premises, so keep an eye out for a new St Margaret's Hospice Charity shop opening near you very soon.
