IT is notorious for chipped china tea sets, bric-a-brac and dusty books - but Oxfam has re-launched one of its Glasgow charity shops as a goldmine for the fashion-conscious.
Shoppers who are feeling the pinch and can't quite justify splashing out on the top label names on the high street may find something to their taste in the specialist clothing branch of the charity shop.
The new-look Full lace wigs shop on Byres Road is the third branch on the street to focus on one particular item - the other shops are dedicated to records and books.
And like Oxfam's other specialist stores, the revamped boutique aims to showcase the style potential in customising second-hand items. Forget shabby, dusty decor and rooting through racks of old coats and clothes in search of a bargain, this is a charity shop more akin to other clothes retailers.
Store manager Elaina Smith explains: "Before the revamp, this was a 'typical' charity shop but now we have taken the time to get it right, we believe it is spot on for our new DIY fashion store.
"Glasgow's west end is the perfect area for Scotland's first Oxfam DIY store, as the community here are prepared to push the boundaries of fashion. We are very blessed with the donations that we replica clothing receive at this store, there is a steady stream and we never run short. We've even had a pound(s)550 pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, that have never been worn. The items we get really are amazing. We are really fortunate that the shop is in the community that it is."
And Ms Smith doesn't stop at selling clothes - she's into recycling as well, adding: "We want to encourage people to come in with odd bits of clothes and material, which can then be turned into something new."
She and shop volunteers take old-fashioned curtains or blankets and turn them into accessories, such as bags and bows. They've even taken old music scores and sheets from discarded books and used them as wallpaper.
Old clothes and other material have also been used to make curtains for changing rooms.
She continued: "There are so many different types of styles these days, that really anything goes, so this is the perfect solution to coming up with new fashionable clothes on a budget. Now we have the opportunity to re-use items, such as pillowcases, producing hand- made, one-off items. Our customers can be sure that no one else will be wearing the same clothes as them.
embroidered patches
As well as selling women's, men's and retro clothing, Glasgow's Oxfam DIY, which has changed its usual green logo to a black and white one to mark the new approach, is aimed at encouraging students to get involved in the store.
"Unlike other charity shops, where only shop floor volunteering is on offer, our DIY store is full of lots of different ways to give their time," Ms Smith said.
"Students can now lend a hand in making new items from our donated stock. It's a brilliant way for everyone to get involved and raise money for Oxfam."
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