I have a weekly challenge where I drop off 3 items that I no longer use to different charities. These items include shoes, clothes, bags, and more. To make this deed more exciting, I'm allowing myself to only 'drop off' and walk out of the shops without making any purchases. It's liberating and a rewarding feeling when I do this, and hopefully, come spring, my space will be clean and clear.
Last week, though, I was in Leicester City, one of the towns where the price elasticity of demand in the charity shops across the town is noticeable, hence my seldom visits to those shops. However, while there, the temperature had dropped significantly, and I needed a shop to warm up for a while. So, I stopped by the Cancer Research UK Charity Shop—one of the few charities that's still striving in the city.
This jacket above, from Mountain Warehouse (Snow), caught my eye immediately, and it stood out amongst the other jackets because it looked new, like a gifted item. As I stretched over to check the price and the size, I was surprised to see that it was for £5. Hmmm, I thought the price was right, but the size 14 was two sizes up from my normal size 10. Also, I was hesitant because the colour was so similar to the one I had back at home, and when I'm replacing an item, I like to go for a completely different look.
Still, I contemplated, tried it on, and convinced myself that it was just too big. That took the pressure away, yet I was a tad bit disappointed because the jacket was comfortable. I liked the padding and already, I felt warmer in it than how I felt in my actual winter jacket. That meant it would be good for the dual purposes of rain and snow.
You see, I spend a lot of time outdoors, regardless of the season or weather, and a few years back, I purchased the Trespass jacket above on the left, brand new. I paid around £50 for it back then, and it served its purpose well when I lived in tropical countries, and the size was my normal size 10. However, now that I'm back here in the UK, the jacket has become obsolete because the size 10 does not allow much space for layers without me looking like a stuffed turkey.
These extras on this new jacket were appealing, something that my previous one didn't have.
 An exterior zippered sleeve pocket |  As well as this secured inside pocket that's perfect for my purse |  Also a designated pocket for a pen and a notepad. |
|---|
Despite the pros and the small con of the size, I left the shop and popped into another charity for a price comparison. I saw some old, worn jackets from cheaper brands with visible signs of wear and tear for triple the price.
I dashed back to Cancer Research UK, grabbed the jacket, tried it on and remembered that there's normally an adjusting string on the inside at the bottom. I pulled the string and smiled. Still, I asked the shop attendant, a lovely lady whom I've known over the years if I could get away with wearing the size. She laughed and said, "I honestly thought you were wearing your own jacket." Definitely! she said.
With the amount of rainfall in the UK, this new jacket is more suitable for me when biking compared to my previous one. The length is ideal and doesn't obstruct me pedalling, and it's a few inches longer than my previous one.
The colour is also bright enough to act as hi-vis, and it will coordinate with my wellies perfectly.
I feel better when I'm looking pretty in the rain, so cheerful colours are more appealing than darker ones.
Comparing both jackets, I see how much wiser I am now. Six years ago when I purchased the jacket on the left, it was what I had hoped for, in what I've now found in the jacket on the right. The biggest difference is £45.
Would you believe that without the jackets being side-by-side, I would have sworn the colours were identical? That's because I'm a little colour-blind. I was planning to donate my original jacket, but it will still be useful in the summer months. However, despite this steal, I'll continue with my weekly clearing of items.
With my new jacket, I no longer need to take a handbag when I go shopping, since keys, lights, and other items fit in my pockets, and it's great to have a waterproof winter jacket with a thick hoodie that fits over my beanie to keep me warm.
Just a glimpse of me engaging in my minimalist way of living. I was headed back home, fully loaded with petrol for my generator. I stopped on that hill right before the bridge where it was safe for me to lodge my mobile phone without fearing someone snatching it:)
Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely week ahead, peeps.:)
How nice to come across a few words from you. The important thing is to feel happy and satisfied with whatever you incorporate into your life, as well as whatever you decide to take out to make space.
Lovely colours... Oh, I love those saddlebags on your bike. 😍 I've already said it, I know, but every time I see them I want to have one of these.
Tell me... Have you gotten more proficient with bike mechanics yet? hahahaha
Yes, it's nice to write again. It's an early start for me today and I'm travelling by train. It's raining and miserable but I'm warm and dry under my jacket. I was tempted to take my bike but I didn't get to check if both of my trains will have a bike carriage so I dismissed that idea.
My bike mechanics skill is improving and I'll write about that soon. 😂
What a cool challenge!
We have a 'giveaway table' in the neighborhood where we regularly bring our stuff.
I think it's such a cool initiative and it helps to recycle all the excessive stuff we want to get rid of.
By the way, I see you managed to repair your bicycle. Or did you have it repaired?
Thank you!😊
Haha! I have had that post sitting in my draft for so long. I might finish it while I'm at the hairdresser tomorrow.
Maybe you'll discover what I did then?... cos I will give you a shout-out in that post 😁
Ohhh. You're making me curious now.
I'll wait for the mention then 😃
Haha! Yeah, I'll post that soon 😆
💪
🚵♀
I'll tell you a secret, I don't know how to ride a bike hahahaha. I'm already 27 and I don't know when I'll learn. :P
I've never bought purple clothes, it would be interesting. I agree with the fact of minimalist and simple clothes. Recently, I want to wear cool clothes, that allow me to be relaxed. I like the jacket. You look relaxed and happy.
I find it interesting to donate clothes.
I was chatting with a guy from Romania last week. He rides a massive bike with thick wheels. He said he recently learned how to ride a bike and it's his first bike.i think it never took late to learn. Riding is one of the most liberating things to do. I go for a spin everyday.
I believe we get to an age where comfort matters the most.
It's great to donate things because it's like giving a new life to something that could mean the world to someone else.
Hopefully, one day you'll get pedalling a bike:)
Everyone tells me the same thing, I have tried several times to learn; but I don't know why it has cost me so much. However, I have not been able to. I always end up falling down hahahaha.
Indeed, comfort is the most important thing. Feeling cool and comfortable is the most basic thing. I agree with that aspect with you, as long as you can help others.
I hope to learn, it would be really interesting. :P
You look fabulous in purple, @millycf1976! That's great that you're clearing out your closets and finding new homes for those gently used items. Feels great, doesn't it?
Hey Jayna,
It's lovely to see you keeping fit and enjoying life.
Thank you! Purple seems to be the colour that's popping up the most in my wardrobe these days.
Yes, I have some lovely clothes that I've been holding onto just for the sake of it. I feel much better now that I'm releasing them.
Thanks for stopping by :)))
I definitely would love to challenge myself on a monthly or weekly giveaway,that would actually be satisfying and engaging but I prefer twice in a year because I don't have much and everything I own are currently of good use to me.
I love the multipurpose jacket.
I get that. It makes sense especially if space is not a concern.
I make sure that I give away good quality pieces. I could still wear/use them, but they only clutter my tiny living space on my narrowboat.
Thanks! 😊 It's a well-made jacket and I've seen what the original price for them is, and there's no way on earth I would have purchased it at the RRP.
Glad you like it! Yeah, some of these jackets are crazily expensive at full price. This is definitely a great find!
Proper outdoors or fitness gear are 2 of the priciest items. So it's always worth grabbing a steal:)
You are absolutely correct! Quality outdoor and fitness gear can be expensive, so finding a great deal is always a win. Gotta stay prepped without breaking the bank!
💯
Keeping the jacket for summer sounds like a great plan. And good on you for sticking with your decluttering routine, it always feels great to make space for what truly matters.😁
Yeah, I'm happy that I held off on giving away the old jacket because I would end up looking for a new one come spring/summer.
There are so many dimensions to the benefits of decluttering and I'm loving the feeling:))
That jacket looks cool to wear when going for a hike here in Ph. Color is perfect too!
I agree. The first jacket that I bought in the UK was for when I lived in the Philippines. It was perfect for me on my tricycle, as I was often caught in heavy rain when returning from Gaisano 😂
Haha! Gaisano gave me nostalgic vibes of childhood 😆.
Lucky you didn't encounter flood
I was in Moalboal and we were fairly protected by Negros so we seldom felt the full effect of typhoons:)
My pleasure:)
!LADY
View or trade
LOHtokens.@hive-124452, you successfully shared 0.0100 LOH with @millycf1976 and you earned 0.0100 LOH as tips. (7/25 calls)
Use !LADY command to share LOH! More details available in this post.
Thanks for the tokens:)
View or trade
LOHtokens.@millycf1976, You have received 1.0000 LOH for posting in Ladies of Hive. We believe that you should be rewarded for the time and effort spent in creating articles. The goal is to encourage token holders to accumulate and hodl LOH tokens over a long period of time.
I love your new jacket, I think you made a great purchase, for £5 is WOW!
I am on a mission to get rid of part of my closet. I have so many things I don't wear anymore. And in the time I spend now in Bogota, I realize that there is very little I need and like to have on hand to wear. I have things here in Caracas from long ago that I haven't donated until now because I used to think that maybe someday I will wear them again, but I have realized they will certainly be gathering dust in the closet. So I think it's time to give many things a new chance with someone else.