SECOND-HAND STYLE GURU JEN GRAHAM SPEAKS TO OK! ABOUT BREAKING THE STIGMA ATTACHED TO CHARITY SHOPS AND WHY EVERYONE SHOULD CONSIDER SHOPPING PRE-LOVED
WORDS: LAUREN GOODWIN-GRAFTON PICTURES TAKEN AT THE AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY SHOP’S NEW STORE OF THE FUTURE IN WEST BRIDGFORD
FASIONISTA
Style influencer Jen Graham is a girl on a mission to change people’s perceptions about charity shopping. The second-hand style guru has built a loyal following by sharing her chic charity shop clothing hauls online, causing her to rocket to internet fame – and even bag herself a prime time slot on ITV’s This Morning.
As we chat, it’s clear to see why she has become the voice of charity retail – her passion for pre-loved fashion is contagious. Plus, with 30% of unwanted clothes ending up in UK landfill sites every year, there doesn’t seem to be a better time than now to take notes from Jen, and to think about our own shopping habits.
Since January 2023, Jen has been an official ambassador for the Air Ambulance, which opened a new charity shop in West Bridgford last month. This World Earth Day, 22 April, Jen is urging you to take a trip to your local charity shop and have a rummage (or donate), because you never know what treasures you might find…
Jen – or as many of us will know you, “Charity Shop Girl” – tell us, what is it you love so much about pre-loved fashion?
It’s the thrill of not knowing what you’re going to find and that items are one-offs. I’ve always been a rummager at heart. Charity shops are filled with more vintage stuff than you could imagine, for a fraction of the price, and the money you spend is going to charity. It’s satisfying to think I’m buying something I love and feel great wearing, but the charity is also benefiting.
When did your passion for pre-loved start?
I’d say when I was 17. I’ve always dipped into second-hand shopping simply because I didn’t like what everybody else was wearing, I’ve always dressed a little bit differently. I used to get picked on at school, but I loved that I could always find unique pieces in charity shops. Someone could say something to me about how I look and it would bother me, but if someone said something negative about my outfit, it wouldn’t. I’ve always been very confident in my style.
We love that you have such a unique sense of style.
I think confidence comes from knowing your personal style, knowing what you love and putting something on and going, you know what, I feel great in this. My followers
