Charity Begins in Chichester!

Since deciding to commit to buying clothes that were predominantly ethical, organic and otherwise good for the planet and people whenever possible, I have noticed that shopping is not as fun as it used to be. Going into each store is a mission and I wander round looking at all the labels and casting them aside with a sigh when a 'made in Bangladesh' sign faces me. But yesterday was different...

Carla, Charlotte and I plotted our mission when we realised that we GENUINELY running out of clothes that didn't contain holes or were in other ways entirely unsuitable for what we needed them for (ie WARMTH!). OK, so maybe more them than me, but who can resist a day with the ladies!
We started early, after a little research on the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) website, and pledged to plough through all those stores we know have signed up to the ETI's base code of conduct, or those we know to have a higher ethical reputation (Monsoon, Fat Face, White stuff, Jigsaw). It certainly adds a new dimension to shopping and it's actually quite frustrating.
After several trying on sessions we replenished ourselves and gave sore shoulders a rest in the excellent vegetarian cafe 'Paradiso'. Fully revived although a little deflated at out lack of successful purchases we decided to brave the drizzle and attack the charity stores. BRILLIANT! Every one we went into contained bountiful delights at purse friendly prices. The jeans that Carla had been hunting for... A lovely turquoise jacket... an armful of stuff from Banardo's for Charlotte and all totaling less than we had considered paying for one pair of ethical, if not expensive jeans.

Result!

It just goes to show what you can find if you look. Even in sleepy old Chichester!