If, like me, your local Oxfam is more Vera from Corrie than Vera Wang, you’ll be suitably excited about the recent launch of Oxfam’s on-line vintage store. Boasting fancy threads from across four decades, it’s what thrifty fashionistas have been waiting for.

 

Following on from the successful launch of the UK’s first online charity shop, Oxfam has decided to take a fashionable turn and capitalise on the increasingly passionate love affair we’re having with all things vintage. It’s fair to say that not all Oxfam shops carry the same cache of clothing and while some may be a treasure trove, others are more a mix of bobbled polyester and broken board games. Sarah Farquhar, head of retail at Oxfam, points out “Our new vintage site is an opportunity for us to share some of the amazing items we have donated to our shops with an even wider audience, and to raise more money for our work around the world.”

 

The site lets you shop by decade so if you’re a little bit ‘Ashes to Ashes’ and less ‘Happy Days’ you can mosey on over to the 80’s to fill up on shoulder pads and sling-backs, while bypassing circle skirts and sheath dresses. If, though, it’s your first foray into vintage, the dedicated ‘decade guide’ tells you what you need to know to create the perfect period look. It throws in some general info about the era itself too, proving that fashion is educational as well as fabulous. There’s also the option to shop by garment, but if you crave the thrill of a good old-fashioned rummage you can always click the ‘women’ or ‘men’ link and scroll till you satisfy your sartorial urges.

 

Beyond the philanthropic facia, the Oxfam site also offers a spangly set of virtual accessories. Regular blogs from industry insiders, such as Jane Shepherdson, CEO of Whistles, and BBC vintage expert Katherine Higgins, keep our thirst for fashion knowledge quenched. Links to other popular bloggers show that Oxfam is keen to be seen as a serious clothing contender with Sarah Farquhar acknowledging “We’ve seen enthusiasm for unique second-hand and retro fashion boom over the last few years, and now it’s not unusual for A-List stars to walk the red carpet in vintage Oxfam gowns instead of the latest designer items.”

 

Perhaps the jewel in Oxfam’s hand-me-down crown is Fee Doran, otherwise known as Mrs Jones. You might not know the name, I didn’t, but you will know the infamous white jumpsuit a minxy Ms Minogue rocked for the ‘Can’t get you outta my head’ video. As well as styling The Killers and Goldfrapp she’s also worked with Giles Deacon and Matthew Williamson, and one click on the ‘Oxfam D.I.Y’ link will have you coveting her heavily customised Oxfam couture. Mrs Jones creates one-off works of art using donated duds and a hell of a lot of imagination. Some of the creations are available to buy on-line but most are only on sale in Oxfam’s boutique store in Camden. No fear though, fellow fashion lovers; because Oxfam know we all love a customising session they’ve included hints, tips and how-to’s on everything from how to make your own jumpsuit or Hammer pants, to customising your shoes and jeans.

 

All in all Oxfam’s vintage site offers a lot more than just some dusty old clothes from someone’s attic. Alongside the blogs, and the style guides, and did I mention they’re also throwing the first vintage festival, (check out Oxfam Vintage at Goodwood), they get their clothes for free! Yes, I know that’s obvious but it means they can sell them for a fraction of the price of some other vintage websites. As you’re handing over your pennies for that Peggy Page 1960’s number, you’re not just being thrifty, you’re being charitable too, so with every compliment you get for your customised cut-offs, you’re helping someone else, and with Oxfam’s help you’re doing it in vintage style.

To visit the Oxfam Vintage online shop, click here.

Words by Emma Grainger. Images courtesy of Oxfam. 

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