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. |
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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.:)