Review: Pop-up boutique raises money for local charity

An annual fashion extravaganza returned for the second year, and I didn’t want to miss out! I went along to the Charity Chicks pop-up boutique – on the upper floor next to WH Smith at Meadowhall. 

Phase Eight dress

The shop which is part of Meadowhall’s October Fashion Month had a large number of high street and designer items that had been donated at bargain prices; there were clothes, shoes and accessories up for grabs at a fraction of the price, one item that caught my eye was a Phase Eight dress, brand new with tags on at £60 from £130 in sparkling condition.

Some of the donated items came from celebrities such as Radio 1’s best loved presenter Fern Cotton, who generously donated a metallic mini dress. Other celebrities contributed clothes and jewellery, along with the public donating new and vintage items. Every penny of the proceedings went to local Sheffield charity, SAFE@LAST which prevents children and young people from running away from home or living in fear in South Yorkshire. 

There were men and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories on 6^th to 9^th October. There were lots of yummy goodies to suit everybody, from New Look stilettos to Gucci vintage sunglasses (for only £30!). The pop-up boutique had bright summer colours and winter woollies; you could have filled your wardrobe up to the rim with the vast amount of glamorous collections, you would be sure to find something that tickles your fancy. A big attraction for the boy’s was the gorgeous vintage Barbour coats and vintage brogue shoes. With the ladies paying special attention to the glass cabinets filled with one-off pieces of jewellery and accessories, along with the stunning sequined dresses...in preparation for the party season. 

 

I only wish that the store could have been with us for the legendary four month fashion event at Meadowhall, the store attracted queues with happy customers after finding their special gems. And it’s for a good cause what could be better! 

To see the other terribly exciting activities during October Fashion Month at Meadowhall, visit the shopping centre’s website at, www.meadowhall.co.uk.

FACT FILE – SAFE@LAST:

• The charity is there to listen and help with a free phone helpline and texting service, it has a Missing Person Scheme for young runaways, it offers alternatives to being on the street for under 16’s and they educate children and young people about the dangers of running away.

• The SAFE@LAST refuge is the only facility of its kind in the UK outside London and Glasgow.

• It helps victims of emotional neglect, being bullied, family arguments, step-family issues, being knocked about at home, getting into trouble with police and parents not having enough time for them.

• Around one fifth of overnight runaways are under the age of 11.

• The 24 hour freephone helpline for SAFE@LAST is 0800 335 SAFE and for the texting service, text ‘SAFE’ to 60777. You can find more information at www.safeatlast.org.uk.