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?
This story is from the April 22, 2024 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 22, 2024 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
