Unwanted business clothes - would anyone want them?

For Sale & Wanted
#1

Dear all
We have a wardrobe full of our unwanted business suits – both mine and Gill’s. Mine: pinstripes etc from Gieves, Aquascutum and similar; Hers: Viyella, John Lewis, Jacques Vert, M&S. All from our previous life in London.

These cost £££hundreds but we never wear them any more. However they might be useful to people starting / returning to / looking for work who need formal business clothes and have limited budgets.

If we could get even a few €€s to replenish our stock of tees and polos – which are 99% of our present-day dress needs in Normandie – that would be good.

Otherwise maybe refugees from Ukraine or elsewhere? Any suggestions?
TIA
Ken

#2

I’m not sure what you have near to where you live, but Secours Catholique is very active near me. Also, ask at your Mairie, chat with La Poste … chat with neighbours…
If you can’t sell your bits, it can go to a good cause.

We’ve already disposed of most of our UK “uniform” through various charities.
Evening suits, work/office suits, jackets/blazers, overcoats … all been most joyfully accepted.

Even barely worn leather shoes… they’ve gone to a good home (well, to a good pair of feet). OH found our neighbour was his size… and did a swap… smart leather shoes for garden produce… :+1:

#3

All mine I gave to Emmaus

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#4

Mine all went back in someone’s van to the UK to the charity shops there.

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#5

It was interesting how long it took me to let go of them. Several years before I was willing to accept that that life had gone.
I kept a couple of good pairs of trousers and a few of my lovely blouses - just sometimes we go out for a posh meal and I dress up.
Also, the cream blouse and black trousers have come in useful once or twice for funerals (sadly).

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#6

I have one or two items I simply cannot part with…
One favourite is a simple caftan I bought in 1973 (and it still gets worn from time to time) sadly I’ve lost the feathered necklace which came with it… :roll_eyes:

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#7

I gave all mine to an association that helped young, disadvantaged people enter the world of work.

For designer labels that are in tip-top condition look for a local depot-vente or try Vinted.

#8

I gardened in suit trou. They didn’t last long. I’ve one suit left; for weddings, funerals and court appearances.

Has anyone any practical use for ties?

#9

My father had many lovely silk ties. They are now a cushion.

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(This is not the actual cushion which lives with my niece in London as memory of her grandfather)

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#10

Oh that is a lovely idea. I’ve many of my Dad’s “special” ties which I can’t part with and several of OH’s which are lurking somewhere… I’ll ask my daughter to have a go at making something out of them … she’s the handicraft queen in our family.

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#11

If you still occasionally go back to the UK and think your quality clothes might appeal to others, you may be able to sell them to a specialist shop in London. I got rid of some Paul Smith suits and Joop jackets in that way. It’s a matter of online searching to identify the right shop for what you want to sell. H,owever there may be French options too - for instance

[Gieves & Hawkes - Vestiaire Collective](https://)

#12

Is Réciproque still going? I did amazingly well when I returned to being a student for a while and was selling very trad English-looking stuff for more than I’d paid, and even more for some British brands (after their cut). A couple of bits of lacy lingerie went for unbelievable prices too. The popularity of the English stuff surprised me.

They did open a men’s shop, all was in rue de la Pompe Paris 16e, if they are still going and you can get an appointment to do a “dépót” could turn out to be worth a cheap train ticket to Paris. There are some very specialist ones around too e.g. if you’ve designer bags, like Didier Ludot. Could be worth making a few calls and being selective in which item you place where. Also check reviews as some are less reliable than others.

#13

Reluctantly I have decided to part with my much loved business clothes, well worn but still serviceable.
This valuable collection includes 3 high viz waistcoats, 2 quilted overcoats- one in yellow and one in orange, both have the much sort after insignia of Acme Construction emblazoned on the back, 5 hard hats of which 2 are still in original box, 4 pairs of waterproof trousers which if worn with quilted overcoat makes for a highly fashionable business suit for meetings and finally 2 pairs of steel toe capped boots in black which with a few coats of polish will look like new.
Offers invited.

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#14

Hmmm. My ex-husband thought he had. l got out while the going was good!

#15

I have seen a beautiful bag made up of unwanted ties

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