Celebrating #SecondhandFirstWeek with TRAID

TRAID's #SecondhandFirst Week started Monday, celebrating the power of secondhand clothes to conserve resources and add real value to used but beautiful items. To mark the week, I'm featuring 7 standout bits I acquired secondhand ... For information on events, visit www.traid.org.uk/traid-events/

1. First up, a camouflage sweat by J Crew bought on Vestiaire Collective last November for £59.40. It was a rare targetted purchase: I actually typed the words 'camouflage sweat' into the search engine. Like nautical, camo never really goes out of fashion but the way it's worn shifts dramatically (eg. don't layer camo over camo unless you're Rihanna). I'm pleased to have given this top a second life; it's been an easy way to stay on point for the past year. TRAID would be so proud.

2. Fireworks went off metaphorically when this check house coat by Antoni & Alison appeared on eBay. Strictly, my wardrobe didn't need another coat but most things by Brit label Antoni & Alison are future classics and it was a Buy-It-Now steal for £25. Design duo Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts have been working their clever, craft-based magic for over 25 years and it still feels fresh. My partner may start humming the theme from Only Fools and Horses every time I wear the coat but the love will only grow because of that. While we're here, may I also point out the pure beauty of the Noel Stewart beanie, whose giant white pom pom looks like smoke?

3. My mother gave me this white Chanel 2.55 bag when I was too young to know what it was. I did, once I took it out and about. 'Is that real?' blurted one of my friends before treating me with a newfound respect. The 2.55 was  conceived by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, when, inspired soldiers’ packs, she added a long strap to her own carryall. After World War II, she launched the quilted bag properly in February 1955. From its chain strap to its logo, it's incredibly iconic - fashion shorthand, really - and versatile. Thanks, mum.