Revival - My Guilty Oxford Pleasure

November 12 2009 , Written by thediversetraveller Published on #accessories, #clothes, #fashion, #Ola Fagbohun, #Oxford, #part two clothing, #Recommendations & Rants (tips, links and reviews), #recycle, #Revival, #shopping, #shopping behaviour, #student

I know this is a travel blog not a fashion one, but I just have to share with you one of the treasures I've found while studying in Oxford.

Revival on St.Clements St - a quaint boutique that sells recycled fashion. i.e clothes, shoes and accessories you don't want that are in good condition and are from 'good shops', you know what I mean.

Now that I'm a full-time student living off a student loan, small grant and a bursary, I know should be budgeting, buying only the essentials. But I am a bit hazy on the description of an essential. One woman's essential might well be another's luxury.

Up till now I have spent my meagre funds on text books, food (not at budget range just yet), my rent and a queens ransom on public transport. But today, whilst approaching Revival on St.Clements St, a seductive whisper drew me in with it's tantalising window display. If you think shops can't do this, and I should be stronger, you are right; but what can I say, the whisper from boutique shops works on me every time.

I tried to pass, I really did, the voice, quiet at first, grew louder and more persistent, till somehow I found myself inside the shop clutching a pair of purple suede court shoes.

Once inside, I couldn't leave, there was too much to see and touch. I went through each rack, oohing and aahing, taking the object of my delight off the rack, then rationalising, 'it's only £20'. For a moment sanity would prevail and I would put the offending item back, after all, how many 100% cream angora cardigan does a girl need?

But a wool purple turtleneck jumper (can't read the label) at £10 and a tailored mid-length jean dress (Part Two) at £20 refused to leave my clutches. Before long, I realised I had been in Revival for a trance-filled hour. Sadly, and remembering my meagre student budget, I put the other things I had picked up back. As I paid for my jumper and dress, I rationalised that I had great bargains, and I'd get much wear out of them during the winter.

If you think I am weak, whenever you visit Oxford, I dare you to try and pass by Revival when you hear, and you will, a seductive voice inviting you in.

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