Since starting belly dancing I have become a second hand clothes fiend. Not only can I find more variety in colours and styles than on the high street, but it also makes good financial and environmental sense. However, beware anyone who gets between me and my latest bargain!

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I have discovered that buying second hand clothes has many advantages. It saves me money, which in turn means I'm less likely to row with my hubby about the credit card bill! I'm giving money to charity instead of big commercial businesses and it's better for the environment to recycle and re-use, so I can tick off at least a few good deeds for the day on those points!

Obviously, I'm not always going to find something quite as up to date in fashion standards, but then that's not necessarily a disadvantage when looking for dancing clothes. The bigger disadvantage is not being able to find what one wants in the right size (though to be honest I frequently have the same problem when shopping new in the high street!).

Of course, once I've found a bargain, there's no stopping me. And today was no exception. I picked up a gorgeous black embroidered and sequined evening top (with a First Avenue Collection label, which sounds good, though I'm not sure!) for just £5.75. I wasn't going to let anyone else snatch it up before me but obviously I couldn't bring it back if it was the wrong size. I needed to make sure it fitted and wasn't going to let my toddler playing with the changing room curtain stop me. A few threats and bribery tactics later, I had tried it on without flashing the whole of the shop (just!) and was walking out with my bargain! Never let it be said that I'm not a typical woman - always happy shopping!