I confess that I’m a charity shop virgin; that is, I’ve never found anything even remotely desirable that enticed me to purchase it. The hope of finding some knock down designer shoes or a one-of-a-kind vintage treasure were usually dashed when faced with jumbles of unwanted tat, profusions of fashion faux-pas and that relentless musty odour; it was definitely time to shake off the unrelenting stereotype. Pick a bad one and you’ll be put off charity shopping for life, but know where to go and these fabulous little treasure troves are guaranteed to turn you from a junk shop dodger to a charity shop junkie. Here are a few little gems to feed your new found addiction...
A favourite student haunt, Camden offers enough charity shops to satisfy even the most ardent bargain hunter. But save your feet and head straight to Oxfam in the middle of the high street. Given a new lease of life last year by salvage stylist Mrs Jones, Oxfam was reinvented into a chic retreat for Camden’s savviest fashion addicts. With window displays rivalling those of Selfridges (OK so maybe not quite to the same standard) and bright, modern decor, it’s the perfect environment to rifle through the rails and bag yourself a bargain; and that is exactly what I did, a nice little pair of black suede shoe boots to be precise. I admit these aren’t designer specimens but for £4 you can’t complain, and plus they don’t look like they’re going to break anytime soon, which can only be a good thing. For second-hand first-timers there are even bins of local designer’s creations, ideal for the more wary charity-goer. Perfect for up-to-the-minute trenches and furs on a budget, this Oxfam is in a league of its own, the rails are even colour co-ordinated, need I say more?
Since Mary Portas revolutionised the dated, and synonymously austere charity outlet, the ‘Boutique’ charity shop has made a convincing entrance on to today’s high street, setting an unprecedented trend of fashion-forward charity enterprises. Head to The Octavia Foundation on Brompton Road to satisfy you’re bargain binges; you’ll even find umbrellas suspended from the ceiling (maybe a little too kitsch for my liking but undoubtedly a plausible effort). Situated in wealthy Kensington, every other item is emblazoned with designer labels; Chanel , Miu Miu, Gucci, all for 30 quid? YES this is obviously the place for designer junkies to get your fix and to inject a little Max Mara in to your high street-saturated wardrobe. An gorgeous grey wool blazer, Jill Saunder no less, with an extremely appealing price tag of £29 was definitely my favourite find. Looks like my student loan might not have to be sacrificed for the dream designer purchase.
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