There are few things better than shopping in a charity or vintage store.
It’s one of my favourite things in life to do, and always has been. Not only will you be making huge savings but you are going to the source of so many ideas that you see recreated new in shops and on catwalks. It is such a thrill when you find something you love, or even better, a find that surprises you — which could be an idea from years ago coming right back at you, as good and loveable now as it was then. The best thing is that it is the perfect way to shop sustainably. Plus, in charity shops you have the added bonus of spending money to help someone else — what a lovely circle.
Here is my little black book of the best places to find bargains and one-off second-hand pieces in the capital. The best charity, vintage and thrift shops in London:
WEST
The British Red Cross
69-71 Old Church Street, SW8 5DB
I have been going here for more than 20 years and it remains one of my favourite charity shops. It’s amazing for Sixties and Seventies designer vintage. I have found everything from the original YSL safari suit from 1968 to a mohair sweater from the Seventies with a tiger on it; pure Gucci. But original. It’s in the heart of Chelsea so it’s not unusual for elderly women to take their clothes along that have been sitting in their closets for ages — if you are lucky you can pick up some absolute gems. On a more ordinary day you can still find something out of the ordinary; second-hand Ralph Lauren, Ferragamo patent pumps, vintage Caroline Charles little jackets… and lots more.
Cancer Research UK
393 King’s Road, SW10 0LR
Whether male or female, head to the men’s section — there’s always a great choice of garms. Look behind the counter on the wall — they hang up their prize donations so grab them while you can. I have found fabulous denim shirts, an Eighties velvet party blazer and lots more over the years.
Oxfam
432 King’s Road, SW10 0JL
An old classic. Packed, and a total mish-mash. Good for men’s shirts particularly.
Traid
119 King Street, W6 9JG
Traid is a chain of well-edited charity shops all over London, and a great spot for Seventies and Eighties vintage. They often have great fake fur, sports tops, bags, and a mix of new clothes and vintage (hung separately, so it’s easy to navigate). I’ve found the most perfect black double-breasted wool blazer with gold buttons and beautiful wide shoulders there. Although there are a lot of Traids, they all feel the same in their product choices and layout. My personal favourite is this one in Hammersmith — King Street also has lots of lovely other charity shops to pop in to.
Cancer Research
392 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TF
Here’s a secret — the woman who runs this shop is a real expert who amasses an amazing treasure trove of vintage. I have found everything from brilliant old men’s Sixties double-breasted blazers to denim to shoes, and Seventies fake fur coats. While there, pop into the charity shop right next door.
Oxfam
91 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4RB
On one side it’s crammed with clothes, and on the other side books. Because it’s in such a nice neighbourhood you get some proper treasures, perhaps a vintage Balanciaga bag or an old cashmere Burberry coat. It’s all in the mix. It’s also a lovely shop to browse in, with lots of nooks and crannies. There is a designer rail — ask if you don’t spot it straight away.
Cancer Research UK
24 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4PQ
There is a very well-organised women’s designer rail which has the occasional great piece. It is quite expensive, but the pieces they have can be nearly-new designer, from Isabel Marant to YSL.
Oxfam
245 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE
Being such an affluent neighbourhood, you’re likely to spot some nearly-new Gucci or Prada shoes. It’s also very good for men’s shirts.
SOUTH
Traid
2 Acre Lane, SW2 5SG
A great spot for a rummage, with a cross-section of different decades. Often good for men’s blazers.
Barnardo’s
414 Brixton Road, SW9 7AY
A vast shop filled with bric-a-brac and clothes (as long as you’re up for a rummage). I once found a gorgeous velvet cheetah-print jewellery box in this place. There are often nearly-new items here.
St Christopher Hospice
85-87 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, SE22 8EP
A real mix but often great for kitchenware — plates, glasses, teapots and utensils.
Oxfam
20 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, SE24 9HU
Great for high-end designer clothes.
NORTH
Mind
60 Camden High Street, NW1 0LT
One of my favourites in Camden, this always has a great mix of things. There are lots of nearly-new items, you can find cracking men’s shirts, and it’s good for accessories — belts, bags and shoes.
North London Hospice
41 Golders Green Road, NW11 8EE
The perfect spot for music-lovers (both records and CDs), and parents, as it has very good children’s clothes. Check out the designer section too, it’s less vintage and more modern designer. There really is something for everyone.
EAST
Oxfam
89 Lauriston Road, E9 7HJ
This Victoria Park shop is quite small but beautifully curated, whether that’s children’s toys or lovely vintage books. It also has a great fashion department that reflects the cool customers who live locally. And perhaps most notable of all is the art that they have here — I’ve seen some fab old posters and lovely paintings, all priced fairly.
CENTRAL
Rellik
8 Golborne Road, W10 5NW
A legendary spot for a reason! Head here for great vintage jewellery, incredible belts, shoes, bags and clothes ranging from Westwood to Gaultier to YSL.
Goldsmith Vintage
121, 123 Charing Cross Road, W1D 4AS
The shop is slightly off-putting as it smells of old clothes and is darkly lit, but power on through, as this branch — and the one on Portobello Road — tend to have a great mishmash of sportswear (I found an old Fendi sports roll neck from the Nineties that I adore), T-shirts, denim and tonnes of vintage trainers and good-quality jeans.
Found and Vision
318 Portobello Road, W10 5RU
The girls who run this shop have brilliant creative eyes and I love their edit. From Seventies Antony Price cocktail dresses, to great biker jackets to glorious denim.
Rokit
42 Shelton Street, WC2H 9HZ
A second-hand classic in the heart of Covent Garden. Great for young people at the beginning of their vintage journey as it’s all laid out in a youthful, cool way. You can find great Nineties classics.
