Shopping

Octavia Foundation, South Kensington
MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
A large, slightly austere space packed with designer donations from wealthy locals. Plus a 'brilliant' hushed vintage book department with oriental rugs and coffee tables covered in art periodicals and old Christie’s catalogues.
Mary's verdict ‘Yves Saint Laurent? Wow! Miu Miu! Chanel! Max Mara for 30 quid? Come on!’
Octavia Foundation, 211 Brompton Rd, SW3 2ED (7581 7987/www.octaviahousing.com). South Kensington tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun. (Currently closed for renovation, reopens June 24.)

British Red Cross, Chelsea
MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
Couture cast-offs, big-label handbags and Manolo Blahniks are presented beautifully on an airy, uncluttered shop floor, flooded with natural light.
Mary's verdict ‘It’s where a shop is based that’s the key. Just look at the incredible donations in here - you wouldn’t get this in Orpington.'
British Red Cross, 67 Old Church St, SW3 5BS (www.redcross.org.uk). Sloane Square tube. 10am-5.30pm Mon-Wed, Fri; 10am-7pm Thur; 1-6pm Sun

Crusaid, Pimlico
MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
Crusaid’s tiny Pimlico store, lit with fairy lights and an antique chandelier, is a real find. Nicole Farhi and Designer Warehouse Sale’s Roger Walker-Dack regularly donate unworn stock, alongside Urban Outfitters, Ralph Lauren and Hackett (often dropped off by the Hackett family themselves). Stock is perfectly merchandised in two rooms packed with on-trend designerwear and handpicked bric-a-brac.
Mary's verdict ‘It’s gorgeous! I think charity shops that try to copy boutiques lose the soul of what a charity shop is. In here you know you might just find something incredible.’
Crusaid, 19 Churton St, SW1V 2LY (7233 8736/www.crusaid.org.uk). Pimlico tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-3pm Sun. Feature continues

British Red Cross, Victoria
This branch is packed with designer labels thanks to donations from wealthy locals. Brands currently in stock include Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior, plus Manolo Blahnik shoes. A selection of bric-a-brac, handbags and hats are also up for grabs alongside a range of ballgowns.
British Red Cross, 85 Ebury St, SW1W 9QU (7730 2235). Victoria tube/rail. 10am-5.30pm Mon-Fri; 10am-4pm Sat.

Cancer Research UK, Marylebone
A high-quality selection of fashion and accessories, many of them in mint condition, can be found here. The shoes are particularly noteworthy.
Cancer Research UK, 24 Marylebone High St, W1U 5RB (7487 4986). Baker St tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.

Fara
A small shop with an overbearingly pushy shopkeeper (don’t let that put you off) selling goods in aid of Romanian children. It specialises in an excellent range of kids’ and baby wear along with prams and buggies at bargain prices. There are two other Fara branches, including Retro Mania at 6 Tachbrook Street.
Fara, 40 Upper Tachbrook St, SW1V 2JS (7630 7730). Pimlico tube. 9.15am-5.15pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.

Cancer Research UK, Islington
A treasure trove of clothing, accessories and general bric-a-brac where you might even find the odd antique. Clothing ranges from designer labels, including recent Hugo Boss and Moschino, to cheaper high-street items, all still in good condition.
Cancer Research UK, 34 Upper St, N1 0PN (7226 8951). Angel tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.

Salvation Army
Two floors of sublime thrift. On the ground floor you can find brilliant shoes, including designer labels like Charles Jourdan, and great old ladies’ sandals. There are lots of faux-fur jackets, an abundance of 1970s dresses and skirts, and a fine selection of second-hand denim. Upstairs is a little more boutiquey, with luxurious finds such as floor-length fake-fur coats and glam evening bags - the latter can be snapped up for less than a tenner.
Salvation Army, Princes St, W1B 2LQ (7495 3958). Oxford Circus tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat.

Barnardo’s, Brixton
A vast and lively charity shop with an exciting, unpredictable mix of clothes and accessories, stocking all kinds of high-street brands with designer bargains going for no more than £50. The sales lady will probably give you fashion tips as she used to work at Browns.
Barnardo’s, 414 Brixton Rd, SW9 7AY (7274 4165). Brixton tube/rail. 9am-5pm Mon-Sat; 10am-5pm Sun.

British Heart Foundation, Balham
This clean (it reeks of Mr Sheen) and brightly lit branch sells a good selection of high-street and mid-range brands at very good prices. The shoes and jeans are well worth a look here. They’re all sold alongside a range of new, cheaply priced accessories, including necklaces, earrings and hairbands from £1.99.
British Heart Foundation, 184 Balham High Rd, SW12 9BW (8675 5401). Balham tube/rail. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; Sun 11am-4pm.

Marie Curie Cancer Care, Richmond
A must if you’re after designer labels. It’s previously stocked Chloé, Prada and Gucci so you may well find a hidden gem. There’s also always a great selection of designer accessories, including Mulberry handbags in near mint condition. Look out for good quality bric-a-brac as well.
Marie Curie Cancer Care, 1 Lichfield Terrace, Richmond, TW9 1AS (8940 1800). Richmond tube/rail. 9.30am-5pm Mon-Sat.

Oxfam, Dalston
This branch of Oxfam used to be a cinema in the 1950s, which accounts for its ample floor space. Men’s and women’s clothing, books, records and homewares are all up for grabs with the average garment priced at a modest £2.79. There’s a huge choice with a hotchpotch of serviceable separates, dresses and curios, plus decent plates, teapots and the like, as well as grander pieces such as suits, ballgowns and wedding dresses in the mêlée. It has something of a cult status in the area; there’s even a local blogger known as Dalston Oxfam Shop who rummages the music section for obscure tapes.
Oxfam, 514-518, Kingsland Rd, E8 4AH (7254 5318/www.oxfam.co.uk). Dalston Kingsland rail. 9.30am-5.20pm Mon-Fri; 9.30am-6pm Sat; noon-4pm Sun.

Traid, Westbourne Grove
A favourite of fashion stylists and journalists alike, and with mentions in Japanese and British Vogue, this is the charity shop to head to for superior secondhand clothing. Raising money for international development, the shop has a small, boutiquey feel, making it a great place to rummage. In particular, check out the vintage section, where you’ll find quirky one-offs. They get some impressive designer pieces: a Burberry coat recently sold for £69. There’s also its renowned remade clothing to look out for.
Traid, 61 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UA (7221 2421). Bayswater tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.

Trinity Hospice, Kensington
Revered for its ladies’ clothing and accessories, this is a great charity shop where you’re bound to unearth designer pieces. They’re currently stocking Dries Van Noten and last week staff sold a beautiful Louis Vuitton handbag for £50. There’s always a good selection of well-known designer handbags and shoes.
Trinity Hospice, 31 Kensington Church St, W8 4LL (7376 1098). High St Kensington tube. 10am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; 11am-5pm Sun.