The best way to consume is not to consume anything new at all. So you can sieve through vintage stores, which is great – or you can shop from charity shops, which is even better. Not only are you choosing pre-loved clothes instead of creating demand for new ones, but your money is going towards good causes. And if the thought of trawling through the sometimes not so neatly curated rails of charity shops fills you with dread, relax - the following shops are the best of the best, offering a comfortable shopping experience, vintage designer brands, unique and rare pieces and some even with online shops.
Mary’s Living and Giving
Mary's Living and Giving Parsons Green shop has particularly well-known brands on rotation and rails are colour coded. Branches can be found in some of London’s most affluent areas including Highgate, Hampstead, Primrose Hill and Little Venice. Shop online at savethechildren.org.uk
Sue Ryder
These shops have their visual merchandising sorted, with inviting window displays. Whether it’s a vintage interior piece or an acoustic guitar, you'll always find a quirky piece at Sue Ryder. You can find stores in Muswell Hill, Camden, Fulham, Islington, Golders Green and Bermondsey. On their online shop you'll find new products, with "100% of profits providing palliative, neurological and bereavement support". Sueryder.org
FARA
FARA’s charity shops, particularly the Northcote Road site, are so nicely laid out that you’ll soon forget you’re in a charity shop at all. FARA has a total of 42 shops in London - 24 are general, 15 are dedicated to kids, and their shop in Victoria, Retromania, specialises in vintage, retro and designer finds. Shop online at farascharityshops.org
Cancer Research
The best Cancer Research store is the Marylebone branch, frequented by actress Sienna Miller and supermodel Kate Moss. It’s not surprising – the shop is a treasure trove of vintage designer pieces and is known for stocking high-end brands such as Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin and Dior. Shop online at cancerresearchuk.org
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross Chelsea shop has in the past seen cast-offs from the likes of Victoria Beckham. Sitting in Chelsea, it's no wonder the clothes, shoes and accessories found here are often from some of the most famous brands in the fashion industry. It’s the self proclaimed “designer charity shop” and has previously held Max Mara, Hugo Boss and Vivienne Westwood on its rails. Shop online at redcross.org
Amnesty International
Their online shop is great for gifts, home accessories, jewellery, beauty, and even food. Amnestyshop.org
All Aboard
Keep an eye on their eBay shop which is where you'll be able to find the big brands much more easily than in store. Ebay.co.uk
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