Here at SVWH we are big fans of charity shops. Having donated a lot of items ourselves in recent years, we love having a rummage round to see if we can dig up any treasures.
However, a lot of charity shops are pretty neglected and people use them as an excuse to dump their rubbish on the lovely volunteers who give their time for free to help out. Charity shops are having a bit of a revival thanks to Mary Portas. (She of Queen fo Shops fame) She has been on a mission to makeover our ailing charity shops and make them into something a little more special and we salute her for it.
So get yourself down to your local charity shop and see what you can do to help
or failing that have a clear out!
Here are a few of our favourite charity shops in London;
Octavia Foundation, South Kensington - MARY PORTAS-APPROVED
A large, slightly austere space packed with designer donations from wealthy locals.
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!’
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/http://www.octaviahousing.com/).
South Kensington tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun.
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.'
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.'
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’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/
Pimlico tube. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat; 11am-3pm 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.
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.
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.
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.
