When the 'Thrift Pioneer' and my teen hero Bay Garnett gave an interview on Popsugar giving some of her favourite London charity shop haunts, I was scratching my head why I hadn't given my top five.  Oh that's it.  My quasi-completed project Style Bubble Shops which is on hold due to that 48 hour day not happening was suppose to give people a heads up as to where my favourite charity shops are... I've become a creature of habit and whilst I do pop into any charity shop that give off glimmers/vibes of a good charity shop haul (don't ask me how I get those glimmers/vibes...but for some reason older/rubbish shop fronts usually bode well for me...), I do have the list of regular haunts...

Trinity Hospice, 31 Kensington Church Street
Why?  It's a pricier than most as per what the SW postcode would suggest, but I've found vintage Balenciaga, old Chanel jackets and then very new discarded high street dresses here and if designer charity is your thing, this one is pretty good and not has picked as the Red Cross in Chelsea.  They also seem to have a range of sturdy old shoes like my beloved Ferragamo Vara pumps and Clarks Loafers which I like buying up.

Retro Mania (Fara), 40 Tachbrook Street
Why? There's a fair few charity shops around this area which I used to go to all the time during my Pimlico days at uni but this one is gussied up as a vintage shop but have kept their prices fairly low.  The bargain rail outside is pretty amazing and has yielded a John Richmond jacket for £2 and the man in there is very jolly.

Notting Hill Housing Trust, 24 Goodge Street
Why? Centrally located charity shops aren't amazing and it's a bit of a lucky dip with this one and also the YMCA next door but because it's across from Bang Bang, one of my FAVOURITE shops in London (that's of ALL shops, new and old....), it makes sense for me to go into NHHT and I've fared well with basic buys...silk t-shirts, slinky dresses, unlabelled lovely goodness to dabble with at home and customise and all very cheap.

Charity Shop, Whitecross Street
Why? Yes, I've written about this already and I don't even have a proper name and address for it but it's at the top of Whitecross Street across from Bread & Honey and I've been in there whenever I have a lunch break spare and I always find SOMETHING...I haven't bought much due to the new move but once I'm all moved in, I'll be frequenting this place more...Armani trousers, lots of Topshop and H&M with some spangly Versace chucked in there.

North London Hospice, 123 High Street, East Finchley
Why? I'm going to have to say goodbye to this place so soon and it will hurt pretty bad seeing as I've scooped two Valentino dresses, some great books, old lady blazers and plenty of florals here.  I don't really remember how much I've bought here but it makes up a good deal of my charity shop haul which doesn't necessarily mean it's the best in London but it matters that it's local and regular combing of a place gets you in the mood for spotting things.  No doubt, I hope to find a replacement when I move...location to be revealed because it is quite a hilarious one...