Shopping secrets from the blogosphere

Name: Elisabeth McCoubrie, 23 Blogs at: thrillsandfrills.blogspot.com What my blog is about: Charity shop finds, designer items I lust after and shopping on Etsy Tweeting at: twitter.com/thrills__frills Churches Together, Chislehurst, London 66 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AQ This is my local charity shop (literally around the corner) and I have found some of my all-time favourites here. Recently I picked up some silk shirts, brogues, a camel-coloured coat and a framed set of butterflies all for under £4 each. It's actually the older version of the charity shop '2gether' on the opposite side of the road, but I think because it's such a plain and slightly decayed building people tend to pass it by, so there are always hidden gems to be found. Strut and Stroll, Stoke Newington, London 182 Church Street, London, N16 OJL If I'm ever in north London I like to visit this store for a bit of inspiration. It's the second store launched by the nearby Strutt, which is full of designerwear such as Gucci and Alexander McQueen, a lot of it for under £200. Meanwhile Strutt and Stroll on Church Street is its cheaper and quirkier sister, which suits me perfectly! I've managed to nab some lovely woollen scarves and nearly brand-new brogues for under £40, which is quite good considering it's near central London. The staff are wonderful here, always willing to lend a hand and play at being your stylist, which makes the visit all the better. Society of St Vincent, Belfast, Northern Ireland Antrim Road branch, Belfast, BT15 2AJ svp-ni.org I'm a big fan of charity shops that are not overpriced or full of old Primark clothing and this is probably one of the best in Belfast. It's just outside of the town centre meaning there's less competition for finding the good stuff. The store itself sells everything from clothes to furniture so it's quite popular with students. I like it because everything is in good condition and you can find some fantastic brogues and ankle boots for a cheap price. Every once in a while a designer label will pop up too. Age Concern, Oxford 45 Upper Barr, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 3UX ageuk.org.uk I have managed to pick up some nice Jaegar and Laura Ashley pieces here on recent trips. It's quite hectic inside and you have to be prepared to rummage, but it is well worth it as you can find some fantastic jackets and knitwear all for around £5. I like charity shops that are messy, it usually means there's more chance of coming across something you like or something you'd find in a vintage store for 10 times the price! St. George's Market, Belfast, Northern Ireland 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast, BT1 3NQ belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket I have been visiting this place since I was little and I love it. I still have pieces I picked up with my pocket money when I was younger. There are some amazing stalls that sell vintage cameras and old costume jewellery, so it's actually been quite handy for buying presents. This market is a great one-stop shop; you can pick up amazing food along with vintage clothes and antiques all in the same morning. The owners are such nice people too.