You’re a student. You’re in London.  

You appreciate the finer things. You want to look good.

But you’re lazy. Your loan is evaporating. Rummaging through vintage shops and charity rails is thankless torture.

It needn’t be this way, though. We’ve saved you the hassle of enduring sweaty tourists at the Stables Market and the ignominy of breaking the bank.

Stop being a terrible person – help yourself and make a positive contribution to the world for a change with our top five Camden charity shops.

1. Oxfam (89 Camden High Street)

Not your standard Oxfam – this store feels more boutique than bargain.

Prices are slightly higher than you might expect as a result, but it was easy to pick out some beautiful pieces from their carefully selected range.

We loved the kitsch décor – changing rooms are hung with patchwork curtains, and paper flowers hang from the ceiling- as well as the little packages of ribbon, beads, stones and other bits and bobs available at the counter.

Oxfam say: ‘Lift one person and they will lift others. When you support Oxfam’s life-changing work, unstoppable change takes root in communities around the world’

www.oxfam.org.uk

White Silk Dress – £10.99, Oxfam

Black Slouch Dress – £9.99, Oxfam

Polka-Dot Chiffon Dress – £9.99, Oxfam

2. Scope (73 Camden High Street)

Just along from Oxfam is Scope, a slightly dingier but equally well stocked shop. Scope’s range of dresses is particularly beautiful, with some truly unique pieces.

Scope say: ‘Scope is a charity that exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Until then, we’ll be here’

www.scope.org.uk

Leather Coat – £15.00, Scope

Velvet Oxblood Dress – £9.00, Scope

Navy Stripe Dress – £20.10, Scope

3. Sue Ryder (46-50 Parkway)

Sue Ryder is one of the bigger charity shops, and has an absolutely huge selection of clothes to rummage through, as well as some amazingly friendly staff who truly made the experience.

They also sell sweets. Enough said.

Sue Ryder say: ‘Sue Ryder provides compassionate care to people with end of life and long term needs’

www.sueryder.org

Camel Coat – £22.95, Sue Ryder

Metallic Jumper – £8.95, Sue Ryder

Suede Jacket – £29.95, Sue Ryder

4. Traid (154 Camden High Street)

Traid is by far the most expensive of our favourite five, but it’s easy to understand why.

The spacious backroom features beautiful vintage pieces you just won’t be able to find on the high street.

If high street chic is your style, though, many of the well-selected pieces in the front of the store feature labels from Topshop, Zara, or River Island, at just a fraction of their usual price.

Traid say: ‘Traid is a charity working to stop clothes from being thrown away. We turn clothes waste into funds and resources to reduce the environmental and social impacts of our clothes. It is a circular and sustainable approach to the problems of clothes waste tackling disposal’

www.traid.org.uk

Silk Top with Pearl Embellishment – £8.99, Traid

Cosy Knit Jumper – £9.99, Traid

Sheer Top with Velvet Panels – £7.99, Traid

5. Mind in Camden (9-15 Camden Road)

Mind is a delightfully shabby shop – cluttered, charming and cosy. Again, the staff were unbelievably friendly, and we immediately felt at home here. Stunning evening dresses are jumbled up with leather jackets or tailored suits, making it extra satisfying when you discover a gem.

Oh, and there’s a resident cat who goes by the name of Shisha. He’s a bloody legend.

Mind in Camden say: ‘Mind in Camden provides high quality support and capacity building services to benefit people who are struggling with mental distress’

www.mindincamden.org.uk

Navy Embellished Evening Dress – £5.00, Mind in Camden

Silk Blouse – £4.00, Mind in Camden

Velvet Midi Skirt – £6.00, Mind in Camden

Shisha the Cat – Priceless, Mind in Camden

Now get out there before it’s too late…