What a gorgeous shop! Situated in one of the more run down arcades in Leeds, Upstaged Vintage is a…read morewelcome addition to the thriving vintage scene. The thing that makes this one distinctive for me, is I could tell that the owners are very selective when buying stock. In many vintage shops, it seems evident that a large order has been delivered from wholesalers, and it doesn't always seem completely genuine. There is an old-fashioned, celebratory feel on entering the family run local business. With bunting and fairy lights decorating the place, and an iconic washing line hanging from the ceiling displaying 50's style lingerie, it feels special. I can't speak highly enough of the pieces on sale. The faux fur coats and numerous jackets are absolutely stunning. I tried on a classic pilots waistcoat and jacket. Complete with gold buttons and a stripe on the cuffs, it was beautifully tailored to fit a women. Collections of tea dresses and evening gowns from the 1930's to the 1980's adorn the interior. There is an interesting shoe section of the shop, with some truly unique pairs on show. Upstairs, there are further delights in store. It is a burlesque pin-up boutique; filled with a wide range of corsets, gloves, burlesque accessories and pin-up style lingerie. Dita Von Teese would be in her element. The woman running the shop was absolutely lovely, she was patient and attentive whilst I dithered over what to try on. There is a men's section of the shop and they also sell goods online. Although Upstaged Vintage is not in an obvious location, the treasure you uncover when discovering it, is reward in itself.

Who would have thought that tucked away in the Grand Arcade was a shop that is some kind of vintage…read moreheaven? No, not me, and so imagine my surprise to nip in the other day and discover it?! According to the guys in there people often say that they had no idea that it existed, which is really quite shameful, since it has been here for over a year! Imagine that. And all the delights that I have missed. The ground level shop space has two changing rooms, which you will need, and all the glorious vintage items that you could possibly wish for. There are beautiful eighties puffed sleeved dresses, glorious gorgeous full length coats - one in particular which was absolutely divine but sadly a size wrong for me. They also have some beautiful classy hats, gloves, scarves, shirts - you name it. It's hard to actually describe the amount of beauty within, you really must go and see it for yourself. The people in there are lovely, friendly and vintage fans themselves so you won't be short on advice either! Prices are ranging, but considering they are selling high end clothing for a fraction of the original price I would call it bargainous - investment pieces. The upstairs section also deserves a special mention in its own right. Set out as a burlesque boutique it has a number of beautiful items especially collected for ladies who perform burlesque acts. There are fitted corsets galore, of the finest quality, in a range of sizes. I couldn't sing louder about such a cool and exciting place to shop. It's beyond fancy dress in every sense of the word 'fancy', it is divine! You absolutely must visit, if only for a browse.

What a lovely charity shop! My Mum and I had gone for a wander in Meanwood on our return to Leeds…read moreand we nipped in here, drawn in by the delights in the window. They had a number of gorgeous tea sets, bowls and other things in the window so we nipped in for a proper rummage. I managed to pick up a huge coffee pot set for five pounds and a large fruit bowl for three pounds, all specially wrapped up by the lovely staff. It has to be said they were particularly helpful and friendly, which is wonderful given that I'm assuming they're volunteers. The shop was abuzz with folks looking for a bargain, and whilst the majority of the space is taken up with clothing, there's plenty of ornamentals, kitchen ware, games, and other oddments to pick up. If you've the patience to rummage through you're sure to find a fab new frock, pair of trousers, tea set and much more. A delightful find and I shall be back soon!

This is an absolute gem among Leeds' charity shops. A quick glance in the window revealed an…read moreamazing display of vintage china ornaments, crockery and trays with some very unusual and charming pieces. Darting straight in I wasn't disappointed as there was many an OTT vintage hat displayed high on the walls and a determined search through the rails and shelves yielded yet more bargainous finds. The Community Shop does have many average charity shop items, but within them you're guaranteed to find some lovely bits and bobs - a treat for any junk shop enthusiast!

This secret haven of bargains is yet another hidden spot that I would have never unearthed had it…read morenot been for Yelp. And, I'm glad I found it -since it really is out of the way. Basically, the chances of me randomly wandering about Mabgate (or there abouts) and stumbling upon it are zero, truth be told. Don't let that put you off finding it too though, it's dead easy to get to. Go through the car park behind the West Yorkshire Playhouse, and cross over the bridge. Turn right up the road and it's there in a minute. As you walk in you'll be confronted by a sea of knick-knacks, furniture, bric a brac. It's not tidy, it's not overly organised, but it's full and it's a proper treasure hunt. In some ways, it's similar to Poverty Aid -a huge space filled with a range of things, tons of antique cheap furniture, from wardrobes to chests to beds. There was even a piano and an old school writing desk, cheaper than you'd expect to pay as well. After all, it's still a charity shop, which means bargains are abound. The clothing section was a jumble, pretty messy, but that's where your inner explorer comes in. Seek and ye shall find, etc. I did come across a mental pair of home made harim pants, in the most bodacious blue ever, but even at a single English pound I wasn't sure I was cool enough to pull them off. There's a wee cafe too, if you need a caffeine break, and tons of literature on other local charities, events, and what Emmaus get up to to keep you clued in. Bonza. Basically, it'll always depend on what you're after as to whether you'll succeed in a shopping mission. But, it's well worth a right rummage for all you bargain hunters, treasure seekers, vintage magpies and so on. Take a wee wander, and have a look. Who knows what wonders you might find!

Emmaus is a total gem, if you manage to come across it. It is tucked away on the edge of town near…read morethe West Yorkshire Playhouse and Quarry Hill, in the kind of place that you wouldn't really go wandering around for fun unless you had a reason. Make that reason Emmaus. It is a charity shop with a difference because it is also a community that helps homeless people out of homelessness. I fist heard about it on Radio 4 a couple of years ago and decided to see if there was one in Leeds. It was set up in France in the 1940s and is now a worldwide organisation. People in the community renovate and resell furniture to develop theirs skills and help them out of homelessness. The shop part of the community in Leeds is pretty large. Most of this is dedicated to second hand furniture but there are also clothes, brick a brack and a book area around a cafe where you can get cakes and very cheap meals. It is possible to donate to Emmaus and it is definitely a worthy cause or you can support the cause by visiting the shop. I believe there is also a small branch in Leeds City Market.

I thought I'd give this five stars because as charity shops go it really is a great shop. It is…read morevery large for a charity shop and has a good range of stock. In the foyer area there are women's clothes, accessories, shoes and jewellery. The main room houses men's clothes, shoes, children's toys and clothes and a large range of crockery, home ware and other bits and bobs. I found many a cute vintage-style china ornament, some lovely jewellery and two pairs of shoes I liked - in most charity shops I find none! The products were mainly of very high quality and you got the impression the staff, who seemed lovely, really take pride in their shop. The beautiful old historic-looking building and large easily visible signage also gives the shop bonus points.

Everyone must have heard of the good old Salvation Army. They are a church and a registered charity…read morethat have been running for nearly 50 years. Now working in over 117 countries worldwide, with over 1.6 million members they have grown immensely and are providing huge support for those who need it. They run programmes helping places such as drug rehabilitation centres, schools, hospitals, community centres and medical centres. Their shops are like any other charity shop, raising that extra bit of cash towards their cause. They are full of random bits and bobs and somewhere you are bound to find something you could do with, and usually for very cheap. I love charity shopping and will be returning to this place in the New Year.

It used to be PDSA, I think, and it was a vintage charity shop before, but the guys at Sue Ryder…read morehave done an incredible job of making this charity shop a consistently excellent source of vintage goods. When ever I'm in Headingley I pop in, no matter what schedule I'm on, as there's always a quick, amazing bargain to be had. I love their window displays -- they always catch my eye, and more than once I've bought something from the mannequin. If you're in any way a fan of vintage clothing, this place has to be on your list of spots to have a browse. As well as great threads (often with really ace old school labels or handmade items) they have some really great antique bric a brac -- leather handbags, scarves, ornaments, crockery, records, sewing machines, and all sorts. The staff are always lovely too! If you're about town, pop in and have a rummage. It's a feel-good buy all round!

Though relatively small, this charity shops makes the most of the space, making use of every nook…read moreand cranny to store a wide range of quality products. The shop is well lit and the products appear more varied and interesting than in most charity shops. They have a wide selection of shoes neatly displayed and a large range of quality handbags. They are also very well stocked for trousers and jeans and sell a range of new jewellery that is brightly-coloured, chunky and fun. I bought one of my favourite dresses here a while ago for £9.00 when they used to have an interesting vintagey section at the back with corresponding higher prices...but this section appears to have vanished - I wish they would bring it back! Overall this British Heart Foundation is a quality charity shop and well worth a visit!

There is something about charity shops that makes me feel good. I'm not sure whether it's the…read morebargains, or the pleasure in seeing stuff being given a new life, it might be just that it enables me to feel good about myself..... BHF is one of my regular charities so i try to call in and have a browse rarely leaving without treasure, this branch always has a good selection and the staff seem very pleasant.

You know me. I can't help it, I get drawn in. Having perused the readymades for sometime I…read moreeventually went back in and purchased one of my very own. (And promptly forgot to update my review.) I'd been eyeing up their wrap around skirts for a while, and finally got to the point where I wanted to try one on. They've two basic dressing rooms, and after a bit of jiggling I came out in search of some advice -I was shopping solo, so asked the chap at the shop. He let me know that it was the other chap who'd made the skirt, so called him down to give me an idea of how to wear it. This was the best idea ever, since it turns out there are several ways. As it has poppers in various positions, it can doubly wrap as a shorter skirt, wrap low and loose as a more boho style, or wrap gathering at the back in an almost Victorian manner. I was delighted! And since I wear it so often, it was £60 or so well spent. As for the rest of the shop, it's still very jumble esque, and you really have to rummage for the gems. I can't say I'm as enamoured of the selection as some of my other favourite vintage haunts, but that's mostly as I'm more into dresses and what they've in abundance is 80s stone wash jeans, cool t-shirts, checked shirts, chunky knits, faux fur and a variety of other garments. It's not likely I'll be drawn in for the flotsum and jetsum, but for the quality independently designed pieces in their Redneck Clothing section, I shall certainly revisit. Plus, the customer service was fantastic - all you need do is ask!

Well, I was expecting/hoping for a some awesome little treasures to be tucked away in this shop,…read morewith the grade of personage that live round here that is. However, I was a little disappointed with this charity shop. Although nothing was actually wrong with the shop per se I could find nothing to satiate my desire for a cheap gem, a nugget of excellence or just a decent top for steal of a deal. The china was pretty poor too and the amount of goods present was a little on the thin side. Nice people though.

As charity shops go this isn't an extraordinary one due to the goods on offer, the staff however is…read moredelightful. Always very friendly and willing to chat it gives the shop a great atmosphere. If you look really hard there is normally a great bargain to be had. The book section is always my favourite place to go in charity shops and this one is no different. The selection of men's suit I always find to be great.

I love St. Gemma's Hospice shops in general, but there are a few in particular that I have a…read morespecial fondness for and this is one of them. St. Gemma's Hospice was opened in Leeds in the 70s and is a hospice that specifically cares, and helps to care for terminally ill patients, so you couldn't really find a more worthy cause. The difference this charity shop makes in Chapel Allerton is quite important - it certainly breaks up the theme of gift and knick knack shops that are almost wall to wall here! Since Chapel A is a rather up market little town the items donated are of a much higher quality than most places, so there are always really good bargains to be found. It also makes quite a positive alternative to the many gift shops near by - often I've gone to purchase a hand bag or similar and ended up buying one a little cheaper here than in the boutiques not so far away - plus it all goes to a good cause! The staff are amicable and will offer advice too if you need some ideas! For an ethically good and usually bargainous find, this is a grand little edition to Chapel A living.

Sometimes I feel I take way too often. I'm greedy and materialistic. Okay I've said it. So now and…read moreagain I try to give something back and a very little way of doing so is by using one of the many St Gemma's Shops. St Gemma's does amazing work and should be supported in the fullest. The amount of people they've helped in their darkest hours cannot be highlighted enough. So I spend what I can in the Chapel Allerton branch when I'm in the area. It's not just doing your bit for charity; they also have some cracking stuff too. You've got a nice mixture of second hand clothes, books, bric-a-brac and some hidden delights that you'd just not think of. I've actually picked up a retro jacket from there and had many remarks on it when I've donned the number. I also like to stock up on some bedtime reading and hate spending the cash at faceless chains when I can get a nice, worn book which is actually going towards helping someone in need rather than a fat cat director. The shops are sprinkled around the city so if you pass one go in and have a look. They are also always crying out for more goods, so rather than ebay or cat boot them, think about donating here. Exceptional work that I'll continue to support in my own little way.