The minute I set eyes on CHAS, I just knew we'd be friends. I'd pass by everyday and gaze lovingly…read moreat the stock filling up, waiting for the day Stirling's newest charity shop would open its doors to the people of Stirling. The window display looked great and the shop had a trendy vintage feel about, similar to the chic charity shops you'd find on Glasgow's Byres Road. Each time I walked past, I felt like the shop was teasing me with all it's second-hand vintage goodies. I could look but I couldn't touch... ....Until the shop opened and I could finally fulfill my thrifty desire. Wow, wow, wow! The place is huge and filled with lovely things. Velvet pencil skirt. Fringed flapper mini. Green safari jacket. Everything was lovely and beautiful and so many pieces caught my eye. Impressive considering the shop had only just opened! With more than a handful of garments, I popped to the changing room. The changing room is GIANT! - More like a dressing room with a little chair and quirky decorations. With such roomy changing facilities, you might as well make the most of them! Dance, skip, jump. Give yourself a personal fashion show! Why not?! You've certainly got the spacial capacity and you'll be looking dapper in your new clothes! Seriously though, you will not be struggling for space in there. Staff were really very friendly. The manager of the Byres Road CHAS was in for the afternoon and insisted on holding the changing room curtain closed for me, ensuring that there wasn't a gap whilst I changed! - There's nothing worse than that dreaded gap, making for the quickest change in the history of quick-changes. So, I was in no rush and had plenty of time to make my choices. (Don't worry, I overheard them say that they're getting some velcro to sort out the gap. Gap no more!) I left chuffed with an oversized houndstooth coat (£9.99!) and a pearl-style necklace. CHAS may be the newest charity shop in town but it's definitely my favourite so far! Step aside, charity shops of Stirling. - There's a new kid in town!

Marie Curie Cancer Care is the latest charity-shop addition to Stirling. I frequent the local…read morecharity shops on more than a weekly basis, so I was excited as I saw the 'Marie Curie' sign go up after weeks of speculation over the bright blue paint. This is a spacious charity shop, about the size of two of the normal shop units on Murray Place. There's an abundance of stock to browse and, although this visit was a quick-stop on my usual jaunt around town, I'm sure that as the weeks go on the quality of stock will improve and there'll be some great buys to be found. This time round nothing caught my eye but I look forward to visiting again and searching for some second-hand steals. Stirling town is certainly becoming quite the haven of second-hand shopping and I'm sure Marie Curie will settle in nicely alongside the great offerings so far.

I love a charity shop and Marie curie is a surprise Prices…read moreare fantastic 99p-£2.99 on all clothes got myself some bargains in this shop. It's always clean and tidy and the staff are a good laugh, they always have a smile on there faces...

My experience of SOSN is coming home to new furniture. Let me explain:…read more Moving into an unfurnished flat was a daunting prospect but luckily the fresh-on-the-scene Something Old, Something New offered cheap second-hand furniture, all in aid of Parkinson's. I was working when my flatmates went to have a peek at what was available and I was also out when the chosen furniture was delivered. I trusted my roomies' judgement and chipped in my third of the cost. For what I payed, I'm delighted with what we got: a mega, mega bargain of a dining table, four chairs and a three-piece sofa for £150! - My flat has furniture and I am not flat out skint as a result. And the money went to a great cause. The one comment my flatmates made was that the two men who delivered required a lot of assistance since they were a little older. But delivery is free and carried out by volunteers; you really can't complain. I really, really can't wait to visit the SOSN unit and see more of what they've got to offer, but at the moment I'm sitting on my new couch and grateful that my flat is all the more homely for it.

From the owner: we recycle furniture, clothing books toys and crockery, to raise funds to help find a cure for…read moreParkinson's

If there were awards for charity shops in Stirling, Cancer Research would be serious contender for…read morethe colour co-ordination award. Its clothing layout, with colour in mind, is pristine! You want reds, you say? Come over to the red corner where, ranging from the dainty light reds to the showstopping pillar-box reds, you'l find all things rouge! This makes for easy browsing when you're after something in a certain colour. I like it when charity shops arrange in colours because it allows me to head straight to the colours I like best. (I'm a green gal!) The shop always has a great range of stock and, as of late, I've been most taken by the bric a brac section, something which I'd usually avoid when charity shopping. When I was in most recently, they had some excellent vintage film cameras at decent prices and I even saw a trumpet in the window not all that long ago. - Needless to say at £50 and with a lovely vintage case and equipment to boot, it didn't last long at all! They also sell some Cancer Research branded items but not too much that it takes away from the second hand goods. I'll always stop by Cancer Research on my charity shop jaunt about town and I've had some great buys so far!

I'm amazed by just how many times I've walked by this spot, only to have missed Bargain Stop. It's…read moreso unassuming and humble. Hidden away on Drip Road, it really does a good job of camouflaging among the houses nearby. I was surprised to know it's been there for ten years. Considering the countless empty buildings in Stirling town, as good a cause as Bargain Stop definitely deserves a more central location. But I'd say that finding it in its current spot was all part of its charm. With a small, rickety sign outside, it calls you in to 'The Bargain Stop.' Bargain? I love a bargain? Where? I wasn't quite sure I was heading in the right direction but regardless, I headed in. What I found was a charity shop. A funky one. The stock was really eclectic and they had quite the range of shoes. The beauty range was also worth having a look at with plenty of potential gifts. I just bet if you headed in on the right day, Bargain Stop would certainly make your day and you'd be leaving with an incredible buy. Bargain Stop's story will warm your heart. The money they raise enables them to offer daily meals to the local homeless and disadvantaged. It's for that reason I'll be back. Whilst nothing in the clothing section caught my eye this time round, there's certainly plenty of stock to browse and many interesting things to be found in every corner. I left happy with my chirping bird clock, excited to pop back again when I'm next in that part of town.

A place I'd like to spend more time…read more What I initially thought would be an overpriced charity shop, selling trivial odds and ends, surprised me in the best of ways. The little time I spent there I was able to find some wonderful, and charming pieces of furniture and decor. Having been looking for a larger mirror for my flat for a while I was blown away when I found a large gilded framed mirror which has the Disney's Snow White, magic mirror feel. And best if all it did not cost me a fortune. In fact everything is well priced and charming. I really would like to come back here soon to have a bit more time to look around. Lastly and also very importantly the staff are so approachable and kind natured. They seem genuinely happy to be doing what they are doing and some of them voluntarily. Well played Strathcarron Vintage. Well played.

They've got A LOT more clothes in store since I first visited Strathcarron Vintage just after it's…read moreopening. Whilst it can be hit and miss, I've spotted a few worthy pieces! The china section is definitely worth a browse if you love vintage style tea cup sets and staff are always friendly. You most definitely can get yourself a bargain! My new brown brogue timberland shoes (£10!) are testament to that! Happy thrifting!

How is it possible that I haven't reviewed Oxfam in all my years in Stirling? Slap bang in Stirling…read morecentre and specialising in books, there's also a sneaky side room of vinyl and plenty of fairtrade goodies on offer, making for a perfect browsing session if you've got some time to kill in town. They often have good reductions on the fairtrade items which are going out of season and food products which are fast approaching their expiry date. There's lots of interesting things to be found and I've seen a few handmade vinyl cake stands which were very reasonably priced. I'm unsure if this is a regular thing but it would make a great gift for a music loving friend! Be sure to keep Oxfam in mind on your charity shop jaunt about town if you're a book lover. The books are usually of a high quality and divided into helpful sub-genres!

I got a vintage Laura Ashley dress for a mere six pounds today. It's ruby red and flowing with…read morelittle bejeweled straps and is the stuff of charity shop scourers' dreams. I'm wearing it now. That and one giant smile. It's true, an unexpected second-hand find can turn even the biggest of frowns upside down. - The overwhelming presence of charity shops on our high streets is testament to that. We do love a bargain! Mary's Meals is a traditional no-frills charity shop in Dunblane High Street. It does feel like you're rummaging through a stranger's garage, with something to be found in every corner and the odd bit of treasure just waiting to be discovered. The clothing section may be smaller than similar charity shops, but you definitely shouldn't discount it on that basis. Whilst shopping requires a fair bit of searching, I can most definitely vouch for persevering for the good stuff, hence my find today! Book and DVD prices are also significantly lower than most charity shops I've visited and the selection is extensive and varied. It's well worth hopping on the train from Stirling for a rummage. Like me, you'll be smiling when you leave because, one: you'll have most likely nabbed yourself a bargain, and two: it's going to a very good cause. - Staff are rather lovely too. Consider me a regular, Mary!

Debra, please take the tall vintage shabby-chic lamp off the shop floor. - It's breaking my heart…read morewith its SOLD sign and it's been on the shop floor for months now! I've asked if it was definitely sold to be told that a member of staff had bought it but wanted to leave it in the shop. If it was a display item I would understand but this isn't the case; it's sold and yet still remains within the shop. For me, that's kind of like keeping something aside for a loyal customer for an extended period of time but leaving it out for other potential customers to see in the meantime. It is either display or it is sold and should be taken off the shop floor if it's going to be held aside for as long as it has been. I can't see this being acceptable in any other shop and it is a little infuriating to come in every time to see it still there. Surely, I'm not the only person who's asked about it. - I can just see it in my living room! Sorry, Debra, but I must drop a star.

At Jude's Jewels you'll find an unusual and ever-changing range of unique jewellery, vintage style…read morepocket watches, framed wooden art, painted bottle lights, fun wooden plaques, wooden coasters, and other gifts, which are designed and lovingly hand-crafted in Scotland.