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.

Finding a, um, 'Space', like this in Harrogate was a pretty strange experience really. Like walking…read moreon the moon. I saw it as I walking by and gravity went from underneath me, I got all bouncy in my step and bounded in - eager to forage for some vintage delights. Bargain vintage delights. In Harrogate? This is new. I didn't find bargain vintage delights. Rather expensive vintage delights. Very expensive vintage delights. You want £28 for a set of old cups? Oh right, I see. You're really vintage. Oooh. Oooooh. A new oooooh. You've got copies of The Face. I was never a cool enough early teen to be into The Face. I wish the face still existed. Oooooh. There's a copy here with The Strokes on the front. You want a fiver for it? Not a quid? Ah. Right. This place knows it has novelty value in Harrogate. And while it might spout about being an independent collective of vintage 'retailers', what would be a very enjoyable haberdashery of all nice, cute old things comes off feeling a bit too retail-based. We'll see how this one pans out.

I love this shop. All sorts of yesteryear nick-nacks…read more Shops like this have received a little bit of attention of late because they are selling the collectable stuff people hope to find in charity shops. The interesting bits you used to find in charity shops find a home here and the place does well. What's more the really knowledgeable guy who runs it is a great to spend some time with as he comes across a great deal more than can fit onto this Tardis-like shop. It's a wonderful place to browse in, but, as another reviewer said, don't expect charity shop prices as a lot of this stuff is now quite hard to find, and is priced accordingly.

The Twig Shop. Well…read morenot so much a shop, rather a garage. Yes it's just a car garage, It's been going for some years now. Wednesday and Saturday it opens up the top sliding door to reveal a bit of an Aladins Cave of bits and bobs. It's all run as a charity to help people in third world countries. Every penny goes to the help needed. All items it sells are donated by the community and sell for a very small price. It's not the most elegant of little charity shops but it does what it says on the tin and really does help others. I nip in there very often and find those little gems that add something to my life. Very much the old saying Someones rubbish is another persons treasure.

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!

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.

In preparedness for the Victorian Fayre, Scope had some beautiful Victorian garments on their…read moremannequins which enticed me in for further investigation of other goodies that may have been present. I swiftly turned tail when I saw some of the prices. Obviously a fraction of the price of normal high-street brands but really now, (almost) 4 quid for a flimsy long-sleeved top, second-hand and no real redeeming feature.

I have just taken over as Manager of the Scope shop in Otley. The shop has a brand new refit and…read morelooks beautiful. The items for sale are of a really good quality and are reasonably priced, please come and have a look. We are also in need of any of your unwanted items and also if any lovely people ouy there would like to give any precious hours and volunteer we would be very pleased to see you.

This is the place where I used to get all my colourful shirts from during the time I spent in…read moreSheffield. I kept popping in regularly, because their range constantly changes. But they also do other stuff from the Seventies, e.g. flared trousers, leather jackets, wigs, nose glasses and other party attire. The staff is always very friendly, too.

An excellent shop for anyone who is into vintage/retro clothing. They shop stocks an extensive…read morerange of second hand (yet of good quality), jeans, shirts, jackets etcat very reasonable prices. A good pair of Levi's will set you back just £20!