The last time I was in Maida Vale, I popped into Save the Children, Mary’s Living and Giving and found the most beautiful, slightly too small for me Armani Collection, the expensive Armani, jacket. It was just too tight for me across the back and under the arms but the lady in there told me about a clever person at The American Dry cleaners, a few doors down on Clifton St, that for a few quid would let it out for me. We immediately looked to see how much salvage edge was available and good old Armani, there was 1/2 an inch.

The jacket was £50, the tailoring an additional £40 and I ended up with a jacket tailored to fit me for under £100.

I was delighted. This is another gorgeous boutique style charity shop in Little Venice. I like this one because it’s very easy to park and I used to love popping into Raouls Deli across the street before it closed for good a year ago after 30 years. It does make me sad to see our friends and neighbours struggle to keep the lights on, only to be pushed out to make way for a cafe Nero or Starbucks (I know another snoop entirely)

This wonderful charity shop chain, spearheaded by Queen of Shops Mary Portas is more than just a horrible old charity shop run by a bunch of do gooding old ladies, far from it. They are run by stylists and fashion people, the people who can get big brand names like Alexander McQueen to give them stuff never worn, never, used, tags on.

It’s a network of women and men, from the volunteers, the donators, the customers, who all appreciate, hard work, good taste and great value, whilst enjoying shopping for more than another new top if you get my drift.

It’s a different kind of atmosphere when you visit, you feel part of a bigger movement, something I like. You are remembered when you visit, something I also like.

It’s an atmosphere, energy I like to shop in.

The goods are unique and incredible, the staff warm and friendly, you don’t get pounced on or pushed into something you don’t want and the prices are incredible.

What’s not to like.