‘Charity shops on Tooting High Street are not to be missed’

“I'll wear your grandad's clothes.

“I look incredible.

“I'm in this big-ass coat.

“From that thrift shop down the road.” – such poetic lyrics.

Since I was old enough to purchase my very own pair of trainers, I have adored charity shopping – there is something so satisfying about skimming through endless one-of-a-kind pieces of clothes.

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Charity shopping is a great way to save yourself a few quid and do your bit for the planet – you would be surprised with the number of incredible, unique items you’ll find.

On Wednesday (January 18) I visited the charity shops located in the heart of Tooting High Street – a popular hot-spot for those who enjoy delicious cuisines from across the globe and exquisite cocktails.

Now, I am a huge fan of Tooting – its up-and-coming vibrant energy combined with the fascinating backdoor markets is what gripped me since I first moved to London, but I never expected the charity shops to be as great as they were.

I began my thrifting quest in The Octavia Foundation, a charity shop which supports people affected by ill health, social isolation, low income or unemployment, which is located at 36 Tooting High Street.

Here, I was blown away by the lay-out of the shop - the items were set in colour co-ordination and were neatly placed behind one another and easy to find.

My attention was immediately drawn to a black, crocodile print pair of cowboy boots that were in perfection condition and perched on a display and priced at just £3.00.

To my dismay, they were two sizes two small for me, and the intrusive thoughts nearly made me purchase, but then I thought someone more deserving, and the exact size would make more use out of them.

I must say that the staff in this store were extremely helpful and friendly – and I was in awe of the dozens of vintage comic books that were priced from as little as £2.00.

I even bagged myself a cute blue bodysuit.

Then, I headed to Oxfam, the leading UK charity fighting global poverty, located at 245-247 Tooting High Street.

This store was definitely the biggest one out of the bunch, and had men’s, women’s and children’s clothing scattered around the store.

I can confidently say I don’t think I have ever been to a charity shop in London with as many books as Oxfam stocked.

Cookbooks, novels, poems, travel books, school education books, you name it, and Oxfam had it.

I even found a book I have been searching for since September – The Flat Share – and obviously had to purchase it for just £2.00.

I left Oxfam feeling satisfied and raring to visit the next charity shop on the list: The British Heart Foundation.

Arguably, The British Heart Foundation is the most popular charity shop in the UK, and you will almost always find yourself a unique item when you shop in here.

As expected, the store located at 47 Tooting did not disappoint, and it even featured a wall of one-of-a-kind handbags.

I found the most stunning patchwork go-go boots here too; they reminded me of something out of a 1970’s film and were priced at £20.00.

My last stop was to Little Lives UK – a charity which supports disabled and disadvantaged children and young people to help them build stronger futures.

This shop featured bright, beautiful, and bold vintage clothes and shoes – it was a thrifting dream for me.

Not only that, but the shop also sold modern items of clothing too, and I even spotted a cute Zara blazer that would be perfect for a spring night out on the town.

And just like that, my thrifting afternoon came to an end.

My experience thrifting in Tooting High Street was better than I ever imagined, and I can’t wait to visit again.

I might even head there now…