Is This The Best Charity Shop In The UK?

For me, the addictive joy of charity shopping is two-fold. Firstly, you can discover unique and affordable treasures that nobody else will have, giving second, third or fourth life to a storied item of clothing or a vintage accessory. Secondly, the money you spend is going to a good cause, meaning the guilt of shopping (aka buyer’s remorse) is eradicated. But finding treasure takes time, and there aren’t many thrift stores that have been curated by a leading stylist, which is what makes The Village Attic at Bicester Village all the more appealing. 

The new Smart Works pop-up celebrates 30 years of style and five years of partnership with Smart Works for Bicester Village. Curated by stylist and pioneer of second hand fashion Bay Garnett for DO GOOD, the vintage pop-up is a treasure trove of vintage and designer clothes and accessories, featuring designers from Saint Laurent to Hayley Menzies. One hundred per cent of every purchase directly supports Smart Works’ mission to transform women’s futures with confidence and dignity, through high-quality clothing and one-to-one coaching. Over 40,000 women have benefitted so far, with 67 percent securing jobs within a month.

Bay sourced more than 200 items from all over the country plus the Smart Works archive for the shop, the result of which is a charity shop lover’s dream. I met Bay in The Village Attic on the opening day, along with a group of writers, influencers and supporters of the Smart Works charity, all crammed in for a sneak peek (and to snap up some bargains). Keen to ensure I didn’t miss out on any gems, we chatted as I scoured the rails, Bay pointing out her favourites, gushing over the vintage designs, handing each item to me for a closer look before having second thoughts about letting it go and snatching it back with a ‘oh you can’t buy this!’. (I managed to pry a large buckled belt from her grip and went back for a furry leopard-print tied blazer when she was distracted by another shopper.) Some of the most beautiful pieces’ labels were marked with ‘sold’, and though unwritten, I assumed this meant ‘back to Bay’. 

Immy Waterhouse is the face of the campaign

Since I’ve never met someone who loves charity shopping as much as, or potentially even more than, I do, I was keen to find out more about the project from Bay, and extract the ultimate secret from any vintage shopping expert: where are the best places to find hidden fashion gold? 

Bay Garnett Q&A

How did you approach building the collection for the pop-up? What story were you hoping to tell through the pieces? 

The story I wanted to build was the idea of stumbling across the most perfect thrift store. So a wonderful and surprising mix; a perfect leopard, a great plate or needlepoint, an old record – and so on….

This project supports Smart Works: why is their mission, empowering women through clothing, so meaningful to you? 

Smart Works means so much to me because clothes have been such a huge source of joy, empowerment and importance to me; they help me tell the world who I am – at least that is how I feel, and how I feel is what counts. All women should be able to have access to clothes and style that makes them feel more confident and powerful.

What kind of treasures can visitors expect to discover? 

Everything from a gorgeous bright leopard print 1970s coat, a vintage 1970s Celine houndstooth blazer, McQueen jackets, Prada coats, a floral needlepoint, fairy plates, and so much more! 

There’s something almost akin to gambling in finding a gem in a charity shop or a vintage market, like winning the jackpot – do you feel like this or do I have a personally unhealthy relationship with vintage fashion?! 

I am with you! It’s the definition of being a true thrifter! You have to be that passionate to love it as much as we do. And we should be proud that we like hunting out gems that we fall in love with! Nothing to be ashamed of. 

What’s your top tip for someone shopping vintage for the first time? 

Go with a piece in mind that you are looking for. It might be a trench coat, a cashmere roll neck, a blazer – it doesn’t matter what, but it is good to go with something as it creates purpose, focus and direction. You might not find the piece you went in looking for, but you will definitely find something else!  

Do you have one unforgettable vintage find that’s stayed with you? 

It would have to be my banana print top that I used on Kate Moss for the first charity shop shoot in British Vogue in 2003. We have it framed in the boutique.

Inside The Village Attic

What are your 3 best spots for vintage shopping in the UK? 

Vintage fairs at the weekend like Frock me Vintage, The British Red Cross in Chelsea and Cancer Research in Chiswick High St, and Portobello Road.

 Do you think the fashion industry is shifting toward circularity, or is there still a long way to go? 

I think it really has. Across the whole industry, in a truly democratic way. It’s a more affordable and sustainable way to shop, and crucially now, the younger generations love it. And that is a game changer. 

How do you encourage people to think differently about how, and why, they shop? 

For me, I just have always loved shopping second hand, it has never been second best. And it is the source of style – second hand is where almost all fashion designers get their ideas and inspiration – so why not all of us buy straight from the source, and buy secondhand! Plus, it is so much more sustainable. 

What do you hope people feel or take away after visiting The Village Attic? 

I hope it makes people happy; they can come in and just forget about everything else and just be in the moment of looking and enjoying the surprises, treasures and objects of curiosity and fun that are there to be found.

Nestled in the midst of hundreds of other designer bargains at Bicester Village, The Village Attic will be open until 20 November. Find out more at thebicestercollection.com.