WHERE TO SNAP UP THE POSHEST PRE-LOVED PIECES

DETERMINED nothing but designer will do? Consignment stores that sell only high-end labels are becoming increasingly popular. if you’re lucky enough to already own some designer gear, you could sell your old pieces there, too. Here’s my pick of the best stores...

Sellier Knightsbridge

THE clue is in the title: Sellier Knightsbridge ( sellierknightsbridge.com), in London, specialises in luxury pieces, selling one of the best ranges of pre- loved Hermes and Chanel bags in the country. It works hard to authenticate pieces, so clients can be confident they’re getting the real deal.

The store has had so many submissions of late that it’s only accepting items from very specific designer brands, such as Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, which gives you an indication of its current stock levels.

A Dolce & Gabbana dress will set you back £360, and you can pick up Christian Louboutin platform heels for £170.

Designer Exchange

WITH stores in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London, the Designer Exchange ( uk.designerexchange.com) is a nationwide network buying and selling designer pre-loved goods. The website and Chelsea store sell clothes, and the others specialise in handbags and accessories only. Snap up a Jimmy Choo clutch for £175, or a Saint Laurent blazer for £220.

Armstrongs

LOCATED in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, Armstrongs ( armstrongsvintage.co.uk) was founded in 1840 and is hailed as one of the best vintage stores in the UK. Levi’s and Wrangler rub up against Burberry and Aquascutum, as well as some no-name styles from the 1950s and 1960s. Prices vary accordingly, but expect to pay upwards of £60 for any branded piece.

Wolf & Gypsy

NESTLED in The Lanes in Brighton, Wolf & Gypsy ( wolfandgypsyvintage.co.uk) is an absolute treasure trove. A boldly striped 1980s Dior blazer (£220) sits alongside a MaxMara puffer skirt (£70) and an authentic 1960s Wrangler denim shirt (£85). Its website is also the most userfriendly, non-headache-inducing of all the vintage sites.

Retro Rehab

SOURCING pieces locally in the North West, Retro Rehab ( retro- rehab. co. uk) in Manchester sells vintage pieces at something akin to High Street prices. You’ll find gold sequinned Moschino Cheap And Chic cocktail frocks for £96, and classic velvet Laura Ashley dresses for around £80. Its aesthetic is distinctly feminine — perfect if the oversized, boxy silhouette that’s currently abundant on the High Street doesn’t suit you.