Embrace austerity Britain - go charity and second hand shopping

In these times of recession and credit crunch, so long as you keep your job, it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.

Back in 2007, Time Out put together a guide to some of the best charity shops in London, which due to their longevity is still very relevant.

Alternatively, if you're looking for something more chic on a budget, YouLoveFashion has a list of some of London's best vintage clothes shops.

So go and buy yourself a nice warm dead man's coat, turn down the heating and act like you're George Orwell in Keep The Aspidistra Flying.