The UK's Best Shops

Liverpool

Little Red Vintage

A walk-in-wardrobe of vintage treats, this bright boutique specialises in restyled, customised vintage. Lace blouses, cable-knit cardigans, checked shirts... you name it, you can find it here. (Little Red Vintage, 74 Bold Street, L1 4HR)

Quiggins

A compendium of over 50 independent shops, Quiggins is particularly popular with students, but don't let that put you off - there's loads of vintage treats to be found. Spend a couple of hours here and, who knows, you may even stumble on a vintage Dolce & Gabbana, Dita Von Teese-style cocktail dress. (Quiggins, Renshaw Street, L1)

Miss Millie

Based at the vintage mecca of Grand Central Hall, Miss Millie is Liverpool's number one destination for handmade jewellery. Fancy an iced gem ring? Perhaps a teapot necklace? This is the place for you. (Miss Millie, Grand Central Hall, Renshaw St, LS1)

Harrogate

Space

Space is home to a collective of vintage stalls, housed in a large warehouse. There are twelve main sellers onsite, selling goods ranging from vintage juke boxes to retro clothes. They also have a store at The Corn Exchange in Leeds and open pop-up shops from time to time. (Space, The Ginnel, HG1 2RB)

The Dressing Room

An Aladdin's cave of dresses, this boutique is worth a visit if you're looking for a something special. They have a wedding section - great for bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride outfits, as well as an on-site alteration service, perfect if your old cocktail dress needs a nip/tuck to bring it up to date. (The Dressing Room, Harrogate, 6 Westmoreland St, HG1 5AT)

Duttons For Buttons

Boasting the 'largest collection of buttons in the UK', Duttons For Buttons is heaven for wannabe dressmakers and seamstresses. As well as shops in York and Ilkley, they now offer a mail order service, delivering nationwide. (Duttons For Buttons, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QE)

Leeds

Upstaged Boutique

The Upstaged Boutique specialises in 30s, 40s and 50s vintage wears. If burlesque is your style, this is the place to be - a whole section is dedicated to corsets and pin-up style lingerie. Pregnant ladies needn't steer clear - there's a maternity clothes vintage section too. (Upstaged Boutique, No.5 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG)

All American Vintage

If Americana is your bag, pay a visit to All American Vintage in the famous Corn Exchange, a hub of independent shops in the city centre. This store specialises in merchandise from the 1940s to 1980s and regularly sources goods from New York. American preppy is set to be a big fashion trend for spring 2011 - stay ahead of the pack and get down there now. (All American Vintage, The Corn Exchange, Leeds, LS1 7BR)

The Community Shop

Do your bit for the local Hyde Park community and pay a visit to this thrifty charity shop - all proceeds go to the youth community centre attached to the church next door. Inside you'll find standard charity shop fodder, but who knows, you may stumble upon a vintage Hermes silk scarf amongst all the bric-a-brac. (The Community Shop, 14-16 Green Road, Leeds, LS6 4JP)

Nottingham

The Vintage Warehouse

Although this isn't the prettiest place to spend a Saturday afternoon, this warehouse is the holy grail of vintage shopping. Garments are crammed in every nook and cranny – there's even treasures hanging from the ceiling. If you can’t find a little retro gem here, it's probably not worth finding. (Vintage Warehouse, Cranbrook Street, Nottingham, NG1)

Birmingham

Frock on Vintage

Love vintage but hate sifting through endless racks of dodgy 80s ballgowns? Frock On Vintage is the place to go. Nestled amongst the creative hustle of The Custard Factory, each item in the store, from sequin tops to statement bags, is handpicked by owner Pam Cheema. She offers a personal shopping experience too. (Frock on Vintage, Zellig, The Custard Factory, Birmingham, B9 4AA)

Corina Corina

If you're on the hunt for a one-off vintage frock or have some party dresses lurking at the back of the cupboard, Corina Corina has got it covered. A vintage store-come-dress-agency, Corina Corina takes shoppers' old clothes to sell on, reworks vintage clothes to create customised, bespoke garments and you can even hire outfits from the shop. (Corina Corina, 37 Smith St, CV34 4JA)

Stitch Perfect

A treasure trove for knitting fanatics, Stitch Perfect is stuffed full of knitting yarns, patterns and haberdashery supplies. Once you're stocked up, head down to Stitches and Hos - a monthly knitting hootenanny on the last Tuesday of the month at the Hare & Hounds pub. Meet like-minded knitting fans and create your next woolly masterpiece. (Stitch Perfect, The Custard Factory, B9 4AA)

Bristol

Rag Trade Boutique

A bring-and-buy for vintage lovers, the good people at the Rag Trade boutique will accept your second-hand goods, sift through them and sell on the best stuff. You receive 50% of the profits and can get a credit note or just take the cash. (Rag Trade Boutique, Bristol 2 Upper Maudlin Street, BS2 8DJ)

If Americana is your bag, pay a visit to All American Vintage in the famous Corn Exchange, a hub of independent shops in the city centre. This store specialises in merchandise from the 1940s to 1980s and regularly sources goods from New York. American preppy is set to be a big fashion trend for spring 2011 - stay ahead of the pack and get down there now. (All American Vintage, The Corn Exchange, Leeds, LS1 7BR)

The Community Shop

Do your bit for the local Hyde Park community and pay a visit to this thrifty charity shop - all proceeds go to the youth community centre attached to the church next door. Inside you'll find standard charity shop fodder, but who knows, you may stumble upon a vintage Hermes silk scarf amongst all the bric-a-brac. (The Community Shop, 14-16 Green Road, Leeds, LS6 4JP)

B Delicious

A bead emporium full of sparkly knick-knacks - stones, feathers, buttons and trimmings can all be found here. They offer jewellery-making classes, a repair service as well as bespoke bridal jewellery commissions and children's parties. (B Delicious, 2 Triangle South, BS8 1EY)

Cardiff

Looby Loo's

Everything here is lovingly hand-picked by the mother-and-daughter owner team. From pussybow blouses to handmade cake stands, this is a great venue for rummaging - it will be difficult to come out empty handed. (Looby Loo's, 16 High St Arcade, CF10 1BB)

Northcote Lane Market

An indoor market, in a pub, on the first Sunday of every month. Young designer-makers sell their wares at bargain prices - there's vintage clothes, handmade jewellery and vintage artwork all up for grabs. You can even have a cheeky gin and tonic whilst browsing. What's not to like? (Northcote Lane Market @ Milgi Lounge, 213 City Road , CF24 3JD)

London

Drink, Shop & Do

Situated in a former Bath house near Kings Cross station, Drink Shop & Do is a safe haven of kitsch vintage furniture and potent cocktails. There's a lively events calendar - take part in everything from edible jewellery making to a weekly knitting night. Don't be put off by the price tags on all the armchairs, tables and chintsy teacups - everything is up for grabs here. (Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX)

Almost Famous

A unique boutique in the heart of London's Fitzrovia, Almost Famous is the place to go for a special occasion. Dresses can be a bit on the pricy side, but you won't run into anyone else with the same outfit at your wedding, christening or party. There's also a personal shopping service, ensuring you pick the right outfit to suit your body shape. (Almost Famous, Percy St, W1)

Sublime

Next to a London College of Fashion campus, Sublime is home to some of the UK's hottest up-and-coming fashion designers. Go downstairs and step into the vintage den, selling everything from luxurious dresses to kitsch shoes and accessories - the perfect place to find a unique gift. (Sublime, 99 Lauriston Rd, E9 7HJ)