"TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) is a charity committed to protecting the environment and reducing world poverty through recycling and delivering educational programmes and campaigning within the UK. Funds raised by TRAID through the collection and sale of reclaimed clothing and shoes help to divert waste from landfill and fund sustainable development projects in some of the poorest regions of the world."

So, clothes are taken from one of 900 bins around the Country and transported to the central warehouse for hand sorting. Different styles go to different areas of the country (with varying price tags). Clothes beyond repair are reconstructed into new pieces and sold under the label TRAIDremade. These pieces follow the trends of the season but are also fresh and completely original. This is especially refreshing when we are living in an age where shopping chains dominate the high street, and unique boutiques are few and far between.

The downside is that there are only 9 stores in the country, mostly concentrated in London (find your nearest Store here: http://www.traid.org.uk/shopat.html). Frustratingly, there's a store on the very street I grew up and where my dad still lives, and I have always dismissed it as another charity shop!

There are no shortage of charity or thrift stores in this country, but this seems to me one of the few where you don't have to sort the trash from the treasures. Where else can you buy original, good quality clothing on the high-street that easily? I eagerly anticipate the openings of TRAID store all over the country as a fresh alternative to identikit fashion. Until then, I'll have to pack a bigger suitcase on my next visit to North London.