Primark
Is it just us or is everyone talking about Primark at the moment? Though no significant A-listers have name-checked it as a brilliant place for bargain shopping, its cut-price knock-offs of designer classics are swiftly propelling it towards institution status. In fact, a recent naval-style cropped jacket from Primark recently featured on the exclusive pages of Vogue. Because branches are often plonked in fiddly places to get to (particularly in London); and the queues for both the fitting rooms and the tills would try the patience of a saint, you'll need muster all your courage for a visit. But when you find the exact £35 TopShop wrap dress you bought last week for £8 in Primark, we're sure you'll agree, it's worth the extra effort.
Where: Countrywide, check out the Primark website for details of your nearest branch.
Great for: Knickers and catwalk knock-offs, especially night-on-the-town tops. Avoid the shoe department unless you like encasing your tootsies in sweat-inducing "man-made uppers".
Top shopper's tip: Resist the temptation to fill your basket with a load of rubbish screaming "'bloody hell, it's only £2'" without thinking about what you're actually buying. Shelling out for something you wouldn't pay more for elsewhere isn't getting a bargain.

TK Maxx
Stateside clothing outlet TK Maxx prides itself on selling famous label womenswear, menswear and homewares at up to 60% off the usual price. The store has a no-frills approach to retailing: low overheads, no promotions, no reward cards, no special offers, no fancy displays and no snazzy carrier bags, just piles and piles of cheap gear! In amongst the tat, the cash-strapped but cunning shopper can pick up items from Diesel, Calvin Klein or even Jasper Conran for a fraction of the usual price. Recommended.
Where: Countrywide, check out the TK Maxx website for details.
Great for: Shoes, shoes and shoes. We challenge you to leave TK Maxx without a new pair of shoes.
Top shopper's tip: If you fall in love with something at TK Maxx, snap it up right then and there 'cause it definitely won't be there when you go back.