Delights of Dieppe

Historical French town Dieppe boasts a plethora of delights for the summer holiday maker. From the picture-postcard harbour, along the cliff-framed beach and up to the imposing hillside chateau, these free treats combined with bargain holiday lets and a £30 ferry return make this a cheap and very cheerful channel hop.

As well as the busy Saturday market offering fresh produce, clothes and hand-made goods, a number of antique shops or 'Brocantes' offer a wealth of second-hand clothes, jewellery, art, collectibles, furniture and more. These Sonia Rykiel 1960s heels were just 25 Euros, but sadly still too small even after the third try. However, I did pick up a Beatles LP and leather saddle bag for 15 Euros total and two pretty animal brooches for 20 Euros. Sadly this bed frame was just a little too big to take back on the ferry...

Marni charity shop super-bargain

Spotting a rare designer gem among the bobbly Atmosphere jumpers makes those hours of fruitless charity shop scouring so worthwhile. And this scoop-neck, bark-print Marni top, just £4.99 (un.believable) from British Heart Foundation, has truly helped keep the dream alive.

It's the type of piece that makes you nervous when taking it to the till in case someone realises that they've made a terrible pricing mistake. But not this time - my second charity shop Marni super-bargain was in the bag before the cashier could even clock the label.