There's no doubt that charity shops play a big part in creating a sustainable lifestyle but, for some, this can be a daunting task. Where is the best place to start? And what should we be looking for?

Tara Kumar, host of sustainable fashion podcast Dirty Laundry, joined Louise McSharry on RTÉ 2FM to give a crash course on how to get the best out of a charity shop.

First things first: all charity shops are not created equal. According to the 29-year-old, the best finds can always be sourced in shops in wealthier areas: "I always find that the richer part of the city is the best," she tells Louise.

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Shopping in some charity shops in Greystones recently, Tara says she stumbled across some amazing designer items. However, she reminds listeners that while you might find an incredible Armani dress, it won't necessarily be in your size or be exactly your style.

For the truly thrifty, charity shopping is all about playing the long game.

"You need to have patience when you're charity shopping," she insists, suggesting that you choose a day every month or so to go and investigate a certain area of your city.

"I like to be given whatever I have in my mind straight away, and that comes to any type of shopping. I'm very specific when I'm shopping even when I'm on Depop or ASOS marketplace looking for vintage, I'm looking for specifics. But when you go charity shopping, you need to have a much more open mind."

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"Don't be going on your lunch break because you're going to get flustered," she adds. "You need to go on a Saturday or when your day off is."

According to the Aussie-born DJ, week days are ideal for browsing in order to avoid crowds but Saturdays tend to see a lot more stock being put out on the floor.

When it comes to your first move of attack, Stewart says that you need to know your shops sorting system because while organise their items by size others will go by colour.

"Its always worth having a look at the item," she continues. "Even if its not in your size, have a look around that area anyway because there could be something you can alter or something could be marked wrong. Sizing, as you know, in different brands are ridiculous. There's not one standard measurement for anything so its always worth having a look."

When it comes to finding standout homeware in charity shops, Stewart insists its all down to luck and consistency. Only recently she found a huge set of blue china from 1961 because she decided to pop in on a whim.

"You kind of just need to go in a lot, especially if they're in your area. Go in when you're even just popping out to the shop - have a quick lap, you don't need to spend ages there."

Having posted a photo of her latest find online, the podcaster says she was flooded with messages from friends and fans who shared photos of their own china sets from their parents' and grandparents' homes.

"That's another thing that I personally love about charity shopping, and vintage shopping in general, is that this stuff has had a life before and its really fascinating to imagine what life it had before."

For even more charity shop tips from Tara Stewart, listen back to Louise McSharry on RTÉ 2FM here.