I am pleased to report that the Mulberry handbag challenge is now complete, thanks to a clever little shop called Seconda Mano.

Seconda Mano -- this way for bargains

This past weekend I ambled up to Seconda Mano (no website, but I’m told one is on the way) in Islington to investigate an oft-told tale that until now I had disregarded as the stuff of urban myth.

‘Somewhere on Upper Street,’ goes the legend, ‘one floor underground and barely discernable to the naked eye, lies a veritable treasure trove of couture goodness.

‘Secondhand in only the most delicate sense of the word, ranging from this season to proper vintage, every piece is priced at a just a fraction of what you’d pay new… and yet many items are as good as unworn.’ Friends, I am here to tell you that this is no myth.

Welcome to Seconda Mano

Seconda Mano is not your dowdy auntie’s secondhand store. The shop focuses exclusively on couture and high-end fashion; stock is seasonal and a balance of classic, vintage, and of-the-moment. You are very likely to find this season’s trends at Seconda Mano, and in fact, you might even find a few things from next season.

Anthony, the shopkeeper who helped me with my mission, explained that Seconda Mano marks each item’s tag with the item’s price and the name (or pseudonym, depending on the fame factor) of the stylist or fashionista who brought it in. Dedicated shoppers may find they gravitate towards a specific stylist’s taste, eventually looking for pieces marked with that person’s name.

The store stocks clothing and accessories for men and women. Turnover is quick, and deliveries come daily – in fact, the day before I came, Anthony took receipt of three lots of couture.

Inside Seconda Mano... stuffed to bursting with high-fashion finds

This teeny-tiny little shop is so stuffed with style, I needed a minute to sit down and take it all in (alas, there really is nowhere to sit down: the miniature space is stuffed to bursting).

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most exciting pieces right now:

- men’s Yves Saint Laurent velvet suit, £220

- Vivienne Westwood Red Label jumpers, £80 apiece

- mauve silk Prada dress, £350

- Christian Louboutin fringed Forever Tina boots, £300

- women’s pink Chanel suit, £500 (and these are just about unbuyable these days)

There are also gorgeous dresses by Missoni and Issa, Nicole Farhi jackets, some new-looking Paige jeans, and about a zillion stunning accessories with price tags that all seem to be missing a zero.

Back to the task at hand… the Mulberry handbag

I asked Anthony if he had any Mulberry bags and he informed me he had three – apparently Seconda Mano gets a lot of Mulberry (and Marc Jacobs, which I found myself very challenged not to buy).

The first Mulberry bag I looked at was in a bright turquoise. It was the right size and perfect for brightening up dark winter outfits, but at £250, it was about £150 over Kate’s budget.

The first contender for the Mulberry challenge... alas too pricey

The next bag I looked at was a more classic colour, red, but I would guess it’s too small for Kate’s purposes, as she specifically stipulated that she was looking for something large. Price-wise, though, I was getting closer – this one was priced at just £90.

The second contender for the Mulberry challenge... alas too small

The final contender ticked every box: a beautiful white leather bag in very sound condition indeed, perfectly roomy and priced at just £100! Kate, get thee to Seconda Mano – your handbag awaits!

The third contender for the Mulberry challenge... da winna!

I was thrilled – and, to be honest, a bit surprised – to find exactly what I was looking for, and on just my third foray into handbag hunting. But going by the quality, price and fabulousness of all I saw at Seconda Mano, this place might just be a little more serendipitous than most.

A final word for shoppers: as most of the clothing comes from stylists, a lot of it is in sample sizes: eights, plenty of tens, plus the odd 12-14. If you don’t fall within this size range, fear not – accessories like those in store are sure to flatter every shape.

A little Louboutin for the ladies, perhaps?

Seconda Mano

114 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1QN

0207 359 5284

Technical note: Seconda Mano is located below a beauty salon, so you need to go through the beauty salon to get to the shop itself.