If you prefer not to run with the crowd, and have a fashion sense that is more original than the High Street dictates, you need to make sure you factor in a visit to the Handmade & Vintage Fair, which returns to Middleton Hall in the centre:mk this weekend (June 10 & 11).
This is the event where everything changes, but the quality stays the same - this time around, 128 of the coolest exhibitors from the region have been invited to showcase their goods. What that means for shoppers is a whopping great treasure trove of market stalls crammed with one-off items.
Cool and quirky, smart and innovative; Handmade & Vintage has all of them, and at reasonable prices. There's no place for over-inflated prices here.
It's an eclectic mix of the weird and wonderful that will vie for your attention, including expert jukebox restorers (also selling record players), dressmakers, milliners, a tailor, collectable handmade bears, quirky upcycled lamps, natural luxury skincare, music and car memorabilia, unusual tiles/coasters, personalised gifts embroidered while you wait, vintage fabrics, collectables, antiques, furniture, glass, china, fossils, handmade clocks, and much more.
You want more? H&V has got lots more, including The Brocant boys scour the European auction houses and flea markets to find the best in unusual interior design pieces.
If you are looking for a statement piece, these guys will have it.
Cool stuff, must-have stuff and 'just because' stuff is in plentiful amount, so remember your plastic pal. He'll be busy!
Just don't intend to 'pop in' on the event for five or 10 minutes - you'll need to allow yourselves a decent amount of time to explore everything properly.
And if you want a true 'one-off' piece, have a natter with the craftspeople who will be happy to take your commissions.
The Handmade & Vintage Fair will welcome you on Saturday (9am to 6pm) and Sunday (10.30am-5pm) and entry is free.
