What exactly is a Cherry Fig, we wonder, when we first hear the moniker. We imagine a hybrid fruit, jammy and sticky and indecently red; or perhaps a miniature ficus tree. What we don't think of is a tiny export surplus store in Lajpat Nagar's Central Market, recommended by a friend, undistinguished on the outside but ripe with possibilities within. 

War(drobe) and Peace

Cherry Fig, we learn, has been around for a couple of years but remains a well-kept secret, frequented by a handful of college kids and camouflaged by the same army of mannequins that front most stores in the area. Look carefully, however, and you'll find surplus clothes by EDM, Zara, Vero Moda and Ann Taylor, among others. bpb loves a white linen dress with bead detailing on the collar and a colour blocked sheath by Vero Moda with a low cut grey top and fitted yellow skirt. Also keep your eyes open for a long-sleeved lycra dress with little hearts on a deep blue background, slashed to the small of your back.

Top of the morning

Spotted as well were long, filmy shirts by Anne Taylor, deep blue with a collar and a white sash and a black and white tunic with little birds all over it; as well as skinny jeans by Mango in blue and black (they expect a stock with other colours in soon).

With a trial room, high street labels at a tenth of the cost and an extensive range of sizes, Cherry Fig is where you should go when you're broke but still feeling graze-y; or just need a hit of shopping-sugar. Fruit of the loom, indeed.

Getting there: 10 A, Pushpa Market, Central Market, Lajpat Nagar II, call 29830038, Rs 1250 for a Vero Moda dress.