Now I'm no rugby player, (I know it's hard to believe, the beef cake that I am) but if I was I…read morewould probably go to Bulldog Sports Co for my rugby shirts. They have a wide range of sports wear brands and will also customise any team or corporate wear for your needs. They provide services for the likes of BBC, Newcastle Falcons and The Leeds Rhinos. I have heard that The Leeds Rhinos are what some would call 'metrosexual' and like to look good, so I'm sure this place does a good job. The staff are typical macho sport fans but are nice as pie...(mm..pie) and as well as making and selling sportswear they also do trophies.

Size? is for brand lovers. Aimed at men, the ground floor is full of trainers, from standard high…read morestreet variety to limited edition high top Nikes. A metal staircase leads you down to the basement which is Adidas land. If only to gaze in morbid fascination at the freak of branding that is the Adidas leather couch complete with buttons! Any Adidas lover will be at home here, surrounded by classic tracksuits and exclusive collections. Upon ascending the stairs you see that each step denotes a key moment in the history of Adidas, elevating the importance of the basement store to something of a museum exhibit. Up to the second floor (this shop really is huge!) and you find the more general clothing with a variety of brands including fread Perry and Lyle & Scott. The gear is pricey but a little more varied and interesting than the usual suspects in the Adidas dungeon. There are loads of lavishly branded t-shirts, expensive jeans and some vintage-look cardigans and checked shirts...but I can't help but feel you'd be better off buying true vintage for a quarter of the price rather than paying through your nose just for the addition of a tiny embroidered logo. If you like labels of a certain ilk and don't mind paying a hefty chunk to do a bit of free advertising for your favourite brand then you'll probably love Size? If you're not into labels and are shopping on a budget then even the friendly and enthusiastic staff probably wouldn't get you over the threshold!

So you want a new pair of sneakers, but you don't want the run of the mill generic styles seen on…read moreevery Nike and Adidas loving teenager living in or around a city centre. If its high tops or retro cool, basketball kicks or skater shoes that take your fancy, then definitely take a trip to Size if you fancy something different. One of the pleasant rarities with Size? The staff actually know what they're on about, there's a passion for the collections, and if you ask, there's usually an answer. That's without mentioning the content, the collections are unique, which is probably evident in the price tag; your average pair of Converse are going to cost you more at Size, but they're more than likely different, or limited edition, and for any sneakerhead, it's a bonus worth the price tag. And that was just the first floor. If the giant Converse boot on the ground floor doesn't tickle you (it still amuses me to this day) then there's the basement, dedicated to the uber-cool Adidas Originals brand. Everything is organised by colour palette and is typical of the Originals brand, again it's a bit pricey, but if you're a fan of the brand it's totally worth it to pick up something fairly unique. Once you've hit Adidas, jump in the lift, take the two floors up and get off at the equally uber-cool clothing department. Again there is staff on hand to provide informed answers to questions, and that's not forgetting the chance to browse the familiar brands with a different twist to them. If you like the idea of your Nike and your Lyle & Scott, or your Adidas and your Stussy all under one well informed, friendly and varied roof, check out Size on Vicar Lane, Leeds.

Jo Brand Junior sells a huge range of school wear covering what would appear to be most or all of…read morethe schools in the area, including blazers, sweatshirts, ties, shirts, trousers and skirts. They school PE kit and accessories such as school bags. Alongside school uniform Jo Brand Junior sells occasion wear with formal dresses for girls and suits and waistcoats for boys. Although there are a rather daunting number of school uniforms to choose from, the shop is laid out in an organised way and all the products are clearly visible. The woman who works there seems friendly and helpful so you can expect good customer service if requiring help with sizes/styles. All parents of school-age children in Meanwood must be very grateful for the existence of this little shop so they don't have to travel further afield to get their kids kitted out for school.

Though it caters especially to, triathletes, Triangle is obviously similarly popular with what I…read morelike to call monathletes - the less super-human of us who only really participate in one sport. Of course, if you're going to Triangle, your sport needs to be swimming, cycling or running (in chronological triathlon order I believe), and if you do regularly engage in one of these sports it is definitely worth popping down here. For hard-core triathlon-loving folk, they sell specially designed modern tri-suits, for aquatic people swimming gear and goggles and for those tireless joggers running shoes and heart rate monitors. But it is the cycling aspect of the business which is undeniably the strongest, as they sell a large selection of performance bikes, cycling shoes and clothing, mileometers and other gadgets, and bike repair parts. I went with my dad to get his old road-bike fixed and they had it back to us in a couple of days for what my dad says was a pretty cheap repair cost. If you're unsure about this shop, just tri it. You'll love it.

Bought some walking boots from the Headrow store on Sat 16th June and when I went to wear them last…read moreweek the hook that the laces go around 'pinged' off. The Mr took them back to that store and had a real carry on trying to get a refund as they couldn't change for the same size. (I'm not about to type up his rant as it already nearly made my ears bleed!) I went into the Crown Point store today and i think it must be a Employee requirement to have qualifications in pure ignorance! When I eventually found and assistant (as the staff stood around doing nothing behind the counter can't possibly venture outside of the till point to help you!!), he was a bit slow in actually picking up the train of thought that I wanted to check for 3 different trainers in the same size- I wouldn't think this complicated however he started to walk off (I hoped to get what I'd asked for) but then came back and said 'sorry, I can only check for 2. Erm- I'm asking about 3 pairs, but what you're telling me is that you will got check for 2 pairs and then come back, give me them and then go for the other pair- absolutely absurd! Not only did he then head off to get the 2 he'd 'allowed' he brought me a 4 & 5 in one pair and nothing of the other. I abandoned my quest and went to stand in line to pay for the walking boot replacement. The queue for the amount of staff available was nonsense! They are the slowest till merchants I've ever seen! You are asked at the till if you want to 'buy' a horrific 'carrier' bag as they don't carry the stock of bags in to accommodate the 'shoe box size'- strange, I though as a sport shop selling sport shoes they would have the correct bags at least. Must be such a daft request!!!! Anyway, I thought I was saving myself some money going in here but all I have managed to do is increased my blood pressure and wind myself up. Avoid at all costs, cheap prices at the sacrifice of your sanity and even an acceptable level of customer service!!!!!!!

I bought some trainers from the Harrogate store. When I got them home they didn't fit as well as I…read morethought. I took them back the next day less than 24 hours later only to be told they don't do cash refunds, I was astonished, they would not give me my money back under any circumstances. I tried to call the store before I went only there was no answered. I called customer services no answer, so I sent an email and got a standard letter response that didn't answer my question. So now I have sent a letter of complaints to the head office. I ask my self is this the right way to treat a customer who buys in good faith. Never again. DON'T DO IT.

Denise is an absolutely wonderful lady. She has always been the most helpful person when we have…read morebeen buying dance uniforms and shoes for my daughter and two nieces. Pointe shoe appointments with her are always so relaxed but utterly professional. Recently, Denise has offered us the most extraordinary kindness when we needed pointe shoes for my youngest niece just after the sudden death of my brother-in-law. Denise, thank you from the bottom of our hearts We always recommend Fancy Pants anyway but will definitely spread the word that your lovely shop is the place to go for all dancing needs! I hope people realise you are a true gem. Thank you

Something very unusual, I stepped inside expected a fancy dress shop and was met by a densely…read morepacked costume shop. Established by the ex-principle of the performing arts college to supply the students with theatrical garments you can get anything you need for buy and hire. From moustaches, hats and boots to all kinds of dance shoes, outfits for training and/or performances to simple leg warmers. Everything a dancer needs is in this little shop. Along side this is a wonderful shop owner who is really chatty and has a massive yet adorable dog. He is a special breed to it is safe to enter if you are allergic to dog hair.

I remember going here when I was about 16 to get fully decked out for the new cricket season, and I…read moreremember that they had everything I needed in terms of cricketing equipment. A selection of bats (from low end to high end), batting pads in all shapes, sizes and weights, and a similarly wide variety of gloves and the now essential helmets. I also remember that they were willing to advise me in terms of exactly what I was looking for and how much I was willing to pay, and I clearly remember that they knocked 10% off the total price because I told them which team I played for. So I went back in last week, and gladly, nothing seems to have changed. I'll remember this place if I ever take up cricket again.

This is a proper sports shop, not like the sport shops in town that just stock the latest fashion…read moreitems. This is what a sports shop should be. It stocks a fantastic selection of cricket equipment all year round, along with all other sports equipment. One of the major pulls of this shop is that PC Sports is the official outlet for all the local schools where you can purchase all school uniforms and accessories. A great shop on Yeadon High Street, with excellent, friendly and knowlegable staff. Well worth a stop by.

If you are looking to buy climbing gear in the centre of Leeds forget it, the best place to go that…read moreI have found is Leeds Climbing Wall. I picked up an excellent pair of boots there and I bet the sales leave a few excellent buys to be had. Being forced indoors during miserable months and working with people who liked to tour various climbing walls around the M62 I came to the Leeds wall a couple of time before living here. The routes are pretty good and the bouldering wall has been improved recently.

Good cafe, good shop and great routes. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and has always felt…read morelike a safe place for newbies. Manages to cater to all levels very well in terms of route grades. Shame they seem to have got rid of top roping options on the biggest walls - not everyone wants to lead. Bouldering has plenty of variety, changes regularly, and there's even a campus board area tucked away for the more hardcore. Personal favourite is the 'cow pats' slab route. Despite the gradually vanishing top ropes - or possibly because of, depending on your point of view - this is still the best Yorkshire indoor climbing venue outside Sheffield. Long may it prosper.

Blue Rinse is generally acknowledged as the first port of call for the city's trend-toting indie…read morehip-slingers. It's been this way for several years now but at one time, there was nothing to separate the several vintage abodes dotted around the city centre. Blue Rinse now stands head - and probably shoulders too - above it's competitors, not only because the quality of the goods is better (think original Lyle and Scott jumpers, retro Adidas originals gear and a mightily impressive selection of accessories) but because it's arranged and organised like a stylish boutique. Compared to a quest for treasure elsewhere, a treasure chest of desirable garments is presented to you. Open every day of the week, 10.30-6 (Mon-Fri), 10.30-7 (Sat) and 11-5 (Sunday), there's no excuse not go and have a peruse of every single floor. If you're not chasing a bargain basement belt (or any other item of clothing, I only chose belt for alliteration purposes) and are feeling just that little bit flush - payday? - then the Designer's Boutique on the top floor is well worth a look, showcasing some of the finest limited edition clobber local fashionistas have produced. And it does help when the girls that work there are so good looking, too. If they say I look good in something, consider it bought... They're not for me, but girls... the blokes behind the counter look a lot like an early Kings of Leon? Take your fancy?

I don't know if you'll have noticed this, but I have. Leeds is like some kind of Mecca for vintage,…read moreso how I've managed all this time without penning a few thoughts for the big boys at Blue Rinse, I don't know. But I have, so here are some mind-words. Blue Rinse is certainly one of the more long-standing places in which to purchase some great old goodies. They're like the vintage of vintage, having been about so long. And, as opposed to rather a lot of the shops, this place caters in equal measure to the boys and the girls. It's over a few floors, so there's a ton of clothing to rummage through, ranging from funky shirts, jackets, thick woolen jumpers, bright colours and more. It's almost overwhelming when you step inside as there is such a lot to browse through! But patience, friend. Good vintage comes to those who dig. The chaps in there are usually a friendly-ish lot, fash-ed up to the max in the latest vintage look, so if you're at a loss there's always the option to ask for advice. A bonus feature of the changing rooms is the poster collection: pretty much anything of worth going on in the city is plastered up, from gigs to club nights, so it's nice to get a bit of inspiration as you dress for a night out! As mentioned by others, prices are certainly that wee bit higher, but for myself I'd rather spend more and have a staple piece than buy something that will disintegrate in a few months. (I'm looking at you Primark et al.!) Either way, this is definitely another stop off to garnering the coolest threads in town, so pop in if you're after something genuinely old and genuinely cool. Pop in often though, there's a whole load that's one of a kind...

Irene's manages to cover the exterior of the shop with its wares while still keeping the sign…read morevisible - plenty of other stalls in the market should take note! It sells mainly baby clothes, and some very adorable ones at that (though I am a little biased as I am one of those (probably rather irritating) people who practically squeals in adoration at the mere clatter of a pram so I find anything approximating a baby-grow pretty adorable!) Some of the baby grows are padded to the max with detachable mittens to keep little baba toasty and warm even in our recently snowy climate...I actually rather wish they sold them in my size! They also have other baby grows of standard thickness and some rather more grown-up baby clothes...I actually find it rather creepy when a six month old baby boy wears a nicely ironed checked shirt and jeans and has his 3 hairs gelled in a side parting like a terrifying little man...but these clothes also go up to toddler sizes. There is also a tiny hoodie with the word 'skate' emblazoned across the chest...personally I think trying to make your baby look cool is most certainly not cool! Other clothing includes princess-style dresses for tiny baby dolls ...sorry... 'girls', hmm...also not particularly cool. It would make some sense maybe if she's a baby bridesmaid...I remember my little sister aged 10 months looking decidedly spherical and bored in a pink satin dress and matching headband at my aunt's wedding. Haha! The clothes here are very cheap at 2 or 3 pounds for tops or trousers and £9 for an amazing padded baby grow. Great for parents struggling to cope with the financial burden of a new child, though charity shops also often cater well for little ones.