I miss the glory days of Ark. I mean, the days when I used to go hang out around the Corn Exchange in Leeds with friends for an entire day, clothed in the baggy jeans, funky vest-tops and hoodies that Ark made a name for itself with back in the early 'noughties. Heavy in Bench, Firetrap and Fenchurch brands, they brought a fresh, sportier trend to the "alternative" shopping area.
Since then, Ark has morphed into a more grown-up fashion store, stocking more lace and cardigans - but luckily I've grown up with them, so Ark is always one of my top destination stores when out shopping in Manchester. Yes, it is rather annoying that their clothing range doesn't feel as 'exclusive' now as it used to. Because the prices are quite cheap (think higher than Primark, lower than Miss Selfridge) it is also a destination for many pretty young things on a budget. So do expect to see someone else out wearing something you own, and rocking it far better than you do!
Among all the flowery prints and collared stuff - things that really aren't my style at all - there are usually some more plain or rocky numbers that I can get use out of. One of my favourite things about the shop is that they stock Motel and Religion - firm favourites of mine, and at a slightly lower price than you can find them for in House of Fraser.
Finally, the bags they package your purchases up in are just the coolest. I've had some for years, and have even used them for moving house. Talk about value for money! read more