The Stratford Road, for better or worse, probably isn't your go to place for elegant clothing boutiques. However, leave your inhibitions at the door and go into Bella Donna, as it's a surprisingly swanky shop, with a select few rails showcasing a few luxurious garments, with a clear emphasis on quality over quantity. The shop is filled with modern, chic clothing and jewellery, all conforming to the latest trends and fashions (I'm reliably informed by my girlfriend that chunky bracelets and necklaces are 'in' at the moment, and Bella Donna certainly has these in abundance). As you'd expect, the prices are by no means the cheapest, with much of the jewellery going for around £25, although they had some very reasonably priced sale items, such as jeans for £23, and they also have an 80% clearance rail that's worth checking out if you're in the hunt for a bargain. Proof that you don't need to go into the centre of the city to find high end shops. read more