I don't know why but I wasn't really expecting to like Oaks...it just looked as though it might be…read morea little trendy for my tastes, however I was definitely pleasantly surprised. The clothes are unusual and creatively designed, with unexpected added details or special touches which give them character. There's something here to suit every taste with everything from long, baggy jumpers to short sequined ice-skater style dresses. They also have many vintage-inspired dresses - one that caught my eye was a grey woolen long-sleeved dress with gold buttons and there were also dresses reminiscent of Victoria Beckham's designs, with fitted bodices and added pelmets. They also sell a small selection of jewellery and shoes. The fact that all the clothes here are by local independent designers makes me appreciate this shop much more, as it is supporting small businesses, showcasing local talent and providing a unique shopping experience.

I've gone past this shop so many times on the bus that I finally decided to pay them a visit. Oh…read morewow. The layout is open and inviting and styled more like a classy lounge than a shop floor. Bordering the room are rails and rails of quirky, individual and classy items, which, to my delight, I discovered are all by independent local designers. The girls working there were clearly passionate about the clothes, not only since they were dressed head to toe in them, but they went on to explain to me that the shop had been there for around 30 years and so was well established as an independent boutique. They also informed me that they only buy one of each size in so that any item purchased is virtually a one-off - I love one-offs! For this you do have to pay a little more than your average high street brands, but the point is that when you go out in one of their dresses/skirts/tops you know that you are likely to be the only one in Leeds wearing it. Even the scarf selection oozed class and design. It was very exciting, and as Christmas is creeping ever closer, I suggest you go in and and have a search. But not if I get there first...

Oh my gosh. I have no idea where a place like this springs from, especially in the LS8 post code,…read moreand yet here it is standing proud. For some of the most high end designer clothes, outside of Harvey Nichols, this is absolutely the shop to browse. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I literally spent about five minutes here as I was so daunted by the price tags. I was, after all, weighed down by a cumbersome ugly rucksack, dirty shoes and a red world-weary face from my travels that day. The lady, who I assumed to be the manager, greeted me very kindly even though she was busy with another customer so I thought that was really nice. Not even close to the reception I'd had in some of the other high end shops, as she was warm and friendly and didn't seem phased by my disheveled appearance one iota. In spite of that I only had to touch one of the beautifully designed dresses to realise that it cost £800 and I instantly became convinced that my hands were covered in grease and had left some kind of grubby mark on the collar. Perhaps this was the paranoia of being in a high end shop. I felt like at any given moment my rucksack may catch an entire display and put me into more debt than my student loan. There is a beautiful range of clothing, accessories and shoes inside this wonderfully laid out shop. They cater for men too, just as exquisitely, but as you may have gleaned by now - we are talking *high end* clothing here. My most coveted item, a jacket costing £300 odd, almost seems cheap in comparison to the dress I first glanced at! In any case, though I really thought highly of the design and the service, there is no possible way I could afford to spend money in here! Lovely, but definitely a place to save up for.

An up market, boutique shop selling high-end fashion wear for the well to-do of this neighbourhood…read more Black, chic, slim build and sunglasses type affair are what you'll find here enter and beware, you are likely to be pounced upon by an over-enthusiastic sales assistant or be greeted in a blasé manner until you flash your amex. Either way browsing isn't the most comfortable option unless you really don't care that is.

Before I went in Label Boutique I always assumed for some reason that it wouldn't have anything to…read moremy taste (I generally go for vintage-style or things with a bit of character) but I once saw a really pretty dress in the window and ventured in. It has a spacious and minimalist style inside and the staff always seem really nice and welcoming. There's not a huge amount to choose from but the minimal size of the range gives the impression that it was selectively chosen. The clothes are usually very hit and miss for me, thought there always seems to be at least one thing I like. The prices cover quite a range - they sell the label Glamorous, which is also in Arc and sells at standard high street prices. Despite its tacky -sounding I tend to like most things by Glamorous, and on my last visit there was a pretty polka dot layered top. Other things in the shop tend to be more pricey, but there seem to be regular sales so you may find a bargain. Like Rowena I tend to do most of my clothes shopping second hand and Headingley certainly is spoilt for choice when it comes to charity shops. I can't imagine going to Label Boutique to buy something for myself but I may well have a look in if I was in the area and looking for a gift for a femail friend.

This is another one of those shops on North Lane that I've wandered past and considered nipping in…read morebut never quite made it. In all honesty there are enough charity shops in Headingley to satisfy my shopping needs - once I've gone through all the bargains and found a new pair of shoes/new dress etc, I don't need to go anywhere else. Anyway, there was a large sale sign so I decided to go in. Inside the shop was quite smartly laid out and interestingly enough, there wasn't actually a great deal there. Closest to the window was a rail stacked with very 'american high school' style jumpers, cardigans and, to my distaste, those horrid velour burgandy jogging suits. Gah. There was also a selection of very 90s pop style dresses, with asymmetric straps and bright fluorescent straps of colour across them. Amongst those garments were also some more understated items - belts, handbags and a lovely thick jersey high waisted skirt for £60. My main disinterest for the items in the store was that a lot of them were simply not my style, but where I saw things that I like I just felt that I could find something more unique for less money elsewhere. For example, they had a pair of sequined leggings. There was nothing extra special about this pair and I know beyond any doubt that I could find a much cheaper pair elsewhere. Despite this though, it was a pleasant shop to have a quick browse, and the staff were lovely and ready to help. All in all, they'll probably have one or two things worth a look, but only really for me if I was walking by. Not really worth a special trip...

Swish, Damn Swish - no, not a famous line from a swashbuckling James Bond rip off, this arcade is…read moreincredible. A whole Victorian street in the shopping heart of Leeds enclosed by a wonderfully modern glass covering. OK, so the shops are all designer, the ones everyone loves to look in, sometimes go in to have a look at just how much some people are prepared to pay for t-shirt....but boy the designers have designed a perfect place for designers to come sell their designer bits 'n bobs. little bubbling fountains, coffee and bagel huts for that quick pit stop and belly filler. I sat in here for about an hour, just sipping my cheap filter coffee and commoner's bacon and egg bagel getting a good view of how the other half live. I didn't mind, I was content, in such a place I find it hard to believe anyone could feel otherwise.

The Victoria Quarter is the Leeds hotspot for chic shopping. I'm sure it would object to being…read moredescribed as such but that's tough, cos it's be that's writing it so ner. In all seriousness, The Victoria Quarter is the opulent home to some of the more high end brands of the Leeds shopping arena, and with it comes certain prestige in being housed here. The little independent stores like the French Revolution and Rose & Co gain a little kudos in being located here, as that is the effect the Victoria Quarter has on a business here. It is really rather easy to get lost in the annals of the walkways, be it through gawping at all the lovely shopping enticements, or be it from the identical high vaulted ceilings and archways criss crossing across one another, identical fountains, and sympathetic shop signage so that it doesn't interfer with the original features and feel of the Victorian decor. Depending on which entrance you take you will find fountains tinkling delicately, or small tables with coffee service, or even a small but assuredly delicious pattisserie. Benches are also dotted around and if you take the time to perch, and knock your head back you'll see the bizarre yet beautiful glass decoration. A worthy attraction all on it's own.

Otley Road is a tricky place to open up shop -- it's a bit make or break. Plenty of indie places…read morehave opened up and gone in quick succession, so I'm always hopeful when a new place comes along that it'll stick around. I'm not sure if this is where Jacks (?) was, but before you get to the traffic lights, you'll come across We Love Pixie. It's nestled in near a few of the charity shops, but is more or less distinctly indie fashion. The layout inside is fairly minimal, with changing rooms at the back and rails of clothes around the walls and a few in the middle. The woman working there was really friendly and let me know about some sales she had on and discount for students. I was torn on how to rate it, as a lot of the items are not my style. There were brands I'd not heard of, like Motel, and the range (on the hangers, at least) seemed a little dated in places. (Maybe would have looked better on?) I wasn't sure about the prices either, with a few items being 100% polyester and still what I thought was expensive. That said, there were a few pieces that definitely seem aimed at the students of Headingley and I loved the ponchos. There was also a velvet poncho/cardi/kimono (?!) that looked pretty cool. The website and Facebook does a great job of showing off the clothing to its full potential too, so have a look there. It seems like the styles are mostly a cross between vintage-style (as I'm sure all the items are newly made) and modern hipster kinda thing. I think perhaps I need a longer browse and to try on a few things! Either way, I hope it's around for a while, and I'd say pop your head in for a wee look.

Hasseen exclusive wear is just one of the many sari shops on and around Roundhay Road. It stands…read moreout for me because it has some exceptionally beautiful elaborately beaded garments which seem to be of a higher quality and level of detail than the pieces in many of the other sari shops. Some of them really are gorgeous, in vibrant gem colours with intricate patterns of gold and silver beads painstakingly sewn in. It would be worth a visit just to drool over them even if you don't intend to buy anything. The most elaborate garments are suitably more expensive than their less-detailed counterparts, with a very elaborate tunic top selling for £85.Though I'd be worried if it sold for any less considering the work that must have gone into it! If you want to experience the real beauty of traditional South Asian fashion then I would highly recommend Hasseen.

When you enter Karen Millen, it's clear that the brand want to convey a classy, sleek, yet wearable…read morelook. It brings to mind high flying business women and ladies of leisure who love to look good and be at the forefront of fashion. There's a great choice of knitwear, skirts, dresses and even a few accessories to kit you out for the upcoming party season. Sizes are very small and I find that only tall, striking, model like ladies look the best in this clothing. There is a large arrangement of prints and colours that look exciting and fresh but prices tend to be quite high. I don't think there's anything spectacular or overly brilliant about Karen Millen. It's just a principle of good quality, polished, professional looking attire.

In a seemingly endless search for the perfect deep purple bridesmaid dress I wandered into Karen…read moreMillen the other week, on the off chance tat they might have just the thing. I've always loved their clothing, albeit purchased second hand in charity shops, so I was hoping on a wing and a prayer that they might miraculously have the thing I needed! As I entered I knew it was not to be, since hoards of beautifully streamlined garments in greys and blue were adorned their fixtures tidily around me, but I went ahead and asked anyway. The lovely members of staff racked their brains and said they didn't think they had anything in, but very kindly pointed me in the direction of a few other good shops to try. Although they could have dutifully tried to sell me something they instead helped me along my quest, which I really appreciated, so I was really pleased! The design of the clothing in Karen Millen is generally something beautiful to behold, with the actual tailoring of the clothing matching in quality, so as a general rule of thumb I'm a fan in spite of the expense. However, with such lovely members of staff, this particular store is surely a cut above the rest. (No pun intended!)

This shop radiates style. Already in the chic atmosphere of the Corn Exchange, The Hidden…read moreWardrobe's sophistication and originality more than matches its surroundings. The clothes seem to mainly consist of neutrals with splashes of colour throughout the shop. They seem to really experiment with textures of colour and varying hemlines. It is the perfect place to discover an outfit which will set you apart from a crowd. Although they aren't show stopping, the garments are all really interesting pieces, the Monkey & ELF label is particularly intriguing. Dresses flaunting cowl and ruffle necks, and beautiful sweater dresses with batwing sleeves fill the space. There is also a range of bags, belts and various other accessories. The decor is understated, but elegant, just like the clothes. The woman who ran the shop was very pleasant, eager to answer any questions. If you've never visited The Hidden Wardrobe before, I would advise you to go and discover its creative, sumptuous contents immediately.

The Hidden Wardrobe showcases the collections of independent designers in this minimalistic…read moreboutique. Most of the clothes are GORGEOUS, really inventive, quirky, and cool. Think draping, unusual shapes, cool prints, assymmetry...but not too pretentious! Most pieces are completely unique and would make a great gift. Prices are reasonable, expecially considering these are small up-and-coming designers and you would be buying something unique that you wouldn't find in a high street chain store. I saw a skirt I absolutely LOVE priced at £50, a top for £45 and a coat for £95. They also have regular sale items so you could find a bargain! If you have unusual taste and shudder at the thought or another high street chain store you may well love this place! Check out the website for more info and products.

Harriet's of Horsforth is a pretty cool place to have a browse and a shop. On first glance you'd be…read moreforgiven for assuming that it's just a clothes store - their displays seem to highlight that, showing off cool knits and dresses in the window on their mannequins. But inside you realise that there is so much more! It's quite bizarre, I don't think I've come across such a shop of all trades, but here it is. As well as some very cool on-trend clothings you can purchase other interesting items such as glassware and umbrellas, jewellery and accessories. Everything in the shop looks to be of good quality and it certainly looks modern and cool. It's not so much my style but I appreciate a good set of wine glasses no matter what the style! For an interesting browse and perhaps a cool one off purchase, try Harriet's.

The staff in this shop are so unfriendly. They do not say hello or goodbye and look at you as if…read moreyou are dirt on their shoes. I complained to the Owner, left my number for her to call, she called and was cut off and did not call me back. If that was my business I would be mortifed. But she clearly was not. They regularly shut the shop early, I know this as I pass by most evenings. I went in once at 4.45pm and was asked to leave as they were closing! The lady did not apoogise, just ordered me out. I have heard them slating the owner on more than one occasion, last time it was about how she has stopped buying tea and milk for her shops. Even though they can have nice things in the shop, I just don't bother as they clearly are do not care about how they appear to their customers and the Owner can't want the trade. Avoid. I hear Sohie's Choice on New Road Side is Amazing so looking to visit there regularly to spend my money,