East isn't the cheapest shop in the world. Even if you can afford it comfortably, it's sometimes hard to justify paying £70 for a seemingly simple skirt, particularly if you're used to living on a student budget. But if you can, and you're looking for clothing of excellent quality and unusual design, East is the place to go. (Their sales make even their most luxurious items affordable, so it's always worth venturing in during a sale at least.)
They particularly specialise in what can best be described as 'hippy clothes for middle-aged women', but also have a great range of nice summer clothing, posh frocks, casual knitwear, and office-friendly outfits. The designs are often bright - vivid pink, turquoise, scarlet - or patterned, the fabrics are rich and tempting - lots of silk and velvet - and styles generally fit up to a size 20 comfortably (labelled 18 but usually worth trying on if you're slightly bigger).
It's the top end of the high street, in many ways, but every new collection has a few lower-priced items, and I think anyone in need of a wardrobe boost or a special occasion outfit should consider it. read more