This is rather sparkly and shiny affair is The Wharf. It must be pretty difficult to stand out in…read moresuch buzzing little market towns, with gift and knick knack stores all over the place. However, The Wharf manages just fine to fit into a more boutique style gift store, which means it offers something a little different to the other shops. It has a range of really cool handbags, which aren't particularly to my interest, some pretty cool gift cards and really classy looking silver jewellery. As well as that there were a few really nice looking vases, but unfortunately, nothing really quite 'me' enough to open my purse. Still, if it sounds like your kind of thing then perhaps it would be worth the visit!

Mainly spangly, shiny silver jewellery this open plan shop was bustling with activity when I went…read moreand luckily for a small shop had plenty of staff on site to help with customer enquires and serving people at the till so there wasn't a backlog of customers clogging up precious space. There are interesting handbags, and a small selection of boutique cards. Nothing particularly inspired me in here I am more of a fan of chunky 'ethnic' style jewellery and since I passed up the opportunity of bulk buying in India I try not to look too closely at what is available here because I simply have to kick myself.

This shop isn't particularly cheap for what it is, but there are some nice pieces to be found, and…read moresome good value items when there is a sale on. The shop sells clothing, but in my opinion, particularly focuses on women's pieces. The style is a cross between FatFace and Monsoon, if that can be imagined (?!?) and does sell some lovely skirts. The shop is well laid out, and does not feel cluttered. The window displays are often amusing (the mannequins have squirrel heads at the moment?!!?), and the carrier bags change to match the theme of these which is nice. The staff seem fairly friendly, and the shop has a nice quiet atmosphere, which is nice when everywhere else seems to be hectic! So worth a look, and you may find the odd piece, but personally for me, there's just not enough choice and its too expensive to build a whole wardrobe from.

I'm in the mood to shop now. The credit card is fully charged and my eyes are a wandering. What is…read morethis rather splendid looking boutique? It's only Attic. What a wonderful little shop it is too. It is crammed with independent designer womenswear and it is all stuff I've never seen before. If you want to stand out from the crowd but not in a bad way, this is perfect for you. It isn't the biggest place but it really has some quality stuff. It is fashion but not with your main stream labels. What I also love is that you can get an array of gifts and homeware too. Some real love has been fed into the creation of the shop and it shows. Don't go in expecting to spend very little as it is reasonably expensive but sometimes we should all shell out a little bit on ourselves. I do it often. Lovely shop and very friendly to boot.

I popped back in here during a recent day out to Ilkley and was reminded just how much I love…read morelittle independent boutiques like this. Love and care has gone into every display, each garment is wonderfully finger-spaced for easy browsing, items are matched in gently suggested outfits and the lady behind the counter was friendly and chatty. The item that I was particularly in love with was an utterly gorgeous washed leather jacket, in a taupe dusky pink. The leather was tailored with ribbed woven jersey and the design was utterly fantastic. The bottom of the jacket hung down in a beautifully flattering draped cotton affect and the leather was utterly soft to the touch. None of that plastic feel, and, it was on sale for about £120 - so so cheapl! There was also a number of delightful accessories, making this shop the highlight of my Ilkley visit. Gorgeous.

An exciting new addition to the independent label scene in Leeds, Each To their Own have opened a…read morebranch on Duncan Street, following their success of their Sheffield based flagship store. A better job could not have been done in creating an attractive decor. Exposed brickwork, boldly patterned wallpaper and dramatic baroque mirrors suggests an underlying confidence in the quality of their clothes. Catering for both men and women, the garments are mainly designed by Alex, the owner of the shop. He speaks animatedly about his passion for fashion, the love and attention he puts into making the clothes is evident. They have a funky style. There are some lovely dresses with gathered hems next to dressy racer back t-shirts; some sheer, floral camis for bed, next to some knee-skimming low crouched trousers. Originality created by independent designers does slightly increase the price of the garments, but that is an inevitable consequence. Let us unite to support local talent such as this, against the constant onslaught of chain shop mediocrity.

This little boutiquey shop is probably in a slightly unfortunate place as I have a feeling not many…read morepeople frequent that side of Duncan Street (opposite the big Oxfam). I noticed it pop up relatively recently...probably less than a year ago (though I have a poor sense of time!). It is uber fashioney and would appeal to people who like to dress in unusual and striking clothing with a unique look. It's a small shop selling both women's and men's clobber. Men's stuff seems to specialise in giant collars and unusual fastenings as well as low-crotch trousers with long ties knotted around the ankles. Women's wear features similar trousers, some in vintage-style hound's tooth and cheques (which I love) and I like this slightly unisex edge to their offering. There are also quirky little waistcoats for women featuring leather buckle fastening as well as cute freeform tartan dresses and long confusing tops that you'd have to try on to figure out. Prices are understandably higher than average high street as the shop features underground labels and fashion-forward pieces...with trousers around £80. There is a lot of attention to detail in Each To Their Own as well as a love of unusual design and eccentricity, which unfortunately is often lacking in the often brand-name centric offering of many Leeds' clothing shops.

Shiva Variety Fabrics sells women's South Asian fashions -saris and suits and a wide range of…read morebangles and costume jewellery. It is very eye-catching from the outside with a rainbow of bejeweled clothing displayed in the window below a bright red, blue and yellow sign and electric blue window frames. Anyone who loves to see a good splash of colour won't be able to stop themselves venturing over for a closer look. The shop is packed full of a huge range of fabrics, some thin and sheer and almost too delicate to touch and other thicker and more substantial cottons. It's the perfect place to buy fabric for a sari or suit but is also great for buying fabric for cushions or curtains or any other creative urge! The jewellery is very pretty and reasonably-priced and includes an array of metal bangles of different sizes and some large and colourful necklaces with matching earrings featuring vibrant glass gems.

I love this shop! The hand painted sign describes its wares as 'African and European designs'. It…read moresells a small range of clothing with a loud and colourful style. Long dresses, tops and skirts have striking prints and are embellished with lacy edges or embroidery. They also sell amazing fabrics with vibrant African prints at £20 for about 6 metres. And they have a range of rather flamboyant shoes - brightly coloured heels with long sharply-pointed toes and men's shoes which include blue snakeskin effect brogues also with long pointed toes. They also sell bags, scarves and other bits and bobs. The woman running the shop, presumably Rita, was very friendly and helpful, making me feel welcome to have a browse and answering any queries I had. This is the kind of shop that makes the market such an amazing, vibrant place full of so many different cultures and unexpected treasures!

Finding this kind of speciality store really makes me happy, especially when it's tucked out of the…read moreway, down one of the passages in the market. Unlike many of the stores, Rita's has a market and sells something you would not be able to find anywhere else in the market: African clothing and fabrics. they also sell shoes and other items of clothing, but without a doubt, my favourite part was looking at the bright colours and patterns on the african fabrics. At reasonable prices, Rita also seems lovely and helpful.

Sharing the Success is a government funded programme which aims to regenerate areas of Leeds. There…read moreare many projects using the programme to create new jobs, enhance prospects and develop businesses in the city. An active example of a business within the scheme is a stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market called How Bizaar! Described as a business stall where ideas come to life, it offers local people a twelve week stretch to sell their wares, to gauge the public interest of their product. It seems like an excellent scheme to be involved in, the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial astuteness, receive business guidance and exposure. Some of the businesses that are exhibiting their goods currently, include Vicky's Crafty Arts who presents photographs in a more accessible way, rather than being stuck in books which are rarely browsed. She displays them via scrap booking, card making, and can make paper mache products to order. There were a ready made array of them when I visited the stall, they are vibrant in colour and seem almost African-inspired. Sanashzak offers a range of ceramic plates and bowls, at very affordable prices. There were also greetings cards, screen prints and various handbags made from recycled materials. Angel Silk stocked many silk scarves and ties, celestial in colour and soft to touch. Mim's Couture was my favourite section of the stall. This business designs dresses, and the style and quality of them are fabulous. Often using unusually patterned fabrics, the hems are at playful lengths and the product screams of total originality. Mim's Couture also offer a complete dressmaking service for formal events, with wedding and prom dresses available. There would be no danger of somebody else arriving in an identical outfit if you attended a social event in one of these creations! There are many more businesses brandishing their wares on the How Bizaar! stall. It is a brilliant way for local people to raise the profile of their product, with the guidance of a supportive and interactive government scheme. Well worth a visit.

How Bizaar! is a brilliant idea, giving small businesses the chance to display their wares for 12…read moreweeks for free!! This gives them the chance to make their ideas a reality and encourages them to assess their creations, selecting the best ones for their small area of the shop. By having a stall for 12 weeks in the market they are able to test the popularity of their products and gain customers who may spread the word. For shoppers it is a unique experience, with a dozen or more shops within a shop, each selling unique and beautiful hand made products. My personal favourite (whose name I'm afraid to say I've forgotten) sold cute vintage-look dresses that appeared to have been re-made from second hand garments, with many floral fabrics and button fastenings. Mim's Couture was also very memorable with unusual ball gowns and skirts in striking fabrics. Apparently it is going to be moving into a nearby stall, so its experience of How Bizaar must have been a success! There were also many other lovely bits and bobs including bags, glassware and jewellery. If you're looking for a unique gift look no further! And you'll get a nice warm feeling knowing that you're supporting a fledgling business that's just finding its feet. Despite Leeds Kirkgate market not seeming the most sought after location for a new business selling unique hand-crafted items, when I was browsing the shop there were several people who stopped by for a look...and if other How Bizaar! businesses followed in Mim's Couture's footsteps and opened a shop nearby, just think what a thriving bazaar of unique independent businesses Leeds Kirkgate Market could become!

A definite favourite for presents. I'm too scared to try on the clothes because they look…read moreexpensive, even though they're not extortionate, but in terms of sticking fillers, and fancy kitchen things, and books and cards, it's a great place to come. The staff are usually dead helpful, although when I came here just before CHristmas one time and they were super busy, and I'd hammered my card and it needed phone authorisation, the till guy told me to go to the cashpoint instead because he couldn't be bothered to phone through with the queue as big as it was. Embarrassing much? Just a little. And unnecessary. But as it's Joy, I'll forgive him. This once.

They used to have one of these in Manchester but they closed it. i have no idea why as its…read morewonderful. Lovely clothes shoes and accessories, and also an eclectic mix of cards,. wrapping paper and little gifts.