Going to an all girls' school meant that the hysteria of formal dress shopping was heightened to…read morethe absolute max, with every girl hoping that the delightful pink dress they had just purchased wasn't the same as their best friend's choice. Cue delirium. Unfortunately (I think), those mad days are long since gone for me, but it's nearly that time for my little sister, so I do kinda get to relive the dream again. Yippee! I told her (yes, she didn't have a choice) that Posh Frocks should be the first port of call for ideas, and she happily agreed to take a look. Posh Frocks was one of the stores many of the girls ventured to in search of the perfect formal dress, and there were definitely some beauties bought there. The shop had, and still has, a reputation for good-quality, stunning dresses, and is one of very few formal dress shops in Belfast, so it is completely inundated with formal requirements from as far as Magherafelt (I was reliably informed by the extremely helpful sales lady). We were also told that many of the dresses sell out within days of first appearing...so we'd better get our skates on! There isn't a huge range of dresses, but due to the fact that new designs are constantly coming in, this doesn't really prove a problem. The dresses vary in price from about £100 to £300, with the more embellished ones coming in at £295, whereas the plainer ones are around £165, and the cocktail length ones are obviously cheaper. Having had lots of really helpful tips and information, and a good nosey around, the two of left with plenty of food for thought. I think I'm actually more excited that the little sis...

On our never-ending quest to find bridesmaid dresses for my best friends wedding (no, not the…read moremovie) we ended up in here. They have a vast array of gowns and dresses for all sorts of events and occasions, be it a formal, a gala dinner type event, or a wedding as a guest or as a bridesmaid. The woman in charge that day was SO helpful, and really cheerful and pleasant, she seemed happy to help, and genuinely interested, which is what you want in a good shopping experience. They had every colour, shape and style of frock, but not, unfortunately, every size, and my size 18 frame was not really catered for. There were a couple of dresses that sort of fitted, but they weren't proper size 18s, and therefore were NOT flattering. The price tags weren't extortionate, but they weren't cheap either. If you're skinny and have a bit of cash, this is a good place to get a dress that isn't from the high street.

Jourdan is a rather lovely high end fashion store on the Lisburn Road 'style mile'. I called in…read morehere (only for a look mind you) a few days ago and was rather taken with some of the clothes they had on offer. Now I must note that most of it tends towards the more mature ladies style, but some pieces just don't age and could be worn by anyone after a glamorous evening dress or stylish tailored outfit. The lady working that day treated us with warmth and respect (not something I found happened in every shop I visited along this road) and for this I was thankful. Although we were only browsing, she left us alone to our devices to ooh and aah at all the gorgeous outfits. If the occasion ever comes about where I need a glamorous, expensive outfit I'll definitely keep this place in mind. The accessories they stocked were unbelievable; some of the jewellery was worth more than everything I own! Ooh so pretty too! Jourdan stock a number of head turning pieces at a reasonable price when you consider the quality!

Relocated these past few years to the Lisburn Road, Jourdan used to be situated quite comfortably…read morein the city centre, in Queen's Arcade to be exact, and I would have imagined that it benefited from the heavy traffic passing through the city centre, but they may also benefit from being on this stretch of shopping land, because there are many fashionable boutiques along here. Jourdan always has been the epitome of sparkle and style, albeit for the slightly older customer! There is something that vaguely reminds me of the outfits that we used to see on The Golden Girls in here, lots of sequins, lapels and shoulder pads - its very much a place for 45+ women to find outfits for luxury cruises, weddings and the like. It's kind of pricey too, but don't let that put you off if you're that sort and are looking for good tailoring and some 'blingy' style. Not my cup of tea, but my Mum loves it.

Something has happened to Warnocks since I used to be dragged there by my mum for new school…read moreuniform. Of course that was quite a while ago. OK, a very long while ago. Upstairs is still the land of the school uniform, with everything your offspring could need for all the main Belfast grammar schools. The bill quickly adds up when you're buying uniforms so take advantage of the 10% off during July. You'll miss the August rush too and anything which is too small by September can be exchanged. I can still feel the pain of paying £40 for a leather satchel. Downstairs is where the transformation has taken place. Sadly they only do men's clothes but what they do for men is really good. There's a large range of Barbour coats, hats and scarves and every fashionista knows that Barbour is having a revival this year. They also have some lovely Lacoste knit wear which is what the husband goes for, Canali shirts and a casual label which I haven't seen anywhere else - Paul and Shark. Warnocks delivers old fashioned customer service where the staff will wan to see the garments on, advise on fit and maybe even take measurements. This can be a bit of a culture shock after the kind of service you get in most shops today where the staff studiously ignore you. Once you get used to it, you realise that they really will help you but what's right for you.

As a member of that harried legion of stressed out parents who must fork out for the expensive…read moreuniforms that schools usually require I have been to Warnocks a few times over the years. It can get pretty hectic upstairs here in the school uniform department at the peak time towards the end of the summer holidays but I have never found the staff anything other than highly organised, efficient and unflappable with sensible advice to offer on kitting out a grumpy teenager for school. Sometimes the young assistants have been at the schools in question themselves which is all good because there is no way that the delightful offspring will listen to mother! There is also a selection of school shoes, albeit unpopular with the nearest and dearest, and a men's clothing department of downstairs.

Appalling service…read more Recently purchased a jacket to match a dress I had bought there on their recommendation. The jacket did not match and they refused a refund. Biggest waste of £ 370 ever. Shop on line, prices are more competitive and service better.

They carry limited stock of uniforms outside of the usual start of school year!but when it's time…read moreto get uniforms they have basically every primary and secondary school in Belfast!the girls know exactly what every school needs and basically by looking at the child can get the right size for them, it's the only place I can remember ever getting a uniform bought for me and I now use them for my kids

Based in the Boucher Road retail park, Matalan provides affordable fashion for all ages, shapes and…read moresizes. This particular store is relatively big with a great range of stock for a variety of tastes. Matalan fashion is usually promoted in magazines, with customers seeing key pieces and rushing for their nearest stores to grab them. My advice especially with store, ring before you head down to purchase that amazing jumpsuit or winter coat as they usually have been bought up as soon as they arrive in store! It's such a pity that Matalan proves so popular. However, if you're the customer that manages to grab the bargain, it's a great reward! The store is well presented with each department being easily located. As well as this, each age range and clothing choice is separated so you know exactly where an item is placed and so can go directly to get it. The staff are friendly and on a recent trip, one girl in particular went out of her way to try and find a skirt I had seen in a recent glossy magazine. It's that little extra effort that is really appreciated by customers and has us coming back for more!

Now my mum and sister swear by Matalan. For those unaware of what category this shop plumps into,…read moreit would be like an expensive Primark. The clothes are cheaper than designer shops but more expensive than cheap shops. So for me it kind of is stuck somewhere on the fence. It is not "fancy enough" to be one of those shops that you go to for "meeting the parents" dinner clothes, but it is not cheap enough for the "going on holidays so chances are the clothes will either be covered in suncream or sand or alcohol". It's a bit of a nothing clothes shop. This store has been redesigned to give men's clothing almost an entire floor upstairs but for me it's just a bit of a bland store. But my mum and my sister swear by it so maybe it's more of a women's store than mens.

On the instructions of my dress maker I was told to avoid any fancy lingerie for under my wedding…read moredress - she said instead 'Get yourself a good, sturdy flesh coloured job to hold yourself in' I took her word for it and got just that out of Debenhams but am now freaking out that that particular bra might not be 'the one' for the honeymoon - if ye know what I mean - nudge nudge, wink wink! Roxbury and McQueen is the only Lingerie shop I have been in that really feels exclusive. The underwear is all displayed beautifully and the girl who works there is so helpful. I had a look at the bridal basques and bras and the like but they are way over my price range. She does have little frilly satin knickers for sale which can have anything you want stitched on the bum - They take a few weeks and cost £69.00 with Mrs whatever or £59 if it's 'just married' on the bottom. I might splash out on these. The shop also sells really cool tights with designs and print on them, I have never seen these around Belfast before and will be sure to be telling my cool mate who would love them. I really liked my experience in this shop and I wish I could afford some of the lovely bits, don't get me wrong they are not extortionate by any means just over my budget. If you are looking for nice friendly service, a lovely boutique feeling and a gorgeous underwear set then go here.

Dorothy Perkins is great for that awkward coming of age. For me, I had just left university, wasn't…read morereally a student anymore but also wasn't a professional. So what do I wear?! This store provides the answer as it mixes young and old, professional and casual with such success that you need not shop anywhere else. It can be a little more expensive than other similar fashion retailers but the quality of the items are always to a high standard and last a lifetime. The pieces are usually quite simple and so are timeless through what can be ever changing trends and themes. This store is average in size with some great lines, but I have witnessed on a couple of occassions that key pieces had either sold out or never been sold in store which was disappointing. Though if you're in the area with other shops, you might as well pop in and see what Dorothy Perkins has to offer. Also check out their sale, it's usually fantastic

River Island has the same impact as Topshop on me. I quiver. Back in my teenage years I would have…read moreslaved over a hot stone to ensure I had worked up enough money to buy that sparkling and dazzling dress from River Island's window display. Not so anymore. The clothes are quite expensive, especially the party dresses which I add, everyone seems to have. So you end up paying a fortune just to look the same as thirteen other girls in the club. The quality of the clothing is usually good but double check any jumpsuits, dresses or tops with a boned structure as these bones often pierce through the material causing small holes in your new outfit. This store has the central pieces of each designed theme or season but more obscure items are harder to locate. The store is relatively smaller than you would expect for such an extensive retail park

Big store, very good and friendly staff. I went in to try and get done shoes but my size was not…read moreavailable for the style I wanted. It's good that it's got free car parking. Good choice and range of men's and ladies fashion.

The ladies in La Femme are really helpful and they both spent plenty of time with me as I searched…read morefor a mother of the bride outfit for my mum. My mum is a larger lady and while La Femme does stock sizes up to 18/20 they are limited in the 20 sizes whereas other establishments stock right up to size 26. This is a good place to find really formal outfits and the attached shop has dressy more expensive everyday clothing. You can also pick up hats and jewellery in this nice, bright and spacious establishment. I didn't see anything to suit my mum but we will both be back very soon for another look. I drove by recently and there are some gorgeous new pieces in the window.

Again, being a male I have little need to go in here but I am stitching together information from…read moremy friends and family that have shopped here and they all found it a pretty good shopping experience. La Femme has earned a really good reputation for what I'm reliably informed are mother-of-the-bride, mother-of-the-groom or what somebody explained to me was a 'second wedding outfit'. This is apparently what the bride, or someone formally dressed changes into for the knees up part of the wedding day. From all reports this has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and they pride themselves on keeping up to date with all the latest fashions. This place is well worth checking out if you are planning a wedding and want to spend lots of money.