It's always nice to find a shop like this one, where you can get help and advice on what to wear…read more They have a really good range of clothes at reasonable prices. It's easy to find your way around and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

I'm aware that I sometimes use these reviews as a bit of a confessional: Primark is a typical case…read morein point. It's definitely a bit of a guilty secret for me (secret rather than pleasure...). The guilt comes in on two levels - first: because I wonder about how their items are produced, when they sell them so cheaply, and second: because it's so easy to become lured into buying items you don't really need. Throw-away fashion and all that! I could launch into a whole debate about a consumer society but it's probably not the time or place... The upside of their stock, besides the accessibility of their prices, is the up-to-the-minute, bang-on-trend styling. The downsides are often the finish, the attention to detail (hardly surprising) and the way that sizes can vary greatly from one garment to another (even in the same style). Also, be aware that when they do produce a really 'hot' style you'll have to move fast or they'll fly-off the shelves before you can reach them.

If you want to look smart or to join the country set, Lester Bowden in Epsom is where you want to…read morehead. Its sign has hung over the famous Spreadeagle in Epsom since 1898. Be warned, it won't be cheap but you will get quality here. They supply suits, lovely shirts and casualwear. I haven't wandered into the traditional sporting outfit section of the shop as I don't belong in that social class but you can find Barbour and riding gear here as well. So if you want to at least look well-heeled, a visit to Lester Bowden may be exactly what you need.

I believe a new owner has been keeping the existing staff, however the cheques and credit…read moretransaction go to the new owner, however Basler as featured on the photo is not part of the new owner, and is a separate business entirely.

It's a sign of the times to find a clearance branch of this upmarket fashion and shoe chain on the…read more(large) site of recently closed US store Talbots. It's a spacious premises with plenty of room to explore the past season's offerings. The discounts vary according to how far back the merchandise hails from; I spotted a selection of pretty skirts at £29 and well-cut grey capris at £15 (80% off their original price). You'll find both summer and winter clothing and shoes here but, as it's not current stock, you'll most likely need an element of luck to find the colour and size you're after. The helpful Manager couldn't say how long they plan on remaining here, so I'd recommend calling them, to avoid disappointment, if you're more than a short distance away.