Kilver court secret gardens is a plant nusery, cafe and designer village with brands auch as Orla…read moreKeily, Mulberry, Jack Wills, Agnes B, Hawick Cashmere, Toast, MiH Jeans, Joseph and Margaret Howell. It was created over 100 years ago by Ernest Jardine, which was later transformed by the Showering family of Babycham fame. In 1996 Roger Saul, the creator of British luxury brand Mulberry bought Charlton Brewery and renamed it Kilver Court. Its is a hidden oasis with little hidden pathways, lakes, lookouts and other treasures waiting to be explored. The 3.5 acre garden is set against the backdrop of a 19th century viaduct which was constructed by two sides of brick and stone, as well as an additional brick skin to strengthen the structure. There are two food options, the Harlequin cafe which serves tea, coffee and cakes and the largest restaurant which serves lunch options, located near the garden. The Kilver Court Village,  set in a restored textile mill is where the discounted designer shopping is. Although it's not dirt cheap,  if you were pining for something from last season, you might find it. For most things there is up to 50 -70% off most merchandise. However it will still dent your pocket. Despite the lure of the shops, I think the garden is the real attraction and should require most of your attention. It's best to go in Spring and summer where the garden comes alive with camellias,  magnolias and later the Rhododendrons.

I was absolutely amazed by the extensive range and variety of outfits. I came looking for something…read moreto wear for my wedding. Wendy listened to what I had in mind and, without fuss, found dresses and outfits that might suit me. She encouraged me to consider alternatives and was kindly honest about what did (and did not!) work. This is a wonderful place to come if you are looking for something special. I am a very satisfied customer!

CC Ltd is the revamped former Country Casuals franchise, and the store in the Market Place only…read moreopened up earlier this year (2008). Completely re-fitted, it's a light white bright fashion store covering the more 'classic' styles with good quality clothes. But it ain't cheap, at least not by some standards, and personally I find the styles a little too safe and mumsy. Although it's a lot more trendy than the former tweed & twinset image it used to have. They also have a petite range for those shorter in stature. If you need something decent for a sensible dinner party or glitzy work do then it's probably a very good place to go. Staffed by locals, who clearly enjoy their job, it's pleasant to browse.

I'm sure that the name of this business has more to do with clothing fastenings than it does the…read morelegal intoxicant that was broadly used, particularly in gay nightclubs, across the UK back in the 80's! Ah, the heady smell of Amyl Nitrate! Nasty! There's something I'm less sure about... Does Beverley, the owner, know about this other meaning? I guess not, but I can imagine that she'd find it amusing, like myself. Beverley Soar is as laid back as any of the business owners on Pontcanna Street., and she's got a sense of humour. When I called in recently she was inspecting the damage done to the huge plate glass window that fronts the shop. The phantom tagger had paid her, (and everyone else down the street), a visit, leaving their tag, or signature mark, etched in the glass. The damage to all was going to cost the insurers a small fortune. Beverley was taking it in her stride, and seemed surprisingly up-beat, considering the disruption and mess that the repair would cause. She owns a particularly beautiful shop with some pretty expensive stock.... clothes by Grea, Annette Gortz, Hebbeding, Indies, Krines, Ischiko, Sonja Marohn and Oska... and I haven't met a tradesman yet that doesn't move everything so that you can't find it, and leave dusty footprints in the carpet! I guess she just reconciles herself with the knowledge that if it needs to be done, it needs to be done, and that's that! I like Beverley as much as I like her shop. The street wouldn't be the same without them both. With customers ranging from their mid thirties, up into their nineties, (her oldest customer is a very well dressed 96 year old, who has lost none of her sophistication and sartorial taste with the passage of time), Poppers is responsible for some of the best dressed women in Cardiff!

I ventured into poppers rather hesitantly as I thought the prices would be way out of my league!…read moreAlthough not exactly cheap, the prices weren't to bad, I saw a stunning black dress for £125 (it could have been worse)! Poppers is probably more suitable for 45+ (I won't be falling into that category for a long while yet), but it did have some very stylish numbers and on the sales rack I spotted a rather nice urban style top reduced to £20 (not bad)! Poppers also stocks a small range of jewellery and bags but at £54 for a necklace, it certainly isn't cheap!

This store is situated on the lower level shopping floor of West Quay shopping centre. This is a…read morebeautiful store and perfect if you're looking for something special to wear for an occasion. They stock a lovely range of dresses and tops and matching skirts. Also you can have shoes and bags dyed to match your dress. The staff are very helpful and couldn't be nicer. The clothes are expensive but are very good quality. The changing facilities are spacious and light which is ideal for trying on such nice clothes. You do have to pay to park in West Quay and it can be expensive so do check the charges as it's a pay on exit car park

From the owner: At Coast we champion the new rules for dressing up. For us, it's not something you do for that one…read moreoff special occasion but something to work into your wardrobe whether you're going to a wedding, birthday party or drinks with friends. We design clothes for women who want to look beautiful, feel amazing and stand out in their own inimitable style. Our collections are created using modern couture-worthy fabrics, hand painted prints and stunning colour palettes. Above all else, beauty is at the heart of everything we design.