Swish, Damn Swish - no, not a famous line from a swashbuckling James Bond rip off, this arcade is…read moreincredible. A whole Victorian street in the shopping heart of Leeds enclosed by a wonderfully modern glass covering. OK, so the shops are all designer, the ones everyone loves to look in, sometimes go in to have a look at just how much some people are prepared to pay for t-shirt....but boy the designers have designed a perfect place for designers to come sell their designer bits 'n bobs. little bubbling fountains, coffee and bagel huts for that quick pit stop and belly filler. I sat in here for about an hour, just sipping my cheap filter coffee and commoner's bacon and egg bagel getting a good view of how the other half live. I didn't mind, I was content, in such a place I find it hard to believe anyone could feel otherwise.

The Victoria Quarter is the Leeds hotspot for chic shopping. I'm sure it would object to being…read moredescribed as such but that's tough, cos it's be that's writing it so ner. In all seriousness, The Victoria Quarter is the opulent home to some of the more high end brands of the Leeds shopping arena, and with it comes certain prestige in being housed here. The little independent stores like the French Revolution and Rose & Co gain a little kudos in being located here, as that is the effect the Victoria Quarter has on a business here. It is really rather easy to get lost in the annals of the walkways, be it through gawping at all the lovely shopping enticements, or be it from the identical high vaulted ceilings and archways criss crossing across one another, identical fountains, and sympathetic shop signage so that it doesn't interfer with the original features and feel of the Victorian decor. Depending on which entrance you take you will find fountains tinkling delicately, or small tables with coffee service, or even a small but assuredly delicious pattisserie. Benches are also dotted around and if you take the time to perch, and knock your head back you'll see the bizarre yet beautiful glass decoration. A worthy attraction all on it's own.

When you enter Karen Millen, it's clear that the brand want to convey a classy, sleek, yet wearable…read morelook. It brings to mind high flying business women and ladies of leisure who love to look good and be at the forefront of fashion. There's a great choice of knitwear, skirts, dresses and even a few accessories to kit you out for the upcoming party season. Sizes are very small and I find that only tall, striking, model like ladies look the best in this clothing. There is a large arrangement of prints and colours that look exciting and fresh but prices tend to be quite high. I don't think there's anything spectacular or overly brilliant about Karen Millen. It's just a principle of good quality, polished, professional looking attire.

In a seemingly endless search for the perfect deep purple bridesmaid dress I wandered into Karen…read moreMillen the other week, on the off chance tat they might have just the thing. I've always loved their clothing, albeit purchased second hand in charity shops, so I was hoping on a wing and a prayer that they might miraculously have the thing I needed! As I entered I knew it was not to be, since hoards of beautifully streamlined garments in greys and blue were adorned their fixtures tidily around me, but I went ahead and asked anyway. The lovely members of staff racked their brains and said they didn't think they had anything in, but very kindly pointed me in the direction of a few other good shops to try. Although they could have dutifully tried to sell me something they instead helped me along my quest, which I really appreciated, so I was really pleased! The design of the clothing in Karen Millen is generally something beautiful to behold, with the actual tailoring of the clothing matching in quality, so as a general rule of thumb I'm a fan in spite of the expense. However, with such lovely members of staff, this particular store is surely a cut above the rest. (No pun intended!)

This shop radiates style. Already in the chic atmosphere of the Corn Exchange, The Hidden…read moreWardrobe's sophistication and originality more than matches its surroundings. The clothes seem to mainly consist of neutrals with splashes of colour throughout the shop. They seem to really experiment with textures of colour and varying hemlines. It is the perfect place to discover an outfit which will set you apart from a crowd. Although they aren't show stopping, the garments are all really interesting pieces, the Monkey & ELF label is particularly intriguing. Dresses flaunting cowl and ruffle necks, and beautiful sweater dresses with batwing sleeves fill the space. There is also a range of bags, belts and various other accessories. The decor is understated, but elegant, just like the clothes. The woman who ran the shop was very pleasant, eager to answer any questions. If you've never visited The Hidden Wardrobe before, I would advise you to go and discover its creative, sumptuous contents immediately.

The Hidden Wardrobe showcases the collections of independent designers in this minimalistic…read moreboutique. Most of the clothes are GORGEOUS, really inventive, quirky, and cool. Think draping, unusual shapes, cool prints, assymmetry...but not too pretentious! Most pieces are completely unique and would make a great gift. Prices are reasonable, expecially considering these are small up-and-coming designers and you would be buying something unique that you wouldn't find in a high street chain store. I saw a skirt I absolutely LOVE priced at £50, a top for £45 and a coat for £95. They also have regular sale items so you could find a bargain! If you have unusual taste and shudder at the thought or another high street chain store you may well love this place! Check out the website for more info and products.

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.

I remember back in the day when Bank first started, it used to be a really nice place to get some…read morelovely clothing items, of good quality with competitive prices. All white interiors and some bargains to be had if you went at the right time and looked in the right places. Bank these days seems a bit different. With it's incorporation of some erm, undesirable brands, there is still the inclusion of some funky and quirky branded clothing. Although the prices at full whack aren't as competitive as they were. The girlies can pick some cute outfits, some that are sexy, some slouchy, others edgy, from a variety of brands such as Ribbon, Lipsy, Red or Dead, DKNY, although for the latter, this seems to be in accessories only, Gio-Goi, Superdry and others that I may not be up on, but have been assured are pretty damn cool. For the guys, there's Jack and Jones, Henleys (ahem), RingSpun and Amplified if blingy t shirts are your thing, new addition Voi for denims, Beck and Hersey, Firetrap, Box Fresh, and grandad cool chic Nanny State. Accessories in Bank are a staple, and there are belts, bags, hats, gloves and whatnot to suit both sexes and all styles. I have a suspicion the staff are on commission, as they seem to pounce on you when you look at something for longer than 3 seconds, but we've all gotta make a living, so let them be. Good place to get some decent branded clothing, especially in The White Rose Centre, as it's a bit pants in that department.

To me Tunnel seems an odd mix of rather tacky and rather interesting clothes. The range on offer is…read morequite varied, so everyone should be able to find something that appeals to them. There are bold and bright be-sequined going out clothes as well as some simpler, more classic tops and cardigans. They also sell a range of unusual shoes and jewellery. If ball-gown shopping head downstairs! Among more casual options there is a rack of eye-popping ball gowns in shimmering silks with sequins, lace and bows galore. If you're looking for something that packs a visual punch you will find it here. Though expensive, the dresses are quite unusual, and clearly intended for special occasions.

Skip the expensive, run-of-the-mill knitwear and knee length skirts on the ground floor of this…read moretiny boutique and head straight downstairs, where there always seems to be a sale on fabulous, extravagant dresses. Some of the more elaborate (think feathers, sequins and beautiful shimmering fabrics) come with an eye-poppingly large price tag attached, but they're beautiful to look at and some of the other dresses are very affordable and, in my view, just as pretty. This shop isn't for shrinking violets - the stock here leans heavily towards the short and tight, with body-con dresses, corsets and tiny tutu-style skirts all featuring in a variety of loud colours. They also do shoes, bags and jewellery, and when the sale's in full swing it can often be cheaper than Topshop.

How I've managed to not review Candy Candy is a mystery, as I've been in several times. In any…read morecase, here I am, and I'm going to tell you why I love this fabulous shop. Hidden away in the Corn Exchange, on the ground floor, this gorgeous den of vintage themed gifts is not only like a sugary treat for the eyes, but smells like one too. As well as stocking their in-house brand of delightful beauty products, ranging from cupcake shaped bath bombs to all kinds of delicious soaps and creams, but they also stock a range of the much coveted Rose & Co products. This is fabulous, as I've been missing those guys ever since the shop shut down in the Victoria Quarter! In addition to this, you'll find a lovely range of gorgeous jewellery, all in keeping with the candy vintage theme, and some truly lovely dresses. A few have been calling to me since the shop arrived, so I'm sure I'll have to treat myself at some point, but one must go in and delve further to appreciate all the little things this shop has in store. Added into this quality place for kitsch delights, is that the owner is one of the loveliest going, and passionate to boot. She organised the Candy Candy Halloween party in the Corn Exchange, which I'm sad to say I missed, but also gave me some excellent ideas for Christmas gifts when we got chatting in December. She's extremely friendly, going the extra mile, and that's something every shop needs. Check it out, vintage fans and beyond, it's a real treat!

On a brief trip in town the other day I popped back into Memphis Belle, drawn in beyond temptation…read moreby the beautiful 50s dress outside. The lady, as ever, was a delight to talk to and I explained that although I did have an event to attend I had simply been longing for one of their dresses for sometime so wanted to try one on. The dresses inside are all rather fabulous, some in very bodacious cupcake prints, others in a more delicate rose print. Although there are a few with slightly different features to the design (some with more frilly adornments, others a little more standard) all have been lovingly made by Memphis Belle - something I'd not known previously! Essentially, the majority of items not in a packet have been made by these guys, which endears me even more to this gorgeous shop. The 50s style dresses really are stunning, with slightly sweetheart necklines, high waists and flowing skirts they're utterly flattering and I'm sure would suit all different shapes. After trying a number of different ones on, with lots of advice, I eventually chose one that we thought suited my skin tone best. (Being pale as death can be a real drawback.) They also sell the underskirts if you wish to make the dress more 'poofy', which I couldn't resist, so I came away delighted with a new outfit! For every aspect of retail this place is fabulous - from great products to customer service. I realise it's an entirely 'girly' shop, but if you're even a little tempted by glamming up I suggest you pop in and have a natter with the lovely lady who works here! There are all sorts of retro and burlesque style bits to choose from, or even simply some outrageous eyelashes...

Memphis Belle is really eye catching, perched neatly on the corner of the Leeds/Kirkgate Market…read more It's main items of sale are dramatic dresses, mostly varying around the 50's era and burlesque ilk with some more gothic. The windows outside are also decorated with mannequins legs flirtatiously portraying various colourful tights and high heeled shoes that are all wacky and wonderful. They also stock a wide variety of fancy dress type stock such as those packaged witch outfits or nurses attire, plus a load of jewellery, fake eye lashes, silly string and the like. I really enjoy having a look around in here, it is very busy on the eye and always draws me in and conjures up images of me dressed as a burlesque 50's lady at a party or just strutting around in some garish colourful tights. A huge amount fun to be had with this place, however is really quite small so navigating inside is hard to say the least when it's busy, and also wouldn't be the most wheelchair friendly.