Oh my gosh. I have no idea where a place like this springs from, especially in the LS8 post code,…read moreand yet here it is standing proud. For some of the most high end designer clothes, outside of Harvey Nichols, this is absolutely the shop to browse. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I literally spent about five minutes here as I was so daunted by the price tags. I was, after all, weighed down by a cumbersome ugly rucksack, dirty shoes and a red world-weary face from my travels that day. The lady, who I assumed to be the manager, greeted me very kindly even though she was busy with another customer so I thought that was really nice. Not even close to the reception I'd had in some of the other high end shops, as she was warm and friendly and didn't seem phased by my disheveled appearance one iota. In spite of that I only had to touch one of the beautifully designed dresses to realise that it cost £800 and I instantly became convinced that my hands were covered in grease and had left some kind of grubby mark on the collar. Perhaps this was the paranoia of being in a high end shop. I felt like at any given moment my rucksack may catch an entire display and put me into more debt than my student loan. There is a beautiful range of clothing, accessories and shoes inside this wonderfully laid out shop. They cater for men too, just as exquisitely, but as you may have gleaned by now - we are talking *high end* clothing here. My most coveted item, a jacket costing £300 odd, almost seems cheap in comparison to the dress I first glanced at! In any case, though I really thought highly of the design and the service, there is no possible way I could afford to spend money in here! Lovely, but definitely a place to save up for.

An up market, boutique shop selling high-end fashion wear for the well to-do of this neighbourhood…read more Black, chic, slim build and sunglasses type affair are what you'll find here enter and beware, you are likely to be pounced upon by an over-enthusiastic sales assistant or be greeted in a blasé manner until you flash your amex. Either way browsing isn't the most comfortable option unless you really don't care that is.

I don't know why but I wasn't really expecting to like Oaks...it just looked as though it might be…read morea little trendy for my tastes, however I was definitely pleasantly surprised. The clothes are unusual and creatively designed, with unexpected added details or special touches which give them character. There's something here to suit every taste with everything from long, baggy jumpers to short sequined ice-skater style dresses. They also have many vintage-inspired dresses - one that caught my eye was a grey woolen long-sleeved dress with gold buttons and there were also dresses reminiscent of Victoria Beckham's designs, with fitted bodices and added pelmets. They also sell a small selection of jewellery and shoes. The fact that all the clothes here are by local independent designers makes me appreciate this shop much more, as it is supporting small businesses, showcasing local talent and providing a unique shopping experience.

I've gone past this shop so many times on the bus that I finally decided to pay them a visit. Oh…read morewow. The layout is open and inviting and styled more like a classy lounge than a shop floor. Bordering the room are rails and rails of quirky, individual and classy items, which, to my delight, I discovered are all by independent local designers. The girls working there were clearly passionate about the clothes, not only since they were dressed head to toe in them, but they went on to explain to me that the shop had been there for around 30 years and so was well established as an independent boutique. They also informed me that they only buy one of each size in so that any item purchased is virtually a one-off - I love one-offs! For this you do have to pay a little more than your average high street brands, but the point is that when you go out in one of their dresses/skirts/tops you know that you are likely to be the only one in Leeds wearing it. Even the scarf selection oozed class and design. It was very exciting, and as Christmas is creeping ever closer, I suggest you go in and and have a search. But not if I get there first...

Hasseen exclusive wear is just one of the many sari shops on and around Roundhay Road. It stands…read moreout for me because it has some exceptionally beautiful elaborately beaded garments which seem to be of a higher quality and level of detail than the pieces in many of the other sari shops. Some of them really are gorgeous, in vibrant gem colours with intricate patterns of gold and silver beads painstakingly sewn in. It would be worth a visit just to drool over them even if you don't intend to buy anything. The most elaborate garments are suitably more expensive than their less-detailed counterparts, with a very elaborate tunic top selling for £85.Though I'd be worried if it sold for any less considering the work that must have gone into it! If you want to experience the real beauty of traditional South Asian fashion then I would highly recommend Hasseen.

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.

I don't like giving charity shops poor ratings because ultimately they do a good job. But this…read moreOxfam is really disappointing, and given it's about four doors down from a Cancer Research shop it could do with having a bit of a rethink. Reasons I didn't like it: 1) There were hardly any clothes on the rails 2) The clothes that were there weren't in any kind of size/colour order 3) There were a couple of items on the floor, from rails directly in front of the till, and the till dude (ok I know he's not getting paid but come on, if you're going to volunteer, do it properly) didn't seem bothered at all 4) The window display was full of 'DO NOT TOUCH' signs. It's not Tiffany's. It's Oxfam. Get over yourselves.

This Oxfam shop in Moortown is a good size and is well-stocked with a large book section rather…read morelike a mini Oxfam Books and a small, slightly unloved-looking furniture section in a room right at the back with a few armchairs, a small desk, some bedside tables and other bits and bobs. In the first and largest room is the standard range of second-hand items you might expect from an Oxfam shop, with women's, men's and kids clothing, shoes, accessories and home ware. They also sell new greetings cards, gifts and a range of Divine chocolate products. The size of this shop means there's just that bit more choice, especially in the book section. The clothing is of decent quality, though I didn't find anything that particularly jumped out at me. If enjoy a good charity shop rummage you're bound to find something here...even if it ends up being a bar of Divine chocolate or a pretty greetings card.

Great value 'chain store seconds' always worth a browse good range of ladies clothes, bags &…read morejewellry. Stock changing regularly so pop in often - I do! very friendly

Fantastic range. visit the website…read more http://www.boutiquepassion.co.uk

Punjab Jewellers is only a few doors down from Faisal Jewellers and is quite similar in its…read moreoffering. It has a huge range of necklaces that are striking and intricate, made up of many small pieces, either layers of thin chains or many pendants all on the same necklace. All of the necklaces have matching earrings, most of which are large and dangly and would definitely get you noticed! They also sell large chunky bracelets and a wide selection of rings. Prices here are not for the faint-hearted, with some pieces 22 or 24 carat gold and many incorporating diamonds. If you were shopping for jewellery in the area it would be best to pop into both Punjab and Faisal, as if you like one you will like the other, but one of them may have that perfect piece that you're looking for.

From the owner: Punjab Boutique which was formally well renowned Punjab Jewellers of Leeds, opened its doors on…read moreSunday 10th March 2013. The first of its kind in Leeds, we cater for every occasion and only offer the best in quality. Bridal lenghas, Sarees, designer readymade suits, heavy and casual unstitched material & exclusive jewellery - whatever your style - we will cater for every individual need. For 30 years we have built a reputation for serving loyal customers and we endevour to continue doing so.

Before I went in Label Boutique I always assumed for some reason that it wouldn't have anything to…read moremy taste (I generally go for vintage-style or things with a bit of character) but I once saw a really pretty dress in the window and ventured in. It has a spacious and minimalist style inside and the staff always seem really nice and welcoming. There's not a huge amount to choose from but the minimal size of the range gives the impression that it was selectively chosen. The clothes are usually very hit and miss for me, thought there always seems to be at least one thing I like. The prices cover quite a range - they sell the label Glamorous, which is also in Arc and sells at standard high street prices. Despite its tacky -sounding I tend to like most things by Glamorous, and on my last visit there was a pretty polka dot layered top. Other things in the shop tend to be more pricey, but there seem to be regular sales so you may find a bargain. Like Rowena I tend to do most of my clothes shopping second hand and Headingley certainly is spoilt for choice when it comes to charity shops. I can't imagine going to Label Boutique to buy something for myself but I may well have a look in if I was in the area and looking for a gift for a femail friend.

This is another one of those shops on North Lane that I've wandered past and considered nipping in…read morebut never quite made it. In all honesty there are enough charity shops in Headingley to satisfy my shopping needs - once I've gone through all the bargains and found a new pair of shoes/new dress etc, I don't need to go anywhere else. Anyway, there was a large sale sign so I decided to go in. Inside the shop was quite smartly laid out and interestingly enough, there wasn't actually a great deal there. Closest to the window was a rail stacked with very 'american high school' style jumpers, cardigans and, to my distaste, those horrid velour burgandy jogging suits. Gah. There was also a selection of very 90s pop style dresses, with asymmetric straps and bright fluorescent straps of colour across them. Amongst those garments were also some more understated items - belts, handbags and a lovely thick jersey high waisted skirt for £60. My main disinterest for the items in the store was that a lot of them were simply not my style, but where I saw things that I like I just felt that I could find something more unique for less money elsewhere. For example, they had a pair of sequined leggings. There was nothing extra special about this pair and I know beyond any doubt that I could find a much cheaper pair elsewhere. Despite this though, it was a pleasant shop to have a quick browse, and the staff were lovely and ready to help. All in all, they'll probably have one or two things worth a look, but only really for me if I was walking by. Not really worth a special trip...