Today at The Loft I had the good fortune to experience the highest ever level of retail therapy…read more The saleswomen who helped me couldn't have been more helpful. I described the cut I was looking for, and lucky for me they had lots of things cut that way. After trying on a lot of tops, dresses and coats, I ended up with the most amazing coat, made in Germany of all cotton. It is quite fashionable and also functional. It was expensive, but worth every penny. I also got wonderful feeling black leggings, a gorgeous dress from France, some very cool reading glasses and stylish and functional fingerless gloves with leather palms. They also have a home furnishing section, as well as a restaurant which I understand has delicious food. What a find !!!!!! This place is retail therapy at its best for someone who wants clothing with panache, somewhat avant grade, and somewhat bohemian. It might be my favorite all time clothing store!

It's also a restaurant with a wall of windows and terrace too!! Best breakfast in England yet!!read more

came across this shop in Walcot Street by accident and what a suprise. Inside is an alladins cave…read moreof wonderful shoes, dresses and gifts.If in Bath should be top of your visit list

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!

Even though there are plenty of clothes shops on Gloucester Road, Pink Lemons is one of the better…read moreoptions. Filled with cute floaty dresses, feminine shoes and floral accessories this shop is strictly for girlie girls. With a handful of hippy tossed in with a dollop of trendiness - Pink Lemons stock a variety of brands from French Connection to Numph. My favourite part of the shop is, inevitably, their sales rail which is full of hidden gems at up to 50% off - which is a blessing, as the prices would be out of my budget otherwise.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quantity and quality of the clothes that Pink Lemon stock. They…read morehave some high street names, but also some more unique items for those looking for something a bit different. Apparently they are one of the only shops in Bristol which stocks items from the 'cool' Danish label Numph so if you are a fan, make a beeline for here! It's quite reasonably priced at around £35 for a dressy top. But if you're on a budget, definitely ask when their next sample sale is as its a good way to snap up a bargain. In fact, whenever I have walked past there is always some sort of deal or sale going on.

This shop is England at it's most upmarket and quintessential. Winchester is a small market town 12…read moremiles north of Southampton and has an idyllic, relaxed atmosphere as you walk around the cobbled streets, through the cathederal grounds and along the river side. And the feel of Winchester life is encapsulated, bottled and gift-wrapped in this shop. It sells designer furniture, coffee table books, clothes, baby paraphenalia, very posh toiletries and things for the home. You might struggle to find anything you need in here and will have no trouble at all finding everything that you want. The innocent looking white swing tags pack quite a punch to the wallet and match the affluent clientele to a tee You never see men in here, you just see them waiting outside with a nervous look on their face! The upstairs is entirely dedicated to providing the beautiful Winchester ladies with suitable attire for their many social arrangements. The value of their clothes stock would probably pay for the entire relief effort needed to get Burma back on it's feet. The menswear is equally, effortlessly cool. The clothes hang by very contemporary banksy-style wall art. They have mixed this very modern style with the very much desired homely, rustic, family-orientated feel that Winchester oozes from every pore. The outcome is utterly irresistable. There is no average in here, in fact they are noticably aiming to be anything but average. The womenswear ranges from £50(t-shirts)-~£600(dresses, jackets, bags), with some affordable middleground. I have bought a few dresses from here - a butterfly print halterneck (£75) and a black wrap dress (£80). Menswear £30 (ubercool T-shirts)-£300 (jackets, suits). A fantastic place for stationary and little gifts. At Christmas time the whole of the town comes into it's own, doing the traditional Christmas with spectacular charm. The Hambledon becomes a heavenly Christmas wonderland, just make sure you bring your flexible friend along. Once every season (twice a year) the owners sell off all their designer clothing to make room for the new stock and just recently this has happened in a smaller shop a few minutes away, rented for 3 days or so and rammed to the rafters with designer bargains. Arrive early, the queues reached the 1 hour wait mark within 10 minutes of opening. And beware - these Winchester ladies don't hold back. And you need cash or cheque, they are open to a bit of bartering, so be prepared to strike a deal. Check out their website for details or to join their mailing list. I love this place, but it's extravagant, designer, way-too-cool image always leaves me feeling slightly uneasy and thinking about foreign aid crises So it's a comfortable 4 stars. It is, after all, in the south, you wouldn't find a place like this up north, not even in York :)

I really enjoy visiting this shop in my time off. It's so unique and has so much character with…read morelovely staff and a great asthenic. The only downside would be the price point but this shop is great for finding clothing, gifts and small brands.

Decent little shop in Oxford for souvenirs. The quality is a bit higher than other similar Oxford…read moreshops, but so is the price. They had more unique items that could be given to people who would not want a big Oxford tshirt or pencil set. For instance, they had a whole section for folks who like to garden (see photos). They had tin mugs with cute gardening sayings. I got one for my mother who enjoys gardening all too much. It didn't seem like a chain store, and I really like local mom-and-pop shops so if I'm right that makes me happy! The front of the shop (window) is a bit confusing. The window says Oxford College Store on the front, but the sign above that says Bonnie. There's a hanging sign that reads Bonnie as well. Perhaps it was renamed, or they are trying to highlight their connection to Oxford University? Either way, it was a bit disconcerting to this foreigner.

I must admit, I avoided this place for ages because I just assumed it was a posh designer store…read morebecause of its name! When I actually got round to looking in it, I thought it was just another one of those touristy, overpriced 'Oxford University' memorabilia shops. BUT, and it's a big but, I was wrong! This has got some great clothes in a variety of styles, and is a refreshing change from the chain stores around town (which can be great, but you know what to expect every time). It's hardly a major item in there, but I'm quite fond of the lingerie. Prices vary but it's all fairly reasonable for Oxford, and if you're lucky you can grab a real bargain. As with all sales items, get it when you see it or you might be disappointed when you return! The staff are very friendly, and are happy to let you browse. If you're after an Oxford-branded gift for someone, or a treat for yourself, they're very helpful and can recommend things you might not have noticed.

Sadly my wife's favourite shop in Henley, Anna's Wardrobe sells absolutely exquisite ladies…read moreclothing. Whilst I can't afford the regular prices, the seasonal sales are an absolute gold-mine. The proprietor is an absolute gem and always willing to help. If you want to earn some serious brownie points, then take your partner to this shop. Just remember to take your card too. Now closed.

A book-lovers paradise!…read more We heard about this place when staying at a nearby B&B. Apparently, it's the largest second hand book seller in the UK, and after visiting I can truly believe this. The Book Barn is a massive warehouse on an industrial estate not far from Bath. It doesn't look much from the outside, but enter at you peril and be prepared to be overcome with the musty smell of second hand books - and what better smell is there, if we are honest?! Shelves are stacked floor to ceiling with every genre of book that you could possibly imagine - cookery, health, travel, science, religion - every topic under the sun. The fictional novels take up most of the space and are loosely categorised alphabetically. It can be a little overwhelming but the staff will run a search for you if you are looking for a particular author, and there are a couple of computers available for public use. The best bit about these books? They are all priced at £1!! I challenge you to come out with less than an armful! There is also a children's area and a rare book section, obviously with a slightly higher price tag. There is a cafe here too selling everything from hot drinks, to freshly baked cakes, cooked breakfasts, and light lunches. A great place to make a start on one of your new purchases. This really is book heaven. Bring a large bag and be prepared to lose a few hours in here!

I'm going to Bookbarn tomorrow and have been several times...its heaven!…read more Literally the biggest library of books you've ever seen in a huge converted barn just outside of Bristol...all books are £1!!! They have free parking and a small tea shop with homemade cake and big old sofas. There is a vintage book section as well with rare books at still very cheap prices. The last time i went i bought 16 books i kid you not. Out of those included the complete works of Shakespeare for £1 (mint condition) complete works of oscar wilde (less mint condition) and the best thing ever: the complete sonnets of Shakespeare which had a sweet message written inside from 1962 where a man bought this book and gave it to her on their 20th Anniversary..and here it was going home with me in 2014. Love that so much. You really can spend hours here, books are put into genres and you are given a map when you come in, sofa's and chairs dotted around for you to casually read along with wheel-able shopping baskets. The staff are super friendly and helpful, it's a bit rough around the edges but super cute, exactly the kinda place i feel at home. If you don't see me for 3 days, i've been in bookbarn :)