When U2 asked, "Did I disappoint you? Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?" in their well-known hit…read more(aptly named One), I knew they weren't referring to this clothes shop, but I couldn't help myself... While I wouldn't say I was disappointed with One, I would say I wasn't bowled over. The clothes really are expensive, and even with a sale on, I couldn't find all that much I liked, and to be honest, the money side of things put me off properly hunting. There were a few stunning garments in the sale, and yes, I did spot a gorgeous dress for £30, but when I asked myself did I really need it, the answer was no, and I would probably find something equally as nice for a bit cheaper elsewhere. As far as the full-price new season stuff was concerned, I decided against having a look, for fear of my eyes popping out of my head at the prices. The style of many of the clothes isn't really my thing - I like cute prints, florals, skinny jeans, shirts and that sort of thing, but most of this stuff was a bit too eclectic for me. And in answer to U2's questioning, "Is it getting better? Or do you feel the same?", I'm afraid it's got to be the latter. My mind hasn't been at all changed during the course of my review. Sorry One...

One is an upmarket designers store wedged in between a printers shop and a barbers on Ballyclare's…read moreMain shopping street. It's a small, quiet shop with some nice *EXPENSIVE* clothes. I have to say, they're prices I wouldn't pay, but I'm a bargain hunter and don't see the point in paying full price for something you can get discounted elsewhere (or the same thing, minus the label and about £50!) So because of this it's not a store I'd highly recommend but if you're a label-a-holic then you'd probably really like it. They sell Bench, Super Dry, Lee Cooper *insert label here* type clothes. Some of their stuff is quite nice, but their prices just aren't!

Despite all the good reviews I've read about Joli, I was slightly disappointed by my experience…read more One article I recently read about it highlighted the proprietor's desire to provide a high level of customer service. Well I don't know if the sales assistant was having an off day, but I wasn't greeted, spoken to, or even smiled at, and I did feel slightly let down. There were only two other women in the shop at the time, so it wasn't as though I was asking a too much of her. Anyways, on a more positive note, the clothing is pretty stunning...the colours are gorgeous, and the prices are perhaps not as high as you might think. I didn't spot anything I particularly needed, but I did see a few key pieces for A/W 10...cute cardies, printed skirts, chunky knits and streamline dresses. The garments truly live up to their name, with 'Joli' meaning pretty in French. The entire upstairs was dedicated to sale stock, with up to 70% off summer wear. Kids clothing, menswear and womenswear are all incredibly discounted. Again, nothing particularly caught my eye, but it's definitely worth a look nonetheless. I can only hope that if I was to pay Joli a visit again, I would be greeted with a slightly better level of customer service. However, those clothes really are beaut, and if you're into your eclectic fashion, you'll find Joli pretty hard to beat, especially around these parts...

Designer fashion in Ballyclare? Who'd a thunk it? I *heart* *heart*…read more*heart* this shop. Ok, some of the stuff I wouldn't pay the money for in a zillion years (I'm a vintage lovin' girl) but some of the clothes in this lovely store are far too good to miss! Especially if you make down while there's a sale on - win! As I entered my eyes darted here and there spying goodies I couldn't wait to look at properly, some of the items were just screaming cool! Alongside the inevitable range of trendy jeans and gladiator sandals there were some very original pieces especially the SkunkFunk range. I'd say most people wouldn't be caught dead in some of it, but I loved it! Joli is worth the visit even if it is just of ogle over these amazing, well tailored clothes. I trooped upstairs to the sale section *woohoo!* and noticed the brilliant Quicksilver canvas trolley/school bag ...What? Do my eyes deceive me? £10! Yes please! It'll be brilliant for travelling, especially in airports etc. It's the perfect size for hand luggage and has straps attached which you can swap to when it's not convenient to pull it by the handle. I'm impressed. Wish I'd found this before I went to Romania and spent £30 in TK Maxx on a bog standard school bag to carry my camera! But anyway, bag mentally bought I continued on to their sale where everything is divided in to sections by colour coded price labels and by size. Perfect! I tried a different few things on, aided by the nice shop assistant, and although I didn't buy anything I certainly wanted to splurge my cash! I'll be back here when the shopping fund is topped up and can take some damage! So bag in hand I depart leaving all the lovely clothes behind *sad face* they can eagerly await my return with Victor Visa!

Do you love shoes? Do you love uniqueness? Do you love designer items at discount prices? If you…read moreanswered yes to any of the above questions than you have to get yourself down to Bonita Shoes & Bags in Ballyclare town Square. Two lovely ladies, Anne and Mary, and run this amazing shop which has been opened in Ballyclare for just over two years. They stock an impressive range of European fashion names including the beautiful Spanish shoes Pedro Miralles, the more local Moda in Pelle alongside the fabulous Dutch range Miezko. I was also delighted to see Claudia Canova bags, which I've never seen anywhere except online. *Heart!* They also have a sale on fit flops, which is very unusual. The sizes were a bit odd but it's great to see the company trying out different sales incentives. I've only been to this store once but I'll be back again very soon. Their eclectic range of different styles really caught my eye. Some of their prices can be quite high end, but if you catch their sale you'll find yourself some great reductions. The shop owners are the loveliest people who will accommodate your every need. Both lovely friendly people who love a wee chat and have an eye for beautiful shoes!

There was once upon when a time when a Ballyclare lass, looking an outfit for that special occasion…read morecould be guaranteed The Wardrobe would be able to provide her whatever she had in mind. They sold something for everyone (if you could afford it, as it can be rather expensive) but alas, gone are those days and the shop now seems to stock fashions for the older lady that I'm not even sure my Granny would wear. I will admit that they do sell a fabulous range of handbags and shoes, but their clothing seems to have gone well down hill. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks this, my mums side of the family are from Ballyclare (nine kids altogether - five of which were girls and they all loved a pay day treat in this store) they all agree that it just isn't what it used to be. Sadly so, the other fashion stores in the town seem to have cornered the fashionable market stakes and The Wardrobe are left with the high end price tag, and some rather gaudy, 'wouldn't be caught dead in' trends. Now I will give them their dues, they're known for being a great stockist of 'Mother of the bride' outfits and the accessories I spied were fantastically beautiful. (See pictures) maybe I'm too young or my style is too alternative to appreciate the clothes here ... (I really don't think so though) but The Wardrobe just isn't what it used to be. Sadly it would appear the likes of Joli (- Fab! See review) or One have garnered the niche area of the market and left The Wardrobe lagging sadly behind.

My favourite one stop shop for wedding outfits, nights out & a little bit of glamour!…read moreGreat customer service, new stock all the time & a super Facebook page showing latest pieces! Have bought all my recent formal dresses here too!

This family run men's and boys wear, as well as all local school wear, shop has been growing from…read morestrength to strength. The newly extended store has added lots more room for its school wear section. All local schools in the Glengormley area are stocked here. I got my two girls uniforms from here!! There are also many branded ranges in the high class, dressy and casual ranges, with many well known brands. As well as clothing there is also a super range of footwear and accessories all at keen prices. So pop in and see for yourselves.

This shop is an absolute pleasure to go into. My two boys are very different sizes and go to a…read morelocal grammar school. Nothing is ever too much bother for the guys who own the shop - sorting out different sizes and styles for the boys. The wool blazers sold her are of a different make than Cartmills and are of a far superior standard and wear much better. I brought one of the blazers back just before school last year to change as my son had a growth and there was not a peep about changing it. I cannot recommend this shop highly enough!