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.

Great little shop, tucked away in Walton Street. They've got a great selection of clothes some of…read morewhich are exclusive. But the real treasures are the jewellery. Unique and one-off pieces, you'll find some lovely gift ideas or pieces to complete your outfit. They also sell a lovely selection of bags and scarves. Lots of the items are unusual, the website says that it is 'remniscent of a french boutique'. I enjoy going just to browse round and ususally find something I like! Price wise, it is a little more expensive than other retailaers but I don't think you'll find these pieces elsewhere in Oxford so it's worth it.

I visited Piajeh in Weybridge for the first time in a while recently and it still remains one of…read morethe best and most unique boutiques in Surrey. It's been in Weybridge for around 15-16 years now. They've always had such a variety of different things and rarely ever the same item is available again, so best to grab it when you see it, try it on and buy it there and then, or it will be gone quickly. There is something for everyone here, casual everday and anytime pieces, cashmere tops, party dresses, evening wear, gorgeous shoes and trendy boots for all occasions and a fabulous selection of costume jewellery, a few bags and belts. Don't expect any bargains as Piajeh is a top end boutique, but it's always worth a look out for one-off creations that are on sale. I would describe Piajeh as a treasure trove for anyone with a unique eye for fashion and if you're after something different that nobody else you know will also have in their wardrobe. A sister Piajeh boutique (same owner) opened in the Summer of 2012 in Wimbledon village, haven't visited that shop yet.

The shop has all the latest designs for clothing for teenagers as well as women. The prices are…read morereasonable. They also have a selection of trendy belts, jewellery, and handbags. The shop is ideally placed in Uxbridge High Street. Whether your looking for an item for work or socialising this is the place to get the gear you need.

When I visited London in 2011, I happened upon River Island and instantly fell in love. Their…read moreLondon store had fabulous styles I had never before seen in America, and hell, I live in Los Angeles! I was instantly drawn to their vests and dresses as well as their accessories! After leaving London, I would scour their website for hours ... hoping to find more wonderful finds to get shipped over to my homeland. Two years later, I'm back in England, and I knew I had to make a trip to London to shop at River Island. Well, I'm staying in Oxford for three weeks, and I couldn't believe that Clarendon Street -- just less than a mile from my dorm -- is the home to a River Island shoppe! I immediately made my way the first day I arrived (HAHA!) to shop for a dress because I had a reception to attend that evening. To my luck, I laid my eyes on their blue and black skater dress which flatters the shape like none other, and feels like heaven against my skin. The price wasn't too bad -- 60+ pounds for this lovely dress. But it was so worth it! Ever since, I've come by this store at least three more times to leisurely look at some of their other items. Their handbags look pretty great for the price, and they have great sales every day. If I didn't come to England with a shopping allowance, I'm sure I'd spend all of my money at this store alone. ;) I think every tourist should stop by River Island and try on their styles. Most of their clothes are form flattering, and they have a great selection of colors, sizes, and styles. Their downstairs section consists of mostly accessories, but if you go upstairs, you will find a wonderful collection of men's and women's clothing (and bags, many many bags). They have ample dressing rooms, and a spacious floor plan to accommodate the armful of clothes you'll be hauling around. So what are you waiting for? Stop reading this and go shopping today!

River Island is great for trendy, colourful clothes. They're quite good quality and it's not got…read morethe cluttered feeling of some shops. I just hate having to squeeze past people and avoid clothes lying around on the floor, and you get none of this here. I know quite a few guys who shop here, so it's a useful place to go shopping as a couple or in a group of friends. Compared to Primark or New Look, I suppose it is a bit on the pricey side, but if you compare it to a shop like Gap, it's similar. One top tip: check the washing instructions! Sometimes that delicate-looking top you like is handwash only, and believe me, after a couple of times wearing it, you won't love it so much after all! Conclusion: it's great for casual clothes or smart casual going out clothes. They've got nice, colourful tops for girls and lots of accessories.

This is a lovely branch of Oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Queen's Street…read more It is a fairly small shop, yet larger enough to display a sizeable chunk of their range. They sell gorgeous coats, dresses, skirts and tops, particularly for smart occasions. They are expensive- a dress can easily cost over £100, with coats approaching £200, but the quality is great and style is a bit different to the rest of the high street. They also sell some lovely shoes, earrings, watches and accessories. there is a good sized changing room, which I've never had to queue for, and the staff are helpful and will offer their advice if you ask for it. If you are looking for a special outfit, or just have some money to burn, then this is definitely worth a look!

This is a good branch of Oasis- while not huge it does have enough space to display a good range of…read morethier stock. It also has a full shoe section, so you can pick up shoes and boots from here. I recently bought some black winter boots from here and I am very happy with them. Oasis does a great range of clothes at pretty reasonable prices. They have some really lovely party dresses at reasonable prices. Recently they had some peices with Liberty print fabric- I have one of the dresses and I love it. They do the vintage look really well, but also offer really good basics such as well cut jeans and smart work wear. They also stock the Oasis underwear range, which is very nice too.

Boden clothes are stylish & well made. Not cheap, although they have sales twice a year which are…read morereally worth checking out. This shop in Walton on Thames is fairly new and a great place to see all the stock and try on, without having to use their mail order service.

Before Primark there was matalan. Cheaper clothes than elsewhere, and yet fashionable…read more Matalan is still fairly cheap and fashionable but the problem is - they are not as cheap as primark, have a smaller collection and the clothes only seem slightly better made. That being, Primark is the better option. Matalan does have its plus though which is that the clothes are orderly and well sorted. The John allen centre store is always clean, tidy and easy to navigate around. Unlike places like tk maxx which is next door. Matalan sell a good assortment of clothes. They sell casual, smart and party clothes for both men and women...not to mention shoes and underwear. I actually got a well made and nice looking skirt suit and a pair of shoes for £35 here. Downstairs there is a home deptartment including cushions, linen, kitchen goods, mirrors and rugs and carpets. There are also kids books and games and some kids clothing. All in all its a good store. Its just a shame that the clothing pricing can not compete with the lower prices of primark.

I don't get a chance to pop in very often as its out of the city centre but if I am passing I…read morealways make a point of dropping in. The shoe choice is really good here, they do some decent designer copies I always see nice things in magazines for sale at Matalan although its not always quite so good in person, and not as cheap as Primark Lovely HUGE store, excellent selection and I LOVE the homewares bit