In my shopping obsessed mind, all shops have a category. Pumpkin Pie definitely comes into the…read morecategory of - beautiful clothes and toys for kids but strictly for gifts only. It's just too expensive for me to buy clothes for my own two kids there as they tend to rip, stain and generally ruin most things within a week. So if you A) need to buy a baby gift or B) have children who can be trusted to wear beautiful things, Pumpkin Pie is for you. It is filled with the cutest baby clothes and blankies, little soft teddies and clothes for older kids, up to the age of about 10. If you're into your labels you'll recognise Ducky Beau (my personal fave for little boys), Me Too and Lego. There are other ranges of similar price and style. Prices are high, but these are high end clothes for nippers. A t shirt will be around £25 and a dress about £45 but as with most high end shops, the sale is the time to shop. Time it right and you'll get a good choice of reduced stuff.

As a very excited auntie of a one year old I am immediately drawn to all these cute little…read morechildren's clothing stores. This one from the outside looks almost edible with its bright colours and very welcoming sign. Plus the big up to 70% off sign does nothing but lure me in. I love all the cute little dresses and outfits for the little girls but I'm auntie to a little boy. There are some really nice little boy outfits in here with the usual pirate, animal and car themes. I picked my nephew up a lovely little t shirt with a panda bear on the front for £12.00 and it had been reduced quite a lot in the sale. Non sale items are a little on the expensive side but it is Holywood after all. A lovely shop, I hope my sister has a girl next as I really want to go back and get some of the gorgeous girlie clothes.

Jacksons 38 is one of five (yes, you heard right) departments, if you like, all owned by Jacksons…read moreof Saintfield. Not a clue who this guy is, but he essentially owns half of the Main Street... As well as the main hardware / cookware store a few doors up, there is also a 'Lifestyle' stores few doors on up from that, which consists of a health food shop, a coffee shop and a home interiors shop. Phew! However, my trip was only to this sweet little boutique. Mainly consisting of ladies, gents and kids shoes, it is also a jewellery shop, an accessories shop (wallets, belts, scarves etc.), and a ladies clothes shop. Blinkin' heck. It's one of those shops that's a myriad of little rooms and sections that see to go on forever. There really is a beautiful selection, and the range of kid's school shoes rivals an actual shoe shop's range. The lady sales assistant was very pleasant and welcoming - cheery smiles galore. She was helpfully aiding a customer who was trying on shoes, but didn't neglect the others who were busy looking too. I must commend this Jackson fella on such a beautiful little shop. Highly recommended.

Conservatory Coffee, health food, boutiqueness…read moreHaiku perfection Visited here on a priest's recommendation to sip coffee with Michael W. Smith in the background and hoping to catch a nice Irish evangelical's eye... But even without those expectations being met (there's always next time), I think I've found my new favorite coffee shop in County Down. As you walk into Jackson's there is the boutique on the right, health food on the left, and straight to the back, nectar of the gods: COFFEE. Even further back, comfy couches and tables fill a beautiful, bright, glass conservatory facing out into the courtyard. Me and a friend sat until close (4:30 p.m.) sipping our coffee and admiring others fancy beverages and jealousy inducing desserts. While I have yet to witness it, I was told that the scones are as big as your head and full of fruity surprises. I couldn't ask for a better setting or cup of coffee to sip, sit, people watch, and/or work.

Having 4 nephews and soon to be 3 nieces it's sometimes tough to find an original present or…read moresomething I haven't got another one of them in the past. This year I thought I would wander off the well-worn High Street and in to St Georges Market to see if I could find something quirky and cool that would not only impress the little ones but also make my sisters smile. When I came across the Tee and Toast stall I immediately knew I had found what I was looking for, they have a range on kiddies clothes and accessories with locally inspired images and phrases (see my bib pic). The lady manning the stall was as bright and bubbly as the clothes on display and she helped me choose the 'Bout Ye Belfast' bib that's sure to get a chuckle form the latest member of my ever expanding family. They are based at St Georges Market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday but also have an online store that I will be definitely be visiting for Christmas presents for the big and small members of the family. It's refreshing to see our local culture and landmarks being displayed in such a positive and humorous way.

This is a great clothes shop but a bit pricy. They clothes are good quality and wash well. Also a…read morebit different it you want something nice.

gorgeous and trendy what more could you ask forread more

I love clothes, I love quirky labels and I love not wearing exactly the same as 100 other ladeees…read morein Belfast so therefore, I love Lulu Blu. This little gem is loaded up with gorgeousness from St Martins, Desigual, Custo and Almost Famous to name a few. Every piece is quirky and makes you feel you really need it sooo badly it hurts. Every rail has got something which will make you throw a hissy fit to get it. What do you mean that's only me? Doesn't everyone stamp their feet in public? When times are good, I love to go to Lulu Blu and treat myself to something fabulous and although there are some pretty expensive pieces in there like Custo dresses for over £200, there are also some really affordable little gems like summer dresses around £30. Be quick though as those are the bits that are only on the rails for a few days. The more expensive stuff is perfect for special occasions when you don't want to run the risk of wearing the same as someone else. Social suicide darling, no? A word to the recessionista - the sale is fantastic, but again get your pretty little skates on as the bargains don't wait around for snoozers! Ps the jewellery is always fab and always affordable. Who actually needs food?!

A sunny, bright and welcoming shop that suits the quirky patterned dresses, tops and some very…read moregrand coats, that I would regard as best for getting dressed up for going out in the evening, embroidered with a gold and appliqué. I don't normally go for this sort of thing but I am inclined to have a good look once in a while, just in case there is something to change my mind, because it's a pleasant shop to be in and the people are friendly. Though not cheap you could be making a sound investment in buying something from here and if you don't see yourself in the clothes there are some beautiful bags of the same vein which should cheer up any outfit.