Spice Centre is a strange little shop, often nicknamed 'the mosque shop' due to its proximity to…read moreone of Hyde Park's more prominently visible mosques. It sells an assortment of reasonably cheap and decent quality fruit and vegetables piled a little haphazardly outside on wooden pallets. They have also somewhat neglected the notion of a sign denoting the name of their shop...an attitude I rather admire! Inside they stock odds and ends of essential groceries, some unusual and yummy spicy crisps, Asian deserts and hardly any chocolate to speak of! The interior always has a slightly empty feel with shelves never appearing fully stocked...but it certainly has character! Top tip: they also sell probably the tastiest vegetable samosas I have ever tried (which I have decided earns them an extra star!). They are usually displayed ready to eat in a box on the counter.

This long-standing fruit and vegetable shop is like a market on the outside and an abandoned…read moregeneral food shop on the inside. On Fridays there is a mass of men who spill out from the mosque next door and have a good natter on the street and in the road. Vegetables and fruits are stacked on top of wooden pallets. You can get fresh herbs such as coriander and mint for a very decent price, the usual fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges as well as fairly priced spices such as ginger. And a large variety of vegetable from Chinese radish to sweet potatoes lay here waiting to be selected. Inside you can also buy freshly made vegetable samosas for only 25 pence. A refreshing change from the expensive chain corner shops such as 'One-Stop' and 'Londis' and more choice than is available at 'Sainsbury's'.

I stumbled across Pop Boutique after visiting the haberdashery right next to it. I was surprised to…read moresay the least. Cute little woollen skirts and check shirts seemed to be the running trend. Along with lots of lurex and sparkles! A lot of the clothes here are recycled, hence their motto - recyclable fashion! The fitting rooms are plastered with cool band photos and pin ups advertising burlesque evenings. I bought a shirt and a skirt from here and can't wait to wear them. Different and affordable with lovely, polite staff. 5 stars from me!

Pop Boutique is one of that strange breed of shop that seems to market itself as a 'vintage' yet…read morestocks entirely new clothing, cut from new textiles in designs vaguely inspired by vintage clothing. There are a few genuine vintage finds in here, but they seem to be getting fewer and farther between as the stock leans more and more towards the new. Put aside any qualms over the label 'vintage', however, and you'll find that Pop Boutique is a fine addition to the pile of central Leeds clothes shops, and while its cute tea dresses and floral skirts may not be originals from the 1950s they're still different - and cheaper - than anything you might find on the high street.

Ahh yes another one, if Pound World wasn't enough for you then there's Poundland! Woohoo! More…read morenon-pound busting budget basket fillers for your delectation. There are lots of various household items in here to be had, from de-icer for the car in those winter months, which seem to get longer and longer with each year. Really they do don't they?! Now Poundland is currently stocking a selection of character Easter Eggs, retailing at £1 each or £3 for four, with a variety of characters to choose from, be it The Simpsons, High School Musical or Peppa Pig, if they get a Glee one I am totally there! There are plenty of other branded home items to be had in here too, from body lotions and toothpaste, face wash, shampoo and conditioners, handwash, soap, baby food, baby juice, cold and flu remedies, seriously Beechams All in One £1, Boots, £4, Bargain! Pop, crisps, chocolate, stationary, colouring books, random car stuff and garden things that I need nor understand, but it's there.

Pound shops are always a winner. This one has all the usual stuff - deodorants, candles, kids toys,…read moretravel accessories etc etc. Typically it's a bit of a mess and the staff really don't want to be there, but you can't argue with the prices. Obviously not everything is good value, but if you spend some time you can really find some bargains. Often you'll find brand names at half the price. Definitely worth calling in if you're shopping in this area.

Blue Rinse is generally acknowledged as the first port of call for the city's trend-toting indie…read morehip-slingers. It's been this way for several years now but at one time, there was nothing to separate the several vintage abodes dotted around the city centre. Blue Rinse now stands head - and probably shoulders too - above it's competitors, not only because the quality of the goods is better (think original Lyle and Scott jumpers, retro Adidas originals gear and a mightily impressive selection of accessories) but because it's arranged and organised like a stylish boutique. Compared to a quest for treasure elsewhere, a treasure chest of desirable garments is presented to you. Open every day of the week, 10.30-6 (Mon-Fri), 10.30-7 (Sat) and 11-5 (Sunday), there's no excuse not go and have a peruse of every single floor. If you're not chasing a bargain basement belt (or any other item of clothing, I only chose belt for alliteration purposes) and are feeling just that little bit flush - payday? - then the Designer's Boutique on the top floor is well worth a look, showcasing some of the finest limited edition clobber local fashionistas have produced. And it does help when the girls that work there are so good looking, too. If they say I look good in something, consider it bought... They're not for me, but girls... the blokes behind the counter look a lot like an early Kings of Leon? Take your fancy?

I don't know if you'll have noticed this, but I have. Leeds is like some kind of Mecca for vintage,…read moreso how I've managed all this time without penning a few thoughts for the big boys at Blue Rinse, I don't know. But I have, so here are some mind-words. Blue Rinse is certainly one of the more long-standing places in which to purchase some great old goodies. They're like the vintage of vintage, having been about so long. And, as opposed to rather a lot of the shops, this place caters in equal measure to the boys and the girls. It's over a few floors, so there's a ton of clothing to rummage through, ranging from funky shirts, jackets, thick woolen jumpers, bright colours and more. It's almost overwhelming when you step inside as there is such a lot to browse through! But patience, friend. Good vintage comes to those who dig. The chaps in there are usually a friendly-ish lot, fash-ed up to the max in the latest vintage look, so if you're at a loss there's always the option to ask for advice. A bonus feature of the changing rooms is the poster collection: pretty much anything of worth going on in the city is plastered up, from gigs to club nights, so it's nice to get a bit of inspiration as you dress for a night out! As mentioned by others, prices are certainly that wee bit higher, but for myself I'd rather spend more and have a staple piece than buy something that will disintegrate in a few months. (I'm looking at you Primark et al.!) Either way, this is definitely another stop off to garnering the coolest threads in town, so pop in if you're after something genuinely old and genuinely cool. Pop in often though, there's a whole load that's one of a kind...

As far as little supermarkets go this modest co-operative is a fair shout. Housing everything you…read morecould possibly need in a pinch it's a really handy store for those living nearby, despite the prices being just a little bit higher than most other supermarket chains. I nipped in here for some basics and was really pleased to find that they sell Clover, a small and very specific point I know, but it seems all other places nearby to me have ceased to sell this most coveted butter brand! I was really pleased. They also have a grand fruit and veg section, though not as wide and fresh as Oakwood fruits, a good selection of handy quick meals, cereals and more. There are also feed 4 for £4 deals, which seems to be their answer to Sainsburys feed your family for a fiver deal, which isn't bad! As well as all this the shop assistant was really sweet and friendly, offering up a bit of harmless banter as I purchased my goods. All in all, a pretty fair place to purchase some goods!

Now these sorts of shops aren't really the sort to get excited about but I just had to give this…read moreone a mention. The store has managed to cover most of my emergencies, from desperately needing a sewing kit to cough medicine to a birthday card. There seems to be an awful lot hidden away on the shelves. The food selection isn't bad and it's of the same quality as a big supermarket. They always ID me even though I am approaching 30 but I don't mind as it means you don't have the usual drunken kids hanging out side. What is great is the staff, they are always very helpful, keen to chat and makes buying your tea bags a little bit fun.

It's times like these that I rely on the mother for looking at some options that I'd never even…read moreconsider. The last place I ever thought I'd be heading in my free time would be a wholesaler, but off I popped. Pleasantly, I was surprised at home much stuff I was actually interested in. I take it back, all hail Country Baskets. They boast over 30,000 continually changing lines, ranging from artificial flowers and greenery, to florists sundries, floral supplies, giftware and glassware. It's not shoes or diamonds but believe me it gave me plenty of ideas at sprucing my rather jaded bedroom up. Now if you are into your flowers and arranging a little more than I am, then you'll really love it. There is a fantastic choice of stock and I'd wager you'll be able to find most things you may've been hunting down to add the finishing touches to your arrangements. Add to that the bi-monthly workshops, tutorials and talks that are free of charge and it's a top destination for those with creative juices. You'll need a trade card but they're relatively easy to get and the kids have to stay at home thanks to the no under 16 policy. And whatever you do, leave the male at home. This is something he doesn't need to see and you'll be watching Match of the Day as pay back for weeks.

Country Baskets are a strange juxtaposition of large bland warehouse with concrete flooring, à la…read morestereotypical cash and carry, with such unusual and beautiful stock that it looks more like an Aladdin's cave of craft materials, home ware, part garden centre, part bridal shop. Truth is, if you have any event, or indeed a home, that you need to pretty up, this is the place to do it. The wholesale price tag is a welcome change to the usual Next or M&S offerings, and the range of products will have your friends asking "Ooooh, where did you get that from?" (It is at your discretion whether to disclose such top secret info!)

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.

What a gorgeous shop! Situated in one of the more run down arcades in Leeds, Upstaged Vintage is a…read morewelcome addition to the thriving vintage scene. The thing that makes this one distinctive for me, is I could tell that the owners are very selective when buying stock. In many vintage shops, it seems evident that a large order has been delivered from wholesalers, and it doesn't always seem completely genuine. There is an old-fashioned, celebratory feel on entering the family run local business. With bunting and fairy lights decorating the place, and an iconic washing line hanging from the ceiling displaying 50's style lingerie, it feels special. I can't speak highly enough of the pieces on sale. The faux fur coats and numerous jackets are absolutely stunning. I tried on a classic pilots waistcoat and jacket. Complete with gold buttons and a stripe on the cuffs, it was beautifully tailored to fit a women. Collections of tea dresses and evening gowns from the 1930's to the 1980's adorn the interior. There is an interesting shoe section of the shop, with some truly unique pairs on show. Upstairs, there are further delights in store. It is a burlesque pin-up boutique; filled with a wide range of corsets, gloves, burlesque accessories and pin-up style lingerie. Dita Von Teese would be in her element. The woman running the shop was absolutely lovely, she was patient and attentive whilst I dithered over what to try on. There is a men's section of the shop and they also sell goods online. Although Upstaged Vintage is not in an obvious location, the treasure you uncover when discovering it, is reward in itself.

Who would have thought that tucked away in the Grand Arcade was a shop that is some kind of vintage…read moreheaven? No, not me, and so imagine my surprise to nip in the other day and discover it?! According to the guys in there people often say that they had no idea that it existed, which is really quite shameful, since it has been here for over a year! Imagine that. And all the delights that I have missed. The ground level shop space has two changing rooms, which you will need, and all the glorious vintage items that you could possibly wish for. There are beautiful eighties puffed sleeved dresses, glorious gorgeous full length coats - one in particular which was absolutely divine but sadly a size wrong for me. They also have some beautiful classy hats, gloves, scarves, shirts - you name it. It's hard to actually describe the amount of beauty within, you really must go and see it for yourself. The people in there are lovely, friendly and vintage fans themselves so you won't be short on advice either! Prices are ranging, but considering they are selling high end clothing for a fraction of the original price I would call it bargainous - investment pieces. The upstairs section also deserves a special mention in its own right. Set out as a burlesque boutique it has a number of beautiful items especially collected for ladies who perform burlesque acts. There are fitted corsets galore, of the finest quality, in a range of sizes. I couldn't sing louder about such a cool and exciting place to shop. It's beyond fancy dress in every sense of the word 'fancy', it is divine! You absolutely must visit, if only for a browse.