Remember the 90s? Remember when customising your clothes was all the rage? Well that's when Abacus…read moreappeared on my radar. I was the girl who ripped the waist off her jeans and sewed sequins around the pockets. I used to go in and just imagine all the amazing things I could do with a sewing needle and some buttons (never mind the fact that I'm about as crafty as a penguin!) It's the tiniest little shop, but given that the stock doesn't require a lot of space, that's ok. The last time I ventured in was before my graduation. I couldn't find the right necklace to go with my dress so I decided to make one. I was able to find all I needed in the store and it was cheaper than buying a necklace anywhere else. Now, as it happened, I didn't get round to finishing what I started because my mum took pity and bought me a nice piece of jewellery as my graduation gift which solved all the problems. Probably just as well actually - God only knows what monstrosity I would have created... I love that Abacus is still around. Craft is bigger than ever now, so a shop like this is just what people need to get creative.

From the outside I think Abacus Beads looks like a hotel reception, im not sure why I think this,…read moremaybe its because I wish it was. I don't really get this whole idea of a shop completely dedicated to beads? I see myself as quite an artsy guy but I don't understand the concept of this shop. Most people will be saying now that I need to use my imagination and that I am obviously not very creative but I can assure you I am. I went into Abacus today to see if could convert myself, kind of like when you are caught smoking and are make to smoke a whole box of cigarettes except with beads. I went in and I honestly was not impressed, I began to come round to the idea of making your own jewellery and I think this place will most likely make all its money from teenage girls making friendship bracelets for each other. But al I kept thinking was I wish all these rainbow coloured beads were sweets. Im just not feeling it at all, the shop is well kept and I can see why it is so alluring to bead lovers but it is just not my thing.

For the first time ever I have found some where that can do photocopies to AO size and other large…read moredimensions. There may be other places doing this that I don't know about but as far as I am concerned McGraths is a useful find just for that. Otherwise it carries all the usual office supplies, including reams of coloured photocopy paper and coloured card and writing papers. It is a workman like shop, nothing fancy, but with a plentiful stock of a practical, every day nature in the stationery line. As a small business the prices are bound to be higher than you can get at the supermarket as I did notice, for instance, that the hard back note books were more expensive but still, the big chain multiples do not always provide the answer to everything I am glad to say.

After a lovely, stomach-stretching lunch on a Friday afternoon, you wouldn't expect two girls in…read moretheir early twenties to be checkin' out a stationery / office supplies shop, now would you? Ha, well that's where you're wrong. A regular pursuit of mine (just kidding, I'm not *that* sad, ahem), but an ever-growing pastime of my trainee teacher friend, we both decided to pay McGrath's a visit. I didn't take much persuading, and was instantly lost in the brightly coloured sticky-notes section, followed by the ever favourite pen section (see my review on Bradbury Graphics), as well as the notebook / diary section. Rows upon rows of folders, ring-binders and other organisational methods filled me full of euphoria, and the coloured paper section was just far too overwhelming. I know, my sadness rate has just risen to 'sky high'. The purpose of our visit was to find some photograph paper, but it was really very expensive in comparison to Tesco's finest (so I was informed...I wouldn't know the price of this sort of thing if it came up and biffed me on the nose). They did have a good variety - gloss, matt and other fancy papers, and all in different sizes too. Just nothing that tickled my friend's fancy. It was a difficult goodbye, but I offered to accompany my friend again if she should ever need a helping hand. Stuff the fact that she's away back to England for the foreseeable future...

Ok, so clearly Burton is not a place I shop in for myself, but it is somewhere I'll head to on any…read moregiven birthday or at Christmas. We all know what the stock is like, so there are no surprises there, but personally, I've always found the staff to be really helpful as well, which is great for someone like me, who goes in with only a vague idea of what I want!

As I have said in other reviews, I enjoy a nice suit. But unfortunately for this place, this is not…read morewhere I would go to get the afformentioned nice suit. This is a pretty standard men's fashion shop with pretty much a full range of casual as well as formal wear. You can also pick up a pretty handy amount of belts, wallets and accessories as well as footwear. I just don't like that much of it to be honest. Its well situated in between Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge which means the males among you can pop in and have a look while the Mrs is in either of the neighbouring stores. The staff are always dead on enough and the usuall have plenty of stock. You can also pick up a pretty decent 10% student discount with an NUS card. Well worth a look.

Decorating an apartment is easy, right? Wrong? It's a minefield! We have plain white walls in a few…read moreof the rooms, so pretty much a blank canvas. You'd think this would make it straight forward to choose paint and wallpaper but it really doesn't. It makes it more confusing, like where do you start? So, that's where Noblett's come in! I had never heard of the place before but apparently it's pretty notorious and is the go to place for wallpaper and paint. On a trip in to town on Saturday we decided to pop in here to have a gander at some stuff. There's roll upon roll of wallpaper over two floors so after about 10 minutes each roll becomes the same pattern and if you stare at them too long you start seeing other things, kinda like Magic Eyes. The choice is endless, so my recommendation (now that I'm an expert) is to go in to Noblett's with a clear idea of what you want. The store is conveniently separated in to different rooms. They do give out samples but you have to ask the staff to cut the sample off the rolls - they seem pretty strict on this as there's signs everywhere. The staff themselves are really helpful. The store is well staffed and there will generally be a member of staff within shouting distance. All in all a really good store - it's nice and personal and still has that family business feel to it.

Nice selection of paint & wall paper but customers be warned , once you had over your money in this…read moreshop you have NO CHANCE of a refund . If your unsure of how many rolls of wall paper to buy and take an extra then realise its not needed then don't expect a refund . Credit note is the best you will get from them so beware

Deborah Rose Bridal opened its doors in January 2006 offering Brides the latest in Bridal Fashion…read more With a fabulous collection of contemporary designer dresses; stylish, comfortable surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere; together with friendly, professional service. The lady who runs the store came into the shop I used to work in all the time and was a lovely woman, so I am sure that she endeavours to help each bride's dream of finding that perfect gown. I have never used the services here but know of friends who have had good experiences here. With bridal gowns from leading designers, including plus size brides, together with bridesmaids from award winning designers you will be sure to find that perfect gown. Deborah Rose also stocks a wide variety of accessories including veils, jewellery, tiaras, hair accessories, shoes and petticoats. Now all you ladies out there is get a man to want to marry you to justify coming here, or else you could be that stereotypical crazy lady who likes to drink on her own and go around the house in their future wedding dress!

Exquisite is in the "I wish" category of gift shops. "I wish" I could afford these beautiful gifts,…read more"I wish" I had someone to buy that scented paperweight for, "I wish" I knew why I never thought of going to Exquisite for so and so...and the list goes on. One "I wish" that has been a possibility, and indeed a reality, is "I wish" I could have a peep in Exquisite sometime. This came to be a couple of months back, and again two days ago. Oooh goody. Exquisite really could not have a more appropriate name. The shop oozes style and glamour, its stunning gift and jewellery range exuding charm. With names such as Couer de Lion, Shira, Pilgrim and Jackie Brazil jewellery all featuring in the jewellery section, you know this is going to be snazzy stuff. I love the fancy belts and buckles - cowhides, gems, embellishments galore. The kids clothing range is absolutely gorgeous, and would make a really special gift for a little 'un. Exquisite also stocks incredibly diverse gifts, from Lilly Flame candles to Dora designs scented paper weights, from East of India ribbon to umbrellas and lampshades. There is certainly plenty to choose from. One final "I wish". I wish I could buy the whole shop...

I really do like this shop. It's lovely for a browse or to pick up some small item like a nice…read moredesigner piece of wrapping paper or a funky little card. The only problem I have with Exquisite is that it is too expensive. They sell the most darling little outfits for babies and toddlers as well as gorgeous little unique books and toys but be prepared to pay through the nose for the bits and bobs baby will grow out of very fast. I recently picked up a cool little outfit in the sales for a new born baby and was chuffed that it was reduced way way down to £5.00. I also bought my nephew a little wooden trike designed like a cow. it is totally beautiful but completely impractical as the wheels are so spinning the wee man nearly crashes every time he gets on - obviously not the shops fault but it is being sold for aged one!? anyways, they also sell Pilgrim jewelry and lovely hair pieces for that special occasion - just be prepared to dig deep into the old wallet.

If you're having a clear out and you don't want to chuck your clothes away but you also don't want…read moreto donate them to a charity shop then why not meet half way and bring them down to Used Clothing Company. These guys offer 40p per kilogram for your old clothes. If you're planning on bringing things down here make sure they are in half decent condition as they won't accept any old junk! This store is quite new in Belfast but there others under the same banner. This particular one has great parking outside so if you have a large amount of clothes you can get the car nice and close. A good option if you want quick cash for your old clothes!

If you find you haven't packed enough for your trip to Belfast, or if you're a student, or even if…read moreyou're just on a budget, then it might be worth your while taking a run into Burton. They do all manner of clothing from jeans and t-shirts to suits, shirts and ties, and footwear. It always seems to me to be one of those places that always has some kind of sale or offer on. You can get a decent pair of jeans in here for around £20-£25, but I always end up coming out of here having bought more stuff than I went in for (which I know is usual for most people, but not really for me). They'll often have offers like two pairs of jeans, which are £25 each, for £35. An extra pair of jeans for a tenner? That'll do me. They do similar offers on footwear from time-to-time, which is handy if there are a few of you going to a wedding who are on a budget. You can also pick up some standard "no frills" t-shirts for around a fiver. I also picked up a suit in here one time for less than £60. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you're on a budget.

I must say I have more items bought from Burton in my bulging drawers than I thought. I was…read moreorganising things yesterday and soon realised that one of my suits, two pairs of jeans and a handful of shirts and ties have started life hanging on the wall of a Burton. Burton is aimed somewhere in between cheaper budget stores like Primark and higher end designer ware. It's probably just priced a little under Next but has a similar sort of feel and line. The last thing I bought here was a dark grey suit for a wedding. The staff were more than helpful and showed me what they had to offer, before popping in the back to grab the correct size. I ended up getting one close to half price at £80, which my meagre budget at the time stretched too. The range in general is great if you're looking for something simple like a pair of jeans, I'm not a fan of their designed and branded tshirts and jackets - but to each his own.