Although this shop is pretty much twinned with the other Eric Spencer, just a few doors down, it is…read morenot quite so special in my opinion. I realise, quite literally, it isn't so special but this is because they sell "country" wear and not formal wear. That alone isn't why I'm less keen, although I must be honest and say that, obviously, I found the formal wear to be pretty darn exciting! The clothes in here are certainly of a really high quality. For a local store which has been nurtured over the years and grown into the reliable label it is, for many an Ilkley-ite, it is pretty impressive. They stock a number of high-end country wear brands that would put any old Fat Face to shame, really. These clothes are for more than show, they seem to be both stylish country clothing (which isn't really my taste as such, I'm not a huge fan of the diamond padded jackets I must say!) and durable outdoors wear all in one. From wellies to jackets to knitwear, Eric Spencer has almost everything of this kind. They have men's and ladies' wear too, so no one can go without. I couldn't really see a more fitting shop for Ilkley, if I'm honest! Eric Spencer surely is king of all Ilkley.

A fairly small shop, just outside of the town centre. Has jeans for just about anybody. Caters for…read moreall sizes, short, tall, fat or thin. Also has designer jeans, levis, firetrap etc at a higher price, or you can get an unknown good quality for under £10. If you need new jeans its worth going in. The staff are friendly, if not a bit too friendly!!

I'm in the mood to shop now. The credit card is fully charged and my eyes are a wandering. What is…read morethis rather splendid looking boutique? It's only Attic. What a wonderful little shop it is too. It is crammed with independent designer womenswear and it is all stuff I've never seen before. If you want to stand out from the crowd but not in a bad way, this is perfect for you. It isn't the biggest place but it really has some quality stuff. It is fashion but not with your main stream labels. What I also love is that you can get an array of gifts and homeware too. Some real love has been fed into the creation of the shop and it shows. Don't go in expecting to spend very little as it is reasonably expensive but sometimes we should all shell out a little bit on ourselves. I do it often. Lovely shop and very friendly to boot.

I popped back in here during a recent day out to Ilkley and was reminded just how much I love…read morelittle independent boutiques like this. Love and care has gone into every display, each garment is wonderfully finger-spaced for easy browsing, items are matched in gently suggested outfits and the lady behind the counter was friendly and chatty. The item that I was particularly in love with was an utterly gorgeous washed leather jacket, in a taupe dusky pink. The leather was tailored with ribbed woven jersey and the design was utterly fantastic. The bottom of the jacket hung down in a beautifully flattering draped cotton affect and the leather was utterly soft to the touch. None of that plastic feel, and, it was on sale for about £120 - so so cheapl! There was also a number of delightful accessories, making this shop the highlight of my Ilkley visit. Gorgeous.