What a clever idea Cath Kidston had when she set-up her first outlet; a real pioneer of the vogue…read morefor vintage chic. How her little empire has grown! This branch opened in 2007 and has really added something to Thames Street. Ever popular for trademark vintage-look fabrics, accessories and clothing, the shop appeals across the ages. I love their cute floral summer clogs, pretty bags and capsule clothing collection.

I love everything Cath Kidston but there was an employee of this store that unapologetically…read morefollowed me around the store like I was going to steal something. She was so obvious with her behavior she might as well of just said "I'm following you around because I think you're going to steal". Treating all of your customers as thieves is very odd.

If you're an advocate of the cool, clean, elegant lines of Scandinavian interiors this petite…read moreboutique is worth a visit. Owned and run by the young, eponymous Swede, Anna has a background in design and is a passionate advocate of her heritage chic. Reminiscent of an upmarket, super-stylish, quality-driven, designer-led version of Ikea, there is plenty to tempt in all areas of home style. I especially loved the gorgeous, vibrant Klippan blankets in warm, happy hues and the unusual yet practical Pappelina rugs. The kitchen accessories are perfect when space is at a premium: retractable rubber sieves, funnels and buckets in primary shades. Pretty and quirky glassware in simple clear glass, with striped and pastel versions to add interest. Colourful fabric prints by the metre from Marimekko. Funkily versatile, Swedish, filigree-design shopping (and bicycle) baskets in black, white or emerald will inspire you to think-up interesting twists on storage or garden features. Whether it's a blow-the-budget splurge or a pocket-money fridge magnet, you'll discover Scandinavian treats-a-plenty, in an inviting small space, to update your home look or for an unusual gift.

This particular unit in Centre Court has been vacant since lingerie chain La Senza went bust…read more Partica, a fancy dress and party goods store has just opened. Being the festive season, I noticed some Christmas themed outfits in the window display. As well as a couple of outfits which could have come from La Senza! The shop has a good selection of costumes. I think their balloon service will come in most useful for me

A last minute dash to buy tinsel & lights, the staff were delightful, AND we managed to find what…read morewe wanted (which by 16:59 on 22 Dec we couldn't find anywhere else!). Well done!!

The member of staff was extremely unprofessional. I asked a straightforward question in relation to…read morethe price he quoted (which I perceived to be on the high side). My question should have been met with a straightforward answer. Instead the member of staff proceded to make some condescending implications about my item in the most passive-agressive manner. My advice would be to avoid this business. I suspect that the abundant glowing 5-star reviews on Google (nearly no 4-star reviews or below) are either incentivised or fake.

This is just a lovely, lovely shop. They've got some lovely jewellery in there - really gorgeous…read moreold pieces as well as newer stuff. I've never gone in to buy jewellery, but to get watch accessories (batteries/watch straps). These people really know their stuff and they're wonderful personalities to boot. So friendly, and really kind - how many shopkeepers do you know who give your kids a pound to buy an ice cream??

The biggest shopping area to my home without traipsing into Central London is Kingston, which has a…read moregood selection of shops, a small market on Saturdays and the river with some good eating options with a view. The Bentall Centre is the large shopping centre in Kingston with Bentalls, unsurprisingly, being the anchor department store and backed up with a good selection of 80 chain stores. These are mainly your medium level high street stores. There is a food court, again with chain eateries but I would recommend eating out of the centre as there is a nice variety of eating places in Kingston town. Similarly, I would suggest parking outside as there are cheaper options though they may not be as convenient. I love their super-escalators where you go up 2 floors rather than 1 and there are frequently events taking place in the main foyer area. Also watch out for some good buskers just outside the centre's main entrance.

Kingston upon Thames. I grew up here, by the time I turned 16 I was sick of it. Sick of the same…read moreshops, bumping into the same people, the same routine. I was ready to start my next journey and chapter of my life, where the grass was greener. So when I was 18 I moved to Brighton for university.... This review has a point !!!! Now I'm a bit older, better looking and wiser. I have fallen back in love with Kingston and what it has to offer. It's rich with culture and the shopping is really, really good! The Bental centre being a excellent hub for highstreet fashion and gifts, not to mention the variety of cuisines it has to offer. Although, it's south west London and slightly on the border. It's a got a lot to offer and many people near and far will come to Kingston to shop.

Ah, Jigsaw How I love their accessories but miss their lovely specialist shop in Market Place…read moreStill, I can come-in here and find most of their covetable handbags, sumptuous scarves and estimable shoes amongst the clothing line. It doesn't quite have the same special qualities, though For me, their accessories are their special and differentiating factor. I love their belts and have purchased several but, alas, they haven't really lived-up to their expectations, in a practical sense, although they look gorgeous. One, Moroccan-style - with multi-jewelled silver trim, is a little onerous to wear - a touch heavy and jangly, so spends more time in my wardrobe than it does on me Another, very expensive plaited-leather, wide, black number has an impractical closure and doesn't stay put, so loses its impact (in every way)... However, I do cherish a gorgeous embossed and embroidered Indian wool 'pashmina'/wrap that acquires compliments every time I wear it and a fabulous pair of pink-and-black snakeskin -look shoes, I bought here. Staff vary between brusque, aloof and very helpful

You have to love accessorize. It does anything from bags, belts, dresses, purses to jewellery…read more Always positive you will find some summer flip flops in here and they are never overly ££ I do not know a girl who is not able to find something in accessorize at some point throughout the year. This one is of such a good size that they have a very good variety of products. It is always busy - so do make sure to get there early.

Oh my good God. Diamonds and Pearls renders me a little bit speechless, which is pretty unusual…read more Imagine, if you will, Claires Accessories deciding that they were going to go all classy and sophisticated, and then paired up with QVC. The result would be Diamonds and Pearls. This shop landed in Kingston a few months ago, and I checked it out last week. And let me tell you girls, have I got some Christmas pressies for you! May I tempt you in some diamante? Some sparkly plastic jewellery that looks like it came from down the market? Hello? girls? Some bright spark has decided that the jewellery is going to be colour coordinated in the shop, so instead of saying, 'I fancy some earrings', you can say 'I fancy some pink jewellery'. Well, it's an inspired idea, if nothing else. I'm sorry, and if the owners are reading this, I don't mean it personally, but please, this is tat! And I know that there is always a time and place for tat, but I am struggling to find a place for this.

If bling is your thing, then this is the shop for you. At the lower end of the price spectrum,…read morethere's plenty of sparkle for those on a budget, perfect for glittery little impulse purchases. Although much on display here was too in-your-face for me, I thought the heart shaped 'gem'-style key-rings were pretty (I was quite tempted to see how they would work transformed into a pendant). I also liked the pretty crystal encrusted mirror compacts and key-rings. There's plenty of room to browse in this busy new outlet - useful for gift-shopping - highly appealing for youthful pocket money purchases and super-tempting for imploring twinkling favours from parents.

I would definitely recommend The Thrift Shop London to all of my friends. The selection of vintage…read moreitems is great and at such reasonable prices too! I ordered a necklace from their online site on Friday and it was at my house on Saturday! Superb service :)

I used to be under the (clever marketing) misapprehension that this was an English company until I…read morediscovered the truth about its American origins. This particular branch has an inviting clean, bright, fresh and spacious feel about it. Plenty of room for browsing, and sampling, with helpful but not-too-pushy staff. I especially like some of the quirkier items I've found here, like a pretty pastel, suede-bound diary Their seasonally apt Noel candles and room spray are deliciously spiced and berried. I miss their delightfully different Sonoma Valley range and their pure essential oils but I take advantage of sale times when there's sometimes the opportunity to replenish discontinued items.