In I walk, Primarked to the max (minus the Dotty P jeans), with my slightly better dressed friend,…read moreto discover that: a) The shoes in this shop are...bizarre. Most of them are trainery kind of shoes (my describing is exquisite, I know), with a wedge heel, or dressier shoes, again with a bit of a wedge. I think most of the shoes are really designed with the older lady in mind, but I certainly wouldn't be wearing too many of them. However, there were a few nicer styles - a beautiful purple pair of heels caught my eye. Lifting them up and turning them over, I realised the price wasn't quite so nice...£100! Eeek. b) The staff didn't really appreciate my £2 Primark shoes, or indeed, the rest of my outfit, and I was really very aware that I wasn't dressed appropriately. Oops. With that in mind, I decided to do the decent thing and Scarpa...

After what seemed like an eternity trying to park on the Lisburn Road on a Saturday, I arrive at…read moreCarl Scarpa, a boutique shoe shop with clearly a lot more style than sense. I have been brought here against my will and desired to leave as soon as possible. It is not really that busy even though it is about Saturday lunch time. The shoes on offer are a strange collection of faux trainers that have no practical use and seem to be solely made to cut up the wearer's feet. Everything is well over priced and certainly not worth the boutique mark up that is famous on the Lisburn Road. I will admit that this shop is not meant to appeal to me, but I have talked to enough women of all ages and what I discovered is that it doesn't really appeal to anyone.

I always knew the summer was coming to an end when we made that long trip across Belfast to go get…read moreschool shoes in Reids. It was both exciting and depressing in equal measure. This shoe shop is huge, and it's pretty old fashioned. But something must be working because it has stood the test of time. I think it must be a family business to have survived this long. Apart from school shoes, I know a lot of people that go there to get wedding shoes (my mother included) and other occasion footwear.

A true Belfast institution and famous for its selection of children's school shoes. It also sells…read moremens and ladies shoes and I think it's fair to say that you won't find anything really fashion forward here, more like traditional and good quality men's shoes like Barkers and ladies boots and shoes for the over 30s. There is a wide range of kids school shoes so even the fussiest little darling should find a pair they like here. Top marks also for the balloon and Fredo Frog that goes in the bag with every pair. A really clever and appreciated little touch that I've never found anywhere else. I'm going to go against my own selfish rules for keeping bargains to myself and share the secret of the Reids kids shoe sale. Held once a year around Hallowe'en, it has some of the best bargains I've ever seen. For example all kids Geox trainers are reduced to an unbeatable £15. Given that Geox can be up to £50 full price, that is a really great sale. Here are the essentials - go early on the first morning of the sale, take cash as they don't accept cards in the sale, sharpen your elbows and bribe the children with whatever it takes to get them to do as they're told in among the slightly crazed crowds. You'll emerge battered and exhausted but with some of the best bargains ever.

If you seeking elegant but traditional shoes for special occasions such as a weddings, or need…read moreappropriate footwear if your profession has a formal dress code then Arabesque is worth a visit. They stock Italian and Spanish designer shoes that are smart but comfortable classics, beautifully made from leather and suede that will lift your stature with out being excruciatingly high or ultra trendy. The target here is really for the well heeled older woman, but on the other hand I have noticed there are good sales on here so the prices are by no means out of sight. So I should confess my eye is on some rather nice wedge heel black suede numbers. There is also a selection of classic handbags to marry with the shoes. It's very old school in here, with a charming, gentlemanly proprietor in charge. As a small shop, the service is attentive so is best for those who are genuinely interested in the stock rather than casual browsers.

Another one for all you shoppers out there. Once you've had your fill of shopping in the city…read morecentre (see my reviews on CastleCourt and Victoria Square), there's still a few places left to burn out the credit card. Just a five minute drive from the city centre, Boucher Road has quite a few shops in it, most of which are located in Boucher Crescent Retail Park or Shane Retail Park (see my review on Shane retail park). There are men and women's clothing shops (River Island, Next, Burton, the Jeanery...), a sports shop, HMV, Starbuck's, Boots... the list goes on. There's a hell of a lot of space dedicated to parking here, but it can still be very difficult to get a space on a Saturday or Sunday. It's not a mall type place where you can get lost in, it's one of those places where the shops are all lined up in a row and you come out of one shop and into the next one - good for methodical shoppers, or those who don't have a lot of time. The downside is that the traffic on the Boucher Road can be crazy between 4 and 6p.m. But, if you're a visitor and you're out for a day's shopping, get yourself a 'day ticket' (see my Translink review) and you can take a trip up here before/after shopping in the city centre.

Boucher Road Crescent Retail Park is a handy spot for shopping if you don't fancy going into the…read moreCity Centre. It has a huge variety of shops including River Island, Outfit, Lipsy, Newlook, Next, Boots and much much more. Oh and there's a few car manufacturers nearby if you fancy treating yourself to a new Audi TT

Jourdan is a rather lovely high end fashion store on the Lisburn Road 'style mile'. I called in…read morehere (only for a look mind you) a few days ago and was rather taken with some of the clothes they had on offer. Now I must note that most of it tends towards the more mature ladies style, but some pieces just don't age and could be worn by anyone after a glamorous evening dress or stylish tailored outfit. The lady working that day treated us with warmth and respect (not something I found happened in every shop I visited along this road) and for this I was thankful. Although we were only browsing, she left us alone to our devices to ooh and aah at all the gorgeous outfits. If the occasion ever comes about where I need a glamorous, expensive outfit I'll definitely keep this place in mind. The accessories they stocked were unbelievable; some of the jewellery was worth more than everything I own! Ooh so pretty too! Jourdan stock a number of head turning pieces at a reasonable price when you consider the quality!

Relocated these past few years to the Lisburn Road, Jourdan used to be situated quite comfortably…read morein the city centre, in Queen's Arcade to be exact, and I would have imagined that it benefited from the heavy traffic passing through the city centre, but they may also benefit from being on this stretch of shopping land, because there are many fashionable boutiques along here. Jourdan always has been the epitome of sparkle and style, albeit for the slightly older customer! There is something that vaguely reminds me of the outfits that we used to see on The Golden Girls in here, lots of sequins, lapels and shoulder pads - its very much a place for 45+ women to find outfits for luxury cruises, weddings and the like. It's kind of pricey too, but don't let that put you off if you're that sort and are looking for good tailoring and some 'blingy' style. Not my cup of tea, but my Mum loves it.

Shoe Zone is a stockist of all kinds of footwear for men, women, and children. This is a real 'no…read morefrills' shop (which, in general, are becoming hugely popular in these tough economic times) and while you're not going to find a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or expensive Italian loafers in here, they do have a decent selection of footwear, ranging from trainers and boots to slippers and sandals. This is the type of shop you love to find when you're on holiday and realise that you've forgotten a pair of trainers, or the shoes you bought a month ago aren't nearly well enough broken in yet for walking around Belfast or up at the Giant's Causeway. Cheap and cheerful is the essence of this shop - I picked up a pair of desert-type boots here for under £13. Considering those type of boots all look the same with a pair of jeans, they were a bargain. This wouldn't be a bad place to kit the kids out with their 'back to school' shoes, either.

From the owner: Shoe Zone is the UK's leading value footwear retailer. We love nothing better than helping our…read morecustomers find exactly the right shoes, and always at affordable prices. Our huge selection of shoes for all the family means that whatever the occasion, whatever the outfit, you're sure to find something you'll love.

Made my first visit to the Kennedy Centre today after hearing a lot about it on Yelp. Seems to be…read moremore than just a shopping centre with an on site cinema, a food court and plenty of independent retail outlets. I was impressed by the Kennedy Centre, for a Sunday it was really busy but not cramped like some other shopping centers. There's plenty of parking with an underground car park making it an ideal place to do your big shop at Sainsbury's. As well as Siansbury's The Kennedy Centre also boasts an Argento, DV8, Blue Inc and many other chain stores. If you haven't been to The Kennedy Centre I suggest you pay it a visit. It's only a few minutes from the motorway making it unbelievably convenient.

A mini shopping centre on the Falls Road. The Centre seems to have gotten a lot quieter since 2009,…read morewhen the local supermarket there was sold to Salisbury's, but they're hoping to increase footfall to its former levels - the revamped cinema is open, they managed to get Poundland into the Centre (which has been expanding and opening shops at an impressive rate since the recession kicked in), and the global giant Burger King will take residence there around the end of the summer 2010. The Salisbury's store itself is huge. Aside from that, you also have the typical shops and services you'd expect - post-office, coffee shops, clothes shops, chemists, hairdressers, jewellers, etc., and it's a pleasant enough place to wile away an hour or two. There's ample parking, including an underground car-park at the back.

In my dreams, I own a shop like this. And I show up for work every day looking like Cameron Diaz at…read morethe Oscars and sit all day inside, looking gorgeous and being fabulous. This shop makes you want to be fabulous - I swear even if you were a twenty ton heifer who looks like the back end of a bus and is a firearm enthusiast - you would feel girly and giggly in here. It's NOT cheap, and its got every pretty thing you could imagine, the clothes and accessories are lovely. I've yet to actually purchase anything in here because for one - the clothes don't fit me (story of my life!) and two, I can't justify the money. If you have a credit card that you don't mind splurging on - pop in here to give it a good work out in girly gorgeous glamorous heaven.

Honey is a high end lingerie/shoe/handbag/ shop located on Belfast's trendy 'style mile' (Lisburn…read moreRoad.) The items stocked in this shop will blow you away. Honestly, if you want sexy shoes, beautiful bras, unique undies or a must-have handbag, then this is the shop for you! In store you can find designer shoes including; Chie Mihara, Castañer Wedges, Juicy Couture and Jaime Mascaro (amongst many others) if you're after some special underwear you can choose from; Elle Macpherson intimates, Verdissima and the hard to find 'Elixir by Lejaby' lingerie which is tailored for the larger bust ladies. If handbags are you're thing then you can find some really beautiful pieces here, though some of them are eye wateringly pricey! The boutique shop stocks a number of extraordinary accessories and the whole shop is a chic shopper's idea of a miniature heaven. The tables, chairs and lights are funky and cool. The staff are welcoming and friendly and you're guaranteed a pleasant (if pricey) shopping experience.