Buzz Student Guide Buzz Student Guide 2013/14 | Page 52

SHOPPING DESIGNER, BOUTIQUES AND VINTAGE HOBO’S 26 High Street Arcade, Cardiff 029 2034 1188 214 Oxford Street, Swansea 01792 654586 Warning: This shop contains more retro than a box full of northern soul vinyl. Hobo’s is a treasure-trove of flowery prints, winter knits, t-shirts and vintage accessories. This is the shop for anyone seeking something different. Plus, the guy in the Cardiff store has an uncanny resemblance to Noel Fielding, which on its own is worth a look. HUBBARD’S CUPBOARD 13 High Street Arcade, Cardiff 029 2037 1835 www.facebook.com/ hubbardscupboardshop An exciting new addition to the High Street Arcade, Hubbard’s Cupboard is a boutique store encouraging a make-do-and-mend mentality through a host of creative workshops and vintage evenings. The shop also provides the perfect place for local British designers to sell their homemade wares; a great store with some original vintage pieces. I, CLAUDIUS 8 Castle Arcade, Cardiff 029 2022 2215 If small boutiques packed to the ceiling with all the jeans and vintage gear you could dream of sounds like your thing, waste no time in heading over to I, Claudius. Retro, fancy dress and alternative are the buzzwords here, and you’re sure to pick up a killer bargain in one of Cardiff’s worst-kept secrets. LUNACY BOUTIQUE 43 Commercial Road, Port Talbot 01639 895735 www.lunacyboutique.co.uk Although it’s a little out of the city, Lunacy Boutique is well worth travelling for. Buzz 052 Lunacy stocks a great range of up-andcoming designers as well as a selection of vintage accessories and more handmade accessories and clothes than you could shake a stick at. The staff always bend over backwards to help you find your perfect outfit, and trust me, in a shop like Lunacy, it’s not difficult. PUSSY GALORE 18 High Street Arcade, Cardiff 029 2031 2400 www.pussygalore.com Pussy Galore is a teeny-tiny boutique hiding in one of Cardiff’s most popular Victorian arcades. At first it’s a blink-and-miss-it kind of place, but once discovered you’ll be hooked on its eclectic mix of up-and-coming and established designers. They have an amazing collection of event and ball gowns above the main shop floor, as well as a selection of more wearable street styles for the discerning shopper. URBAN OUTFITTERS 14A The Hayes, Cardiff 029 2036 7770 www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk Even though the prices can be fairly eye-watering at times, Urban Outfitters is the shop for the hipsters of Cardiff who are prepared to pay a little more for some thoughtful styles and quality products. Splash out once in a while and indulge in Urban Outfitters’ finger-onthe-pulse style. HALCYON DAZE 55 Wellfield Road, Cardiff 029 2045 4432 Fed up of identikit clothing stores? Like your clothing, jewellery and home furnishings to be fair trade and locally made? Then independent boutique Halcyon Daze in Roath is well worth a visit. And if the smell of incense and friendly staff doesn’t relax you, take advantage of their therapy room upstairs. HAPPY DAYS Church Street, Cowbridge 07960 633016 www.happydayshomestore.co.uk Located in the beautiful market town of Cowbridge, Happy Days is the perfect place to pick up some pre-loved and reasonably-priced clothing to update your wardrobe, and recycled home ware to complete your student accommodation. Plus it all comes without the hefty price tag that can often be slapped on to anything classed as vintage. MUSIC/HOBBIES CARDIFF GUITARS West Bute Street, Cardiff Bay 029 2046 1234 www.cardiffguitars.co.uk Cardiff Guitars Ltd is Wales’ only specialist guitar store. Based in the surrounds of Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Guitars is Wales’ only specialist guitar store. They offer a one-stop solution for players of all ages and experience, and their fine range of stock is to be admired. NOBLES MUSIC 2 Old Church Road, Whitchurch 029 2061 3867 www.noblesmusic.co.uk Alongside its tantalizing array of instruments, Nobles Music is also a specialist amplifier repair shop, making it an essential location for all local musicians. With the option to sell or exchange your old gear, it is invaluable to those operating on a tight student budget. “ECLECTIC MIX OF UP-AND-COMING AND ESTABLISHED DESIGNERS”