Dorothy Perkins

For some reason, Dorothy Perkins (is it the name?) doesn't always feature high on my must-visit list but when I do venture in, and spend some time looking around, it's worth the 'effort'.


Part of Philip Green's Arcadia (Top Shop) empire, the style/cost ratio is impressive. True, you'll have to be quite selective in here but some of their skirts are particularly good; last summer I bought a sweet blue-and-white floaty number that gets me compliments every time I wear it. This year I found a chic, well-cut black broderie anglaise version.


Their costume jewellery (look out for prettily embellished fine hoop earrings) is worth a browse. Currently, they also have a useful, (on-trend), thin, silvery-'snakeskin' belt, for just a few pounds.


The Kingston branch isn't vast but there is a decent choice, a good size range and staff are very pleasant.