Shop review: Afflecks

Afflecks is the Arndale of small boutiques and random bit and bobs. Established in 1982, it’s always the first place I look for indie, rock, electro-static and vintage items. Outrageous body art like tattoos, piercings sit next to normal nail bars. It’s diverse.

Although it might be outside some people’s comfort zone, this is one place I like to call into every now and again.

Although I’m not too fond of the pink hair, I would have definitely bought this dress if I’d had the money.

This pink cheetah print dress caught my eye as soon as I walked in the shop. The fabric gives out an amazing cup shape on the lower half of the body, and a bit of a puff effect on the left hand sleeve. A great choice for a wild night out (as wild as it gets for a 14-year old).

Cheetah Print Dress, £28. Black Heart Buckled Elastic Belt, £10. Black Finger-less Lace Gloves, £6.99

I was completely blown away by this embroidered vintage sequin top; very detailed with edgy trims on all ends. Great for those formal evenings or special nights. I’d buy the top just to show it off to everyone on the street. Sold in Vagabond Vintage & Vinyl, this reminds me of the glam and glitz of the 80s.

Auburn Sequin Top, £30

Every girl needs a little black dress and what could be more perfect than this? Sold and hand-made by the owners of Baylis & Knight, this sheer black dress with lace covering the top half and sleeves is simple and perfect. Soft to the touch and elegant.

Sheer Black Dress with lace sleeves, £20

This antique Japanese vase depicts the story of the Emperor and his Empress. Sold in Carousel, the shop for all things antiquey and cultural, this vase is more than 40 years old and was hand-painted by a Japanese artist. I’m up for all things cultural and the detail of the painting is a great example of traditional Japanese artwork.

Antique Japanese Vintage Vase- Hand-painted, £15

I really hated myself for not bringing any money with me when I saw these cute little bag charms, also sold in Carousel. Delicately hand painted but not really antique. They come in different colours: red, orange, yellow, white, black, blue and pink.

Bag Charms, £3 each.

These Hina Cofin Dolls were originally made between the 1900s and 1950s. Although they look ceramic, it’s really crushed oyster shells moulded together. Again, very neatly painted with a lot of detail. I might just start a collection of antique Japanese dolls.

Vintage Hina Cofin Dolls, £20 each