Shopping

Large modern malls such as St David's Shopping Centre and Queen's Arcade, house glossy department stores and all the major chains which alternate with chic little fashion outlets.

The Capitol Shopping Centre is home to big names such as Benetton and H & M, or for something a little more chic take a stroll through some of the smaller designer stores.

For more information check out www.queensarcade.info and www.capitol-shopping-centre.co.uk

What makes shopping in Cardiff such a special experience is the plethora of Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, which are home to independent boutiques and quirky stores sporting the funkiest designer gear.

The £315 million development of St David's 2 will also enhance the shopping experience.

The complex will be home to a major new department store, have a number of medium and smaller sized stores, include leisure and hospitality, office space, residential accommodation and encompass Mediterranean-style piazza's.

Halcyon Daze

Halcyon Daze began in 1994 as a tiny niche shop selling vintage and alternative clothing. Driven by a passion for individually the shop has developed into an eclectic paradise brimming with beautiful clothing, jewellery, gifts, crafts and furnishings.

Here you will find a colourful mix of eastern and oriental-inspired clothing along with a fine collection of gothic and alternative wear for the more outrageous. On the second floor you can delve into a fascinating selection of vintage clothing from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. If you're looking foir "handbag heaven" then this shop is definitely on the "stairway"!

Crafts are sourced from around the globe using a "fair trade" philosophy. Balinese handicrafts and furniture being a speciality. Of particular interest is the "root furniture" which includes chairs, tables and display peices lovingly carved in Bali from the roots of teak trees cut down long ago by colonists who exploited the riches of the Indonesian islands.

A major attraction to the shop is the extensive range of silver jewellery with many original pieces drippping semi-precious stones.

In these times of turbulence and uncertainty many people are turning to alternative methods to soothe the mind, body and spirit. Here you will find a wide range of "new age" essentials including books, crystals, aromatherapy oils, incense and candles. The shop's notice board is crammed with information on alternative practitioners and community activities. You will also find some not so essential three foot tall stone buddha statues!

With a vibrant decor, calming music, the intoxicating smell of incense together with friendly and helpful staff, Halcyon Daze should be on your list of favourite places to shop. For more information why not visit www.halcyondaze.biz

Swells

If you're pregnant then the place to go this spring is Swells Maternity Wear in the Morgan Argade, Cardiff - the only shop in Wales specialising in fashions for mum-to-be.

Stocking several European labels, Swells has something for all ages and occasions. You will find an abundance of choice and be able to dress more as a individual rather than feeling like a duplicate copy of most other pregnant women.

If you have a wedding to attend this spring/summer then your worries are over as Swells boasts the largest range of special occasion maternity wear in Wales.

The staff at Swells offer personal service and are fast becoming renowned for the specialist advice and expert bra fitting service they provide, particularly for first time mums. Here you will find a range of pre-natal and nursing bras unrivalled in Wales with sizes from an A to an L cup!.