Jacqueline Kiliquita tells you exactly where to go for your Freshers fashion fix.

Cardiff is the hub of all things trendy and unique, with countless hidden gems in the form of boutiques and vintage stalls hailed as WalesÔÇÖ best shopping destinations…

[For vintage lovers…]

Morgan Arcade is the home to Broken Girls’ Club Vintage and Penny Lane Boutique, two vintage havens which have recently merged in order to ply CardiffÔÇÖs fashion crew with a cornucopia of amazing garments. From well looked after 60ÔÇÖs leather bags to brooches spanning a number of eras, this boutique has an unimaginable amount to offer at incredibly reasonable prices. DonÔÇÖt be afraid to rummage through old trunks and battered boxes as youÔÇÖll most likely find a diamond in the rough, such as beautiful twenties costume jewellery or a silk scarf to top off any outfit. Also, donÔÇÖt be embarrassed to haggle! More often than not, items at this boutique can be bo

ught for considerably less than their asking price. We are students after all…

[For a retro find…]

Hobo’s Vintage, in High Street Arcade, is another fashion favourite. As soon as you walk in, youÔÇÖll feel as though you have been catapulted into a fantastic retro retreat. HoboÔÇÖs is run by two chaps with a passion for sixties and┬á seventies fashion, especially. With a keen eye for menÔÇÖs wear and bursts of colour there is never a dull item in sight. HoboÔÇÖs will automatically change the minds of lads who are weary of buying into vintage trends as most items are specifically hand-picked to compliment modern fashion, and their range of womenÔÇÖs skirts, dresses, jumpers and accessories is virtually unbeatable. Vintage items can be worn with modern, high street clothes for an individual twist.

[For those who like to party hard…]

Soraya’s on Albany Road is a one-stop shop for all girls looking to fill a gap in their party wardrobe: constantly hot on the heels of celeb trends. Party frocks and platforms are high on the agenda of the girls at SorayaÔÇÖs, as they go out of their way to help you find that finishing touch to any clubbing outfit. This is the place to stock up on your going out clothes, and with most dresses at bargainous prices, what better way is there to spend your student loan? Those in Uni Halls are lucky to live close to SorayaÔÇÖs, but for others, donÔÇÖt let the distance put you off.

[For the boys…]

The Pretty Green fashion chain is just one of Liam┬áGallagherÔÇÖs many career ventures. A lot of the clothes draw on what is arguably the most fashionable era, the 60ÔÇÖs. And with GallagherÔÇÖs rockÔÇÖnÔÇÖroll influence, the clothes were always bound to be a culmination of cool. Garments start from ┬ú40 for shirts and ┬ú50 for footwear; not the cheapest of shops, but ideal for a cheeky splurge. Look out for the live bands commissioned by Gallagher himself, who often put on fantastic gigs for customers and window shoppers alike. Find the shop in Morgan Arcade.

[For high-street style…]

The shops on CardiffÔÇÖs Queen Street and in St DavidÔÇÖs shopping centre are good enough to give LondonÔÇÖs Oxford Street a run for its money. Both places boast a plethora of high street shops from River Island and New Look, H&M to Miss Selfridge, all large enough to hold both men and womenÔÇÖs fashion. The Topshop has been labelled one of the best outside London, stocking both the Kurt Geiger and Office brands of shoes and accessories. DonÔÇÖt miss the amazing mid-season sales that often take place in order to give your ragged student wardrobe that much needed overhaul.