A bit about me: I’m not a Stray Ferret staffer, I am a consumer journalist who loves shopping and loves Harrogate. Just in case you don’t know how lucky you are to have this thriving town centre with its fabulous independents alongside the high street big names, I’m here to show you what’s caught my eye in the excitement of the first week of the stores reopening. The items I have picked are my personal choices - I have not been paid to feature them.  

 

WALKING BOOTS

Joules, James Street. £89.95

Let’s face it, after nearly three months of trudging through mud with one other person, our walking boots are completely knackered by over-use aren’t they? With lots more outdoor socializing on the agenda, spring walks will look even more tempting, and stylish, with these cute, lightweight, super comfy upgrades.

 

 

 

BACKPACK

Marks and Spencer, Cambridge Street. £39.50  

It’s tucked away in the menswear section upstairs – but this backpack is perfectly suitable for women too.  The rubberized finish is very cool as well as water repellent, and there’s a handy internal padded laptop compartment. My only complaint is that the Harrogate branch doesn’t stock the larger rucksack with a fold-over top in the same fabric, nor (that I can see) the range of rainwear jackets in the same material - also missing. This range is very fashionable and about a half to two thirds the price of a similar Scandinavian version which might have inspired it. Plus, from my extensive consumer research (ie going round the shops whenever I can), I know that there are other covetable items that M&S aren’t carrying in Harrogate, either. Why not M&S?

 

LAVADA SOAP

Hoopers, St James Street. £4.75

Editor’s choice: “The best soap in the world”, apparently.  Well, it’s an Italian, triple milled natural vegetal soap from Florence so she may well be on to something. As well as lavender they do an iris and a cedar scented version which is more masculine. Plus, it being Hoopers, there’s a whole table of other tempting soaps from this and other brands, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

 

 

PYJAMA SETS

Jigsaw, James St.  Short sleeve and shorts set £80, Long sleeve and long leg set £85

I love Toile De Jouy patterns on fabric, and blue on white is my favourite of all.  I’m immediately transported to 18th century country life: I can almost hear the harpsichord tinkling in the background. On closer inspection this particular print features punks with spiky clothes and Mohican haircuts and racing cars, which makes it even better.

 

 

STRIPEY TRAINERS AND BAG

Moda in Pelle, West Park.   Trainers £109.95,  Bag £89.95.

Strictly speaking you may not need any more trainers but the metallic rainbow stripes are just so cheerful.  The bag has an adjustable chain handle, two inner compartments, zip pocket and a phone holder. The fashion jury is out on the wisdom of full accessory co-ordination but if you want to - hell, why not?

 

 

 

MOTHER OF PEARL ART DECO EVENING BAG,

Antique Market, Montpelier Mews. £68.

Bear with me on this.  It’s a beautiful, glamorous piece of craftsmanship and history, in great condition, plus I reckon its big enough to fit your phone and bank cards in. Totally unique and a very fair price. I hope it soon finds a careful owner who will treasure it.

More next month!  Keep shopping and keep Harrogate great.

If you have seen something that might catch our Secret Shoppers eye please email the Stray Ferret on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and mark it for her attention. </strong