Boutique-ful Canterbury

Countless stores and sensational style, the British high street is renowned worldwide to those who love to shop. Canterbury’s Whitefriars certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to variety; from Topshop to Marks and Spencer, the city centre is a showcase for street style.

However, high street fashion can come at a price. The best bargains are not necessarily found in our mainstream stores, but are often hidden away in the less crowded corners of town.

If you take a wander along the side streets of Canterbury, you will stumble across a treasure chest of independent boutiques. These stores are overflowing with style savings, and will serve as a haven for the city’s strapped-for-cash students.

Here’s Style Campus's choice of Canterbury’s top 3 most student friendly boutiques.

Rose Boutique

Away from the bustling high street, hidden in a quiet corner of Canterbury’s town centre, lies Rose Boutique. Like an ornate gem, this small store stands out in the crowd as the city’s answer to a style emporium.

You will be spoilt for choice when shopping in Rose

Oozing with class, this independent retailer is every student’s clothing heaven. Rose manages to showcase an array of current trends all under one roof. From evening dresses to a comfy knit, Rose has it all. And if that’s not enough, the shop promises a number of new items to arrive in store on a weekly basis.

Rose sells a variety of evening dresses

Owner Maxine Dentith claims that she heads to the high street for inspiration when it comes to what she sells in store. The only difference is the price, as her aim is to offer her customers “a cheaper alternative”.

High fashion at low prices…what’s not to love about Rose Boutique?

Angels



Its name says it all, this store is truly heaven for those on the lookout for glamorous evening wear. On first look, Angels is merely a body piercing studio, specialising in jewels and charms to use to jazz up your new piercing. However, delve a little deeper, hidden at the back of the shop you will come across rails and rails of dazzling dresses perfect for parties.

Fablulous frocks for every fashionista

Located bang in the city centre, Angels is Canterbury’s only boutique that sources their clothing from all over the world. Owner, Michelle Ferrari says “I want my store to be really different from other boutiques in Canterbury, which is why I look further when I’m ordering in new stock.”

Bringing global fashion to Canterbury

With Angels recently deciding to offer student discount to customers, it is quickly being discovered by student shoppers throughout the city.

“If students are looking for something unique, Angels is definitely the place for them,” says Michelle. “I rarely pay attention to what other stores on the high street are selling, instead I try and sell new trends in my store, so that my customers are guaranteed originality.”

Catching the eyes of students all over the city

So what do Canterbury’s students like best about Angels?

What do students like about Angels? by Nicole Muller

Armoire

Stepping into Armoire is like stumbling across that luxurious walk-in wardrobe you always wished you had. More like a vintage boudoir than a 21^st century clothing store, this independent retailer is the epitome of girly indulgence.

The dressing table is decorated with vintage accessories

Mainly specialising in evening wear, Armoire offers its customers a truly unique shopping experience, as most of the items sold in store are one-off pieces. Owner, Sophie Greener, only stocks a limited selection of each item, as she believes a customer will find owning a unique piece more special.

Armoire is home to countless unique pieces

Dresses to suit every occassion

The store is filled with a wide selection of vintage inspired dresses, each different from the next, to ensure that your purchase remains truly individual. As a student, spending money on a more timeless item of clothing is a real money saver as it will never go out of style. Armoire's vast variety of classic pieces aim to do just that, making this store a friend to any student on the hunt for a bargain.

Here's where you can find the boutiques.

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