Rainbow and Spoon

22a Park End Street

Let's be honest. How many times have you spent hours pounding the cobbled pavements of Oxford in desperate search for that outfit/gift/accessory only to forlornly retreat empty-handed into the nearest pub? Yet how many times have you walked from the railway station, past Domino's and the Tile Shop towards town, seen a dressmaker's dummy out on the pavement, and paid absolutely no attention to it whatsoever? Next time you're passing, go thru the red door - you're in for a pleasant surprise. The words 'fashion boutique' are, to me, nothing other than absolute turn-offs, so to actually find a shop that comes under that heading that I didn't feel like running screaming from made a welcome change. If you (unlike me) are the sort of person that likes a bit of glamour then there is an ample range of evening wear; everything from that little black (or red, or blue, or gold.) dress up to truly breathtaking ball-gowns, as well as all those hard-to-find accessories such as quality shoes, shawls and long satin gloves. Although the shop is admittedly small, what makes the experience preferable to your standard trip to a high street store is that the prices are highly competitive (cocktail dresses from £47.50, long dresses from £69) and, rather than having to spend half an hour chasing an assistant, there is plenty of expert help on hand. As an added bonus there is also a 10% student discount. There is also quite a large range of hand-crafted Afghanistan jewellery and a variety of unusual gifts. I was quite taken with the Terramundi pots - describing themselves as 'Etruscan Money Amphora' these are basically piggy banks that can only be opened (by smashing) when filled. Just the sort of present for that irritating 'person who has everything' on your Christmas list. The next time you need an outfit for that special occasion, or just feel like getting a bit glammed up, try leaving Cornmarket behind - Rainbow & Spoon could well have what you've been looking for.

Pam Green