If you like the cut of your cloth to be on the chic side, then place a well-heeled foot forward towards one of the region's many top fashion emporiums.

For those of you who are left with your tongue on the floor at the thought of rack after rack of designer clothes, you'll not go far wrong by checking out the trio of shops situated in Princess Square. The biggest of the three is C.F. Cruise Flannels (a favorite of Newcastle United players). Cruise is a temple to the modern shopping experience and if you're ever stuck for a Gucci handbag...

Just across the square, Cruise has a little brother in the shape of Cruise 2. This shop is somewhat smaller than the main store and stocks clothes exclusively for men.

The corner of Grainger Street and Market Street houses three shops (exclusively for women this trio) stocking their own brand of clothes. These are Karen Millen, All Saints and Oasis and are just the thing for the thoroughly modern Miss.

Just across the street from these three is the inviting Georgian facade of Reiss (Grainger Street), which houses women's and mens clothes with emphasis on clean lines, classic cuts and extremely well tailored garments.

Union (Grey Street & High Bridge Street)has long been held close to the hearts of the region's fashionable lads and lasses as they're always on the ball with the best stuff from the well-established labels and the place to head if you're after the pricey but drop-dead-cool Japanese label Evisu.

On a more urban, skate-kid tip, Maverick (Market Street) should appeal to the baggy pants wearing hordes anxious to get their hands on clothing put together by Stussy, Addict, Karl Kani, Fresh Jive etc.

If you're on a tight budget and still on the look out for something that's a little out of the ordinary why not give Period Clothing Warehouse a look? It attracts women and men eager to complement their wardrobes with some fabulous second-hand retro gear, including tracksuits, t-shirts and a wide range of jackets and coats. Attica is yet another veritable Aladdin's cave for those looking to the past for inspiration.