I have been shopping with River Island for a few years now. I must admit for the basics like plain t-shirts and casual clothing I do generally stick to Primark but when it comes to things like skinny jeans and glam clothing for evening wear I always turn to River Island.

The first thing that attracted me to River Island was the amount of choice they had. I noticed all sorts of things on my first visit, the first thing I noticed was, my favourite, jeans! There is SO much choice in jeans its unreal. Skinny jeans, bootleg, high waist jeans, bleached jeans, dark jeans, black jeans, jeans with patterns and the new trend of the baggy jeans is now over running the store. With the tops, again there is no end of different styles. Cap sleeves, short sleeves, tank tops, cami tops, corsets, etc you get the point! Another thing that struck me with River Island is that it wasn't dark and dreary like some other stores which is the feeling I get when I look in the window of TopShop. There are a lot of light neon colors and lots of glitter - my personal favourite as I'm a real girlie girl!

River Island doesn't just stop at clothes though they do bras, knickers, pj's, jewelry, belts and bags! I've always got my bags from River Island and they've never been one to stick with JUST the trend. Sure when the small bags were in they did sell a lot of them but they did sell bigger bags at the time do, vice versa now the big bag is in they still sell the small ones. I personally love there bags and bagged a right bargain in a sale of a beige bag covered in sequins for a FIVER! I love the belt range as it's girlie and glittery too - brilliant when you want the finishing touch to that going outfit! They also do casual belts to though the sort you just need to match up with that plain top you've got! The shoes are fab to. Again, a HUGE selection there. They sell flat pumps even casual trainers and high heeled shoes.

I've found the size range is average really. The clothes I haven't seen go above a size sixteen but then again, most of the young women's shops are like that now. I was a bit disappointed with the bras though. Yes, they are very pretty and sexy but they only go up to a D cup! Now River Island, with the average cup size spilling over a 36D that just isn't on now is it? I would definitely be pleased if they increased their cup sizes as I do like their selection of bras - it's just a shame I can't fit into them! I must say though that they DO measure jeans in length like 30, 32, etc so you can pick the right size. The worst thing is when (especially with some other shops) all the jeans are "standard fit" of 32 which is way too long for my short legs! No more trousers dragging on the floor! Yay! Also the sizes are what I call "real" I find in Warehouse I'm a size 14 and I'm only 5'5 and 9 stone four! I don't know my measurements but you can tell from my weight and height I'm not a 14! So that's a good thing with RL is that you ARE your actual size in there and your not made to feel like you've put on ten stone when you go in there.

The actual prices I find OK. Yes, they are a teensy bit pricey but they are no worse than the other high street retailers. I've found the prices to be like this:

Jeans: 39.99
Cropped trousers: 29.99
Skirts: 29.99
T-Shirts: 19.99
Cami Tops: Ranging from 14.99 - 19.99
Basic Vests: 6 - 10 pounds.
Shoes: 20-25
Belts: Can be as cheap as a fiver in a sale top price 20.00

If you compare them to other High Street shops like TopShop they are about the same which is why I say they are average. A pair of jeans in TopShop is usually 40 pounds and the same goes for Warehouse. (Though in Warehouse I've actually seen some trousers as high as 50 pounds!) I personally think the jewelry is priced quite well there. Yes it's not real but you can get some really pretty necklaces for a tenner and I've found they do last quite a long time so long as you look after them and don't get into the habit of keeping it on and wearing it in the bath as it fades!

The actual layout of the store is good. It's set out in a way that catches your eye like the neon colors will always be in the shop window and the walls and ceilings are very light so all the sparkly stuff really catches your eye. I've found with the RL's I've been too they are usually laid out the same with jeans all bundled together and the underwear at the back of the store. When they have sales they usually are together in one corner. (You usually find the full priced section empty when the sale is on lol) I've also yet to experience a River Island that isn't kept clean. I know from some stores you walk in and the changing rooms especially are filthy but RL is kept well. The surfaces are shining and the white floors and walls are kept clean There are always Sales Assistants wondering around clearing up mess and picking clothes up off the floor and stuff. Also, a good thing with River Island is things are where they are meant to be! I HATE some stores when people pick things up and leave them in the wrong place, especially if you like it and you can't find where the rest are kept! I take it the Sales Assistants work hard as things are always in their place and grouped together in size order which is handy. I hate nothing more than when sizes are mixed up! Also the store is divided into sections like nightwear/lingerie/work clothes, etc so that's another good point about River Island.

The staff are average here. They will smile at you and ask you if you are all right but they don't make a HUGE effort in helping you find the right size if you can't find yours. I don't know if they really are telling the truth when they say "everything is out" as I ask this a lot and I always get that answer lol! Nonetheless in general they are smiley and and always ask you if you need any advice, etc.

OK, so if like me, you DO love River Island but sometimes it is a TAD expensive do watch out for the sales! When they have a sale they can be brilliant! As I said earlier I snapped up a bag for a fiver earlier this year which I have been attached too for ages now and if you get there first you can get some good bargains. I got a pair of petite combat trousers earlier this year that had gone down from 39.99 to 25 which I was pleased about. Still expensive when you see that is the price of jeans in New Look without a sale but still it is River Island and the clothes are gorgeous! That is one thing you can definitely say though, yes they are a bit pricey but the clothes are excellent quality. I had a pair of dark jeans from there last year for 40 quid and worried they'd start to fade quickly but they still look good! Also my sequin bag still has its sequins and the combat trousers there are great. Comfy, practical but tough wearing!

Overall River Island, I feel, is mainly aimed at the late teen - early twenties ladies but I have seen older women going in there but looking at the shortness/glitteriness it is a very "young" and girlish shop! If you're a bit tight like me, RL is perfect for a treat!