Ark

This clothing shop looks ok from the outside with mannequin’s in the window wearing funky clothes but once inside, I was not so enamored by any of the products in the ladies section. Before I managed to have a good look at any of the clothes I started to get a headache. This was probably due to the low ceiling, bright lights and loud obnoxious hip hop tune pumping out. I don’t see why this was necessary as it did not encourage me to stay in the shop for long and it wasn’t a shop doubling up as a bar.
The clothes did not encourage me to stay in the store for long either. It was full of lacy, flowery skirts, dresses and tops, smart handbags and wafty, thin scarves that probably do nothing to keep a chill out. I struggled to find many things I wanted to try on but maybe because I just not into this kind of thing? There weren’t many casual clothes in Ark but this is probably because it is connected to the store next door selling Super Dry casual clothing. The changing rooms did not impress me either. They opened right out into the shop so when I wanted to prance around in front of my friend to get a second opinion, or even just stand a little way back from the mirror, the whole store was my unwilling witness. Strangely, all the men’s clothes looked cool and casual and far more appealing.

With half of their eight stores located in Yorkshire, I associate Ark with the region and am keen to support it. As a former inhabitant of the Corn Exchange, I was relieved to discover that it had survived the inevitable financial upheaval of the move. Situated on The Headrow, it faces out of The Light and is difficult to miss.
Ark caters for both men and women, and I am constantly impressed with their range. When I first noticed the shop, some evil preconception fairies whispered falsities in my ear in regards to their supposed exclusivity. The reality is the inverse of this, there are a variety of dainty dresses and cardigans lined up next to stylish jeans and power jackets, all at very affordable prices. The labels that are stocked at this store are amongst my favourites, namely Vila, Motel Rocks and Layers.
Recently I became the proud owner of a black dress with white polka dots, costing £20. Although it is rather conservative for my personal style, there is a gold thread running through it, and teamed with brightly coloured tights, the cut of the dress flatters the figure. I also became fond of a sheer body with a dramatic floral pattern, I have a niggling feeling that we may be having an imminent reunion.
The male population are also supplied with choice in abundance. Plenty of Gio-​Goi and Franklin and Marshall jumpers sit alongside Carhartt jackets and Supreme Being garb, to name but a few of the labels on offer. I noticed that there were a particularly large amount of checked shirts for men in store recently. Every colour, and every check size was on offer.
A great place to pick up some interesting clothing at reasonable prices.

I really rather like the women’s section in Ark. Though much smaller than the men’s I think it’s more interesting, with more creative and unusual styles. Personally the men’s section just seems like another bunch of likely brands including Lyle & Scott, Superdry and Fenchurch which are sold in so many shops in Leeds. The women’s area also has a few branded items but in addition sells many pretty dresses and interestingly shaped tops with lace panels. It also has a small section of recycled clothing by R&R with men’s shirts altered to give them shape with elasticated waists and cuffs as well as some skirts which were once shirts. I was very pleasantly surprised to see such obviously recycled items in such a mainstream shop as I am passionate about the need to reduce the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. Go Ark!

I went in here with my friend when he was looking for a new casual jacket. The store is kind of cool, there’s plenty of nice shirts and tees for guys to choose from in a variety of colours and styles.
The price is good — there’s also quite a few brands in here ranging from Superdry to Carhartt.
Cool place for your guy friends to check out if they’re in need of a few need wardrobe accessories.