Shopping can be very daunting when you have just moved to a new city and have no idea where to start. It takes time and lots of trial and error to discover the best shops. Cape Town is no exception. While there is no shortage of shopping malls where you can find all sorts of shops - the real gems are tucked away from the major tourist crossways, adored by their loyal patrons, who will only very reluctantly share their secret with anyone else.  Well, we have secrets, too, but we will be happy to share them with you.

Here is CAPETOWN EXPAT'S little black book. These are our absolute favourite shops, guaranteed to impress you with their products, value and service. Try them once, and you will become a regular, too - just like us. 

Women

• Homework Clothing - 23 Wolfe St., Little Chelsea, Wynberg

This charming little place, located in no less charming historial Chelsea Village, has gorgeous knits, long skirts and cardigans, very well priced cashmere (try finding that in Cape Town...) and beautiful lingerie. Add to that irresistable treats on offer at the adjacent Orchid Cafe (you need to walk through the shop to get to it), and you will see why this small boutique is very well worth a visit.

• Cigar - 72 de Waterkant Street, Gren Point and 10 Cavendish street, Claremont

Shopping here is like shopping in the nicest Parisian boutiques, except that the shop assistants will be perfectly happy to speak English to you. We love Cigar's elegant, uncomplicated and sensuous clothes. Fabrics are luxurious, colours - natural and service top notch. You can also shop online. Can't ask for more than that.

• Jenni Button - shops at Cavendish and Century City

Jenni Button is our favourite South African fashion designer.  Her shops are THE place to find an absolutely smashing gorgeous silk evening dress, as well as best smart casual attire. For a designer of her name and caliber, we find her clothes amazing value.

• African Chic Designs - online

Men

• Cafe Coton - shops at V&A Waterfront and Cavendish Square

Best place to shops for egyptian cotton dress shirts and silk ties in Cape Town.

• Cape Union Mart  

Not exactly a big secret to anyone, but in case you are in doubt - this is where you find fantastic casual cotton wear and knits for men, women and kids. For the best deals check out their outlet store at Access Park Factory Shopping Complex (Chichester road, Kenilworth). 

• LIM - 86a Kloof St, Gardens

LIM stands for "Less is more".  We adore LIM's elegant, timeless furniture and homeware. They are the best place in town for custom designed stainless steel and wood furniture. LIM's selection of homeware - from the softest towels to rustic wooden bowls and beautiful organic shaped vases - is enormously tempting. We warn you - this is one of those places where you come in just to look, and walk out an hour later with a blissfull smile on your face and a few shopping bags of stuff you suddenly found out you've been lacking all your life. 

• Klooftique - 87 Kloof St, Gardens

Klooftique's stunning showroom  is one of the best displays of South African furniture design. We love the way Klooftique combines modern shapes with rustic African materials. Here you will find leather sofas and armchairs, wooden tables and coffee tables, and the best game skin upholstered furniture in Cape Town.

• Loft Living - 122 Kloof St, Gardens

Loft Living, tucked away at the quiet end of Kloof Street, is easy to miss, but you will be sorry to do that. This shop is home to beautiful furniture and accessories, some designed in South Africa and some sourced from all over the World. Here you will find unique and well-priced pieces that belong to a variety of styles - from country to asian - and yet work amazingly well together, creating Loft Living's relaxed, easy-going and slightly nostalgic feel.

• Spirit - Gardens shopping Centre, Buitenkant St., Gardens

If you are a fan of smartly designed homeware - you will love Spirit. They have all the little things that make life easier and more organized - from stainless steel and silicone kitchenware, to drawer and closet organizers, to bathroom accessories. 

Best of African Design and Style 

• Africa Nova - 72 de Waterkant St., Green Point

This stunning upmarket boutique blends African art, craft and contemporary design. We love Africa Nova's stunning ceramics by Astrid Dahl, jewelry by Nic Bladen and Marlene de Beer, Ronel Jordaan's felt cushions, and Africa Nova's own inhouse Tribal Collection.  

• African Chic Designs - online

Apart from being our favourite handbag boutique, this is also the place to get sumptuous Springbok pillows and the best Nguni and Zebra rugs, at the best prices in Cape Town. Their unique nguni-covered notebooks make a fantastic African gift. 

• Pan African Market - 76 Long Street, City Bowl

This is the best place in Cape Town to shop for African crafts - from the simples beaded keyrings to mesmerizingly beautiful carved doors. Here you will find the same stuff they sell at the tourist shops at the Waterfront at a fraction of cost. Despite being indoor and a bit stuffy in summer, this place is no less exuberant than the Green Market Square Market, just without all the tourist crowds. Expect to negotiate and enjoy the process!  

Last update: February 12, 2009