Hot or not: Karen Millen

To its customers, taken in by the high prices and elegant shop design, Karen Millen is one of the most aspirational places on the high street. The clothes, however, tell a different story.

Body-skimming dresses inspired by Roland Mouret's Galaxy (£165) are let down by patchwork designs and poor fabric choices, while nicely cut cocktail dresses are spoiled by unattractive digital prints in monochrome.

This is a brand in love with buttons — huge shiny silver ones, often bearing the Millen logo, can be found on everything from cardigans (£90) to fitted white shirts and, most irritatingly, on an otherwise stunning red coat (£229).

The best buys are the basics: I found on-trend grey peg-leg trousers (£99) and a ruffle-front black sweater dress (£110), both of which might have been tempting except for the price.

Karen Millen's saving grace is its accessories — reasonably priced soft leather bags provide welcome relief from the mishmash of over-styled designs.

Staff: pleasant
Changing rooms: clean and bright, good lighting
Price: expensive
Quality: good
Our pick: this Maxi patent sling bag, £165