The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Claire’s is an international brand
renowned for its cheap, girly accessories. Unfortunately, this is not the case
with the franchise’s branch in Cairo. Most of the merchandise is overpriced, especially
considering that their quality is definitely not the best that Cairo has to
offer.

Claire’s clearly targets a younger
female market with its bright colours, plastic accessories and celebrity-endorsed
collections (Hannah Montana, High School Musical, etc). Although the Citystars
branch is a tiny shop, it is packed with a decent selection of adorable girly
accessories. The layout of the products is definitely not the most practical;
similar items are not grouped together. Cluttered and cramped, the space makes
it difficult to navigate through the shop.  

Claire’s targets pre-teen girls and
teenagers, so expect to see a lot of glitter and bright colours, but if you are
a savvy shopper, you can find a few items that work for all ages, such as their
hair accessories, clip-on flowers, earrings and studs, as well as their purses
and wallets.

The shop carries everything from headbands
and hair clips to flip-flops and sandals. A plastic headband will set you back
50LE; which is a little shocking considering this reviewer found similar
headbands sold elsewhere for just 2.50LE. Of course, the difference lies in the
fact that the former is made by Claire’s.

You can also find a nice
collection of handbags at Claire’s. Although most cost over 200LE, they are trendy
and work for all ages. Hats are also available in several designs and colours. A
beach-friendly straw hat costs 147LE.         

Claire’s adorable earrings
are what had this reviewer swooning. Available in funky shapes like teddy
bears, the Eiffel Tower, ducks and hotdogs, most earrings are priced at around
100LE, which is a lot considering their size and quality. More conventional earrings are also available, including drop earrings
and hoop earrings.  

The shop also carries a diverse
collection of bangles and bracelets starting at 70LE. You can also find several
necklaces appropriate for older women, starting at 80LE.

Other items on offer include a
palm-shaped jewellery holder, a keyboard-button-shaped ring, funky pens, best
friends key chains, sparkly hair extensions, faux leather wallets, diaries,
Capri tights and belts.

Claire’s is the shop to go to when
you are looking for a cute pair of earrings, or an adorable summery hat, but if
you want something more serious and sophisticated, we suggest that you look
elsewhere.