As we come to the end of the year, I think it's time for an awards season of our own, where we look back over the year and reflect on all that was fabulous in fashion and style here in South Africa.

This week's top five is all about the retail experience. As I shop almost every day for my clients, I have had significant experience of both good and bad service. I have also come to rely heavily on some stores, while others never seem to offer up the goods.

Prices need to provide value for money, particularly in this economic climate, so where do you get real value? And quality never goes out of style, so I'm always looking out for the best of the best in fabrics, designs and craftsmanship.

Here are my top five shops in South Africa for fashion and style, based on the criteria of service, value, style, innovation and quality.

1. Cape Union Mart

I know that many of you don't think of this as a fashion store, but with their brand extensions of Old Khaki and Poetry, for me this has become a local Gap store — somewhere to get all you basic casual wardrobe pieces.

The quality of the craftsmanship is excellent and the staff can usually give you the exact provenance of every single item in the store. And this is often accompanied by an interesting anecdote that brings the context to life.

Fabrics are all natural and well made, designed for both comfort and style. The fun accessories like lightweight scarves and hats make it a true fashion destination and the prices are extremely fair for the product that you get.

But it is the service that really sets this store apart. With almost every executive on the board of the retailer having worked their way up from the shop floor, this is an organisation dedicated to bring out the best in people, to the benefit of the customer.

And while the service is not always consistent across all the stores, I can say that the best service I have ever received as a personal stylist was from the Canal Walk store, where recently my client and I were made to feel like the Beckhams as we shopped. And everyone deserves to feel this good for an hour of their life.

2. Woolworths

If you had to pick only one store for every single item in your wardrobe, you could do no better than choosing Woolworths.

There's such a broad variety of goods on offer that, no matter what you taste or style, you will be able to find something that suits you.

The introduction of international brands like Country Road, Twist and Ronald Sassoon have increased the variety even further and raised the bar on the style elements significantly.

There's no question that the Studio.w range offers the very best in value for money. You can get all your smarter basics from this range and they do the most comfortable and stylish wide-leg trousers known to man as a standard part of this range.

Fabrication and craftsmanship is good, but you also know that any problems will be sorted out immediately with their unconditional returns policy so your money is going to be well spent.

A huge effort is required to improve the shop floor service however, if they are going to make it to the number one spot next year.

3. The Space

A Durban institution, with stores in the other major centres, I have spent a total of around R25 000 in this store in the past nine months, between my clients and I.

The reason for this is simple. There are plenty of rapidly rotating, interesting, designer dresses on offer that are well made in good fabrics and to suit most real women.

Dresses are in vogue right now, and this is the de facto destination for the best selection. The service is exceptional, with many of the ladies at my local store actually starting to contribute to the experience of my clients in a very positive way.

By shopping here you will be supporting our local fashion industry, getting well-priced, limited edition pieces and looking fashionable and fabulous. What more could you want from a store?

4. Extreme Eyewear

While this store is not going to be a one-stop shop for all your wardrobe needs, it's without question the very best eyewear store in the land.

I have been shopping for glasses for the best part of 31 years, having been a little speccy at junior school. And of course, I have a pretty good idea of what I think works for me. Until I realised earlier this year, that there is one place that actually knows better.

A fantastic selection of the most innovative designer brands, excellent quality and craftsmanship, brilliant service and prices that are comparable to anywhere else, this is the holy grail of glasses shops. And they are pretty rock 'n roll too, which doesn't hurt.

5 .Vertigo

Fifth spot was hard as there were many stores that could have snuck in here with one or two exceptional, standout qualities. But I decided to go with one that did pretty well across all the criteria.

Again, this is a casual wear offering. But if you want a good quality cardigan, you need look no further. Throw in a natural fibre shirt, tunic, dress or t-shirt with a trendy twist, and you have Vertigo in a nutshell. Service is usually good (although not at this time of year), fabrics are excellent, and pricing offers good value.

Congratulations to all in the Top 5. Hopefully we will see a continued improvement in all the other stores across South Africa so that next year's list is even harder to compile. There are several other stores that get a highly commended and they are:

• Marion & Lindie have wonderful quality garments in store that are innovative and well cut. Service is generally excellent but they are a bit too pricey for the average shopper.
• Jenni Button offer excellent service and some lovely, interesting garments. Sizing and price needs some work, however.
• Callaghan offers exceptional lessons in buying from designer collections. Good quality and variety is available from leading international designer, but it is way out of the price range for most.
• Stuttafords get points for the French Connection, Oaktree, Carducci, Banana Republic and Gap ranges, but pricing, service and availability needs some real work.
• Mungo & Jemima, Purr and astore are all small boutiques in the heart of trendy Cape Town that offer great service and innovative garments. I have my eye on them as pretenders to the throne in years to come.

For more information on Robyn and her personal styling services, go to: www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za