Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Gucci 2009
Two words this week have sent my brain into a frenzy, my heart rate soaring and my credit cards flexing each time I have heard them. I simply have not been able to contain my excitement, my euphoria and glee; not to mention the anticipation of not knowing “exactly when”. I am referring to the arrival of two of my most loved and favoured designer brands of all time – Armani and Gucci.
Italians Do it Best!
The designers we saw adorning the runways last week at Milan Fashion Week are simply the best and Bicester Village has many of them. First there was Salvatore Ferragamo (who currently has 70% off handbags), then MaxMara, renowned for their cosy camel coats; Versace and their red carpet glamour; Marni who are the fashionistas favourite must-have label and the dramatic Dolce & Gabbana.
Armani Boutique Bicester Village
This week we opened Armani. Yippee! The boutique is lush and houses a fabulous collection of Armani’s many different labels including Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans as well as Armani Collezione of course!
I dare you not to find anything in there for yourself, whether man, woman or child. There is not one man I know of who doesn’t look good in an Armani suit, or boxer-shorts a la David Beckham.
Tomorrow is the day we welcome Gucci!! As I write this I am breathing into a brown paper bag. So if you were wondering why I think Bicester Village is probably the most exciting place to work; now you know. The downside is I am tempted and teased by almost all of the 125 designer labels on a daily basis.
Please Don’t Tease Me!
Armani Boutique Bicester Village
Remember that scene in “Confessions of a Shopaholic”when the mannequins in the windows of Fifth Avenue are waving and dancing as Isla Fisher walks past? That is what it is like. A girl needs blinkers just to leave the safe confines of the office and venture out to buy a cup of coffee! Instead of a Prêt sandwich I end up with a serving of Prêt-à-Porterand this does not make me popular with my bank manager. Yes he must think I am a Bicester Village addict with my daily “lunchtime” purchases, but I can’t resist. I have told him I work there but he doesn’t get it. I can’t expect everyone to understand. Lunchtimes are empty without even a mug from Cath Kidston, a MAC lipstick from The Cosmetics Store, a Kenneth Turner candle (love these) or a darling little leather notebook from Smythson. I tell you it is not easy, but this is why we invented credit cards.
To Madonna With Love & Gratitude
Madonna in Gucci 1995
And so to Gucci. For me it is a brand with an exciting heritage. In the 60’s and 70’s Gucci was worn by Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Onassis. In recent years under the direction of Tom Ford and now Frida Giannini the Gucci label continues to excite, delight and inform fashion. My love for Gucci began when Madonna wore “those” midnight blue velvet trousers in 1995 to the MTV Music Awards.It was Tom Ford’s first year at Gucci and his Halston-style velvet hipsters, skinny satin shirts and car-finish metallic patent boots put the glamour back into Gucci. The Gucci look was aspirational, it was almost hedonistic but most of all it was sexy and elegant, and my friends and I were hooked. We spent years raiding vintage stores looking for these pieces, but never found them. I think this is why my friend Nessa named her Burmese cat Gucci…I shall ask her.
3 October is Tomorrow and D-Day!
The Gucci look is unique. I am already trying to get into the boutique for a sneak peek at their goodies and fabulous shop-fit, but the powers that be won’t allow it, it’s all very secretive but I have been told they have accessories galore and an enormous collection of handbags priced between 50% and 60% off the RRP. Hurrah, more handbags, wallets and shoes and of course collectible clothes to absolutely die for. I may have to invest in an LGD (Little Gucci Dress) for New Year’s Eve and I may have to invest in a larger house with bigger closets.
Hurry up Saturday. It’s just one day away but it is hard to wait! It is a rare occurrence I would go to Bicester Village at the weekend when not at work, it’s also quieter and more relaxed during the week, but I wonder if I will hold out till Monday? I’ll let you know.
Ciao for now x
Tags: Armani, Cath Kidston, David Beckham, Dolce & Gabbana, Frida Giannini, Gucci, Italian Fashion, Madonna, Marni, shopaholic, Smythson, This is why we invented credit cards, Tom Ford, Versace
Hi. If i am going to London on Fri and Sat, which day is better to check out Bicester outlet with lesser crowds. Will stocks be coming in everyday or once in a while and normally stock up at night? so people coming in early will get to see more items? How’s the gucci store. Did they sell pretty off season bags. Thanks
Hi Jo, I would always suggest a Friday over a Saturday, much less busy, however it is half term for some so beware it will be busy this Friday but still very relaxed and enjoyable! Stock usually comes a few times a week, on weekdays to most of the boutiques; it is always put out during the day. No overnighters here. Mulberry & Jimmy Choo are great at this – by 2pm a new delivery will be available to buy. We love the Gucci store, the handbags are just fabulous, but then so are the shoes – don’t even get me started on the clothes. I could wax lyrical forever. Whenever you come, have a great day and I know I’m advocate for high heels at all times but you’ll be more comfortable in flats
Hi Stacey
Thanks for the reply. btw i checked out the bicester link that have an url saying oxford to Bicester takes abt 20mins and link to another site. I cant seem to get the relevant information over the linked site.
Is this service (not sure if its a bus or train service) still in service? thanks
Hi Jo, If you are coming from Oxford there is a daily Stagecoach service that runs approximately every half hour from Magdalen Street in Oxford (outside Debenhams) to Bicester Village. For more information on timetables and fares, contact Stagecoach on 01865 772 250. If you prefer train, then Fiirst Great Western runs services Mondays to Saturdays from Oxford to Bicester Town station, which is a short walk from Bicester Village. Journey time is 25 minutes and operate at 70 minute intervals http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2, hope that helps…
dear,
i read in your entry that there’s gucci outlet in bicester! how’s the price range like? any handbag i can get at 200pound?
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