Celebrate the countdown to Christmas with us. Exclusive offers will be revealed every day until Christmas Eve giving you the chance to win fabulous prizes from the Village’s boutiques as well as exclusive reductions in the run up to Christmas. One lucky customer will also win a luxury holiday to the South Pacific.
Visit our Advent Calendar for your chance to win.
Sales Savvy
The first question I ask myself as I pick up a sales item? ‘Would I have bought this before I knew the price?’ There’s always that inner turmoil: ‘Buy it, it’s such a bargain! But do I actually need it? Haven’t I already got a black top just like this? Yes, but this is YSL and it’s 50% off! I HAVE to have it!’
Second question: does it complement my existing wardrobe? It’s best to have a shopping list of things you actually need (rather than want)! Think of shopping for clothes like shopping for food. When you prepare a meal you list all the ingredients because missing out one thing could ruin the results. In the same way, you should know what’s in your wardrobe and what the missing ingredients are. It could be a basic white t-shirt, a skinny tan belt (these are going to be major in Autumn/Winter 2010) or some killer heels. Write down what you need and keep the list in your handbag!
Tailor-made
We may still be enjoying the summer weather but now is the perfect time to be planning your Autumn/Winter wardrobe and this year’s trends are some of the most wearable we’ve seen for years. Designers returned to classic pieces with tailored jackets, oversized camel coats and trousers flared elegantly from the knee.
Sales can be a great time to invest in tailored items like these – it’s rare we get the opportunity to be on trend, classically chic and bag a bargain at the same time so I’d grab it with both hands!
Tailoring is an area that is always worth investing in. Badly cut or poor quality suits can really cheapen your look but buy these classic items wisely and you can get many seasons’ wear out of them. How you wear them can still ensure a contemporary feel. Emulate Chloe’s A/W 2010 runways by picking up a tonal satin blouse from Coast or LK Bennett.
If any more excuse was needed then Michael Kors (well known for his amazing tailoring) has just opened at Bicester Village.
Fashion forward
Accomplished shoppers probably snapped up all their essentials at the beginning of the season when there was the widest choice. If so, sales are a good time for fashion indulgences. Remember fashions come and go – take inspiration from the latest fads to develop your style but don’t blindly follow them. Adapt the trends to suit your style and show you’re fashion savvy not a fashion victim!
Size matters?
A good seamstress is a godsend. If you do see a fabulous item for the perfect price but it’s slightly too long or too big on the waist, remember adjustments can be worthwhile. It’s much better to get something gorgeous that can be fitted exactly than something that’s almost there but never quite right.
It’s been a while since my last post and for that I apologise, but there is a rather good reason as to why the Bicester Village team has been a bit quiet in the last few weeks. Tomorrow we launch the British Designers Collective, our very first pop-up boutique!
So, if the lure of British designers such as Matthew Williamson, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood at affordable prices isn’t temptation enough, our new pop-up will tempt you even more, bringing an exciting roster of some of the most lusted-after designers to the Village!
In a joint venture with the British Fashion Council to celebrate our 15th anniversary, the British Designers Collective will support more of our unique home grown design talent, by showcasing some of the hottest names in fashion at glorious price reductions of up to 50%. As if I needed another reason to stay late at work and shop till 7 or 8 pm instead of attempting hill runs with my personal trainer.
This exclusive opportunity to invest in some of the most sought-after designs from London’s catwalks is probably the most exciting thing to happen at Bicester Village in recent months; that is, aside from the European influx of Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and YSL.
I for one shall be there tomorrow watching eagerly with designers and VIP’s, as Erin O’Connor cuts the ribbon and officially opens this treasure trove. The designers’ list is so fabulous I shall undoubtedly be camped outside for the next six weeks, watching out for new deliveries from my personal favourites, Preen, Tod Lynn, PPQ, Fiona Paxton (her jewels are divine), Hannah Marshall, Bora Aksu and shoe designer Georgina Goodman.
Here is the mouth-watering list of desirable designers who will be selling inspirational pieces from some of their key fashion collections. What’s not to love?
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Whether you're buying for an Adventurous Spirit, a Fanatical Foodie, a Domestic Goddess, a Yummy Mummy or a Dedicated Fashionista, we'll help you plan your shopping
I am knee deep in seasonal list hell. I have Christmas gift lists, lists for festive food shopping, Christmas card lists, holiday packing lists and of course daily task lists. All are ever growing and pretty much endless. I am now memorising them while I drive for fear of forgetting someone. Oh to be list free!
I have decided to share with you my somewhat haphazard lists and efforts at organisation. Obviously being based at Bicester Village I have daily access to hundreds of boutiques selling everything from panettone to diamonds. Believe it or not this can be a hindrance because knowing the Village inside and out I am totally spoilt for choice. There are too many amazing gifts to choose from and too many boutiques offering earth shattering discounts to visit in one hour. Lunchtime shopping missions need military precision and I’m not the marathon running type, especially in a pair of Vivienne Westwood platforms.
Doesn't yet come with brain-to-notebook adaptor, unfortunately
What I really need is a List Angel, someone to magically create a direct link from brain and PC to Smythson notebook while I sleep. So imagine my glee when the Digital team, renamed in our office as Santa’s Little Helpers (I am now in total awe of them and indebted for life) created an interactive Christmas Gift Guide. I’d like to think they made it just for me, but really it is for all of you dedicated Bicester Village fans who want to pre plan your gift shopping before you arrive leaving more time to sit in Villandry sipping mulled wine and champagne cocktails while I’m at my desk making festive winter warmers in the office kitchen. It seems only right that we do save some of Starbucks Gingerbread Latte supplies for our customers.
In a nutshell, the interactive Christmas Gift Guide is an online personalised gift list which has helped me find the perfect presents for all the special people in my life; and it gave me a printable list for each person and a map of the village so I can find the suggested boutiques in a flash. With so many new boutiques opening and relocating I’m getting confused to what is where, so this is a handy tool. In the last two weeks we’ve opened Hearts On Fire, Aubin and Wills, Superdry and G-Star, and relocated Burberry to a bigger and brighter boutique! And you wonder why I can’t keep up?
Gourmet hamper from Villandry, £35
What I love about this online Gift Guide is that it made me howl with laughter. There are 24 personalities in the form of clever personas, with great comical sketches and witty descriptions that match many of the people I am showering with loving gifts this year. I actually wish that some of these personas I could bring to life and meet, they’re so good!
First to make my list is my best friend Jack. He is a total Fanatical Foodie who collects state-of-the-art kitchen gadgets that he never uses. The Gift Guide suggested items from Le Creusset and Villeroy & Boch among others. I hope he’s not reading this as personally I think he has a one track mind that never veers far from his stomach, so am thinking a gourmet hamper from Villandry or Carluccio’s would be irresistible for such a picky foodie.
"Shoe fund" purse from Anya Hindmarch (was £135, now £81)
My best friend Tanya on the other hand isn’t as picky with food but she is with fashion. She’s a typical Yummy Mummy and mistress of three kids under the age of 5, and despute hiding the bags under eyes with dark sunglasses all the time (!!) she still manages to dress like Olivia Palermo, always dressing fabulously chic especially for her hot dates with her husband. She says this is the secret to a successful marriage! I know she will love anything decadent and luxurious from Anya Hindmarch, DvF or Joseph to impress him with.
Joelle has just got engaged as is training to be the ultimate Domesticated Goddess. The Gift Guide illustration made me laugh so much I sent it to her, showing a mirror image caricature of her, with a feather duster in one hand and plate of cupcakes in the other. I know she is lusting over Cath Kidston and The White Company goodies for the home so I will probably kit her bathroom out with Molton Brown products to make up for the fact I have to give her something totally uninspiring from her wedding list when she gets married! I mean what is so great about vouchers for large white good appliances? She’s better off with a Bicester Village Gift Card!
The incomparable McQueen Novak
My 26 year old sister Lola is a truly Dedicated Fashionista and for me is the most exciting one to buy for but also the one where I am most likely to end up keeping her present for myself. I know that anything I get her from Marni, Dior, Alexander McQueen or Gucci, or in facts any of the designer fashion labels here, will delight her and render her speechless (god bless the silence) but if I am canny I will get some shoes from Jimmy Choo. Christmas is all about sharing.
The list is endless. My brother is a typical Metrosexual Male. He spends more time in front of the mirror than I do and loves his expensive shoes almost as much as I do. I keep telling him there is only room for one true shoe-aholic in the family but he is obsessed, clearly this is a genetic illness. Any shoes from Bally or Church’s will do, even on trend boxers from Calvin Klein or a shirt from Diesel would go down well. My Father is not so much a Trendsetting Dad but more of a Mr. Impossible and as a good daughter I want to get him something he will cherish like a last-a-lifetime pen, monogrammed leather travel bag or some Links of London precious-stone cufflinks, not that I am trying to bribe him for his air miles of course.
The gorgeous Mulberry raspberry agenda
That’s already 6 presents and I haven’t even included Mia my friend who is a true Adventurous Spirit, most happiest skiing, sky-diving or driving through Europe in a super duper car rally; she’s climbing Kilimanjaro next year, because if Cheryl Cole can, then she can too. Hmmmm. It’ll be Helly Hansen, Jack Wills, Musto (I love this behind the scenes video of Zara Phillips) and Timberland for her. Clara is an Indulgent Princess who likes luxurious at-home pampering sessions and would adore a silk eye mask from Agent Provocateur and Nessa my Time Poor Workaholic / High Flyer friend who could do with relaxing with scented candles from Kenneth Turner would probably find a Smythson notebook, Mulberry organiser or Tumi or Furla laptop case for on-the-job luxury more useful. I am beginning to lose count but think so far, and that is without the postman, doctor and dentist (alcohol or smellies always good here) I am now up to nine.
And so to my three little god-ducklings. My Little Lady-In-Training Sophia will like anything that glitters or is pink. This means Bonpoint and Marie Chantal for clothes and Accesorize for sparkly hair ornaments. George is a true Little Boy Warrior and a denim fiend, so Fat Face is the place to go and Louise is still a Bonny Baby and happy with anything but her Mum loves Petit Bateau. My Grandparents in Paris can have a Bicester Village Gift Card each, easy to buy online and they can use them at all the Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages in Europe. I may have to visit La Vallee Village with them in January, only because it would be rude not to.
Phew! See how my Gift Angel has helped me plan in advance? I totally have the Christmas spirit now! I have my map and gift lift itemized so I can shop for all 12 over the next week during my much sacred lunch hours. Just three gifts to buy a day and a treat for me is what I think Santa has instructed? Isn’t it? I’m thinking Anya Hindmarch pocket organizers for my reward. I also sent the Gift Guide to my friend Brendan, he is truly hopeless at buying gifts, especially for all the women in his life, and with me being one of them I sent him suggestions for me too!
I have some inside tips for you. The map is your ticket to win some fabulous prizes such as a £500 or £250 Bicester Village Gift Card or lunch for four (if only I wasn’t an employee – sigh). Just take your map to the Visitor Centre after you’re all shopped out! While you’re there, don’t forget to get your gifts wrapped in our exclusively designed paper by Paul Smith, with donations to Make-A Wish Foundation. Also check the website daily for special offers and come later in the day, we’re now open for late night shopping. Did I mention there is complimentary mulled wine and mince pies after 5pm? I’ll save some for you.
Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la etc etc etc. Indeed, tis actually the prelude to the season when life becomes a carousel of parties and from experience one’s very own personal catwalk show and a chance to channel your inner red-carpet goddess. For heaven forbid a lady is seen in the same dress twice! Social suicide does not bode well prior to New Years Eve.
So what is a girl to do?
Beyonce in Atelier Versace
Well as with Crème de la Mer, diamonds and credit cards, a girl can never have too many party dresses. Yes, it can be pricey, but the trick is to buy timeless pieces from prominent designers. The quality of the fabric, the cut, the swish of a good hem and the dazzle of hand-stitched sequins, embroidery and embellishments all make for a good investment. Just look at Beyonce in Atelier Versace at this week’s MTV Europe Music Awards. Although she, and you, may not wear such a dress twice in one season I can guarantee that such a dress will announce itself from the back of your wardrobe sometime in the next 12 months and repeatedly for years to come. Such dresses need parading, they need to be loved and adored by you and your admirers and worn with pride. After all, tis the season to make a fashion statement, the noughties are almost over so we must dress up and party like its 2009!
Cheryl Cole in Matthew Williamson
Just for you, well me actually, as I simply can’t resist a bargain when it comes to evening wear (did I mention the Vera Wang I bought a year ago from Joseph and still not worn? An inspired collectible that will attend one of many parties this year) I have hunted, yes trawled the beautifully cornish stone pavements of the Village to reveal the very best party-wear investments that are in our boutiques right now.
Here they are in alphabetical order. I really couldn’t put them in any other order as I love them all equally and they are all very different in style. Not to mention I want every single item on this list but it being the season of goodwill I have decided to be unselfish and leave some available for you to buy too.
McQueen Dress £885 (was £1,770)
Alexander McQueen’s black silk floor length dress is a swishy column of drapery and utterly divine. It was £1,770 and is now £885. Whatever shape you are, even pregnant, it is so totally wearable and is a dress that you will never get rid of. 
All Saints has a body con dress at £73 (from £110). It will hug you and squeeze you in all the right places, add to that on-trend zip detail and towering heels and voila you too can look like J-Lo and Mrs Beckham.
Amanda Wakeley is undoubtedly the Queen of the strapless dress. Her amethyst strapless short satin dress is now £357 (was £595), perfect to show off your toned and sexy upper body just don’t overdo with chunky accessories. Aim for less is more to be graceful and sophisticated and don’t forget the strapless bra! For a less pricey alternative, Monsoon’s strapless black sequin cocktail dress is now £40 (was £135) and is stunning!
DvF Black Flapper Dress £2,448 (was £4,889)
One can never go wrong with a DVF number. Her iconic black feather & beaded flapper dress is now £2,448, yes expensive but it was £4,889. I can say no more. This dress is so fabulous it doesn’t need words.
Sequins are big news this year and almost every celeb has sported a silver version. Gerard Darel has a fabulous silver sequined shift dress at £120 (was £180).
Let’s not forget Luella, adored by the likes of Zooey Deschanel, Alexa Cheung and Peaches Geldof. Her black satin mini dress with bow and zip details is now £230 (was £325).
Matthew Williamson Sequin Dress was £1850, now £740
My favourite for sequins, feathers & beads is Matthew Williamson, for his textiles are tantalising and his colours are a celebration of the rainbow. His black and purple fox fur shrug is available for an amazing £720 (was £3,805) and his Technicolor sequin dress is £740 (was £1,850). These prices won’t last; they are currently on a further 20% promotion until 16 November, so hurry!
Jennifer Garner in Temperley Dress £890 (was £2,220)
If you haven’t discovered Temperley London then you must; and if you already own a Temperley dress then you’ll understand why I think this is possibly one of my favourite labels in the fashion universe. It’s not just the fact that they design amazing dresses in a myriad of fabrics, whether long, short, halterneck or strapless, every dress in any Temperley collection is too easy to fall in love with.
My favourite in the Temperley boutique right now is the midnight blue silk evening gown with jet beading as worn by Jennifer Garner at the UK Premiere of The Kingdom. A total investment at £890 (was £2,220).
Finally, there is a little black silk Gianni Versace number with ruffle detail; a creation of sophistication. Sadly I wasn’t able to get a photo but this is Versace and needs no explanation especially as it is now £1,022 (was £3,405).
That was the extent of my in-depth mission, (I do have a day job you know) but I did see some lovely party-wear in the windows of Celine, Coast, D&G, Dior, French Connection, Hobbs, Joseph, Karen Millen, Reiss, Ted Baker and Valentino and many of them have offers. As for shoes (do not get me started), I am banned from Jimmy Choo as my enthusiasm puts off the other customers but peeping through the glass I saw some stunning black suede bow tie ankle boots with gold/black/white zig-zag heels. They told me on the phone they were £778 but are now £521. Hmmmmm. FYI there is Prada and Louboutin in Joseph and almost every designer boutique here stocks a selection of glorious, sexy footwear.
Zooey Deschanel in Luella
Lastly no matter what you wear there are two golden rules. Underwear & accessories. Without these you may as well not bother. One can wear a bin-bag but invest in some good underwear to smooth out any lumps and bumps and no-one will know. Wolford has the magic “forming dress” in nude or black at £50 (was £75) and for accessories visit Marni, Pascal, Bulgari and Vivienne Westwood, her jewellery starts at £30. Lastly don’t forget to leave the house without a pouch for your credit card, business cards and lipgloss. I bought Alexander McQueen’s in black patent with gold zip for £70, it was £140 and therefore I feel no pain only pleasure.
Finally, happy shopping and please do post your Christmas fashion pictures on our Facebook fanpage. This season comes round but once a year so for a memorable party remember you must never drink & drive, that’s what chauffeurs are for and if you take a taxi make sure it is a licensed black taxi cab! Chic ladies in designer dresses do not bode well on public transport and Choos were not made for walking. You may want to leave the Oyster card at home.
p.s There is only 7 weeks left till Christmas and only 4 Gift Inspiration days for VIP Bicester Village Members. Don’t forget to sign up to get an invite.
