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Get set for The Season…

April 15th, 2011 by Claudia Mahoney

Occasionwear: Style RulesNo one wants to turn up at a formal function wearing the same as someone else, marking you at as a style sheep. Yet creating different looks for all the events of the summer can cause a financial as well as wardrobe crisis.Matthew Williamson Since colour-blocking is the biggest trend, try buying separates in clashing colour and mix and match to various events.

However, investing in classic looks does repay you in the end, through the cut, fabric and just the way a designer frock makes you feel, and therefore move. Confidence in the way you look is worth its weight in gold. The cost/cut compromise doesn’t need to be made at HobbsBicester Village judging by the beauties I found up there.

My all time favourite is my Joan Holloway moment I had in Prada in the beautifully cut and sumptuous fabric of a raspberry beauty. I fear a diet post baby and some sturdy underwear would be called for, but the shape and length and cap sleeves would serve well for seasonal events that require a more modest dress code.

The zing of colours was seen all over the catwalk this seasonFendi and has filtered down to the high street. Balance conservative shapes with outrageous tones, such as this skirt suit I found in Fendi or the rich plums and purples in Hobbs.

Fashion being a contrary mistress, the other big trend to counteract the rainbow colours, is softer florals, and there was a riot of flowers out to bloom on my visit. The floral shift and chic blazer I saw in the window of Dolce and Gabbana would work well on a mature lady, as would the wide skirt coat from Hobbs , whilst the fab monochrome frenzy of chiffon again from Dolce is a really fun look for a girl much taller and slimmer than my good self, but you couldn’t fail to be in a good mood wearing it, and ditto with the super cute multi coloured Alexander McQueenchiffon disc mini dress from DVF.Diane von Furstenberg Layering different floral patterns was done to great effect at D&G, and would quickly create a more zany, individual look. Try layering a floral jacket over a different floral dress.

Don’t be afraid to go long,  overseas weddings, garden parties and a day at the races provide you with a chance to show your style stripes, and by opting for something longer, in a delicate fabric you can create a striking silhouette as the fabric billows around your ankles, perfectly demonstrated in this lemon chiffon dress from Alexander MQueen and the tangerine and gold embellished kaftan from Temperley or the Grecian goddess look in red from Amanda Wakeley. Dresses so evocative, you could wish yourself away to a sunny beach by just wearing them.

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Ready or not the Christmas season is nearly upon us

November 11th, 2010 by Jenny Pashkova

Jenny Pashkova, beauty blogger (Beautymole) and freelance features writer has written for Dazed, Vogue, The Independent and Intersection magazine.  Jenny shares her Christmas gift ideas for the holiday season.

 

Ready or not the Christmas season is nearly upon us.  This year, embrace luxury with gorgeous gift ideas from Bicester Village.

The White Company is a classic favourite for soft, romantic knitwear (their cashmere sock are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser). Strike a match with their scented candles, perfect for cosy winter nights.

Penhaligon’s stores always prove to be an Aladdin’s Cave of inspiration. Standout gift ideas include their Leather Washbags for both men and women, cashmere and silks.

There is something very ‘New Year Resolutions’ about giving a Diary as a Christmas gift. You won’t find one more glamorous one than at Smythson.

 Anya Hindmarch’s quirky purses and handbags are always on our most-wanted list. Her structured bags will prove a classic staple for seasons to come. A gift that’s on the money.

To add an instant statement to a favourite winter coat, let the scarf do the talking. For something alternative and striking, Alexander McQueen’s designs are an investment.

 For ultimate indulgence, a Moncler ski jacket is the perfect gift for the girl (or guy) who has everything.

 Start spoiling.

See the Bicester Village Christmas Gift Guide
Check out our favourite Beauty Blog Beauty Mole for seasonal beauty ideas.
Visit our new online Magazine

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New Designers Pop-Up at Bicester

March 30th, 2010 by Stacey Waterman

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

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi

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Alexander McQueen: A Valentine Tribute

February 12th, 2010 by Stacey Waterman

I was going to pen a Valentine’s Day post and wax lyrical about love, romance and all that jazz, yet I have been sitting here most of the day and night glued to SKY News and Twitter watching the facts unfold about the untimely death of one of Britain’s most loved, most respected and without a doubt, most talented fashion designers.  If the truth be told I am pretty devastated at the death of Lee McQueen, better know as the creator of the fashion label Alexander McQueen, as are my colleagues and peers; most of which at some point or another in our careers were honoured to work with him and many inspired and influenced by his work. On a personal note we were fashion design students around the same time and I worked with him on the very first line he created for PUMA in 2006. I still relish and frequently admire this first collection of sporty and slightly strange looking trainers that sit within my shoe collection, untouched, never worn (white and silver, would you want to ruin them?)  but much loved. In latter days I had the pleasure of working with his team for the McQueen boutique at Bicester Village. It opened just over a year ago and has been ram raided on a daily basis by myself and the rest of the office ever since.       

Lee Alexander McQueen was a man who was loved for numerous reasons and respected by a myriad of people – personally and professionally.

In true form, we must be able to feel love to feel loss, and love in its true sense I believe to be a recipe of adoration and respect. Listening to the tributes pouring in, Lee Alexander McQueen was a man who was loved for numerous reasons and respected by a myriad of people – personally and professionally. The fashion world has lost a great artist whose talent went beyond the realms of legendary. He admired and appreciated renowned designers that went before him and he passed his wisdom and learnings onto others. As he said of Yves Saint Laurent: “To me, fashion should predict the time we live in. He did this in the 1960s and 1970s. Pure genius, and a man that I always revered and tried to emulate.”  Is it any wonder that McQueen went on to become a great designer? McQueen’s raw energy and intriguing perspective made him one of the greatest talents of our time.      

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue sums it up for me. “Lee McQueen influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn’t.”      

What I loved about McQueen was his ability to delight, excite and create ingenious and unique designs. In under a decade he achieved enormous success becoming one of the most highly respected fashion designers in the world. From being a trainee Saville Row tailor, to a position at Gieves & Hawkes, to Chief Designer at Givenchy and Creative Director at Gucci, and the inception of his own label, he was awarded the title of British Designer of the Year four times, and received an acclaimed CBE. But it is the collections from his Alexander McQueen and McQ labels that he is most famous for and which have influenced a generation of aspiring designers.      

His Spring/Summer 2010 collection was a breathtaking spectacle of perfection, serving up rare and sparkling creations of pure genius

McQueen SS10 picture courtesy of style.com

His Spring/Summer 2010 collection was a breathtaking spectacle of perfection, serving up rare and sparkling creations of pure genius. Who else would dare (aside from Ms Westwood) put a pair of 12 inch alien style platforms down the runway?  I’m uncertain if I have seen anyone other than Daphne Guinness wear these, and she managed it so effortlessly and looked so chic, a feat that is not at all easy but very daring. And daring is what McQueen was all about.      

In his most recent SS2010 show he shocked us; he made us gasp with delight with a sneak peek of what he believed the future of fashion could look like. He was if nothing but optimistic, and his carefully crafted designs and intricate lifelike fabrics sent shockwaves through the industry. Is it befitting that even in death he has shocked us?  As sad and as devastating that this is, his demise has, like his creations and his talents, made us gasp. The loss of Lee Alexander McQueen will leave a huge gaping hole in the fashion industry and we will remember him for his wonderful take on fashion. I hope that in some form, the House of McQueen will live on.      

As his fellow designer and peer Matthew Williamson said today.” Like many others, I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion – he was a genius and his talent was second to none”. How could anyone not agree.    

It is with sadness though that I try not to think “why”? Phillip Treacy explains that “Creativity is a very fragile thing, and Lee was very fragile. He was a fragile person with a front of whatever you want to call it. It’s not easy being Mr. McQueen”.     

I dedicate this Valentine’s Day post to the legendary Alexander McQueen. A man whose talent we loved, whose designs we treasured and who became a British fashion icon that we will always cherish. He will be missed.

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Thank You Santa for Sending Me A Gift List Angel

December 7th, 2009 by Stacey Waterman
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

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!

Too Many Gifts, Too Little Time

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

Doesn't yet come with brain-to-notebook adaptor, unfortunately

Can Santa Please Send Me An Elf?

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.

I’m In Pre-Planning Paradise

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

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!

Jam Loving Jack

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)

"Shoe fund" purse from Anya Hindmarch (was £135, now £81)

Top Pal & Trendy Mum Tanya

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.

Newly Engaged Joelle

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!

Label Loving Sister Lola

The incomparable McQueen Novak

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 Men in My Family

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

The gorgeous Mulberry raspberry agenda

For My Gaggle of Girlfriends

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.

The Young & The Old Are So Easy!

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.

Halleluyah!

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!

Some Pointers & Prizes

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.

Happy Christmas Shopping!

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