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Thank You Santa for Sending Me A Gift List Angel

December 7th, 2009 by Stacey
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!

My name is Stacey & I’m an Italian Fashion Addict

October 2nd, 2009 by Stacey
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Gucci 2009

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

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

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

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

In Search of the Holy Grail of In-Flight Packing

August 14th, 2009 by Debbie

To pack, or not to pack: that is the question:
Whether tis better days before or with moments left to spare
To pack with folds or rolls – both have fans devout,
To take the kitchen sink or go light and purchase air side,
And by foresight or fortune survive?

Be a travel-savvy packer

In today’s era of modern life styles and relentless lists of duties and jobs to do, don’t let packing become ‘just one more chore’! It can be so much more than running around gathering up passport, keys, money, itinerary, and foreign currency – instead take inspiration from the latest cyber farm game – and know the joy of harvesting your own home grown crops and produce by turning your in-flight bag into a cornucopia of your favourite tastes and treasures. Never again look at in-flight packing as a necessary evil. Whatever your trip’s duration you will find ‘happiness is in the bag’ as you search for the holy grail to packing, providing you follow these 5 simple rules:

1. Focus on size!

Getting ready for your flight

Getting ready for your flight

Ensure you have ‘big and baggy’. Travel bags from Mulberry, Kipling & Radley are roomy and plentiful. This provides for extra cupboard space – critical for storing those last minute entertainment products, just in case a lightning storm hits the airport kicking out the electricity; leaving it with emergency lighting only; forcing the shops to shut, restaurants to close and a very long wait for flights to board!

2. Go For “bags inside bags”

This turns your in-flight bag into your very own sanctuary: a hideaway of treats tucked inside pretty pockets; bright fabric folders; and soft to touch ‘pochettes’ of different colours. Tumi has great travel packs and Cath Kidston more prettier ones. Going inside leaves you delighted with the surprise of what’s in store.

3. Follow your dreams!

An in-flight bag is your permission to follow your passions. If you have an unquenched thirst for writing; or, aspire to draw; want to learn to speak French or renew the art of writing love letters – let your bag be your pathway. Pack your favourite note book (a Smythson travel journal is a must-have investment) for capturing your thoughts; take travel size water colours; pack the French tapes or CDs and bundles of organically grown flower pressed note paper. Indulge fully in your passions for this uninterrupted time you have ahead of you.

4. ‘Know and be true to thyself’

Telling yourself you’ll feel better for reading your outstanding e-mails or writing that presentation during the flight – is only true if you actually do it. Making such promises but knowing deep down you would rather read that book you’ve been eyeing up; indulge in a nap, or chat to the people sitting around you – then forget the laptop, stop making false promised to yourself and be ready to follow your instincts!

5. Be your own best friend

Your carry-on should be a piece of the life you wish you could live every day! Pack a pashmina for that gentle softness and snuggle factor around your neck and shoulders: take two good novels so you can dip in and out of different lives in search of escapism; have L’Occitane or Molton Brown lip balm, and hand cream to cosset your sense of touch and taste; family photos to awaken your soul as you run your finger tips over their faces; and a small travel candle from The White Company or Kenneth Turner to inhale the scent (unlit of course) – with its promise of ‘green grass’ or ’sandalwood’ for your nights away from home.

By letting these 5 principles become your in-flight mantra packing can be a joy – Happy packing!