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Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Lights

December 14th, 2009 by Stacey Waterman
There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of Christmas. Pretty lights adorn the outside of houses; they caress the branches of trees and glimmer from the inside of shop windows. The chilly air is fresh and frothy coffees gives way to mulled wine, Belgian hot chocolates (yes with whipped cream and sprinkles) and scrumptious Gingerbread lattes.
Bicester Village at Christmas

Bicester Village at Christmas

I love the pearliness and pureness of all the glittering lights and gourmet gastronomic delights that permeate my senses this time of year.

Trees Twinkle at Bicester Village

Trees Twinkle at Bicester Village

Back in the Middle Ages when I was a child and shops were closed on a Sunday, my parents had a ritual. All wrapped up and snuggly, my mother in her fur coat and suede knee length boots, me in my red pillar box coat and matching red patent shoes (again with the shoes, it was her obsession not mine) and my father and brother hidden behind layers of woollen scarves and hats, we would embark on our annual Christmas pilgrimage to “see the lights.” It’s not that we never went to the West End, we lived just 2 miles away, but this ritual was different.

We’d start off at Richoux in Piccadilly for lunch then walk through the deserted streets first into Regent Street then Oxford Street, gazing at all the decorations and amazing store windows.  I still yearn for days gone by when shoppers were forced to stay at home, leaving the pavements clear to revel in the beauty of London’s architecture. Eventually we would finish off at Marble Arch. Exhausted but euphoric. As you can imagine this trek for kids under 7, made longer by having to stop and discuss every window display was pretty amazing, if not akin to climbing the Himalayas.

Bicester Village Xmas Lights 2This spirit of Christmas has always stayed with me, and yes it’s all about the sparkle.  The unity that a bit of festive lighting and food can bring among strangers anywhere in the world is warming and special. I’ve spent many a Christmas abroad, either because of habitation or holidays and in my opinion there is no country that does it quite like England. Tinsel in 90 degrees is just wrong.

Gorgeous Gingerbread Latte

Gorgeous Gingerbread Latte

I first visited Bicester Village in December last year; it felt like a chic, adult version of Disneyland. It was late afternoon, the shops were much quieter, the sky had dimmed to a dusky twilight and the Christmas lights shone and glistened among the quaint designer boutiques and landscaping. It was a fairytale moment. Add to that a Gingerbread Latte, amazing reductions and the best mince pies I have ever had, and I was hooked.

Happy Christmas Shopping

Are You Ready For Autumn?

August 28th, 2009 by Cate Sevilla

Burberry Fall-Winter 2009 . 2010 Ad Campaign 2.previewThere is a definite chill in the air these days.

The sun is going down earlier, and we’re currently about to embark on our last bank holiday weekend of the Summer.

Autumn is nearly upon us.  And do you know what that means?

SHOPPING.

There’s nothing I like more than a change in the weather, and a need to go out shopping for a new coat and scarf and all of the other glorious fashion accessories that you can only wear in the colder months.

No matter what papers tell us, the recession doesn’t exactly *feel* over, and we’re all still trying to watch the pennies, and look fabulous for less.

Obviously, Bicester Village is the perfect place to find a bargain on some of your favorite designers and brands, without breaking the bank.  So, if you do head over to Bicester Village for your Autumn shopping – what should you focus on?

Here are my top five items everyone should have for the Autumn months…

1) Trench Coat

A mid-length, lightweight trench coat is the way to go. Autumn can be both brisk and warm at the same time, so you don’t want to be stuck on a day out lugging around a massive winter coat, when it’s sunny out. Trenches are also perfect for layering – so while they’re not terribly thick, they’re perfect for wearing jumpers, long sleeve T-shirts and cardigans underneath!

To find a trench coat that fits your style at Bicester Village, why not check out Luella, Karen Millen, French Connection, or Burberry?

2) The Perfect Scarf

The Scarf is probably the best fashion accessory of all time. Who doesn’ t love a cozy, colorful scarf? While July and August proved to be hot and humid to be scarf-friendly, late September and October are prime scar wearing months. The trick is to find a scarf that is long enough to be wrapped around your neck or shoulders for warmth, but that is still thin enough to wear tucked into your new trench coat or just as an extra bit of warmth while wearing a cardi.

Make sure to pick something that’s colorful yet neutral, and can be worn with different outfits. Or, find a scarf you like and buy it in more than one color.

Hunt for your perfect scarf at Cath Kidston, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood or Monsoon!

3) Killer Boots

For me, the first time I can slip my favorite knee-high boots back on, I know Autumn has arrived. Finding the perfect pair of boots is essential to the colder seasons, and finding a boot that fits your calf and your personal style is a must. Make sure to find a boot that you can either dress up or down, and above all else, make sure it’s comfortable! Keep in mind if your boots are leather, they will stretch. When trying them on, also make sure that you’ll be able to wear them with tights, leggings, or skinny jeans tucked in, if that’s what you intend to do with them!

Look for you new boots at LK Bennet, Jimmy Choo, Clarks or Timberland.

4) Travel Mug

Let’s face it, those early morning commutes when it’s cold and dark and quite dreadful. Therefore, why not spice it up by bringing your morning cuppa, latte or herbal tea with you on the train? Having a travel mug with you can not only warm your hands up, but having you favorite morning beverage with you on your commute can be quite a treat. Even if you’re only walking or driving to work, I find bringing a hot beverage with you in on your way to the office is quite nice.

For your perfect travel mug, make sure to check out Bodum or Starbucks!

5) Cozy Candles

While Samantha on Sex and the City may claim that “women with candles have replaced women with cats as the new ‘sad thing’ ” – we know better. A stormy autumn evening spent wrapped up in a throw blanket with a DVD boxset and lit candles everywhere is one of the best ways to spend an evening. Ever. There’s something about Autumn that just screams CANDLES. (Even if it’s mainly the tealight you put in your jack-o-lantern.)

For you cozy candles, make sure to drop by: The White Company, Versace, L’Occitane, or Penhaligon

With these five items, how could you not be Autumn Ready? Plus, we barely had a Summer anyway. I say, bring on the colorful leaves, the chilly air, and the trench coats!

Cate Sevilla is the founding editor of BitchBuzz.com. You can follow her on Twitter as @CupCate. At Bicester Village, you’ll probably find her in Bodum. Buying everything in sight.