Beautiful wonderful Bicester Village

On Monday Mike and I took a day trip to Cadburys world: it was a chocoholics dream and absolutely no good for my diet, but a very fun day out! On our way home we passed through Bicester and after much nagging from me, stopped off to explore Bicester Village (well, it would be rude not to!)

Did you know that the top two search terms on this blog are "topshop outlet" and "outlet shopping"? I didn't even realise I wrote about those two things so often, but apparently my reputation preceeds me; I love outlets and bagging a bargain!And if it's outlet shopping you're looking for then Bicester won't let you down!!

Without meaning to sound like a bad advertorial, Bicester offers something for everyone, and the range of stores means you can pick something up whatever your budget. In French Connection there are tops starting from £6 and dresses starting from £10. I got a lovely black smock dress with a thick waistband for £14. So you can get something for under a tenner or blow hundreds of pounds in Vivienne Westwood or Alexander McQueen or Gucci/Dior if you like the more "traditional" brands. And either way you'd be getting between 50 and 80% off!! There are over 150 stores so there's something for everyone; I especially loved the Cath Kidson store in all its floral glory; Mothers day is coming up!

I have written before about how much I love Luella, and in the Luella outlet I got two casual summer dresses that had been £300 for £49 each; that's pretty much Topshop prices. Yup, my shopping ban is officially failed and over. I've never bought anything from Luella before, and didn't want to miss my chance now the label is no more! There was another dress, a bag, and a pair of shoes I wanted, but I was being sensible; how I regret that now!! I also got a lovely black 100 silk dress from Monsoon with lovely beading and tassling at the neckline for under £25. All in all I spent less than £150 (including the price of a cup of tea) and had a great afternoon out!

I love Bicester village; its like an American outlet experience, set on a faux street with al fresco drinking and dining and its pretty compact so its easy to hop from one store to another (and then back again to ultimately purchase when your willpower fails you!) I wish i'd taken more picutres to show you guys, but I was so busy thinking about shopping that I forgot the think about the blog!! There were so many other things I wanted to buy; lets just hope that more nagging and the lure of the Superdry store means the bf will take me again soon!

Oh, and because I seem to always be thinking about weddings (my sister is getting married) its worth mentioning that they had a great selection of wedding and bridesmaids dresses in Monsoon at 70% off: bargain! Actually I think it would be a fun day out for any bride and bridesmaids - my sisters and I are planning to go with our mum to pick up some bits for the wedding and raid Jimmy Choo for wedding shoes: 70% off and an occassion to wear them! What more excuse do you need?!

Love, Tor xxx

I found another outlet store!

I accidentally did it again! I was wandering down Oxford street (i'd been on a specific trip to buy a new jacket that i'll share later!) when I walked into that little shopping complex halfway down near Tottenham court road (I wish I could remember what it was called!!) and found another outlet store: this time a Warehouse one! Yes, I found a warehouse outlet store!

Everything in store is discounted, with prices starting at £5. I actually didn't buy anything, but I tried on loads of stuff! There was lots of summer dresses and skirts, as you'd expect in this kind of store when the seasons are all confused, but there was also a small collection of winter coats and lots of gorgeous party dresses!

I was tempted by the white graffitti print dress, but as I had just bought my new jacket (yes, it gets two mentions, it's that good!) Still, I can definitely see this store being added to my visit list whenever I visit Oxford street! Like all outlet stores, it isn't the place to go if you're looking for something specific, but it is great for browsing and spontaneous purchases without breaking the bank!
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Love, Tor xx

Something for nothing: Outlet shopping in the UK

Hi guys,

I don't know if it's the recession, or if you're all just as bargain crazy as I am, but since my last post on the accessorize outlet, combined with my continual chitter chatter about the topshop outlet, I have been barraged with emails about outlet shopping.

I have replied to you all (I always reply to all my mail!) but for those of you who didnt message me but are still interested in saving some money on your shopping, here is my definitive list of the outlet stores all over the UK that I have visited and enjoyed:

Topshop outlet - This is located in the Broadwalk centre in Edgeware, London. Everything in the store is sale priced, and everything is buy one get one free, including the jewellery, shoes (although they dont often have shoes in stock) and underwear.

Accessorize - This is located in the Trocaderoc centre in Leicester square, London. It is quite a small store but has a wide variety of stock with discounts from 50-70%

New Look - The only New Look outlet in the country that I know of it in Princess Quay in Hull. Everything in the store is in the sale with discounts from 20 to 80%.

Lipsy - With dresses from £5 I am told that if you like Lipsy (i'm not a massive fan, they dont cut for my bust) then the outlet store on Fonthill road, London is a must-visit. The sign at the front of the store is old, but the stock certainly isn't!

Next/Karen Millen/French Connection - If you want a day out full of outlet shopping, try Gunwarth Quay in Portsmouth. I have been there 3 times and always come back with a bargain! It is a very big American style complex literally full of amazing outlet stores. Alternatively if you live a bit further north, the closest outlet mall to my hometime is called Springfields in Spalding. It is small but perfectly formed, and the underwear section of the Marks and Spencers outlet is always worth checking out.

I'm sure there are more to add, but these are ones I have personally visited and picked up some bargains from. Enjoy!

Love, Tor x

NOTE: these are all sourced from my own personal experience. None of this is sponsored, nor can I guarentee the shops will still be there when you visit (although I can say I have been to all of them in the past 12 months!)

Another outlet store!

Because so many of you have been emailing me asking questions about the topshop outlet store, I thought I would introduce you to another London outlet store I occasionally frequent; the Accessorize outlet store is located smack bang in the heart of London in the Trocadero centre in Leicester square.Everything in store is discounted at either half price or 70% off. There is a great kids section, and it is also a good place to check out if you need a hair piece or hat for a wedding.
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At the minute they have a massive selection of sunglasses at 70% off in a wide range of style from oversized to aviators to big plastic heart shaped affairs. There was also a great range of flip flops and bikinis making it a perfect one stop holiday shop actually!
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Strangely enough there is also a full stand selection of dog clothes and accessories (perfect if there is a puppy in your life!) and they have a selection of bangles starting from 50p. They often have the accessorize sterling silver range in at 70% off too; perfect for picking up trinkets for friends and family - there you have it guys, my secret is out!
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Although it is a small store (as you can see!) because of it's central London location, this is a great little shop to check out when you're out and about! Another day, another outlet....
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Love, Tor x

I found a Topshop outlet store!

Hi Guys,

I'm afraid this is another Capital-focused post for my London readers (or readers planning a visit to London), but it's just too good to miss out on: On Saturday, quite by accident, I found a Topshop clearance store! (EDIT: Which is in the broadwalk centre in Edgeware. right next to the station (northern line, zone 5) I can't believe I forgot to put that in in the first place!)

There wasn't a mountain of stock, but a quick google search shows that in the experience of other visitors, this isn't a usual occurance and the stock is normally plentiful. Despite the lower-than-normal stock levels, I did manage to pick up a bounty of treasure: 4 tops, 1 dress, and 1 pair of trousers for £27! That works out at just £4.50 per item! And when you bear in mind that the average rrp of these garments was £35 each, that's quite some discount!

By now i'm sure you're all desperate to see what I got for this miniscule price. Well here is the photographic evidence:

I am actually wearing this top as I type this post; this is what I wore to work today. The top is from last season (A/W08/9) but the tassles make it bang on trend. It is in a very delicate knit perfect for teaming with a long sleeve top for this time of year (as i've done here) or with a flimsy vest when spring and summer finally come around. This dress is billed as swimwear, for throwing over ones bikini like a glamour puss, but I think its more versitile than that! As we all know, although I advise others against it, I love wearing black and this seems like a more summery take on my usual black dress. And bird print is still very much in vogue on the highstreet, even at full price (see how i'm still not-very-subtly gloating about my huge discount!) I loved this top when I saw it at full price just a couple of months ago, but didn't think it worth its £40 price tag. Nonetheless, I love the eighties style built up shoulders, the neon fireworks pattern and the way it nips me in at the waist. Yum!

Eeek! Black bra and white top error!!! This top has obviously spent an afternoon on the shop floor (although when I went in to be fair, everything was tidy and nicely laid out) but at £5 BOGOF, I didn't let that bother me; a quick spin in my washing machine will get rid of the teeny tiny stain on the front and this top will still be perfect for me to wear to work meetings when the sun is shining (are you noticing the summer theme!?)
Although they look like demin, these trousers are actually made of medium weight cotton, making them perfect for wearing to work with tailored tops when the warmer weather comes. I know its hard to believe but these trousers were £3, buy one get one free. That means they worked out at just £1.50 to me!!
And finally this lovely specimen. Recognise it? Thats because it is the tie dye dress I picked up in the january sales in Assymetric top form.

With this my summer wardrobe ought to be complete, and yet I know as well as you do that i'm just going to keep going. And i'm still hunting for those perfect shoes.....

Love Tor x

Oh, big PS - If you saw a coat or jacket in Topshop this winter that you know would be perfect for you next winter (you clever plan-a-headers you!) then get down to the Topshop clearance centre now. There was a rail full of winter coats at just £20 BOGOF and ripe for the taking!