Bicester Village

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Donning my comfiest flats and most casual dress I always feel ready and set to hit some stores and treat myself. Especially when I’m at Bicester Village. Famed for its selection of high end designer stores and discounted prices, a trip around payday is usually in my diary. As a blogger and general fashion lover, the pursuit of exceptional street style involves looking for some awesome designer pieces without the hefty price tag.

Sophistication

When Bicester Village opened, it quickly became my go-to place on payday. Whether I’m with friends, family or my partner there’s something for everyone (even for upcoming baby).
If you’re looking for fashion inspiration then Bicester Village is literally the hub of sophisticated fashion. From the classic pieces at Balenciaga to the bags at Coach, nearly every category of fashion is catered for. I’ve bought so many pairs of shoes, bags, dresses and even Winter coats from Bicester over the years and it’s a place I can pick up a goodie for around £200 on payday.
My favourite stores at Bicester include (and aren’t limited to) Saint Laurent (great for discounted clutches), Jimmy Choo (sunglasses and heels), Reiss, Chloé and Céline. Check here for the full list of womenswear brands. Recently the village has even welcomes Gucci Timepieces (drool), New Balance (crepe check) and Brioni.
 
 
 

The Brands

With all these options, thank the Lord that the village is open from 9am to 8pm daily (10am – 7pm Sundays). Don’t be fooled in to thinking that it’s the reserve of the rich either because you can pick something up on a variety of budgets thanks to its mix of brands. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new bag, some accessories or even if you don’t know what you want until you see it then Bicester is worth a visit. On so many occasions I’ve left with something I’ve never researched or considered (case in point this DVF clutch bag I got for under £200 last year).
During my recent trip, I kept in mind my upcoming wedding (still no wedding dress, shoes or rings) and a few things I’d seen before hand (Céline flat shoes and a Salvatore Ferragamo scarf). But most of all I was going for a look around and to see if anything took my fancy. Needless to say, literally everything took my fancy!

Investments

I want my payday treats to be investments that I can use over and over again. Since becoming more financial responsible (mortgage, baby on the way etc) I really want to make my disposable income count. These days it’s all about that one or two pieces that will work hard in my wardrobe.
At Bicester Village, you don’t have to use your imagination as each of the stores are set up in a boutique manner so each are unique to one another. Kate Spade is one of my favourites – from the light up quote on the wall by the entrance to the jewellery displays at the back. It’s hard to not leave without a bag either.
With my £200 in mind, I couldn’t decide whether to splash out on one of the practical Kate Spade bags which could take me from picnics in the park to trips around London’s West End or go all out and buy this cute ice cream cone bag with a long chain. Guys let me know if you would have bought this?
 

My Buys

The centrepiece of many fashionista’s wardrobes, shoes have always been something I’ve invested in over anything else.
At Bicester Village, some of my favourite shoe stores including Alexander McQueen, Gina and Jimmy Choo shine bright. That’s not forgetting the clothes stores with their footwear offerings too.
I’ve been lusting after Kenzo espadrilles and flats for such a long time and I’d completely forgotten that Kenzo was at Bicester Village. These grey slip ons with a comfy elastic sling back were such a great buy at under £200 and I cannot wait to wear them with jeans and a simple white tee in the Summer.

Also for around £200, I found this stunning Balenciaga wash bag (below). Boxy, spacious and with a handy front and inside zip, the leathery smell is amazing. Perfect for taking my toothbrush, face wash and moisturiser essentials away with me to Cornwall and on our upcoming honeymoon. There were a few shades but I totally fell in love with the duck egg blue.

 
 
 

Consider This

• Have you an outfit in mind?

You want a new skirt to lift your spirits. Do you know which top you might wear with it? If I’ve a piece in mind I always think about what I can wear it with. Otherwise I’m left with a random gold pleated skirt or a pair of red 5 inch heels that’ll be in my wardrobe gathering dust until I’ve a completed outfit.

• What do you already have at home?

Do you own a multitude of shoes but struggle when it comes to sunglasses? Or how about bags, do you own enough totes and travel bags but need a new cross body or clutch?

• Research

If you’ve a specific item in mind, have you researched before hand? Do you know the difference between that silk gown in CK compared to that one you’ve seen in Ted Baker?
 

To Me From Me

With so much on offer at Bicester Village, it’s impossible to not find something to treat yourself. Whilst I could have left with a truck load of trousers, jumpers, dresses, it’s hard to ignore what Smythson, The White Company and Ralph Lauren Home have to offer too. Bicester Village is and will continue to be a favourite place to visit around payday for some quality ‘to me from me’ goodies.

This post is in collaboration with Bicester Village. As always, all views and opinions (including the love for the brands) are my own.