Wednesday, August 5, 2009

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!)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Stick it on my head!

Hi guys,
I think I have a problem, and there seems to be no cure. Recently I have become rather obsessed with headwear, and more specifically, with bows.
It started off small, with this glitter covered cartoonesque bow I wore for New Year. But since then the obsession has grown.....
....Next I found this rather wonderful pink number in Topshop and I knew that I wouldn't be able to rest until it was on my head. But before long, even that wasn't big enough.....
.....So last week I bought this enormous verging on the ridiculous number from Johnny loves Rosie; golden yellow satin to clash with my hair and make me feel fabulous. Plus it has the added bonus of embarrassing the boyfriend whenever I insist on wearing it out! .
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Now i'm frightened I can't stop. I have been lusting and lusting after a Tour de Force headpiece, so imagine my delight when my catwalk genius newsletter landed in my inbox with news that a selection have been reduced to up to half off!!
I can't decide between the Nautical Feast (reduced from151 euros to 69) or the puff bow (reduced from 140 euros to 69). Now i'm left puzzling; would it be wrong to buy both? PS - theres loads of other stuff in the catwalk genius sale, so if your idea of fun isn't wearing a hairpiece bigger than your head (and shame on you!) then it's definitely stuff worth checking out!)
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Love, Tor x

Sunday, August 2, 2009

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