KAREN MILLEN
Bicester Village Outlet
113 Pringle Drive
Bicester
United Kingdom
OX26 6WD
GB
Tel: 01869325932
I love Christmas so much, I think it’s the only time of the year that I am organised. I start my Christmas shopping in November so I can take my time buying the perfect gifts for my family. During December I look out for any last minute presents and start buying everything I need for myself. I always need going out outfits during December and there is nothing worse than shopping in panic for a dress you need for that night. My rule is; always buy a good dress when you see one, put it away and it’s there ready and waiting when you need it. It doesn’t bother me at all if my outfit is “last season” because I wear what I like and it also means less chance of anyone else wearing the same outfit.
I decided to head to Bicester Village, I really enjoyed my trip last month and thought it was the perfect place to pick up what I needed. Outlet’s are perfect for party looks and dresses because I don’t like spending too much money on going on clothes that I will only wear a few times. I also wanted to buy some leather items because full price leather is really pricey. I went to Bicester with my friend Emma. We hopped on the train which is so easy and convenient. By the time we had our coffee and a gossip we were already there.
Karen Millen is one of the stores you see first (on the left) as you walk into the village. You may have noticed I have been wearing this brand quite a lot on my blog, I love the quality so I made sure to visit the outlet store in the hope to find some bargains.
I really recommend checking out all the leather products in Karen Millen. The quality is really good and you can come away with luxe items for a great price. Also, check out the coats, this is the perfect store to find your winter coat. Don’t let low prices persuade you into buying things for the sake of it; shop smart and go for good quality brands. This way you know you have bought a bargain because “that” jacket is real leather or has real shearling.
LOOK 1: The Party Look. BALMAIN JACKET, KAREN MILLEN (BICESTER VILLAGE) DRESS, FINEST SEVEN AVIATORS, CHANEL BOOTS, CHANEL REISSUE.
I saw this long dress as soon as I walked in. I love boho and I also love Indian dresses. When I visited Goa a few years ago I had to buy an extra suitcase for all the dresses I bought. Because of the long sleeves and the double layers; this dress is actually perfect for December weather. I imagined it straight away with my Balmain jacket to make the over all look less boho and give it a London city vibe. The original price of this dress was quite expensive but the outlet price was really reasonable. I was so happy with this find, it really was a little gem. There were quite a few when I was there but one lady saw me in the fitting room and she loved it so much she bought it. I also saw another girl ask for it when she saw we were both buying one so hopefully there will be some left!
LOOK 2: The Accessory and Must Have Piece. BALMAIN JACKET, KAREN MILLEN (BICESTER VILLAGE) JOGGERS, KAREN MILLEN (BICESTER VILLAGE) GLOVES, ZARA TOP, CHANEL TRAINERS, SAINT LAURENT BAG, HERMES CDC CUFF, FINEST SEVEN AVIATORS.
I had my eyes peeled all day for leather pieces. Leather trousers are my thing, I wear them everyday and they are the perfect going out outfit if you still want a causal look. The only problem with leather trousers is the heavy price tag. I wanted tight fitted style or a jogger style. I didn’t see either but I did come across some faux leather baggy trousers; they were like smart joggers. I love leather joggers and I loved it that these were more formal so I had to try them on. I tried them on with a chunky knitted jumper which looked fab but I decided to style them with a suit jacket for a more formal look. I wore trainers because I am known for that scruffy look but if you wanted to wear these to work you could wear heels or flat pumps/brogues.
Next on my leather hit list was the tassel leather gloves. I always mean to buy leather gloves but end up spending my money else where because they are usually expensive. Leather gloves last for years and they feel so luxe to carry around in your handbag. I also buy leather gloves for my mum each Christmas so this was the perfect gift for her.
At this point I really felt on a roll and I was having one of those lucky shopping days. With Bicester Village all the shops are neat and tidy and it doesn’t feel like a outlet store, I think this is why I always find good bargains.
LOOK 3: The Classic Piece. KAREN MILLEN (BICESTER VILLAGE) JACKET, ASOS DUNGAREES, NEWLOOK TOP, VALENTINE SHOES. CHLOÉ FAYE BAG, HERMES CDC CUFF.
My final leather bargain and my favourite purchase was this leather jacket. I will never have enough leather jackets, I live in them! I loved the dove grey shearling collar, it gave the jacket that unique touch and it was the perfect shade of grey. I couldn’t believe the price and I was surprised that this outlet store actually stocked small sizes. Considering how much I know I am going to wear this, how long it will last (because the quality is great) I was so pleased with this purchase. There were quite a few in stock so if you don’t leave it too late you may be able to grab one too.
It really is worth checking out Bicester Village for those high end purchases because you can find some bargains and come away with good quality pieces. Just go prepared and focused. Karen Millen is a personal favourite of mine right now, I am all about the quality and the fit and I knew I wanted classic items that would last. So don’t forget to stop in there next time you visit Bicester. Maybe you will do the same as me and buy everything you need in the shop first you visited. I came home really pleased with all my little finds because they are all classic, timeless pieces that I can keep in my wardrobe and wear again and again.
Good luck with all your Christmas buys and don’t forget to treat yourself as well.
CC xx
