Show a little Pride
Manchester Pride (which the outlet is sponsoring for the second time this year) is now just a few weeks away and we can’t wait! With the usual line-up of fab events to look forward to, you can bet we’ll be partying it up Pride-style for the entire bank holiday weekend.
In our extensive experience we find it always pays to invest some time in planning your perfect Pride wardrobe – the unpredictable weather in rainy Manchester means that you need to be prepared for any eventuality, but equally you want to be smart enough to follow the crowd from the main stage to the club once night time rolls around.
We’ve picked out some great pieces below that will see you through the weekend in style. Catch you down Canal Street!
Above:
Levis white pumps – RRP £34.99, outlet £25
Left to right:
Ted Baker check shirt – RRP £75, outlet £52
Superdry women’s leather jacket – RRP £175, outlet £105
Levis women’s skinny jeans – RRP £110, outlet £65
Superdry check shirt – RRP £44.99, outlet £26.99; Superdry printed t-shirt – RRP £24.99, outlet £14.99
Get intimate with Elle Macpherson
Let’s face it – the summer so far has been rather a washout. That’s why we’re hanging up our rain macs, packing away those flip-flops and resigning ourselves to the fact that there’s going to be many cosy nights in from here on out.
But staying indoors doesn’t have to be a bad thing. With the glamorous new collection from Elle Macpherson Intimates now available at Cheshire Oaks, you can make those nights in with your fella far more interesting…
From flirty chemises to flattering plunge bras, Elle’s range will boost your confidence (and your assets) in no time, and get you at least a little way towards channelling the beautiful figure of ‘The Body’ herself.
- Dantelle bra – RRP £32, outlet £22. Dantelle thong – RRP £17, outlet £11.50
- Artistry camisole – RRP £45, outlet £31.50. Artistry shorts – RRP £30, outlet £15
- Reminiscent chemise – RRP £70, outlet £35
- Boudoir Dutch white bra – RRP £70, outlet £35. Boudoir Dutch white culottes – RRP £38, outlet £19
Dantelle
Artistry
Reminiscent
Boudoir
Timeless classics
Jaeger silk scarf - RRP £120, outlet £49
While we’re, of course, always on board for trying out the latest trends, we’re also partial to saving our pennies for the occasional classic piece that we know will remain in our wardrobe for years to come.
It’s long been the Fashion Editors best kept secret to combine the latest looks with a carefully edited collection of investment pieces. That simple, elegant designer handbag can be counted on to spruce up even the most basic ensemble, while comfortable, well-made shoes you could walk a mile in and a statement silk scarf add instant sophistication.
The outlet is the perfect place to pick up such timeless items at great value prices. To give you some inspiration we’ve scoured the shelves and selected some great accessories (below) that can easily be worn season after season.
Carvella shoes - RRP £100, outlet £69
Nicole Farhi clutch - RRP £350, outlet £70
Karen Millen shoes - RRP £165, outlet £80
Mulberry Daria Hobo bag - RRP £595, outlet £416
Graduation gifts
With the class of 2010 preparing to don their caps and gowns and bid the world of education a fond farewell, many of you will be looking for a fitting gift to mark the momentous occasion.
The outlet has plenty of practical yet appealing gifts that will help ex-students ease their way into working life and prove a lasting reminder of all their hard work. And, if you’re looking for something more on the fun and frivolous side, why not plump for some gorgeous jewellery?
We’ve picked out some top buys below to make life a little easier for you proud parents.
left to right
Toshiba laptop – RRP £330, outlet £189
Mulberry leather filofax – RRP £352, outlet £227
Mulberry document folder – RRP £295, outlet £147
Links of London sweetie bracelet with charms – RRP £335, outlet £212
Cross ballpoint pen – RRP £120, outlet £84
Stylish staff sport top trends
When we’re cruising the centre for the best buys, we often find ourselves admiring the fashion kudos of the stylish men and women who work in our stores. Emma and Hayley (see below) are fab examples.
Of course, these girls are really in the know when it comes to the latest and greatest stock (all part of the job…), so it’s no surprise that you’ll regularly find them dressed in the very finest from their stores.
So next time you’re out shopping, make sure you sneak in a sideways glance at your friendly sales advisor; after all, they’ve gone to the effort to look this good – they deserve a little adulation.
Emma from Ted Baker
Hayley from Oasis
Emma from Ted Baker wears purple silk ruffle top (RRP £49, outlet £30), grey skirt (RRP £69, outlet £45)
Hayley from Oasis wears jeggings (RRP £38, outlet £10), ruffle sleeve top (RRP £38, outlet £15), suede fringe waist coat (RRP £75, outlet £40) and nude sandals (RRP £40, outlet £20)
Get festival fabulous
With more live music events taking place across the country than ever before, festival fashion is under the spotlight this summer and the quintessential skinnies, wellies and anorak combo just won’t cut it anymore. To make the grade this year you need to be as style savvy in the field as you would be on a Friday night.
Bold prints will make you stand out from the crowd – team a brightly coloured t-shirt with a pair of denim shorts and an on-trend army jacket for a stylish but practical look.
For festival-ready feet, opt for funky gladiator sandals to inject an added dose of glamour – we love this tasselled pair from Dune; just be sure to sidestep the mud!
Dune tassel sandals - RRP £65, outlet £39
Levi's denim shorts - RRP £50, outlet £30
Oasis feather print smock - RRP £40, outlet £28
Oasis khaki parker - RRP £60, outlet £30
Rhino Mania charges into the outlet
Stroll through the malls over the coming weeks and you’ll spot a few unfamiliar faces peering back at you from some of our store windows…
We’ve welcomed a massive herd of 34 rhinos to the outlet as part of the Rhino Mania stampede (check out the pictures below) and, while the specially designed rhinos are lovely to look at, it’s not all just for fun. Rhinos are some of the most endangered animals on earth and the event is helping support their cause by fundraising for the Black Rhino Field Conservation Project in Kenya and Tanzania.
You can find out more about Rhino Mania and follow the trail map all over the local area on the official website.
Teacher’s pet
As the school year draws to a close and the summer holidays creep ever closer, many of you will be considering how on earth you’re going to keep the kids entertained for the next few weeks. But don’t forget to spare a thought for the teachers, who’ve worked hard to help your little ones (and keep them out of trouble!) during term time.
A token ‘thank you’ gift for your child’s favourite tutor is the perfect way to channel your appreciation. We’ve got plenty of thoughtful and affordable ideas at the outlet (because you know a shiny apple just won’t cut it these days…) that you can easily pick up before school’s out.
M&S Scottish shortbread – RRP £5, outlet £3.99
Next bath gift set – RRP £10, outlet £5
Sunglasses case from Sunglass Time - RRP £8, outlet £5
Whittards tea for one set – RRP £15, outlet £7.50
Wimbledon comes to Cheshire Oaks
Having got ourselves all kitted out in some stylish on-trend tennis gear (see last week’s blog), we’re planning on spending plenty of time making the most of the outlet’s re-creation of the All England Club over the coming week.
During Wimbledon, shoppers can take a break from the malls to watch live Wimbledon tennis matches or compete in the Wii sports tournaments for free on our specially created turfed area, which boasts a huge TV screen, mini tennis court, deckchairs and the centre’s very own ‘Murray Mount’.
It took an impressive 300 tonnes of soil, 36 man hours and 13,400 square feet of Grassfelt to create our mini-Wimbeldon; so come down soon to admire our handywork and enjoy a good, old fashioned, British day out, on us. We’ll race you to the strawberries and cream…
Serving up Wimbledon fashion
With Wimbledon fast approaching, stylish sportswear is in huge demand at the moment and with a great range of rackets, trainers, headwear and holdalls (including this practically perfect Nike bag) at the outlet you can pick up plenty of pieces that look just as good off the court as they do on.
Ditch the tennis whites and up the style stakes in a smart Fred Perry polo shirt or this slick outfit from Nike. Our favourite item, though, has to be this absolutely fab Links of London bracelet. With its special Wimbledon themed charms it’s so dainty and unique you’ll want to wear it long after the last serve.
Links of London sweetie bracelet and charms – RRP £370, outlet £260
Fred Perry t-shirt - RRP £50, outlet £35
Nike bag - RRP £75, outlet £17.50
Nike vest - RRP £18, outlet £12. Nike skirt RRP £28, outlet £19
