The Shopping Mission

Some people grow up with holidays at Center Parcs. I was brought up going to shopping outlets. I only know about the existence of some UK towns since they have a discount village attached and I was a seasoned shopper by the time I reached my teens; I just love getting something amazing at a reduced price. My main aim is to find the kind of special piece that you don't know you want until you see it, something that takes luck and determination. I came pretty close to that moment several times at the McArthurGlen shopping village up in Cheshire Oaks, but alas I wasn't just thinking of myself this time. I had to put together an AW14 trend edit, selecting my favourite pieces for the season ahead with a £300 budget and only a few hours to visit the 145 shops. Even though I'd visited about twelve years ago and only really remembered the Burberry and Nike stores (priorities), they've since added a few more brands to get excited/distracted by. I now know why people love Yankee Candle so much, hello salted caramel!

Coat - c/o ASOS Jumper - Opening Ceremony Skirt - Topshop Boots - c/o Boden Bag - Next
With a photographer and videographer in tow, I did feel a little bit like I was on The Apprentice but I'm sure that my budgeting skills would impress any boardroom. I stuck to my formula of wardrobe staples with a twist, so my edit includes a red Lulu Guinness bag, collared French Connection skater dress, frayed denim crop top from Warehouse and a sporty pair of Nikes (that I also ended up buying for myself). I still can't stop thinking about some of the pieces I left behind, namely the perfect AllSaints motorcycle jacket that fit like a glove. It's definitely the type of place to buy an investment purchase if you love any of the brands and I shall be saving accordingly for my next visit to any of their locations. Anyway forget about my shopping woes, you actually have a chance to win my AW14 edit by following McArthurGlen and retweeting this competition tweet, I'd so love for one of you to win!

A massive thanks to McArthurGlen for collaborating with me on this post and testing out my speed shopping skills. I filmed a video here talking through my AW14 Trend Edit and I think I've finally toned down the crazy blinking/hand actions!