Thursday 20 August 2015

Getting Gucci-fied "Outlet style" with Cheshire Oaks

Outlet shoppers, start your engines. I've just been introduced to a brand new purchase problem at McArthurGlen's Cheshire Oaks. I say "problem" because I have a real issue with willpower when it comes to things like Gucci, which has just opened an outlet store in the famous miracle mile of retail therapy at Cheshire Oaks. FFG has partnered with both Gucci and McArthurGlen in years past, but never have the two come together with such exciting news. Oh, if only every day came with an announcement of luxury goods at discount prices. Yes, Gucci's McArthurGlen outlet store is officially open to the public. The doors have been flung open and the floors have already seen countless bargain hunters snapping up designer one-offs with serious discounts. 

The brands asked me to take a quick trip up to Chester to check out the new offering and pick a few of my favourite pieces. Who in their right mind would say no to that? I grabbed the train from London  - easy enough - and headed north for a day of discovery. 

Upon arrival at the new Gucci outlet, I was transfixed by not only the products, but also the customers. Obviously Gucci have hit on a price point that works as every time I picked up a pair of shoes, they'd disappear if I put them back for even a second. Warning to shoppers: if you like it buy it... it's a jungle out there and your dream product will not wait for you. 

Now, back to that part where Gucci asks me to pick my favourite pieces. When you are presented with four walls of Gucci handbags and countless counter space featuring everything from wallets to shoes, all of the sudden the first world problems kick in. Yes, this day's panic attack was sponsored by a Gucci accessories overload. 

I was in heaven and hell all at the same time. So, I put on my thinking cap and went to choosing. I was limited to five pieces, which you'll see featured below. In all honesty, I could have worn everything and been the happiest lady alive. That's the beauty of a designer Outlet shop like Gucci. The styles they showcase never ever have an expiration date. These are accessories that will be fashionable forever. I've been to the Gucci museum and the factory in Florence and can tell you that Gucci bags, especially, only get better with age. 

So here's what you need to do. Grab a train, plane or automobile to the Gucci outlet in Cheshire Oaks. Buy what you love and justify the spend by doing the math. I like the "price per wear" model. The number of times you'll use these beautiful accessories 100% justifies the price. You only live once, you might as well live in Gucci! 

For more information on how to get to Cheshire Oaks, opening hours and a full list of stores open for shopping visit: http://ift.tt/1JliZs9

Happy shopping, FFG readers!
In partnership with Gucci and McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks. 




Read More »

RHS appeal for public help to tackle agapanthus pest



The Royal Horticultural Society is calling on gardeners to help its research into a new insect that is attacking agapanthus plants.

Read More »

FINALLY: Incredible garden hose that NEVER gets in a tangle goes on sale in UK



IT'S a problem that has infuriated green-fingered plant lovers since 1652.

Read More »

Ashley Madison hack: Check here to find who's been cheating



WEBSITE claims to reveal leaked email addresses after Ashley Madison cyber attack.

Read More »

Girl with skin condition TATTOOS her body with response to people who stare at her



A woman was so fed up of people staring at her skin she's had a tattoo explaining her condition across her arm.

Read More »

Girl with skin condition TATTOOS her body with response to people who stare at her



A woman was so fed up of people staring at her skin she's had a tattoo explaining her condition across her arm.

Read More »

What is The Dark Web? Internet underworld hosting drug dealers and paedophiles



IT'S the underworld on everyone's lips with the Ashley Madison hack fresh in the public's memory, but what is the dark web and how easy is it for the public to access?

Read More »

Recipe of the day: Mango and saffron pickle



PICKLES come in all shapes and flavours and this mango version with raisins is sweet, fruity and excellent with cheeses, curries and much more. Serves 10.

Read More »

Would YOU share your tampon? New 'one string, two ends' design divides Twitter



LADIES, remember all those times you wished you could share your tampon experience with a friend? Look no further.

Read More »

Think your child's clever? Ten-year-old boy gets A* maths GCSE…and he's not stopping there



NERVOUS 16-year-olds are picking up their GCSE results this morning - but one 10-year-old has his Maths results in the bag.

Read More »

WhatsApp update brings top new feature to iPhone



APPLE iPhone users can get access to all their messages via the web.

Read More »

Top 10 facts about mosquitoes



AUGUST 20 is World Mosquito Day, commemorating the day in 1897 when Sir Ronald Ross confirmed the Anopheles mosquito as the vector that carries malaria.

Read More »

Wednesday 19 August 2015

A popup with heart opens at Bicester Village

Let me start with this number: 45 million. That is the number of shoes that have been donated to children in need since the day that Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS - a company with a heart of gold. Nope, no blowing smoke here, folks. This is company you have seen me support since the beginning, because I believe in what they do, what they stand for and the way that they continually shift to support new causes around the world. They've gone on to create campaigns with sunglasses, bags and even coffee, with a one for one idea. You buy something and they give back. 

For me, it's the TOMS shoes that are the clearest reminder of the "one for one" concept. Each time I wear my TOMS out and about, with each footstep I am reminded of the fact that my purchase led to a child in need receiving the same shoes and walking, just as I am, in comfort and safety. This has also led me to be a regular gifter of TOMS to others. From supermodel friends to my very own mother, I think I've outfitted just about everyone near and dear to my heart in these comfy slip-ons. So, if this is your first introduction to the TOMS brand, may I encourage you discover the story further?

TOMS fans... this post does come with some excellent news. Yesterday, I spent a few hours over at Bicester Village. I was being introduced by the TOMS team to the first ever European outlet for the brand. It's a pop-up, for now, in Bicester Village, and it's everything you'd expect from TOMS. It's a simple and beautifully constructed building that is shopping at it's finest. The walls are lined with old styles at greatly reduced prices and the size range is extensive. The staff are incredibly gracious and the customers are intent on shopping for all they can carry. The shop has already seen one man come in and buy 25 pairs in one go. Yes, there is a cult like following for this brand - and with good reason. Oh, and even though the prices are outlet fabulous, your purchase will still result in a child receiving a pair of shoes. The goodness remains.

My advice? Get in there while you can. The pop up won't be their forever, but I am starting to think the shoes may clear out before the building does. TOMS, Bicester Village - hello, weekend plans! Get in there! 





Read More »

Festival preparations

sandra2ccc
sandra7 copyc
sandra1cc
sandra5ccc
sandrasw6c
sandra4ccopy
sandra3ccopy

H&M shirt 
H&M hat
ZARA shorts

It’s that time again, when every weekend seems to be booked up for a four day long festival party, no wonder the Summer has flown by before I even knew it started (still not sure if it actually has started). Anyway, festival dressing for a minimalist like me means one thing: Freedom. I’m not trying to appeal to your emotional side and go into details about liberty and rights, it’s just simply the thought of not having to overthink your sartorial choices.

I’m teaming up with Swarovski again, like I did last year for a little lesson on festival jewellery styling. While my dressing remains laid back and free like I just stated, I’m embracing the finer details in the form of rose-gold tones and crystals. The new collection has a range called Delta and it is everything I want from my jewellery this season, so I decided to wear it all at once. The necklace that comes in three sizes could as well be a set but honestly it’s a selection for someone with seriously bad decision making skills, at least I’m left with options to style them as either as a set or individually. The ring that does come as a set of three is my favourite piece from the new collection, go figure, I’m not one to go ringless anyway.

So with Helsinki’s Flow behind, there is one more festival to tackle this summer, V festival this weekend! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for updates. Then it’s back to city hopping, solid grounds and all black outfits (YES).

In collaboration with Swarovski
Photos by Mikko Puttonen




Read More »

How to wear the denim T shirt



MID-August is a tricky time for fashion.

Read More »

Shocking figures reveal one in ten children don't know APPLES grow on trees



WOULD you believe one in ten children don't know apples grow on trees? It's a scary reality.

Read More »

Follow Me