So it was a wonderful treat to visit the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlets (part of the McArthur Glen group). Just 2 hours by train from Euston for me, and then a short taxi ride away, the space is absolutely enormous (the size of 20 football pitches, to be precise).
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| Post shopping, with my purchases |
It has a few more High Street shops than say, Bicester Village, but the designer section is growing everyday (and that’s where I hung out for the day). The premium brands include Mulberry, Burberry, Church’s, Lulu Guiness, Ralph Lauren and Joseph (see list of brands here) – which was more than enough shops for me to fill my day (with a little feed from Wagamama’s in the middle). And with up to 60% discount, I was keen to see what styles they had…
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| Mulberry ‘Lily’ handbags £495, instead of £750 |
Shops like Mulberry looked just like the flagship London stores, but with reduced prices. If you are thinking of buying a Mulberry bag full price, I would definitely consider spending a day here and seeing what you can buy with your leftover cash…!
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| Tweed bag, reduced from £795 to £325, Mulberry |
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| ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ Lulu Guiness clutch, reduced from £95 to £47.50 |
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| Ex samples, all size 37, were all £99 a pair! |
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| I loved these, but they only had in size 36.5 |
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| Trying the classic white studded brogues – and they do mail order….! |
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| The pair I went for, reduced from £325 to £170 |
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| Trying on outfits in Joseph and a Burberry bag (bottom right), reduced from £795 to £556 |
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| Classic Burberry trenches, reduced from £1095 to £766 |
There were also more ‘High Street’ stores such as Reiss, All Saints, Gap and Mamas and Papas – I got my husband some Vans, too.
My advice? Don’t go on a whim or when you don’t have any money to spend, I’ve learnt that mistake many times. I would go when you have something in mind that you want full price, like a Mulberry bag, or Michael Kors watch, and then be happy with your saving.
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| Michael Kors bags, reduced from £360 to £239 |
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| Michael Kors bag reduced from £249 to £199 |
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| I must admit, I did make a very non fashion purchase of a Le Creuset saucepan! |
Has it got a Celine store? No. But give me a Mulberry outlet store (or even a Le Creuset store) over Celine anyday. Was it worth the trip? I had a great day out, shopping in exclusive stores where I could (almost) afford most things, had a lovely lunch and got myself some lust-worthy shoes for almost half price. I’d say it was a pretty productive day….!
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| My new shoes in their new home… |
Love the brogues. A timeless classic! Just purchased a pair of Dr Martens white brogues with Harris Tweed inserts and they look awesome. Originally 210 down to 150 at Gunwharf Quays outlet in Portsmouth. Another good outlet for bargains, but always incredibly busy!
Sounds like a good day out – I think I need to go. Not been for ages and I only lived in Chester. Next payday I think. Live the shoes they look awesome
So on my 'to do' list. Although I live very near Bicester Village so I am always popping in there. Be nice to have a few more High St stores like Gap but don't think that's their plan! It sounds huge, I reckon I could easily do a whole day there. Love your choice of shoes, classic colour combo x
I've only been to Gunwharf Quays once and we were in a rush…huge mistake! Must go back!
The designer quarter is definitely worth a visit – the Nicole Farhi store had some good bargains in, too
It IS huge – although to be honest it's a bit exhausting to do all – make sure you stop for a breather in Wagamama's or the Yo Suhsi which is opening soon 😉