Leather jacket: £295, Jigsaw. Jumper: Gap (old). Jeans: £36, Topshop. Shoes: £19.99, H&M. Bag: £108, J Crew. All photographs: Christopher O’Donnell |
I’ve been to a lot of designer outlets in my time. But this is one with a difference.
Set amongst the grounds of an early 1900s Lace Mill, there is definitely more to Kilver Court than first meets the eye. When we first arrived, I thought ‘this won’t take long’, and boy was I wrong. We wandered around the gardens first (did I mention there were flamingos?) and then I planned on seeking out a few of my favourite brands that are stocked here – all hand chosen, and on point – M.i.h Jeans, Mulberry, Chinti & Parker are all resident brands, and more to come.
Plant shopping? They have that, too, in the newly constructed Nursery.
In terms of shopping, it’s all those mid brands I love – Toast, Bamford and Margaret Howell with more in the pipeline, as well as food brands such as Fortnum and Mason and Daylesford Organic (I got some bits for my American friend we’re visiting next week). It’s not the biggest designer village compared to others but that’s what I liked about it, it’s not daunting and makes a lovely place to mooch around – whether it’s the gardens, the shopping or the tea rooms.
This red Toast jumper reduced from £159 to £59 |
The great thing about the brands they stock is that they’re chic without being too ‘fashiony’ (much like myself, I like to think!), so the pieces are investments without being ‘fads’. The Margaret Howell range was a rail resplendent with bretons and chinos that will last and last.
The Chinti & Parker cashmere was well stocked and 50% off, a cashmere crew-neck (the grey with the stars, for instance) was coming in at £180 instead of the usual £360.
The M.i.h jeans section had loads of sizes in denim as well as ready to wear. A lot of the brands don’t have separate stores, so it feels a bit like walking around your favourite department store (but all the product is healthily reduced).
If I were really on a spending spree….these would definitely be my pics: Margaret Howell ‘shacket’, M.i.h boyfirends jeans and Chinti & Parker cashmere crew-neck. |
The Sharpham Pantry specialises in ‘spelt’, dishes, all locally sourced |
Just when we thought we had finished, we popped into the Farm Shop for a quick look around and realised there were three floors of ‘miscellaneous’ and homewares we had yet to discover…and then remembered the Mulberry Factory store, too – it’s up the Road (like 15 metres up the road) but definitely worth the trip – it’s beautifully merchandised and the discounts are worthwhile. Told you there was more than meets the eye.
The Mulberry outlet store should be on your list if you’re after something special:
This bag reduced to £350 |
Wallet: £205 |
I was very tempted by the red ‘Lily’ bag for £485 as a birthday treat but resisted…we need new carpets in our flat!
Leather jacket: £295, Jigsaw. Jumper: Gap (old). Jeans: £36, Topshop. Shoes: £19.99, H&M. Bag: £108, J Crew. |
As an alternate outlet shopping destination, do try out Kilver Court if you’re in the area – it would make a lovely weekend visit if you’re staying nearby (The Pig near Bath, or Babington House are close I’ve heard!), there are the gardens for families and menswear too (Pringle, Rapha bikes etc).
And what did I buy? I bought some Fortnums treats and Rococo chocolates for gifts but clothes-wise I have already asked for too much for my birthday next week! But I will definitely be back…
This post was in collaboration with Kilver Court, but I will return soon for extra curricular shopping.
Alison Sheath says
I never knew this place existed, i knew about the Mulberry Factory store (a Mulberry addict!) but this place looks amazing. I always go to Bicester Village but may need to pop in here next time. The Chinti & Parker knitwear is gorgeous x
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Love the J crew bag design! Somerset is such a beautiful place. That aura of wild and rustic air that the county possesses overall is such a wonderful feeling! The Mulberry outlet store looks great. I especially like the workshop feel with all that wooden fixings dotted around. Marvellous! The brand itself is very prestigious, and has made a great comeback after faltering somewhat a few years ago.
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It's so nice to get to cover those more 'niche' smaller outlets, especially one in such lovely surroundings! And yes, the Chinti & Parker jumpers are gorgeous, impressed they had so many – and a striped one will last and last x
Yes Mulberry is always making a comeback and I agree about all the fixtures -what sets it apart from all the other designer outlets – very rustic with some lovely history x
This looks like the coolest outlet ever. I'm coming to London in August, I might have to add it to the to-do list.
Are those gorgeous H&M mules comfortable to wear? Thanks!
Surprisingly, they were fine! They'd probably push on the toes with much more walking but I love the quirk they add to the outfit x
Yay to London!! It's quite far out sadly – 2.5 hour drive (but there is a fast train to Bicester from Marylebone!) x
This place looks gorgeous! I love your hair as well – such a nice length 🙂
Eleanorclaudie.blogspot.co.uk
It is your great post
I bought that indigo mulberry lily there a couple of months ago, I love it!