Posts from December 2010

Men…are you undecided with what to buy in the sales, or don’t know where to begin? Well The Trafford Centre is packed with many of your favourite items, we have taken our time to check all the top picks from stores such as Aspecto, French Connection and Schuh. So for an idea of what to buy and wear next season take a look here…

Stay fashionable and warm with this gorgeous coat from Aspecto. Luke1977 pugwash camel was £179, now £150.

Aspecto Luke1977 pugwash camel was £179, now £150.

Want to be the envy of your friends? Look no further than these jeans from French Connection. Jeans were £65, now £30.

French Connection jeans were £65, now £30.

Wondering what shoes to wear with your suit on New Years Eve, these from Schuh are sure to get you noticed. Red or Dead Rock Chukka, were £80, now £49.95.

Schuh Red or Dead Rock Chukka, were £80, now £49.95.

Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe with this Technicals micro fleece from Blacks. Was £29.99 now £9.99.

Technicals micro fleece from Blacks. Was £29.99 now £9.99.

Step out in style with these purple trainers from Aspecto. Y3 boxing purple was £145, now £125.

Aspecto Y3 boxing purple was £145, now £125.

Transitional clothing is on the top of everyones shopping lists, this jacket from French Connection is perfect to take you from winter to SS11. French Connection checked duffle coat was £185 now £90.

French Connection checked duffle coat was £185 now £90.

Converse is always producing popular on trend shoes and these are just the same, so why don’t you snap up a pair. Schuh Converse All Star Lo was £34.99, now £19.95.

Schuh Converse All Star Lo was £34.99, now £19.95.

Want a coat that is sure to keep you warm on the go until next winter, then look no further than this padded coat from Blacks. Berghaus Tyrol Down Jacket was £149.99 now £74.99.

Blacks Berghaus Tyrol Down Jacket was £149.99 now £74.99.

We are loving these Steedley boots from Aldo. These boots are sure to be in style next season, so quickly grab yourself a pair. Steedley boots were £95, now £52.49.

Aldo Steedley boots were £95, now £52.49.

Want some designer on trend glasses? Here we have the best of the picks from Optical Express. Boss frames were £150 now £142.50.

Optical Express Boss frames were £150 now £142.50

Whether you’re looking for a few small accessories to update a room, or have some big redecoration plans for 2011, the homeware sale at The Trafford Centre is a must-shop. With massive discounts at stores like Natuzzi, British HOME Stores and John Lewis there’s lots to choose from – if you move quickly. We’ve had a sneak peak at the sales and these are the pieces that caught our eye.

British HOME Stores is our go-to for lighting, especially when there are savings to be had. This Juliette five-light chandelier sparkles so beautifully and is now reduced to £80 (was £160).

Juliette five-light chandelier from British HOME Stores now reduced to £80 (was £160).

If you’re keen to refresh and brighten up your bathroom, may we suggest these very pretty towels from Cath Kidston at Selfridges? They were £24, now £16.

Cath Kidston towel stack at Selfridges were £24, now £16.

For classic investment pieces, you can’t go far wrong with Natuzzi. Treat your home to a gorgeous leather armchair such as this stylish

Natuzzi ‘Amadeus’ chair reduced from £1,580 to £1,259.

Who says kitchen appliances have to be unexciting? Add a touch of luxury to your kitchen, with this DeLonghi icona toaster from John Lewis for only £29.95

DeLonghi icona toaster from John Lewis for only £29.95

Add a beautiful focal point to any room, by adding a gorgeous picture, from Castle Art Galleries. We love this Keith Proctor Gardner's World signed limited edition print was £350, now £262.50.

Keith Proctor Gardner's World signed limited edition print was £350, now £262.50 from Castle Galleries.

The Dyson is a must have item in any household and you can snap up this popular item for only £199. Dyson DC19T2 Animal, John Lewis special buy £199.

Dyson DC19T2 Animal, John Lewis special buy £199.

Nattuzi sound chair is on the list of the most popular homeware items this season. This lust after item was created to provide a new dimension of comfort. Sound chair was £2130, now £1699.

Natuzzi Sound Chair was £2130, now £1699.

Raise a toast to see in the New Year with these gorgeous glasses from John Lewis. Riedel Vinum wine glass x 4 special buy £45.

John Lewis Riedel Vinum wine glass x 4 special buy £45.

We believe one way to shop successfully in the sales is to buy key investment pieces that will take you seamlessly from winter into spring. Termed by the fashion pack as ‘cruise wear’ these are the transitional pieces that won’t end up hanging in your wardrobe with their price tags permanently affixed to them and will ensure that you keep on trend throughout the season. Here are our top tips and our top 10 pick of the best.

Camel has been a big story for the winter season and it is set to continue into spring. This classic camel coat from MANGO is bang on trend and is the perfect transitional piece to take you seamlessly from winter into spring. GAVILAN coat was £139.90 now £89.90.

MANGO GAVILAN coat was £139.90 now £89.90

Sparkle your way into the New Year, with these gorgeous earrings from F.Hinds, were £599.00 now £299.

F.Hinds earrings were £599.00 now £299.

Vivienne Westwood always has gorgeous on trend bags, which are a true investment piece. This gorgeous Ebury Bag below was £589, now £412.30.

Vivienne Westwood Ebury Bag was £589, now £412.30.

Are you wondering what to wear for New Years Eve? This gorgeous dress from French Connection is sure to make you stand out in the crowd, and see you into the New Year in style! Sequin dress was £150, now £75.

French Connection sequin dress was £150, now £75.

We’ve spotted 1970’s undertones on many of the SS11 catwalks so it’s set to be a huge trend, so why not get ahead and indulge in something now. Check out these gorgeous 70’s highwaisted jeans from MANGO. JANIS highwaisted jeans were £39.90 now £19.90.

MANGO JANIS High waisted jeans were £39.90 now £19.90.

Looking for a ‘classic’ style dress, then go for this gorgeous fitted black and white shift dress, it’s sure to be a staple item in your wardrobe. Jacques Vert creme crepe dress was £109 now £79.

Jacques Vert creme crepe dress was £109 now £79.

If you’re looking for a splash of colour to make your New Years Eve dress pop, then look no further than these gorgeous heels from Schuh. Flora Ruffle was £60, now £34.95.

Schuh Flora Ruffle was £60, now £34.95.

This Blacks Technicals Women’s Carolina micro fleece is sure to keep you warm on the go, and for the reduced price of over 60% off it’s affordable as well. Was £29.99, now £9.99.

Blacks technical fleece was £29.99, now £9.99.

Winter isn’t always the easiest season to be fashionable as you just want to wrap up warm in as many clothes as you can, but these winter boots will do just that, they will keep you warm and also keep you on trend… Aldo Beardsley fur trimmed boots were £50, now £27.99.

Aldo Beardsley fur trimmed boots were £50, now £27.99.

The jumpsuit has been a massive trend this year and is set to stay next year! So why don’t you invest in this gorgeous one from MANGO, it is definitely something that will become an important part of your wardrobe that will take you from day to night. SMOKE jumpsuit was £199.90 now £69.90.

MANGO SMOKE jumpsuit was £199.90 now £69.90.

There's an incredible pleasure in getting a gorgeous pair of stilettos for half the price and The Trafford Centre sales offer guilty pleasures in abundance.

When tackling the sales there is a certain art to ensuring you stay ahead of the pack and walk away with a bargain (or two!). This is the art of the savvy sale shopper.

But how do you do this we hear you ask? Well no one is born with the gift it comes from experience and advice! When bargain hunting you need to have the right attitude, being spontaneous is a must, put your sales head on, know what you’re after, and know what the best deals are. So take a look at our quirky guide below, which will help you on your way to becoming the most glamorous and well-informed sales shopper.

Get your rest!

Comfy and stylish from Warehouse

Firstly it is crucial to rest the night before, take some time to yourself; have a relaxing bubble bath before your day of sales shopping and take time to pick out your most stylish, yet comfortable outfit to allow you to make the most of your day. Although those killer heels are gorgeous, they are not appropriate for sales shopping; think comfortable flats… however don’t compromise your style!

Now it’s time to plan your route!

The malls

No it’s not a race, but planning which stores are on your hit list will allow you to stay focussed and eliminate any unnecessary stress on the day. Download a mall guide to make sure you know your favourite shops and the layout of the Centre.

Do your research!

One mistake that people make is buying for buying’s sake and they don’t do their homework! Work out what you have and what you need. Our little secret is that we believe the key to successful sale shopping is to buy investment pieces, or an item that will carry you across into the next season. Take a look at our best buys and handy hints with our top 10 best buys for him and for her.

Consider the sale as a sport!

No, we don’t mean rugby tackling someone to the ground to get that gorgeous jumpsuit. But it could be great team work, ask your trusted friends to come along and have fun rummaging through the sales racks, spotting items for each other. Honest friends are always good to take along, as a quick pick needs a truthful opinion knowing whether something suits you or not.

Remember to refuel!

Also just like a sport, plan a half time… a coffee break to refuel is always a necessity and re-charge your batteries ready for the second half.

… Happy shopping!

Fantastic news! We've been shortlisted for the Daily Mirror’s Britain’s Best Grotto competition.

And you have a chance of winning a spectacular Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader goodie bag, simply by registering your vote.

To vote, just click here and send - we'll pick the goodie bag winner at random from all votes registered.

Our wonderful Ice Palace Grotto and 4D Cinema has really captured the imagination of the judges, with its blend of traditional grotto fun with a twist of new technology.

Families enter the Chronicles of Narnia themed grotto via a magical wardrobe door, before donning their 3D specs to enjoy the award-winning Rocket the Reindeer movie, complete with snow and wind effects which take your breath away.

Next up comes the big man himself, as groups of families are given a private audience with Santa Claus, to tell him their Christmas wishes, and of course receive a present to remember their day.

One customer who nominated our grotto said: “The presents from Santa were really good, especially as it only costs £3.50 per person to get in. I think this grotto should win because it’s a really special experience, and something different.”

Many thanks to that shopper for nominating us! And you can help us to win too, by simply sending in your vote today.

Register you vote for The Trafford Centre grotto, by visiting the competition page – or simply click on this email address and send!

The competition ends on 21 December, and the winner is announced in the Daily Mirror two days later – so please get voting! Goodie bag contains:

Magnetic Bookmark, 3d Puzzle, Christmas Bauble, Kaleidoscope, Snow Globe Frame, Make Your Own Christmas Card Kit, Kid's Tshirt, Umbrella, Hat & Scarf Set, Leather & Canvas Bag and a Snow Globe!

Inspired by The Trafford Centre's Christmas TV commercial, Get Happy came to life in the Main Dome one Saturday afternoon.

The Christmas season demands much from our makeup bags – the routine we’ve been following day in day out just won’t cut it on the dancefloor, so we’ve been to speak to the experts at Selfridges to find out how we can take our look from day to night.

Bobbi Brown at Selfridges.

Bobbi Brown show us how to up the amp this party season with their limited edition Eye Couture Palette exclusive to Selfridges.

Illamasqa eyelashes at Selfridges

Illamasqa show us how to apply their gorgeous false eylashes and then complete the look with a smokey party eye.

Nars at Selfridges

The Nars make up artist gives us her top tips for applying perfect party make-up.