intu Trafford Centre Blog

Stride out in wide leg trousers

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:38:31 GMT

Some of us here at Trend Watch need to be prised out of our skinny jeans, but with wide leg trousers popular with stylish A-listers Victoria Beckham and Jessica Alba, it’s time to give a new shape a go.

The first lesson in wide leg trousers is to balance out your top half with a more fitted shape. And secondly, always wear a heel. We love these Gap trousers teamed with matching top, colour matching being another big trend for SS13, but the bright trousers would work just as well with your favourite tee.

Father's Day gift ideas

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:34:58 GMT

Struggling to find the perfect gift for Father's Day? We sent Alex James to hunt down this year's top picks at ModelZone, Selfridges and Nespresso. And don't forget there is always the intu Trafford Centre Gift Card for the really fussy Dad's...buy yours here

Bright white jackets

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:47:15 GMT

Every spring/summer wardrobe needs a chic white jacket – take a look here at our pick of the best…

Minimalism

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:27 GMT

This easy to wear trend is a combination of sharp styling, neutral colours and minimal accessories. Create clean and simple lines in a chic jacket and tailored pants or a pair of city shorts and a blouse for a look that uses a ‘less is more’ approach.

Bright whites and neutrals are staple colours for this practical style that is perfect for the hotter months. Finally, let the effortless nature of the outfit do the talking and keeping accessories to a minimum with a simple bracelet or necklace.

Hello! fashion shows

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:21:33 GMT

We teamed up with Hello! magazine to showcase this summer's must have looks...

Reiss Loritta necklace

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:38:52 GMT

We love this statement necklace by Reiss. It's bang on trend and can be worn from day to night.

Loritta rose gold necklace, £49.

High summer fashion

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:23:05 GMT

Get ready for the holiday season with our round up of what to wear this summer...

Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis is the affordable way to inject a designer name in to your wardrobe.

Wallis has recently launched a new collected called W full of ready to wear pieces inspired by catwalk trends.

Get the perfect beach look with a little help from M&S.

Summer beauty

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:39:36 GMT

We sent make-up artist Armand Beasley to some of your favourite stores to find out this summer's hottest beauty trends...

First stop was Selfridges to discover Illamasqua's brand new lips shades plus summer skincare advice from Kiehl's.

At Debenhams, Armand gets some expert skincare advice from Elemis and then shows you how to perfect a natural summer look at Urban Decay.

At Boots, Armand trys out the new range at Smashbox and shows you how to transform a day look in to evening glamour at N7.

Envelope clutch bags

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:24:44 GMT

Clutches have become a wardrobe staple and this season's shape is both practical and stylish...

Create a room outside

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:01:08 GMT

Make the most of the warmer months by using your garden as an additional room. Not only does it give you the ideal place to soak up what little sun we see, but it’s also the perfect place for entertaining friends and family.

We love this outdoor sofa from British HOME Stores, especially when it’s teamed with bright, fun accessories.

Wall art

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:00:25 GMT

A quick and easy way to bring your personality to any room is to add a piece of wall art. This season there are plenty of alternatives to traditional pieces of art that will bring your home to life. Just choose something you love, after all, you'll be the one looking at it everyday.

Sport chic trainers

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:10:51 GMT

Take a run, hop and jump into this sport chic trend!

Sheer panel skirts

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:49:36 GMT

This season showing some skin can be demure. The skirt is a key piece and sheer panels give it the perfect summer twist. Team with a collarless blouse and a statement necklace for a polished feel.

Topshop Unique, Nicole Fahri and Sass & Bide championed this trend on the catwalks with both muted tones and bright colours. Finally, go for statement shoes to complete this stand out look.

Tangerine dream

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:19:47 GMT

Add zesty shades of orange to your wardrobe – if the head-to-toe look is too bold, introduce it as an accessory!

Ruffles

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:38:44 GMT

Opt to make a statement this season with bold ruffles or choose delicate detailing to lift a simple outfit. Ruffles are appearing on skirts, dresses and blouses but opt for one piece at a time to keep it sleek.

Take inspiration from Balenciaga, Chloe and Givenchy and choose from contrasting colours, romantic touches and organza finishes. Keep accessories to a minimum with simple additions to complete this stand out look.

Mint green

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:32:52 GMT

Freshen up your wardrobe with mint green. This cool new hue is one of the most popular this season and is one that even the colour shy can embrace.

The way to wear it is to team with other pastel shades and neutral colours, keeping your SS’13 look fresh and crisp. Mint green has a refreshing quality to it that even ensures it looks great on a huge variety of skin tones. This colour can clearly do no wrong this season – so make sure you get yours!

Spring summer trends for little ones

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:57:29 GMT

Kit your children out with the latest looks this season with a little help from Gap, H&M and Next...

Gap have just launched their Daisy collection for girls and a range of bright gingham shirts for boys. We sent Jemma down to take a closer look.

Down at H&M there is a real focus on trousers this season that even the girliest of girls will fall in love with. Plus, a rainbow of chinos for boys to choose from.

Bring out their inner rock star at Next with cool music inspired tees for boys while pretty florals and animal prints are popular for girls.

Monochrome

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:34:59 GMT

It's all gone black and white this season...

Epic in 3D

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 11:13:59 GMT

EPIC is a 3D CG action-adventure comedy that reveals a hidden world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good who keep the natural world alive and the forces of evil who wish to destroy it. When a teen age girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world…and ours.

View the trailer here...

Spring summer pop up fashion shows

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:26:10 GMT

Watch this video for highlights of our amazing spring summer pop up fashion shows featuring Ted Baker, Armani Exchange, Oasis and many more...

Light weight jackets

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:33:13 GMT

A light weight jacket is the perfect piece to get you through the transition from spring to summer (if it ever stops snowing)…

New Quiz flagship

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:43:12 GMT

Quiz are opening a brand new flagship store on 28 March filled with their spring summer collection.

Watch this video for a sneak peek at Quiz's hottest looks...

Newly extended Next store

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:33:19 GMT

Next will re-open their newly extended and refurbished store on 28 March. This is the perfect excuse to pop in and add a touch of spring to your wardrobe. We've picked our favourite pieces from this season's collection.

Spring tweed

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:32:40 GMT

Tweed isn’t just for winter and this spring it comes in an array of gorgeous colours from orange to lemon and pastel blue.

Get graphic

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:15:53 GMT

Graphic prints are huge this season with Louis Vuitton dominating in checkerboard. A variety of print and patterns have filtered down to the high street and our advice is go bold or go home…

Camouflage

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:32:50 GMT

Camouflage is huge for men in spring summer 13. Last seen in the late 90’s it’s moved on with digital prints in key pieces.

The Romantic Movement

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:39:50 GMT

Turn any room into a romantic retreat with a chandelier, white washed ornaments and calming shades of champagne and silver. Elegance in abundance, with muted colours and rustic detailing are a huge feature in this continuing trend. Check out the lighting section in British HOME stores for some sparkling solutions for illuminating your home or make your statement with the John Lewis Hayworth sofa. Laura Ashley is worth a glance too, as its take on this trend adopts and Art Deco feel.

LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:03:20 GMT

The Trafford Centre Dome turned 'Yoda' Green for the first time in its history. It was to celebrate the launch of LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland here at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. And who better than our giant LEGO Yoda to be present at this exciting moment. At 7ft tall and made up of over 20,000 LEGO Bricks it was an epic moment! Watch the behind the scenes video here.

Wedding guest dresses

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:16:44 GMT

It will be hard not to upstage the bride in this selection of gorgeous dresses…

Fluorescents

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:26:01 GMT

Words such as vibrant, eye catching, and punchy all can be used to describe this SS’13 trend. This trend first splashed into our wardrobes in SS’12, and is back with a bang this season as we saw designers such as House of Holland and Oscar de la Renta embracing numerous fluorescent colours from acid green, neon pink to loud lemon.

You can either embrace this trend head to toe, or give a subtle nod towards the look by teaming key colour block pieces such as a bag, blazer or statement jewellery with neutrals for the not so brave. Finally, ensure you team brights with sheer fabrics, keeping your materials light will provide a feminine take on this trend.

Get your look for the races with Karen Millen

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:22:01 GMT

Is your wardrobe ready for the races season? Ensure you finish first place in the style stakes with this gorgeous selection of dresses now available at Karen Millen.

Review: Spring Summer Pop-Up Fashion Frenzy

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:44:06 GMT

First thing’s first – what exactly is a Pop-Up Show, and why is it different from the catwalk?

Well, the point of a pop up show is to catch us shoppers while we're in "shopping mode" - right outside the stores, and with inspiration and advice on hand. Rather than a form of entertainment while we eat, the shows ‘pop up’ unexpectedly outside the retailer of choice and draw in the crowds.

Add some cheeky incentives from the stores, like prize handbags and spending vouchers, special deals or glasses of bubbly, and before you know it you have a fashion feeding frenzy, like sharks biting at very pretty bait.

See our Facebook gallery of the entire weekend here.

Citrus

The collections on show were all from the stores’ Spring/Summer ranges, so there were a lot of florals, brights, pastels and this seasons hottest trend; monochrome. I spoke with Jo Wilson, the Trafford Centre stylist, who told me she was focussing on citrus colours, monochrome stripes and bright shades this season.

To show the clothes off to their fullest potential, the models danced different routines outside the stores, and to announce their arrival at the retailer, they marched to the sound of drums through The Trafford Centre with banners to show their next stopping point. This was a brief pop-up that you could not miss.

The pop up shows lasted all weekend; I went to most of the shows on the Saturday to sneak a peak at the clothes on offer and to snap some piccies. My favourites by far were, Ted Baker, Oasis, Coast and Next.

Graduation dress

I’ve been keeping a watchful eye on Ted Baker and Coast for the last few weeks as I’m on the hunt for the perfect dresses for my graduation ball and ceremony and Coast and Ted did not disappoint. I’m pretty sure I found both dresses between the two.

The pop up shows happen at the beginning of each season, so if you missed this weekend, keep an eye out for the A/W shows in a few months.

Just listen out for the drums that signal feeding time!

Fashion blogger Hannah Jones is the voice of The Trafford Centre shopper.

Watch Jemma Gofton explain the must-have looks of SS 2013 here.

Learn more about Spring eye makeup trends for this season here.

Catch up on the 2013 denim trend here.

Botanical Gardens

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:20:50 GMT

Bringing the outside in, the designers at M&S Home, Next HOME and Laura Ashley Home have injected plenty of sunshine for all those rainy summer days with their Van Gogh inspired floral masterpieces and bold prints.

Add some butterflies and bird prints and you have your very own botanical haven in the comfort of your own home. Who needs sunshine this summer anyway?

Singing the Blues: Denim Trend

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:45:52 GMT

From workwear to the ultimate wardrobe staple item; denim has arguably had the most successful journey through fashion history of all modern fabrics.

Whether it’s a pair of jeans, a denim jacket, denim shirt or a denim skirt or dress, I imagine that all my lovely readers will have at least one denim item in their wardrobe. If you’ve haven’t already, it’s time to get on the bandwagon because this hardwearing material is back and it’s in it for the long haul.

"Variety"

Denim is the easiest thing to dress up or down and is a great item to take you from day to night, as well as there being so much choice available; embroidered denim, patchwork denim, printed denim or coloured denim; there’s something for everyone.

So here’s my pick of the 10 best denim items available at The Trafford Centre. Oh and in case you were wondering, YES, double denim is always a good look, as long as you do it right! I’m a regular double denim dresser and I’ve prepared some hints and tips on how to double up on denim along with the best denim pieces. So don't be afraid of the DD!

By Hannah Jones, voice of the Trafford Centre shopper...

G-Plan Vintage

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:30:30 GMT

Simple, functional, comfortable designs and bold shapes and prints feature in this 50’s, 60’s and 70’s inspired trend.

Don’t hold back when it comes to wallpapers and floor coverings. Big prints are in! Mix hot tones of red, orange and yellow or contrast bold, warm colours with cool calming pastels. If you don’t want to go all out with prints and patterns, it’s easy to theme your retro room around one statement piece of furniture, be it a sofa, chair, table or dresser, against a solid painted wall. Just be bold and brave with your accessories. Retro rocks! You’ll catch glimpses of this trend in most of our stores but check out these retro print chairs from John Lewis, this cute cabinet from Debenhams and the globe glass pendant light from M&S Home.

Power harness

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:54:17 GMT

After the success of 50 shades of Grey the fashion world instantly saw an impact. Designers have been inspired to create sexy pieces and in particular the use of harnesses in both apparel and jewellery has been huge. Younger brands have opted for corset styles and cropped tops with more conservative pieces coming in the form of dresses. Detailed straps are the perfect way to adopt this trend with thin, criss-crossed styles adding a feminine touch. Jewellery is also an option, go for delicate gold choker necklaces or chain style bracelets. Although this trend is quite a daring it’s easy to add other pieces to make it work for you…

Rihanna at River Island - a Blogger's Take

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:49:09 GMT

If I’m honest, I didn’t know what to expect.

I’m not a Rihanna fan and when I heard she was designing a range for River Island; I’ll admit I was sceptical. I assumed it would be carbon copies of what she herself wears and though there are noticeably Rihanna-esque items, I’m pleasantly surprised by the broad range.

The spring collection has everything; denim, monochrome, neon and even some 90’s style crop tops. I will go as far as saying I have some favourites within the range already. Rihanna has such a large following that there’s every possibility the range will sell out but I don’t think it will be solely the fans that will be buying into this. This has the ability to run for seasons to come, with loyal buyers and a fan base of its own.

My favourites so far include the monochrome bralette, the denim dungaree style crop top, the monochrome shorts, the neon crop top and the neon dress - but the more I look at the Collection the more I’m taking a fancy to things!

The collection launches today (March 5), both in-store and online so make sure you’re at the Trafford Centre to have a look at the available products and pick up your favourites.

You can view the full collection at the River Island website here.

Hannah Jones (blogger for The Trafford Centre)

Bright ideas for your home

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:44:31 GMT

Whether your looking to add a few small touches to your home or go for a complete overhaul we will show you how with this season's key looks.

HomeSense have a gorgeous range of accessories to add a touch of spring to youe home.

Next Home have three main trends this season. Good life, blossom and bloom and boat yard salvage allow you to pick and choose your favourite pieces to personalise your home.

This season Dwell play host to a gallery of minimalist masterpieces allowing you to de-clutter your home life.

Spring must have looks

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:47:12 GMT

Jemma and stylist Eve head to Coast, Reiss and River Island to check out this season's hottest trends.

First we head to Coast to preview this season's must have dress styles and prints.

Reiss have a range of classic styles in this spring. Eve shows you how to wear this look in 2013.

Spiked and studded heels are everywhere this season. River Island have a gorgeous nude pair that will work with a number of looks.

Home Chic Home

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:32:30 GMT

If you enjoy following chic, sharp lines of modernist style and contemporary living, Natuzzi Italia and Dwell play host to a gallery of minimalist masterpieces. Discover the British HOME Stores ode to modern living with their ‘Urban Abode’ collection plus a fabulous selection of cool kitchens in Kütchenhaus to bring the heart of your home bang up to date. De-clutter your life and replace fussy furnishings with simple shapes but play with different textures of leather, suede and deep shag pile rugs. Check out all the latest collections in stores now and enjoy some one-to-one advice from their interiors experts on how to create an ultra chic home.

Mother's Day gift inspirations

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:38:36 GMT

Mother’s Day is just around the corner so we have selected a range of gifts that are perfect for spoiling her with…

Rihanna for River Island

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:57:07 GMT

Rihanna for River Island will be released in store on 5 March 2013. Take a sneak peek at the hotly anticipated spring collection in this behind the scenes video.

The pencil skirt

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:29:20 GMT

This seasons skirt is the pencil skirt, team this with a blouse and heels for the perfect lady like look…

East is East - ethnic and oriental trend

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:51:33 GMT

Summer is just around the corner (hopefully) and what better way to welcome it in than with oriental and ethnic printing. Sound a bit too exotic? Oriental isn’t too big of a jump from florals, look at it as florals with a twist! Whereas ethnic printing is vibrant, colourful and perfect Ibiza attire or a staple item to jazz up an outfit!

Most oriental print clothing that’s available in the shops at the moment are quite feminine and dainty, with floral designs in pastel tones and a floaty drape, but there is the odd Chinese dragon design on shirts and bomber jackets if you find blossoms and chiffon a bit boring.

The black and white effect

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:37:14 GMT

Make a statement this new season by embracing black and white tones, and update the traditional monochrome look. The catwalks saw numerous designers embracing this luxurious trend that is set to be a key look for men in SS’13.

When it comes to this trend there are no rules. So whether it’s a relaxing outfit during the day or an evening suit at night – this is a look that can certainly be worn right through, and adapted to whatever the occasion may be…

Sheen Queen

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:23:32 GMT

Add a touch of sheen to your wardrobe this spring and take inspiration from the likes of Dior and Victor & Rolf. This look can work both day and night; simply adjust the tones you pair it with. Go subtle with nude tones by day and switch for bold block colour come night time.

A key piece such as the pencil skirt is the perfect way to adopt this look allowing you to mix and match with different blouses, shirts and jackets. This trend also works well for accessories, think statement hand bags and stand out detailing. One thing for sure is that you are sure to stand out so be prepared…

Neon brights

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:02:11 GMT

Add a splash of colour to your spring wardrobe with neon brights and vibrant tones.

Palette cleanser

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:12:20 GMT

This spring cleanse your wardrobe in colours from neutrals to white…

Stripes

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:41:37 GMT

Whether you go big and bold or slim and subtle, make sure you choose stripes this spring...

Behind the scenes with Illamasqua

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:15:48 GMT

Watch this video to hear all about Illamasqua's new season range.