As far as Mondays go this wasn’t going to be a bad one, as we made the hop, skip and jump over the border to Northamptonshire to Rushden Lakes.
No navigation required as is wasn’t my first visit, I’d been a few times since the park opened. My children love Magazine Heaven, JD sports & of course Nando’s & it’s also been the perfect place to meet girlfriends and (naturally) shop!
Today’s retail therapy partner, lunch companion and fellow style blogger was Chet from @chilliesandclothes.
With the weather looking up it seemed the perfect time to return to see what spring had in store for us (pun intended!) as we had over 30 to choose from.
After a good natter in the car, and like pro shoppers, we had formulated our plan for the day. Fuelled with a latte and pastry at Costa it was time to hit the shops.
Our first port of call was M&S. Having seen an outfit on their social feed I was keen to get up close and check out the skirt in question. It was gorgeous and was really impressed with the whole collection. The camel and pink tones have definitely been on my style radar this season.
We couldn’t walk past L’occtaine without going in for that full sensory experience. I had a little try of their new Herbae Par hand cream which smelt divine and was treated to a hand massage whilst Chet made purchases. I managed to resist buying another Shea Butter hand cream (my favourite) but boy it was hard with this much to choose from!
Senses awakened and hands feeling pampered we were ready for a trying on in Jigsaw. As I have 2 race meets coming up this summer, I was also keen to see if any summer occasion wear had started to filter through. A green fit and flare dress caught my eye as did a classic navy jumpsuit which would be a really versatile addition to my wardrobe. Couldn’t resist accessorising it with this fun trilby.
The oversized trend isn’t going anywhere and thought this navy needle cord shirt would be a perfect transitional item along with skinny jeans to balance proportions. Also loved the multi-way grey studded bag that called to me as I was swooning over these fabulous western boots!
The most beautiful window display was enough to lure us into Hobbs. It was so striking. Gorgeous spring vibes & great inspiration for my yellow coat I had at home.
Literally hot off the (flower) press was a floral sleeveless shirt dress that had just come in that morning. I knew I had to try it and was imagining it with a fabulous floral headpiece. Chet had picked out the skirt version and had paired it with a collared Breton tee for a more casual look.
The Robert Goddard store never fails to disappoint, the chandeliers, fireplace and a sitting area are worthy of any interior style blog. Actually, you could just have left me here on the blush pink velvet sofa amongst the latest magazines. Actually no, too many outfits still to hunt out and try on!
So many great brands under one roof – Ted Baker, Oui (new in), French Connection, Great Plains & Armani to name a few. I styled these two Ted Baker pieces together as a deliberate print clash which work as the colour palette used are the same. Completely fell for this grey and orange maxi shirt dress, it was a huge winner for me. I could see it working hard in my wardrobe, dressed up or down. A perfect item for one of my styling videos.
And, what about this swishy number? It had all the great detail you’d expect from Ted Baker. Chain straps, high low hem, pleated from the neck down and a beaded waist tie. Another serious contender and also so much fun to wear!
With my memory mood board almost full of potential race outfits, it was time for a little more everyday style and hunt down a beige utility jumpsuit in H&M. Sold out within days I wasn’t hopeful, but I did love browsing through the Utility trend collection they had featured heavily and picking out a khaki green short sleeved jumpsuit. A great alternative to that elusive item! Spring always makes me want to up my shirt game as I think they can be really useful this time of year for wearing under a jacket or blazer. I found this oversized khaki one (2 trends for the price of 1!) which I styled with a pair of paper bag waisted tapered leg trousers.
What I always love best about Rushden Lakes is the spacious, light and airy feel you get in the stores. It never feels crowded and is great for pushchairs and wheelchairs alike. Built around a lake it really is a stunning location with so much to do for the whole family and with the sun peeping through the glass frontage it was enough to remind me of sunnier days ahead and that I’d seen this yellow pleated dress earlier. Adding a SS19 style essential raffia bag, I most definitely had a spring in my step and now a wardrobe edit to match.
With so many great stores and so much choice it’s easy to see why it’s a destination. Of course, I’ll be coming back, I can’t stop thinking about this River Island Petite range Co-Ord which didn’t require the trousers taking up. & that for the vertically challenged is always a bonus!
With tummies rumbling and our feet a little tired we headed off to Wagamama’s for a thoroughly deserved late lunch before heading home.
See you next time!
Sallyanne x
We couldn’t walk past L’occtaine without going in for that full sensory experience. I had a little try of their new Herbae Par hand cream which smelt divine and was treated to a hand massage whilst Chet made purchases. I managed to resist buying another Shea Butter hand cream (my favourite) but boy it was hard with this much to choose from!
Senses awakened and hands feeling pampered we were ready for a trying on in Jigsaw. As I have 2 race meets coming up this summer, I was also keen to see if any summer occasion wear had started to filter through. A green fit and flare dress caught my eye as did a classic navy jumpsuit which would be a really versatile addition to my wardrobe. Couldn’t resist accessorising it with this fun trilby.
The oversized trend isn’t going anywhere and thought this navy needle cord shirt would be a perfect transitional item along with skinny jeans to balance proportions. Also loved the multi-way grey studded bag that called to me as I was swooning over these fabulous western boots!
The most beautiful window display was enough to lure us into Hobbs. It was so striking. Gorgeous spring vibes & great inspiration for my yellow coat I had at home.
Literally hot off the (flower) press was a floral sleeveless shirt dress that had just come in that morning. I knew I had to try it and was imagining it with a fabulous floral headpiece. Chet had picked out the skirt version and had paired it with a collared Breton tee for a more casual look.
The Robert Goddard store never fails to disappoint, the chandeliers, fireplace and a sitting area are worthy of any interior style blog. Actually, you could just have left me here on the blush pink velvet sofa amongst the latest magazines. Actually no, too many outfits still to hunt out and try on!
So many great brands under one roof – Ted Baker, Oui (new in), French Connection, Great Plains & Armani to name a few. I styled these two Ted Baker pieces together as a deliberate print clash which work as the colour palette used are the same. Completely fell for this grey and orange maxi shirt dress, it was a huge winner for me. I could see it working hard in my wardrobe, dressed up or down. A perfect item for one of my styling videos.
And, what about this swishy number? It had all the great detail you’d expect from Ted Baker. Chain straps, high low hem, pleated from the neck down and a beaded waist tie. Another serious contender and also so much fun to wear!
With my memory mood board almost full of potential race outfits, it was time for a little more everyday style and hunt down a beige utility jumpsuit in H&M. Sold out within days I wasn’t hopeful, but I did love browsing through the Utility trend collection they had featured heavily and picking out a khaki green short sleeved jumpsuit. A great alternative to that elusive item! Spring always makes me want to up my shirt game as I think they can be really useful this time of year for wearing under a jacket or blazer. I found this oversized khaki one (2 trends for the price of 1!) which I styled with a pair of paper bag waisted tapered leg trousers.
What I always love best about Rushden Lakes is the spacious, light and airy feel you get in the stores. It never feels crowded and is great for pushchairs and wheelchairs alike. Built around a lake it really is a stunning location with so much to do for the whole family and with the sun peeping through the glass frontage it was enough to remind me of sunnier days ahead and that I’d seen this yellow pleated dress earlier. Adding a SS19 style essential raffia bag, I most definitely had a spring in my step and now a wardrobe edit to match.
With so many great stores and so much choice it’s easy to see why it’s a destination. Of course, I’ll be coming back, I can’t stop thinking about this River Island Petite range Co-Ord which didn’t require the trousers taking up. & that for the vertically challenged is always a bonus!
With tummies rumbling and our feet a little tired we headed off to Wagamama’s for a thoroughly deserved late lunch before heading home.
See you next time!
Sallyanne x
