Store Crush - Selfridges

I’m sure the period drama Mr Selfridge was a date in all our diaries on a Sunday evening and now it’s over I have to say I appreciate the store more than I ever have.  From the thoughts behind the merchandising process to the unveiling of the famous windows, everything about the store is to be celebrated.

 

The Iconic landmark on Oxford Street

The flagship store in London's, Oxford Street is the second largest shop in the UK (after Harrods) and opened 15 March 1909

The store was founded by Harry Gordon Selfridge who introduced a new concept to the way we shopped; he wanted it to be a fun adventure and not a chore. He installed both educational and scientific exhibits to attract a new kind of clientele. The most recalled being Louis Bleriot’s Monoplane, which attracted 12,000 visitors. 

He also introduced merchandise on display to allow customers to examine products and erected a highly profitable perfume counter front-and-center on the ground floor.  This is a theory which has been adopted by department stores all over the world, something which in this day and age we see as normal, back then it was controversial.

One recognised feature is the renowned windows with their bold art initiatives and flamboyant merchandising.  I know I always have a walk around the outside to admire them, do you?

Ladies that obviously lunch!

Chanel inspiration anyone?

Selfridges is such a unique shopping experience, it’s easy to see why tourist flock from afar to admire the delights and the store itself.  With concept and boutique stores within, it’s a shopper’s paradise, with international brands at your fingertips.

I climbed up a big ladder to take this you know?

A bit of Louis anyone?

Bold florals at Balenciaga

The no noise campaign in-store

I adore printed scarfs

Who's up for some Tom Ford arm candy?

My fav Miss Dior Cherie, the picture refuses to turn around!

Then there is the shoe hall, I mean literally a hall of shoes, its huge.  Every designer you could ever need in your life is right there waiting to be tried on, boxed up and placed in an iconic yellow bag!

I love x

This is one of my favourite stores the Parisian brand Repetto, not only is a haunt for the worlds prima ballerinas but it’s had some iconic collaborations in its time from the likes of Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Karl Lagerfeld and Comme des Garcons.  I love how its heritage is still the main focus of its stores; the feminine and graceful tutu is centre stage

How adorable is this?

What a beautiful place to shop

I adore the layout

What is your favourite part of Selfridges? 

Recent Fav's and New Buys!

I thought I would share we you all some of my recent fav’s and purchases. 

I am currently obsessed with the printed cigarette pants, they are so chic and perfect for creating sprint outfits with. Here is a perfect example, I love the pattern and fit perfect.

Zara cigarette pants

 

  I have also gone for a plain pair, which are tailored giving a sharp fitting.

Again Zara

Here is my oversized Zara bag, I’m a huge fan over the oversized trend, simply because I carry lots around with me.  The colour is perfect for Spring and works perfectly with anything blue. 

 

 

My staple item is a blazer, I wear them with everything and have them in literally every colour.  This is currently my favourite, it’s a navy blue one from Zara, it’s a structured fit which I love and works well with the cigarette pants I’m obsessed with.

 

How cute is this? I’m in love with anything Chanel  inspired and couldn’t resist this skirt, the peplum detail adds to the appeal and will be perfect for summer.  Of course I had to have the dress in it as well. 

I added a pink belt for a pop of colour

Here is my gorgeous Warehouse dress, which I worn to a christening last month, the lace detail worked perfectly and created a lovely silhouette. This playsuit also caught my eye, again featuring the lace detailing. 

Beautiful lace detail at the back

I love the panel detailing

 

I am also having a thing with Illamasque, their range of alternative products is proving a real hit with me, I can’t get enough! Here are a few of my purchases, I  will be using them to create a make-up look which I will be posting separately about.

Here is my summer Hermes scarf which was a gift for Mother’s Day, I can’t wait to wear it, probably with the blue blazer and cigarette pants lol.  I love the bright colours it will liven up plain block coloured outfits nicely.

In Love

 

I am also taking a real interest in my skin care regime and have started a love affair with Dermalogica, hey you can’t fuck with science! My favourite product which I highly recommend is the Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, I sleep with it on once a week and rinse off the next morning and apply the Skin Smoothing Crème. I really has made a difference to my dehydrated skin

Skin Essentials

A full review of the Elemis producs and Creme de la Mer stuff will be up soon!

I have also re-purchased my real techniques brushes with are an essential in anyone’s make-up bag.

So what have you been purchasing lately and what is on your lust list?

 

Have a great week, spring is here!

 

 

Victoria’s Secret – New Bond St London

I first fell I love with Victoria’s Secret when I visited their amazing New York Store, floor upon floor of delights in every shade of pink so when I discovered their new bond street store I had to share it with you. Every girl loves a bit of Victoria’s Secret right?

The interior is very swarve, with its all glass staircase and boudoir styled rooms.  Think your dream dressing room with a hint of seduction and there you have it.  The lighting is very dark and mysterious luring you in; well that’s what it did to me anyway!

beautiful decor

Frangrance range

The lingerie was to die for but that’s not what caught my eye.  These catwalk outfits did:

All that glitters

I love the red feather detail on this, it sets it off perfectly.

Are you in love with these gorgeous pieces?  Which one is your favourite?