FREE FASHION SHOWS BRING FABULOUS SPRING STYLE TO THE HEART OF THE CITY
Fashionistas from Bristol and beyond will be heading to Cabot Circus this April for a series of free fashion shows presenting the hottest trends for Spring and Summer.
Taking place under the Cabot Circus glass roof on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April, the ‘Spring Summer 2012 Fashion Show’ will feature the latest looks from the new collections available from stores in the centre.
And, with outfits from high-street to high-end, the catwalk will showcase something for every budget and taste – whether you want to indulge your feminine side with pretty florals, grab attention with this season’s acid brights or spice it up a bit with the latest Miami trends.
As the weekend of free fashion shows begins, savvy shoppers will be able to enjoy some fantastic discounts and offers at many of Cabot Circus’ stores and restaurants.
Visitors can also indulge in free treatments at the ‘pamper lounges’, where experts from House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Sanctuary Spa, Seanhanna and the Body Shop will be on-hand to treat shoppers and talk through the latest hair and beauty trends.
Shoppers can also get inspiration from fabulous clothes and brilliant beauty buys that will be showcased in glass display cases dotted around Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars.
Retailers that will be featured in the Fashion Show include House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, French Connection, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Next, River Island, Bank, New Look, Reiss and Warehouse – and many more.
Local street dance company Hype – which has previously won awards including the World Street Dance Championships and worked with artists Neyo and Sean Paul – will be participating in the fashion show this year for the first time. Young members from the Bristol-based dance crew will be turning their hand to modeling for the day as they strut their stuff on the catwalk for a special childrenswear show at 5pm on Saturday.
The Cabot Circus Fashion Show are being presented by JP, one of London’s hottest stylists, who will give even the most fashion reluctant a nudge in the right direction to fulfil their style potential.
SHOWTIMES:
SATURDAY 21 APRIL
Cabot Circus (level 1, outside House of Fraser)
11.30am / 12:30pm / 1:30pm / 2:30pm / 3:30pm / 4:30pm
Children’s Fashion Show with Hype: 5pm
SUNDAY 22 APRIL
Cabot Circus (level 1, outside House of Fraser)
12pm / 1pm / 2pm / 3pm / 4pm
Spring / Summer trends 2012
ELECTRIC ECLECTIC
If you want to make a bold statement, vibrant, acid bright colours are huge this year. This is a trend that you can’t tone down so it’s all about mixing colours together – not for shrinking violets. Put together pinks, blues, yellows and greens for a new take on last year’s colour blocking trend. If clashing isn’t your thing but you still like this look, try it with denim, which will give you a flavour of the trend.
FLEUR-TY PRINTS
Spring is when nature comes alive, and this is reflected this season. Summer is looking hot with colour prints – from vintage-inspired florals, to luscious paradise islands and tropical flowers. Whether you go for floaty, structured or somewhere in between, achieve this look by embracing the traditional and injecting it with the right amount of attitude. There is only one rule with this trend – the bigger and bolder the print the better!
New stores for Cabot Circus
We’re delighted to welcome two new stores to Cabot Circus – firstly Pandora, which has just opened on Brigstowe Street (near Next) and the soon-to-be-open Mango, which will also be located on Brigstowe Street.
Pandora’s modular designs offer easily interchangable part and allow you to select charms, bracelets, necklaces or beads for a variable look - giving you a classic option or tailored to your own personal style.
Pandora charm bracelet
Also coming soon is Mango, which like Zara is a Spanish fashion giant and a shop that we love. Until the store opens at the end of August, here’s an image from one of their recent campaigns…
Nails inc cracks it
Crackle nail varnishes have been a huge trend this year – it’s easy to see why, nails that have the WOW factor and a look that is super easy to achieve at home.
For anyone not already familiar with it, crackle polish creates a crackle / shatter effect letting any other colour underneath it show through. Each nail is individual and painting the crackle polish on in different ways, strokes and directions can also vary the look.
Nails inc has just launched a range of new colours and finishes in its Special Effects Crackle range, including a gold glitter crackle top coat which is amazing. The range is now available in a myriad of colours, we love the pink ‘Islington’ and ‘Hoxton’ (dark purple) – the coloured shades are easier to wear that the original black crackle and look much more summery too.
Visit the nails inc bars in House of Fraser or Harvey Nichols to find out more and check out the new shades.
And here’s some top tips for acheiving the perfect crackle finish at gome from the lovely people at Nails Inc:
- Apply 1 coat of your favourite nails inc base coat
- Apply 2 coats of your favourite nails inc polish. Leave to dry for 5 minutes
- Apply 1 coat of your chosen crackle shade. Have fun with this – try painting in different directions as this will affect how your design will look.
- Wait and see your nail polish appear through the cracks!
- Apply a top coat to get a glossy finish
- Marvel at the amazing nail art design you have created with such minimal effort!
MyStreetChic sets World Record at Cabot Circus!
At Cabot Circus, we were delighted to host an event to mark the launch of new street-style inspired website MyStreetChic.com recently, and even more pleased that the team managed to set the World Record for the highest number of topknot hairstyles in one day!
The MyStreetChic team made fashion history with a little help from our experts at Cabot Circus, with Robin James Salon stylists on hand to create the hair, alongside make up artists from Bobbi Brown (both brands are based at House of Fraser). Sanctuary Spa - based in Quakers Friars - also provided shoppers with mini manicures and feel-good treats to ensure they went away feeling glam and relaxed.
Have a look at highlights from the day here – and check out the MyStreetChic website soon, it contains heaps of fashion and beauty advice and features and shows how real people are interpreting the latest trends around the country.
Festival Fashion
Festival season is almost upon us, with the mother of all festivals, Glastonbury, set to kick things off in style next week!
However festival fashion can be tricky – especially when the weather is sunny one minute and pouring on us the next! What to pack eh? Our advice is to take lots of layers so you can wrap up warm when you need to and then strip off to make the most of the sunshine when the sun comes out. And make sure you pack both wellies and flip flops, of course.
Here’s our tips to help you stay looking stylish, come rain or shine…
Feathers and Playsuits!
Want to stand out in a crowd? You certainly won’t get lost in this feature headdress by Bitching and Junkfood at Urban Outfitters! Guaranteed to brighten up any outfit.
Playsuits look fab with tights or leggings and wellies, making sure you still look great even if it is muddy. We love this printed number from Ted Baker, which is now reduced to £60, from £119.
Hat & Sunglasses
You’ll definitely need a hat and some sunglasses if the weather is kind to us. Just how cute are this pair from Urban Outfitters? And at £16, they won’t break the bank either…
This year it’s all about the oversized hat, and this cream one from Warehouse will go with everything.
Shorts and Waistcoat
Take inspiration from Kate Moss and invest in a tasseled waistcoat for an on-trend rock-chick look, and wear with a great pair of denim shorts. If there’s one ‘must have’ festival fashion item, denim shorts are probably it! Ideal with a flowery top and sandals in the heat, equally as good with wellies.
Now only £20, this waistcoat is a steal from Label Lab at House of Fraser:
Coral is one of our favourite colours this year - love these shorts from Topshop!
Wellies!
Wellies are a must – thankfully the fashion world has cottoned on to this in recent years and you can now get them in a myriad of colours and styles, meaning you can be practical yet stylish. Perfect! We’re in love with this cobalt blue pair from Hunter, available in Topshop.
Matthew Williamson teams up with Accessorize
Iconic British designer Matthew Williamson has created a bracelet with Accessorize to raise money for charity.
50% of the profit will be donated to The Monsoon Accessorize Trust, helping disadvantaged women and children in Asia, with the other 50% going to Too Many Women, which aids Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
The bracelet will retail in Accessorize for £15 and we love the colourful threads and ten golden charms. Cute, quirky and all in aid of a great cause!
Beauty offers
It seems to be beauty time at Cabot Circus at the moment with lots of amazing deals on offer that we recommend you make the most of!
First up is one of our favourite beauty brands Elemis (located in Harvey Nichols) which is currently giving you the perfect excuse to kick-start your summer beauty prep. Until Sunday, (May 22) Elemis is giving away mini treats when you buy two full-sized products.
Choose five from ten travel-sized must-haves, worth up to £82, including best sellers from the fantastic Pro-Radiance, Pro-Collagen and Tri-Enzyme ranges amongst others. Buy a third and you’ll receive a free full-size product.
Also running until 28 May is Clinique Bonus Time – available at House of Fraser. Purchase two or more Clinique items in store from and receive a complimentary gift bag.
The gift bag includes all you need for a natural pretty look, including Superdefense SPF 25 moisturiser, Superbalanced foundation, Blended face powder, High Impact mascara, Superbalm moisturising gloss and blusher brush!
This fab offer is exclusive to House of Fraser.
The Big Student Takeover!
Students from across Bristol are set to descend on Cabot Circus on Thursday (12 May) for the Big Student Takeover – a one-off shopping event with over 50 retailers offering discounts of up to 20%.
As well as getting money off, there will be lots of freebies incuding goodie bags, drinks and competitions in many of the stores.
Over 50 retailers throughout Cabot Circus will be hosting exclusive discounts for students, with price reductions in selected shops and restaurants ranging from 10 to 50%. Urban Outfitters and Schuh will be offering students a 15% discount, while American Apparel, Cult Clothing, French Connection, Republic and River Island will be slashing prices by 20% just for the night. There will also be lots of in-store entertainment on offer with DJ’s and bands performing.
Students need to register in Quakers Friars where they will receive an all-access pass that will enable them to take advantage of the offers available in store. To ensure registration students will need to bring their student ID.
For further information and to see a full list of the retailers taking part, visit www.cabotcircus.com.
Summer workwear
Getting ready for work can be tricky in the summer – how to you prepare for all weather scenarios and look stylish yet professional in the office?
Tapered trousers are versatile and work on most body types and the loose fit means you’ll be comfortable and cool at work. The cropped length allows you to show off a fantastic pair of shoes too – sounds like a bonus to us! This coral pair from Topshop are perfect for the summer and the colour is right on trend too.
This ruched blouse from All Saints is a great choice for the office and looks fab tucked into tapered or tailored trousers or a fitted skirt. Everyone should have a good blouse in their summer wardrobe and this All Saints number will look perfect with this seasons nude tones.
Sometimes you need a killer dress and one of our favourites is this fitted style from L.K. Bennett – smart, stylish and flattering. We love the tan colour and think it would look fabulous with nude or tan heels.
Finally, offering the perfect slouch factor, this Warehouse drapped jacket is smart enough for the office, but perfect for the weekend too. Wear over light or dark tones; either way you’ll look great.
Fix up, look sharp…
Harvey Nichols has launched its first ever own-label menswear collection, available in the Quakers Friars store now and recently seen on the Cabot Circus catwalk…
Featuring classic tailoring with a contemporary edge and using only the finest Italian fabrics, this exclusive range boasts stylish suits, shirts and ties to cut a corporate dash. Prices start from £40 for ties and £60 for shirts. Classic wool suits are £395, while mohair blend suits cost £450.
We also think that House of Fraser have nailed the colour blocking for men trend with this electric blue suit teamed with a casual cream t-shirt – at £550 it’s not cheap, but it is chic. Sunglasses by D&G at £115.
New Heights
This season, statement heels are bigger, brighter and better than ever before! As most of you will know, 70′s inspired pieces are huge for the spring, and that includes shoes. This season, expect to find lots of earthy-toned wooden platforms (and sliver gladiator-style heels) in stores. We love chunky heels because they can be easily dressed up or down, making them a versatile investment.
As seen on the catwalk at our Fashion Weekender, colour blocking is officially one of the biggest trends in town this year. But don’t just think about opting for dresses and blouses – colour is available from top to toe! Whether you opt for full colour blocking or add bright heels to a neutral outfit to add an eye catching element, there are plenty of options in the shops right now. And this summer, don’t be afraid to team colours that you have been traditionally told will clash!
Here’s some of our favourites:
Spring in the air at the Fashion Weekender
First of all – a huge thank you to everyone that came to our Fashion Weekender last week! And what a fabulous few days it was, with retailers from across Cabot Circus showcasing the best of the new season.
2011 really does seem to be the year of colour – the brighter the better - with colour blocking shown all over the designer catwalks and now hitting the high street with gusto.
Zara nailed the trend during its scene at the Fashion Weekender – the perfect clashing of colours. All items are available at Cabot Circus.
Nudes were another key trend shown on the catwalk, with both Harvey Nichols and LK Bennett dedicating a scene to the look. We loved the slinky fabrics and tailoring, paired with minimal accessories for a chic and flattering look. Gorgeous clothes from Harvey Nichols during the last show of the day on Saturday:
Gypsy and seventies – and plenty of denim – were also shown by several of the retailers including Next, Dorothy Perkins and Warehouse. We particularly loved Dorothy Perkins take on Spring / Summer – wide legged flattering trousers, chiffon blouses and wide brimmed hats at the ready.
For anyone that missed the Fashion Weekender, here’s a video of Sunday’s shows for extra style inspiration…
Shades of Spring
Spring has officially sprung and after a cold and long winter, we’ve been really excited to see all of the new styles appearing in the shops. It’s now time to forget functional fashion and embrace the new season trends – and with our Fashion Weekender taking place on Saturday and Sunday (which is free for all to attend) there will be plenty of inspiration on offer. Here’s a sneak preview of some of the key trends that will appear on the catwalk this weekend…
Colour Block
Stunning neon and jewel hues dazzled on the catwalk this season. Our tip is to wear it in bold designs and make sure it’s eye-poppingly bright. Here’s a few of our favourites:
70s Glamour
Vintage has been a key theme over the past few years and this season 1970′s is making fashion waves. Key looks? Flowing jumpsuits, flared jeans and must-have platforms.
Neutrals
Whether it’s soft off-white, creamy beige, or rich biscuit, the new neutral fashions use strong textures and structure to add sophisticated style.
Don’t forget the Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender this coming weekend – Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April – where you can see these trends and much more on the catwalk. Discounts of up to 20% also available in our stores and lots of free beauty treatments on offer frmo Sanctuary Spa, Seanhannah, Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser beauty. See you there!
Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender
Cabot Circus will be stepping into the new season in style with a series of free catwalk shows celebrating the best of spring and summer on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April.
Taking place in the centre of Cabot Circus under the glass roof, the catwalk shows will showcase the hottest trends from the new season collections, bringing together the best of the high-street and designer brands.
After a cold winter, it’s time to forget functional fashion as the new season will welcome the revival of colour in 2011 – pop and vibrant block colours were seen all over the catwalks and the look is set to be one of the key trends on the high street.
Vintage has been a key theme over the past few years and spring/summer will see 70’s glamour making fashion waves. Cabot Circus will show you how to create unstructured gypsy-like silhouettes and work shimmering fabrics, chunky heels, wide-leg trousers and figure-hugging waistbands, whatever your style or budget.
The Fashion Weekender will also celebrate the return of good old-fashioned glamour, nudes and muted tones and the rock-and-roll inspired ‘cool rider’ look.
Each show will be created by stylist JP, who has worked with a host of celebrities and recording artists and currently runs his own London-based fashion consultancy.
Visitors will also be able to seek out the latest hair and beauty trends with experts from Sanctuary Spa, Seanhanna and other beauty brands on-hand to give demonstrations and free taster sessions to shoppers.
Discounts of up to 20 per cent will also be on offer at many of Cabot Circus’ iconic fashion stores and restaurants over the course of the Fashion Weekender and all those attending will be invited to enter a competition to win £1,000 worth of fashion.
Cabot Circus retailers that will be featured in the Fashion Weekender include Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, French Connection, Next, Monsoon, New Look, Reiss, Dorothy Perkins, River island, Ted Baker, Urban Outfitters, Warehouse and Zara. See you there!
SHOWTIMES
Catwalk – level 1, outside House of Fraser
SATURDAY 2 APRIL
11.30am
12.30pm
2pm
3.30pm
4.30pm
SUNDAY 3 APRIL
12pm
1.30pm
2.30pm
3.30pm
Spring/Summer Fashion Shoot
We’ve recently been shooting our Spring / Summer photography featuring some of the best pieces from the high street - here’s one of our favourite shots. The full gallery is on our Facebook fan page. We would love to know what you think…
Top to Bottom:
Model 1
Striped dress,£130, Pied a Terre at House of Fraser, Levels 1,2 & 3
Necklace, £235, Azendi, Level 1
Shoes, £155, L.K. Bennett, Quakers Friars
Model 2
Suit jacket, £59.99, trousers, £29.99, H&M, Level 1
T-shirt, £14, Topman, Level 1
Shoes, £125, Kurt Geiger, Quakers Friars
Model 3
Dress, £159, Reiss, Quakers Friars
Necklace, £18, House of Fraser, Levels 1,2 & 3
Blue pumps, £20, Barratts, Level 1
Red Shoes Evening
In case you haven’t heard, Harvey Nichols is holding a special event this evening showcasing the best in designer accessories with an event to mark the opening of its dedicated Christian Louboutin area.
The “Red Shoes” evening will be staged at the Cabot Circus store tonight (Wednesday March 9), from 6.30pm-9.30pm.
Guests can walk the red carpet and discover the latest trends for shoes and handbags. Tickets cost £10 and include cocktails and canapés, Spring Summer 2011 presentations and a goodie bag. For tickets and further information, contact the store now on 0117 916 8888!
