To ask what you would spend £1k on in Bicester Village?

[Mum2KSS]

I took out a women’s cancer insurance around 15 years ago and just got my premiums back as I thankfully didn’t need to claim for anything. I now have £1k which i don’t want to absorb into the household bills as I feel I should celebrate the fact that I’m healthy! I can get to Bicester Village and was wondering if I should spend it there? I’m not usually into designer clothes so this would be a real treat..what investment pieces would you buy? I work full time in an office but can wear smart casual there...usually in jeans and tops at the weekend and don’t like to bare legs or chest..

Agree with not Bicester Village. If you are spending that much you should get something you really want, not just what's available in the shops there.

I'd spend it on a painting or print rather than clothes or accessories.
But if I was buying clothes/accessories, I'd go for a really good bag.

jewellery every time. Are Mulberry bags still a thing? The brand doesn't seem particularly cool anymore.

I say this as the owner of a Mulberry (that I no longer use) but I would avoid the brand. They’ve lost their ‘icon’ or ‘premier’ status and are no longer as well made. If I were going to spend a grand on a bag, it would be a classic Chanel. Never in fashion so never out of fashion.

Also, Burberry macs change a lot - I’ve got a vintage one from the 80’s and it’s very different in cut and style to a modern one. They do date.

Go for something that hasn’t changed since it first came out. As in a classic Chanel!

Or buy a piece of jewellery that you truly love.

I'd prob go for a timeless coat, like a Burberry trench, and some leather boots that could be dressed up or down.

And also Bicester for me is somewhere to go if you know what you want. So, a good place for wedding shoes for example. It’s not a pleasant place to browse for something to ‘want’.

Hobbs leather boots . Art. Jewellery. The only “classic” things that stand the test of time

Agree with @SinglePringle m, I sold my Mulberry bags yrs ago. Unfortunately 1k won't get you a Chanel bag.

Mulberry is not the same quality anymore and although I love the bags I have and wouldn't buy another one.

The last time I went I struggled to find anything I actually liked

Granted Mulberry bags are not as good quality as they once were but they’re still very nice bags, well made, and there are plenty of really good designs. They’re not past it either, they might not be ‘edgy’ or cool but they are still a classic British brand. I’ve got at least five on my wish list atm. But I wouldn’t buy from Bicester, I’d just buy from their sale.

About Burberry Macs, it’s not that they don’t date - of course there are details in the styling that will change, but even when they don’t look current they are still a classic piece.

Have you ever been to BV OP ?

The OP could add to the £1k to buy a Chanel bag new or go to one of the good vintage shops and buy 2nd hand.

2k for a Chanel bag? I don’t think so, try double that.

I would do the John Lewis stylist thing at least to see if they recommend things you'd want to spend your money on.

I would watch Sophie Shohet on YouTube. She’s got very good advice on picking luxury goods.

Pair of Tods shoes (proper shoes, not 'driving' shoes) and a really good coat/mac. Their shoes last for ages and are super comfortable.

Don't buy a handbag there, they are grossly overpriced, especially Mulberry. Buy some gorgeous luggage instead.

Or as some have suggested, go to a good London Department store and get a free personal shopper. I did this at Fenwicks many years ago, and it was fantastic! The whole day makes you feel special too.

Ohhhhh Tod’s! Love their shoes.

Agree Mulburry's are commonplace and fairly meh these days. If you go to BV, wonderful unique jewellery at Annoushka, or Dior, Coah great prices. PP above suggested you get a Chanel bag, great suggestion though you'll struggle at £1k even secondhand- though that's what I'd do. Still you can have a lovely day at BV, and nice food at Wolseley!

I'd go out to dinner somewhere posh, maybe one of those tasting menus, to celebrate, and buy a new dress to wear there. And maybe a necklace. Maybe get something designed that will mean something to you.

But something you love, I agree avoid outlet malls.

I would buy a classic piece of jewellery that I absolutely love. Not rose gold🤮.

Avoid trendy brands. Mulberry really dates.

I envy you! Mulberry bag. The Mulberry shop at Bicester has lots of the classic styles and colours. Monica Vinader for lovely jewellery.

Bottega Veneta is on my list for my next big birthday. Is there a shop at Bicester then? It’s not that far from where I am...