bicester village - outlet

[sweetheart]

Has anyone been to biscester village? I need to go shopping for a special dress and I'm wondering if this is a good bet or if it's rammed full of crap like some outlet places? It's just over an hour travel for me so I want to make sure it's worthwhile.

i go a couple of times a year for a treat. it's really nice and smart cause it's mainly designer stores. i've found it a bit hit and miss though if you get the timing wrong. i'm not sure how it works but the last couple of times i just haven't really found anything. i suppose it's like that at any outlet store though. some lovely places to eat, have coffee and a couple of good playgrounds if you've got little kids in tow. i was just thinking i'm nearly due a trip back there!

Is certainly hit and miss, but def. worth the trip-they have nice places to eat there, not just junky stuff, so makes a nice day out. A lot of the designer stuff is still quite £££, even at the reduced price, but lots of good bargains to be had. Put it this way, I have never come away empty-handed!

My only problem is I'm really really short of times to go shopping before my party and if I'm not likely to get anything I'd rather use the day to go somewhere else. I don't mind spending a bit more for something really nice - after all you only turn 21 once!

It's quite nice and Amanda Wakeley there had some nice stuff a few weeks back (around a grand). Agree it can be hit and miss, though.

It's very good, but not really the sort of place to go if you want something specific, IYSWIM. I've had more success when I've just gone along to see what's there.

And better on a weekday, much quieter.

I am going there later today!

I never come back empty handed but agree that its more like a treasure hunt sometimes

If you had loads of time to make several trips over the space of 3 months or so then you'd probably find a gem of a bargain.

Whereas if you're short on time then I'd go elsewhere - maybe a big HoF or JL or somewhere with a personal shopper.

I wouldn't go on a weekend or in the holidays. It all ends up liike a jumble sale and nothing looks worth buying.
Nice to have a wander when it is quieter though.

Sweetheart - Is that you from Dec 05 babies thread?

I wouldn't go if you are looking for something specific like a party dress.

I live close by and often go there when I have a special occassion coming up and I'd say in the last 6 years I've only ever found one suitable thing there.

Karen Millen have some bargain dresses but often only in silly sizes ie. a 6 or a 16, nothing in between.

So definitely if you are pressed for time don't bother.

Boobjob - don't suppose you could check back after your visit and let me know if there is a good lot of party dresses around?!?!? I noticed there is a temperly shop there - oh how I'd love a temperly dress!

Choc - yes Dec 05 thread - seems a very long time ago now! I've got a 5 year old and 10 year old now and turning 30! Where, oh where did my babies and my youth go?

Thanks for the imput everyone, might try it as a last chance if I can't find anything else!

They've got Matthew Williamson and Diane Von Furstenburg too. I bought an amazing silk dress there about 3 weeks ago reduced from £277 to £83 as it was also January sales.

If you go looking specifically for one thing, you won't find anything.
Don't go on weekends - stock deliveries are Monday and Tuesday generally.

Very busy at weekends.

I live near Chester so we have our own outlet village close by but, I find it full of tat that I wouldn't normally buy, anyway.

Bicester, we don't get to that often but I love it. Real bargains on clothing you WANT!

calling boobjob!!!! Did you see lots of pretty dresses at Bicester? Worth me trekking up there?

oh sorry I didnt check this thread sooner!

we spent loads of time in Agent P

I do hope DSBoss will appreciate it - sorry about the crap you got on the other thread oh and Happy Birthday!
x

thanks sweetheart!