When I?m away travelling, I have a serious love of shopping. In my mind, there?s nothing better than travelling unless it?s travelling and shopping together! There?s something about doing it in another country that makes it so much more special ? being able to discover fantastic brands you?ve never heard of, seeing that nation?s on-trend residents styling? the most popular looks, and experiencing a completely different take on fashion through the eyes of a new culture. I find Europe has some amazing places to shop ? and it?s possible to find them even while I?m discovering the incredible architecture, sampling the delicious food and becoming friendly with the locals ? clever!
And I?ll let you in on one of the best-kept secrets of the fashion-savvy shopping in Europe? there are nine incredible shopping Villages scattered across Europe and sitting near gorgeous cities such as London, Paris, Milan and many more. I?m obsessed with these Villages, not just because they offer up savings of up to 60% on the RRP of amazing brands, including the mighty style mainstays of Matthew Williamson and Mulberry, but also because they?re incredible destinations in themselves.
Visiting them as a tourist, I love noticing how the architecture of each Village echoes its surroundings. And it?s really refreshing to step away from the madness of a bustling city, with an easy trip out of the centre, and experience a unique way of shopping. Even better ? each Village has fantastic restaurants, caf?s and open-air promenades (which are great for people watching too!). People from all over the world come to shop here, so I could really just spend all day relaxing and enjoying the food, watching the world go by and discovering what everyone?s wearing? However, that would only be possible if I could stop myself from shopping for the incredible brands on offer ? whether at Bicester Village with its top British names like Vivienne Westwood and Mulberry, to the stylish Italian picks at Fidenza Village, such as Missoni and Belstaff, or the French classics by Comptoir des Cotonniers and Antik Batik at La Vall?e Village. There are also luxury lifestyle brands including Smythson and Cath Kidston, all with incredible savings you won?t find in the cities!
So whatever country I?m in ? Paris, Milan, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Dublin, Frankfurt, Munich or Brussels ? I always find a shopping Village just down the road. The hand-picked labels and little touches make shopping an unforgettable experience, and makes each Village a destination in its own right. They are also bursting with their own culture and an experience that is just as exciting as discovering the nearby cities. It?s the perfect combination: shopping and culture, who can say no to that?
Find out more about the Collection of Chic Outlet Shopping? Villages:
You can keep up with all of the latest fashion and travel news by downloading the Chic Outlet Shopping? free app for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android. With this you?ll be instantly connected interactive maps of each Village, special offers, and exclusive Chic TV footage!
Want to discover what?s hot in Europe? Then follow The ChicBuzz?blog, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr, updated daily with info about the latest fashion scoops, glamorous red-carpet reports and news from your favourite brands ? as it happens.
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