The lovely guys over at Liverpool One and Think Publicity sent me a fabulous email a couple of weeks ago, asking me if I would like to pop over to the shopping Mecca and experience a full day of shopping, winter fun, sumptuous food and did I say shopping?
And in return for my day of sartorial joyousness you ask?
I have to deliver a gift guide, and a fabulous gift guide at that.
If you're still on the look out for last minute gifts for your nearest and dearest then read on and pay them a visit.
Liverpool One has got everything you could possibly need for your loved ones and its Winter Wonderland is just the place to kindle that Christmas spirit, whether you're 5 or 55!
Obviously I have shopped in Liverpool One since its opening in 2008 (I know it doesn't seem that long but trust me it is!) and I already knew it was a haven of fashion and beauty retailers, with a plethora of both designer and high street stores to choose from, but this was the first time I had actually dedicated a full day to just Liverpool One alone. As well as visiting my usual Liverpool One staples and favourites, I visited some stores I haven't tried before and I discovered some real surprises and gorgeous gift ideas for Christmas 2013 and beyond.
When I first arrived I just walked around for a while reminding myself how pretty the architecture is. I love the way the lines of the buildings, stairs and platforms have been carefully designed to be aesthetically appealing from all angles. In its own, modern way its really beautifully designed.
This years festive decorations are also really pretty and they certainly got me into the Christmas spirit.
I mean who doesn't love a giant reindeer?
I mean who doesn't love a giant reindeer?
The winter wonderland situated on the top floor has an ice rink, Santa's workshop and a traditional helter skelter for the mini fashionistas and the fabulous Apres Cafe and Ice Bar (whose opening we featured earlier on in the month) is perfect for the older fashion bunnies who want to enjoy a winter cocktail or maybe just a delicious hot chocolate to warm them up after a long day Christmas shopping.
All the Winter attractions are there until January.
All the Winter attractions are there until January.
After a wander around the sights I started the research for my gift guide at one of my favourite high street stores, ZARA.
Zara is always one of the first places I look for gifts at Christmas and it has provided me with many a perfect solution for family gift conundrums, both male and female in the past!
Oh and I bumped into this lovely lady in there. Her vintage sheepskin, that she customised herself and her gorgeous bamboo handle bag just jumped out at me, I had to capture them on camera. Gorgeous.
I love this necklace from Zara's TRF range, it has been released for a while and its no longer available on their website but it is still available in the Liverpool One store and at £29.99 its a perfectly priced present for one of your gorgeous friends or maybe yourself! It would be perfect perched on the collar of a crisp white shirt on Christmas day.
And seen as though the 90's trend is definitely hanging around I couldn't resist featuring this flared slip. I love it, it reminds me of something a 90's Kate Moss would have shimmied around in.
I love this dress for the evening or just worn casually in the daytime over a t-shirt with an oversized cardigan, biker boots and a beanie, a voila... Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis.
My hunt for the perfect gift also took me into the Harvey Nichols pop up food market where I purchased a little gift for my friends over in Think PR for inviting me to all their lovely events this year.
The store is a foodies dream and has lots of scrumptious gifts for those loved ones with a discerning palette. They also have an exclusive offering of premium alcohol, from Crystal Head Vodka to Isake Classic Sake for those in your life who love a good tipple.
Then it was on to Dr Martins were I was amazed by not only their classic accessories but also their wide selection of clothes! I loved these DAI boots below and matching satchel for £155.
The LS pink mohair sweater is bang on trend and a perfect gift at £85.
My favourites however were the studded coats, I had to feature both the long and the short versions because I couldn't choose between the two they were that cool! The long version is £300 and the biker was £255.
The store is really well designed and the lovely staff make it a pleasure to be in.
Pay it a visit, even if it is just to see their yellow submarine boots!
The beauty bar was as usual full of gorgeous lotions and potions to please the most choosy of beautyholics.
I had the pleasure of visiting their Karidis Medi Spa for their popular Hydra facial and it was outrageously good! I would highly recommend a visit, my skin felt amazing. Their vouchers are currently half price too so pop down there to grab some while the offer is still on!
Then it was on to Flannels and didn't I have a ball! Zanotti's, Gucci and Dolce Oh My!
They have a huge selection of bags to choose from including these gorgeous Gucci Sohos below.
This season Dolce and Gabbana and McQ
The Paul Smith store attached was beautiful and featured a wide selection of gifts for that special man in your life it is also gorgeously decorated and the lovely men's manager Dylan has the perfect gifts for even the most fussy of smart Scouse gentlemen.
Then it was back to the main store where I spotted these divine Prada Boots. I mean what fashionista wouldn't want these in her closet. Cough Cough Wink Wink.
My word Prada do equestrian chic so well!
They also stock the very popular Valentino Rockstudd collection. The red clutch and matching shoes are divine and perfectly festive. I would like them all on my wish list!
I love Sophie Hulmes bags and Flannels have a wide selection including this gorgeous hot pink envelope clutch for £255.
Oh and lets talk about the Prada AW13 collection, in all its glory perched at the back of the shop. If any of this was in my stocking on Christmas morning I would be one very very happy gal! We featured the collection back in the summer when it was released and flannels are stocking quite a bit of it! If one of your loved ones loves 1950s Hollywood glamour then a piece of this collection would be perfection!
Finally these Marcus Lupfer Hats and Jumpers make perfect gifts and the jewelled beanies are a big trend this season and at £145 not too expensive to indulge in.
After my jaunt around flannels I needed a pick me up so indulged in an espresso from Jamie's Kitchen to help me get round the rest of the shops! I enjoyed sitting on their terrace in the winter sun watching the street style flutter by!
Then it was on to Tessuti who have a massive selection of gifts for the boys this year including a massive selection of Canada Goose coats and gillets. I even picked up a little something for my other half while I was there! I couldn't resist!
Oh and what a shock awaited me upstairs, I didn't know they had a Women's department. It was fantastic! They had the biggest selection of Micheal Kors Bags and accessories I have seen in Liverpool as well as Vivienne Westwood clothes and accessories and the most gorgeous Juicy Couture necklaces!
Next was the old faithful TopShop. There are so many gifts to feature in TopShop I could do a dedicated post just for them but these are my top three favourite Christmas gifts from there this year.
Alligator look metal bar clutch - £45
Knitted Cashmere Polo Jumper - £90
Wide Brim Fedora - £28
Just as I thought the day couldn't get any better I bumped into Calvin Fox from MTVs Beauty School Kop Out and his gorgeous friend who have both featured on the blog before. Calvin was wearing his amazing BITE ME CLOTHING jacket made for him by our good friend Lolly!
Remember BITE ME is now available on ASOS Market Place as well as Resurrection. We shot their full collection and featured it on the blog back in the summer.
Last but not least was American Apparel who are definitely a good place for Christmas gifts stocking everything from disco pants to hoodies. If you want a funky backpack, classic American clothing or a colourful fedora then this is the place for you!
I had actually forgot how mega this shop is!
I loved this fashion students ensemble she well and truly nailed winter chic. I especially loved her fluffy cuffs!
Finally to top the day off the fab team at Liverpool One treated myself and my gorgeous niece to a delicious lunch at Byron Burger. I had the pleasure of being the first person to sample their new festive burger and it was scrummy! The staff were really lovely and they provided a brilliant finish to what had been a tremendous day!
Liverpool One has extended hours over the festive period so get down there for all those last minute Christmas needs!
It really was a fabulous day and I hope my gift guide can help you with any last minute Christmas Gift needs!
Merry Christmas Fashion Bunnies!
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