FOREVER 21 IS COMING TO TOWN

For as long as I've lived in Manchester rumours of a Forever 21 opening have flown around fashion circles. It's going to be in the old Schuh on Market Street! No, in the Arndale! Forever 21 are very fussy about their stores - the size, particularly - so when two units totalling 20,000 square feet became available in the Trafford Centre they snapped them up.

The wait is nearly over with the store opening this Saturday at 10am (the 21st, natch) and although I predict scenes akin to a One Direction meet and greet, it'll be worth it as the first 300 customers through the door will get a gift card. 

I got the chance to visit the Oxford Street store to get a feel for the brand before the grand Trafford Centre opening. I was expecting a stark Primark-esque space with clothes in piles on the floor and women changing in the aisles - but actually it is much calmer, with excellent retail standards - meaning it's easier to find your size - and cute vintage-inspired installations. It's easier to shop in-store as everything is merchandised into packages; I find the website totally overwhelming, with 900 dresses to scroll through and no indication of style, shape, or pattern. Yes, it's busy - it is Oxford Street after all - but the store is so big that you never feel claustrophobic. 

Forever 21 will never fill my wardrobe simply because I like unique pieces too much for that, but their clothes complement my vintage/DIY/hippy market wardrobe perfectly; I have some lovely pieces to show off from my visit, including an expensive-looking maxi skirt and some very Marant-ish wedge sandals. It's a pleasant shopping experience and although I don't have the guts or patience to go this Saturday, I will be visiting again!

See some other bloggers views of Forever 21, with gorgeous photos: English Rose from Manchester, Kisses and Cross Stitches, Fashion-fade & The Quick Red Fox.

Summer of Hope and Glory

Last Thursday marked the launch of the Trafford Centre's Summer of Hope and Glory, celebrating everything British, and from May to August there will be events, treats and competitions, all fit for a Queen. You can celebrate your own Jubilee with Queen For A Day, win a summer wardrobe of shoes, get festival fashion and beauty tips at Mad for Mud'n'Music, and much, much more.

On the launch night I walked round with a British Shopping Passport which detailed the discounts being given out on the evening.

The launch night was a warm one, and I hate queuing for sweaty changing rooms only to find the outfit doesn't suit me anyway. I took the opportunity to try dresses on in the comfort of my own clothes with the Magic Mirror interactive screen outside Selfridges. You lift your arms to activate the screen, then you scroll through a number of dresses, changing the size and the position on the screen to suit. It's no replacement for actually having the clothes on your body but it's a fun gimmick, and seeing the colours and patterns near your skin are of course a benefit.


Check out the Trafford Centre website for information and dates - meet you in the Welly Wanging queue!