Shopping – Eclectic Threads

A new season (and a not-so-new name) at Duo Boots

Published on October 6, 2017August 23, 2018 by eclecticthreadsLeave a comment

It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since my first blogger evening at Duo Boots in Bath – and, impressively considering the rate at which I seem to ruin shoes (I do a lot of walking), I still wear and love that very first pair of Duos.

Last time I headed over to Bath on the train for an evening of oohing and ahhing at beautiful shoes it was for the launch of Duo’s new name, Ted & Muffy. After feedback from their loyal customers, though, they’ve decided to reinstate the Duo brand (isn’t it nice to see a company actually listening to shoppers?). Continue reading “A new season (and a not-so-new name) at Duo Boots” →

Beauty Favourites

Published on February 25, 2015January 9, 2017 by eclecticthreadsLeave a comment

Everyone has their own criteria when it comes to buying beauty stuff, and mine is to try and keep things as natural as possible on a reasonable budget. Natural skin and haircare can be expensive, but there are a few brands out there offering some great products featuring organic ingredients at a price that won’t make your heart sink every time you have to re-buy them. These are a few favourites that I use on a regular basis (as you may be able to tell from the not-so-perfect packaging). The only exception to the natural rule is the Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect eye cream which I got in a Christmas gift set. Continue reading “Beauty Favourites” →

Christmas Shopping at Bicester Village

Published on December 10, 2014January 9, 2017 by eclecticthreads5 Comments

I’ve been wanting to go to Bicester Village for yonks. I’ve heard so many people wax lyrical about it, that I sort of imagined it to be a magical place where fashion dreams really do come true – a Disneyland/Toys R Us for clothes, if you will. And it kind of was – as long as you have a fair bit of spare cash, of course. I don’t, however, recommend going the day after the dreaded Black Friday as I did (or, indeed, on Black Friday itself) as shoppers still seemed to be in frantic bargain-hunting mode, though the stores did well to keep the queues moving.

While I saw plenty to tempt me to splurge, especially at Kate Spade, Vivienne Westwood and Mulberry, I’m trying to save the pennies at the moment (and I do have that Harvey Nicks voucher to spend) so I instead just treated myself to a few beauty goodies from L’Occitane. I also wanted a peek at the shiny things in Pandora, but the relentless queues meant I didn’t get a chance. I’ll definitely be back – preferably on a slightly quieter weekday, nowhere near Christmas – and next time, I might just have to get me a little something from Kate Spade.

Continue reading “Christmas Shopping at Bicester Village” →