St David's Cardiff Ladies' Night

If you are looking for something to distract you from the awful weather, then St David's Cardiff Ladies' Night might be just the retail therapy you are looking for. 

From 6.30pm until 9pm this Thursday, St David’s is inviting shoppers to step into a world of fashion and beauty treats, and is offering up to 20% off throughout the centre!

Over 60 of the centre’s shops, from the flagship stores of Debenhams and John Lewis, to brands like Kurt Geiger, Reiss, Oasis, Warehouse and New Look will be offering discounts and freebies on the night. Many stores will also be offering extra treats such as style advice, in-store entertainment and giveaways. You can find a full list of the discounts here.

And if you work up an appetite while you are shopping, you can take advantage of a range of discounts in the Eastside food quarter, e.g 40% off at Yo! Sushi.

Here are just some of the events running on the night:

The Hayes Big Red Beauty Bus (6.30pm – 9pm)

On The Hayes, the Big Red Beauty Bus will be offering makeovers.

Debenhams Talk Beauty Event (6.30 - 9pm)

10% off all of the beauty brands in store and lots of treats and makeovers for shoppers too.

Kamigata Beauty Pod (6.30pm – 9pm)

Kamigata will be on hand all evening offering relaxing hand and arm massages, head massages, hairstyling, mini manicures, stress fix rituals and goody bags.

John Lewis Holiday Glamour Beauty Event (6pm - 10pm)

Visit the Beauty Hall on the ground floor for a makeover, gift bag and refreshments. Tickets cost £5 (redeemable on the night against any beauty purchase). To purchase tickets visit the beauty department or call 02920 536000.

To take advantage of the offers on the night, you can pre-register here, or you can visit one of the VIP Registration Desks on the evening. Happy shopping!

Vivienne Westwood launch in Cardiff

Last month saw the opening of a Vivienne Westwood flagship store in Cardiff’s St David’s centre. The opening had been hotly anticipated ever since details were announced back in August, as it is the first time that Cardiff fashionistas have been able to purchase all of her collections in the city.

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the official launch party. This was my first opportunity to see the store, which stocks the full range of Gold, Red & MAN Label, Anglomania, Anglomania + Lee jeans, Red Carpet eveningwear dresses, and all accessories including shoes and bags.  

The Vivienne Westwood 'golden ticket'!

As soon as I walked up the red carpet (not a phrase I get to use regularly!), my eye was caught by Vivienne Westwood's neon pink signature on the back wall of the shop. It was great to see all of Vivienne Westwood's collections up close, and especially the ones being modelled by the live mannequins dotted about the store. 

As well as an opportunity to admire some seriously fabulous fashion, it was also great to catch up with my fellow Cardiff bloggers - Gemma, Emily, Chantele and Mia. We all enjoyed compiling our (in my case, very long!) wish lists over a glass or two of champagne.  

The lovely Emily from 'Sugar and Spice' blog, wearing a particularly fabulous pair of earrings!

Here are some of my favourite pieces from the evening.

How do I love these shoes? Let me count the ways!

I love a statement necklace, and this ticks all the boxes for me!

The raspberry and black tie-dye effect patent really caught my eye

I love how the detail on this bag echoes the folds and drapes of Vivienne Westwood's dresses

The store and Grayling had pulled out all the stops last night, and everyone there had a fantastic time. Judging by the reactions from everyone last night, I have a feeling that a lot of the guests will be popping back over the next few days to add some Vivienne Westwood to their closets!

St David's Cardiff Catwalk Shows

This week is Cardiff's first ever Fashion Week, with lots of different events going on around the city centre. As part of the event, the St David's Cardiff shopping centre will be hosting free catwalk shows all weekend.

The shows will give the centre's stores an opportunity to show some of the most stylish looks from their A/W 2012 collections. There have been some great new store openings in the centre, e.g. Vivienne Westwood, so style-savvy shoppers should be in for a treat! Shoppers will be able to take advantage of  a range of exclusive discounts and offers throughout the centre by picking up a St David's cheque-book at one of the fashion shows.

Here are the show times:
Saturday - 11am; 12 noon; 1pm; 2pm; 3pm; 4pm & 7.30pm
Sunday - 11am; 12 noon; 1pm; 2pm; 3pm and 4pm


See you on The Hayes!

My Smashbox Makeover

Last week I blogged about the impending launch of the new Smashbox counter in Boots, St David's in Cardiff. I went along with my friend Sarah on Saturday morning, and we both had a great time. My makeup artist, Linda was lovely and was great at explaining the products she used on me. I gave her free reign to choose the look to give me, which could have had the potential to go very wrong! However I loved the look that she gave me. Linda used the following products on me:

• Studio Skin Foundation
• Photo Finish Primer
• Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio (Nectar/Roast/Cinammon)
• Blush Rush - 'Paradise'
• Limitless Lip Stain - 'Guava'
• Limitless Eyeliner - 'Smoke'
• Hyperlash Mascara

I was really impressed with the products. The base was still going strong 12 hours later, and given that it was a scorching hot Summer day, that is quite a feat considering my usually oily skin. Given my love for a red lipstick, it is perhaps not surprising that I want to add the 'Guava' lip stain to my collection asap. Gorgeous shade; easy application and longevity. What's not to love?!

Here are some photos that Sarah and I took in the Smashbox photo booth.

St. David's Cardiff Ladies Night

This Thursday sees St. David's Cardiff shopping centre holding its first ever 'Ladies Night'. Over 80 of the centre's store, from Reiss to Warehouse, will be offering discounts of up to 20%. There will also be entertainment and nibbles, to add to your shopping experience.

Here are just some of the discounts on offer:

Warehouse - 20%

Gap - 15%

Monsoon - 10%

H & M - 10%

Reiss - 10%

L. K. Bennett - 20%

Dune - 20%

In addition to the discounts on offer, you will also get the opportunity to be pampered by the hair and beauty experts from Kamigata Aveda Salon & Spa at their pamper station. You should also keep a look out for the Big Red Beauty Bus on The Hayes (sounds like my kind of public transport!), which will be offering makeovers.

If you are stuck for Spring/Summer styling ideas, then why not check out the John Lewis Fashion Showcases, taking place at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

As part of the event, John Lewis will also be holding their seasonal Beauty Event, but this time until 10pm, giving you an extra 2 hours of beauty loveliness. I really enjoy these events, as they are a great opportunity to ask the advice of a number of beauty experts, all whilst sipping on champagne and nibbling on canapes! I always find the staff are really helpful, but never give you the hard sell. This time around, the store will also be turning its Espresso Bar into a Cocktail Bar. I wonder if Espresso Martinis are on the menu?

If you work up an appetite shopping, then you can pay a visit to one of the restaurants in the 'Eastside' restaurant quarter. e.g. Pizza Express are offering 20% off, and Yo Sushi! are offering a 40% discount.

You can find further details on the St. David's Cardiff website or Facebook page