Luxurious Magazine’s Sabi Phagura takes a look at the exclusive ‘Barefoot Chic’ pop-up boutique, which is open until the end of August at Bicester Village.
With the weather currently on our side, having a staycation is not altogether a bad prospect at all. Besides, there is plenty to do on our doorsteps to give us the ‘going away for summer’ feeling that we’re all used to. But the beauty of the summer is that you don’t have to venture that far to get that ‘summer feeling’.
You can bring the summer home to you. And that is what Bicester Village had in mind when they launched their summer pop-up boutique ‘Barefoot Chic’ with all the coolest brands for the hot weather under one roof.
Just a mere trip to this shopping destination located in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside offers a quintessentially English day out in itself. The open-air shopping centre, with more than 160 boutiques lining the pavements, means you can still enjoy all the discounts of an indoor outlet without being stifled with the additional problems brought on by wearing compulsory face masks.
Shopping here safely is a breeze. Barefoot Chic pop up is located at the tip of the entrance as you approach it from the train station. I got that ‘summer feeling’ from the moment I stepped in.
The aim of this one-stop-shop is to offer its customers a summer style that will have heads turning whether you’re in Cornwall, having a picnic in the park with friends, or indeed just enjoying a barbeque with family in the garden. Who wants standards to slip by the wayside just because we are on home territory?
We at Luxurious Magazine HQ’s certainly don’t! And a quick glance around this bright and breezy shop tells me I can pretty much walk out with a refreshed wardrobe. Kaftans, floral dresses, baskets, straw hats, eyewear are all at the tip of my finger. But no one wants to rush shopping so let’s take a closer look.
Expect to be greeted with shimmering summer colours, with soft pastel hues, dusky pinks and gold fixtures all geared up to up to make you feel as though you’re on that soft white sand barefoot. And let’s face it, shades are a must – whether the sun is out or not. Here you can discover new young brands from entrepreneurial Tom Broughton, whose eyewear brand Cubitts offers a selection of glasses at affordable prices.
Skincare is ever so important – especially since the introduction of facemasks. Rosemary Ferguson’s favourite beauty brand Votary, with its high-performance plant-powered skincare, takes up important space as does Sheherazade Goldsmith’s collection of Loquet jewellery to help create bespoke charm necklaces. And you don’t have to cross the Channel to dazzle on Mary Katrantzou’s crazy printed cruise collection.
Serena Bute’s silk palazzo pants and Mira Mikati’s crisp white pieces of cotton with multi-coloured rick-rack details will be the first ensembles to wear on days out on the river in the UK. If you like a bit of floral action, then check out Erdem’s vibrant selection. Top this off with Alvaro leather sandals made by the Spanish style guru or Sophia Webster’s butterfly sandals, and you’ll fit right in for that get together in the park.
With so many of us spending long periods at home, the pop-up has some great options for kids’ Sunuva swimwear and rash vests, Seraphina mums’ and daughters’ cotton cover-ups and pyjamas, dresses and light cardigans made from natural fibres by Cashmirino, as well as Pippa Holt’s legendary kaftans for children to potter about in are stylish enough to be on social media pictures.
Continuing with the stay-at-home theme, the heavenly scented candles by Anya Hindmarch and Cire Trudon will waft nicely around the home as you sip on a summer favourite rose by Whispering Angel, from The Magnum Company.
Customers will stumble across some unfamiliar names as well. Joining the list are Vilshenko, Catherine Prevost’s go-anywhere dresses, Amanda Wakeley’s wide-legged silk trousers and figure-flattering bikinis by Heidi Klein, Teija shirts and Wiggy Kit’s easy cotton-frocks to name just a few.
Not many of us will be venturing further afield for a while, but there’s nothing to stop us from dreaming of the next getaway. Choose your pick from one of the iconic Globe-Trotter suitcases which will give you airport cred as their smart suitcases in bright stripy colours are the way to travel in style.
The Barefoot Chic summer pop-up – Where and How?
The Barefoot Chic exclusive summer pop-up is only up and running for a limited time only until the end of August. For more information, visit www.tbvsc.com.
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