Oliver Bonas

The most wonderful shop has opened in Cabot Circus recently that I can't go a day without stepping in to. Oliver Bonas has opened its first shop outside London and it is in Bristol :) Oliver Bonas has 27 shops in London and was started by.... well you guessed it - Oliver Bonas! It all started from him bringing home interesting and different gifts for his friends.It has a wonderful selection of homewares, gifts, womenswear, things for children and of course at this time of year Christmas stocking fillers. I have already managed to find a couple of unique Christmas presents here and have dragged Mr FF round it and pointed at quite a few things. So if you want to find a beautiful gift or just want to spoil yourself do check out Oliver Bonas online, in London or even in Bristol. If you do pop in Bristol you will probably find me there... I just can't get enough.... My Christmas list is getting longer...

Anyway speak soon lovelies!
Fashion Fantasist xx

Pop-Up Christmas

A lovely Pop-up shop has, well, Popped-Up in Cabot Circus this month...

This year, the run up to Christmas has seen over 100 local artists come together as part of ‘Pop-Up Bristol’ - a new initiative from Made in Bristol that has showcased a diverse range of independent galleries and creative talent on the high street for the first time, adding a new dimension to Christmas shopping at Cabot Circus this year. The pop-ups offer the opportunity to purchase quality gifts and one-off pieces by up-and-coming artists.

Drawn in Bristol is a newly formed, locally focused illustration collective which hosts regular events & shows in the city. The collective has 50 members and celebrates the work of Bristol based illustrators by providing them with a platform to showcase their work. Their stunning shop can be found in Quakers Friars and features original illustrations, prints and cards, handmade toys and locally designed T-shirts.

‘Upfest’, established in 2008 and now Europe’s largest graffiti art festival, adds a new dimension to Level 1 of the Glass Walk in Cabot Circus with an urban art and graffiti gallery, ‘POP-UPfest’. As well as urban style artworks, the gallery will feature Bristol street art photography and weekly live drawing events.

Along with these, the ‘Smithson Gallery’ pop-up provides a platform for a variety of talented artists and styles, offering original art and prints alongside great cards and original gift ideas including bags, cushions, tea towels, ceramics and decoration.

Pop-Up Bristol will be hosting a party to celebrate the one-month countdown to Christmas on Thursday November 24th at 6pm across their three temporary festive galleries at Cabot Circus!

The event will offer guests a fantastic opportunity to see and purchase all the brilliant artworks the shops have on offer and will also feature live drawing and music. There will also be a chance to meet all of the diverse and talented artists involved in the project along with some exciting special guests.

So if you are around in Cabot this Christmas season make sure you Pop by! They will be open as follows:
POP-UPfest: Open now - 24th December (level1, Glass Walk)
Drawn in Bristol: Open now - 3rd December (Quakers Friars)
Smithson Gallery and Gifts: Open now - 24th December (Level 1, Glass Walk)
Bristol Creatives: Open now - 24th December (Quakers Friars)

For more information check it out here!

Best wishes,
Fashion Fantasist xx

P.S I am really excited about Christmas! :)

Gok-Tastic!

Last Wednesday I was completely star struck on the front row of the Gok Wan's fashion roadshow in the centre of Cabot Circus. Thank you to the lovely ladies who PR for Cabot Circus I was able to sit on one of the pink seats and use the voting paddles.

The first season of Gok's fashion roadshow Gok was up against Brix Smith Start with a designer versus highstreet face off. This season Gok is up against.... well... Gok!! He has turned his hand at creating an affordable collection, where each outfit cost up to £50 and a more expensive, where each outfit cost up to £250. I wont reveal too much about them as the programme will be airing later this month but I am looking forward to finding out where everything came from.

There were also three lucky ladies who had a Gok style make over and looked like they really enjoyed the experience. It was nice to sit where I did as I got to see the family's reactions, since they knew what they had looked like before. At the end I was grabbed for an interview.... Which I really hope isn't aired.... "I voted for the pink one... because of such and such a reason..." All very embarrassing - but I was pleased with my outfit and actually have a snap here with some of the other guests (Picture source mystreetchic.com). Skinny Jeans, over sized cream shirt and clogs. Managed to successfully wear those and not fall over much... hehe!All in all I had a lovely time. It was nice to also meet the girls behind mystreetchic.com who I sat with.

Enjoy and hope you manage to catch the show!
Fashion Fantasist xx

Current Bun

(Photo credit: Lee Stafford)

Bristol hairdressers will attempt to set the World Record for the highest number of topknot hairstyles completed in one day today (11/06/2011) at Cabot Circus.

The event is organised by Bristol based fashion website MyStreetChic.com. Bristol shopper's hair will be transformed into the iconic topknot style as part of a speed styling challenge. A team from Robin James Salon Ltd will attempt to get through as many topknots as possible to score a World Record - and put Bristol firmly on the style map! I wish them the best of luck!!!

The topknot, otherwise known as a super high bun, has been hailed as the hairstyle of Summer 2011, with celebs like Kylie, Gwen Stefani, Blake Lively and Whitney Port all rocking the look.

Shoppers in Cabot Circus today will be able to get their hair styled into a topknot for free and become part of the attempt. Everyone who gets a topknot will also receive a free MyStreeChic.com goodie bag, packed with stylish treats!!

Want a new look to go with your new 'do'? Make-up artists from Bobbi Brown at House of Fraser will also be on hand offering free makeovers, while the Sactuary Spa will be providing mini-manicure. The event is being held to celebrate the launch of MyStreetChic.com, a new Bristol based fashion website that will cover all things stylish in the city.

"Bristol is home to a hotbed of different styles. MyStreetChic.com aims to celebrate what's best in the West for fashion and, with this World Record attempt we hope that people will sit up and take notice of Bristol as a style capital," said Gina Dyer, Editor of MyStreetChic.com.

If you want to take part in the Great Topknot Challenge, head down to the MyStreetChic.com std in the main street at Cabot Circus TODAY 11th June between 10am and 6pm!!

Much Love

Fashion Fantasist xx

Fashion Weekender

Hello All!

Just a few trend images from the Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender (2nd - 3rd April) in case you missed the event!Denim Dury by WarehouseSpring Forward by Dorothy PerkinsFeeling Good by Ted BakerNeon Rainbow by ZaraThe Cash by Harvey NicholsMr Sandman by House of Fraser - I love the outfit with the shorts!!Nude Study by Harvey NicholsCannes-Tastic by House of FraserFrocks and Frolics by French ConnectionLadies Who Lunch by Hobbs

On the Saturday alone the Fashion Weekender attracted over 100,00 visitors!

Fashion Fantasist xx

Spring Into Summer...

... With Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender this weekend (2nd - 3rd April).Taking place in the centre of Cabot Circus under the glass roof, I hope it isn't raining but if it is you should all stay dry, the catwalk will showcase the hottest trends from the new season collections. Bringing together the best of high street and designer brands.

Vintage has been a key theme over the past few years and spring/summer will see 70’s glamour making fashion waves. Cabot Circus will show you how to create unstructured gypsy-like silhouettes and work shimmering fabrics, chunky heels, wide-leg trousers and figure-hugging waistbands, whatever your style or budget.

The Fashion Weekender will also celebrate the return of good old-fashioned glamour, nudes and muted tones and the rock-and-roll inspired ‘cool rider’ look.

Each show will be created by stylist JP, who has worked with a host of celebrities and recording artists and currently runs his own London-based fashion consultancy. Visitors will also be able to seek out the latest hair and beauty trends with experts from Sanctuary Spa, Seanhanna and other beauty brands giving free demonstrations and taster sessions. So it will be the perfect time to discover a new look.

Discounts of up to 20 per cent will also be on offer at many of Cabot Circus’ iconic fashion stores and restaurants over the course of the Fashion Weekender and all those attending will be invited to enter a competition to win £1,000 worth of fashion!!!!! - Yes Please!!

The fashion show will run a few times over the weekender - Show Times - Saturday 2nd April - 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm - Sunday 3rd April - 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and it is a completely free event!!

Unfortunately I am unable to attend because I am visiting my family for Mother's Day but if you do get the chance to pop to Cabot Circus over the weekend it is going to be a fantastic event. The catwalk is on level 1 outside House of Fraser (I have been walking past it on my way home from work!)

Enjoy and have a lovely weekend
Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx

Switch over to Channel 4 at 8pm!

To watch Gok's Clothes Roadshow which will be in.... Yes you guessed it - Bristol Cabot Circus!!!

As part of the new series, Gok is on a mission to help Britain’s style-starved women and in Bristol he met three lovely - but time poor - ladies, all mental health workers in the city.

Keen cyclers Becky Lambert (32), Tors Johnson (33) and Sarah Fairham (37) had ditched fashion in favour of bike helmets and high-visibility jackets until they received a glamorous makeover from Gok - which culminated in the ladies strutting their stuff on the Cabot Circus catwalk in front of 10,000 people that had gathered to watch the catwalk finale. They look amazing!Gok took on fellow style expert Brix Smith-Start in one of the show’s most popular segments, the high street versus designer face-off. Models were sent down the runway to show off different outfits chosen by Gok - revealing his customisations to high street pieces - and Brix with her exclusive designer collection.Tune into Gok’s Roadshow on Channel 4 tonight 1st March at 8:00pm, to see Cabot Circus in the limelight and find out who comes out on top, Gok or Brix?

Enjoy!! Fashion Fantasist xxx

Suit Yourself

Check out the new issue of Suit Yourself Magazine. Myself and a uni mate found some stylish people and showcased their take on fashion by taking some snaps!Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion methinks.
Love
Fashion Fantasist xx

Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion

Bristol has been shortlisted as one of six UK cities as most stylish by leading fashion and celebrity website OSOYOU.com!!!!So all you fashion-ey folk get yourselves down to Cabot Circus tomorrow as the editorial team from OSOYOU.com will be looking out for and photographing the best street styles.

As well as the potential to be crowned the UK's most stylish city the individual with the best street style will win £500 of shopping vouchers and the latest Blackberry Torch.

Beth Wond from OSOYOU, who is organising the tour of the UK, commented, "Bristol has upped its game in the fashion stakes since the opening of Cabot Circus and we feel it now deserves a place on our shortlist of cities. We've heard that Bristol has a very individual and edgy style - we now want to see it for ourselves. We want Bristol's fashion crowd to come and show us how it's done Thursday!"Other cities nominated include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Edinburgh. So come on stylish Bristol boys and girls lets hit Cabot Circus tomorrow and show them how it's done - Bristol Style!

OSOYOU.com will be at Cabot Circus Thursday (14/10/10) 12:00-3:00pm.

Also make sure you vote for your favorite style star from October 18th on www.OSOYOU.com

To keep up to date with whats what at Cabot Circus check out their webpage or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Good luck!
Fashion Fantasist xx

Happy Belated Birthday Cabot Circus

I missed Cabot Circus' 2nd Birthday (25-26/9/10) but I have been informed that it was a great success!!

Over 168,000 people turned up to help celebrate over the weekend and the total footfall for Saturday was up 18% compared with it's first birthday! Cabot Circus also raised more than £8,800 for Breast Cancer Care through the sale of the Ultimate Fashion Weekender goodie bags!!! That is just amazing and very inspirational - I have recently got involved with organising a show - but more revealed about that at a later date...

(How great is this photo! Look at the girls faces in the background!)

James Baily, the Center Manager said - "We are delighted with the excellent turn out from our shoppers who turned up on their droves to help us celebrate our second birthday in style. It was a fantastic weekend thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part. It was especially great to see the interest in Cabot Circus has continued to grow two years on."I was sent some photographs from the event and it does look packed. I am very jealous of the people who got to see Gok Wan!!!Hopefully I will be able to make it to their Third Birthday - well trust me I am blocking out the weekends in September already in anticipation!!

If you did manage to go please share your stories? What hot fashion trends are hitting Bristol?

Best Wishes
Fashion Fantasist xx

Happy Birthday Cabot Circus

The shopping center Cabot Circus is going to be Two and what an amazing Birthday Party Fashion Affair they have planned!! On the 25th-26th September Cabot Circus will be hosting a Fashion Weekender which will have free fashion shows showcasing the hottest new season trends.

The weekend celebrations will start on the 25th with shows presented by Television star Gok Wan. He will be offering advice and tips suitable for any budget and of course being his fabulous self - Remember it's all about the Confidence! The fashion shows will be taking place at Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars during the day. Cutting-edge pieces from the high street will be shown alongside the best of the designer brands. As well as seeing the pick of the new collections there will be extra inspirations and style advice added by Auntie Gok. Who sounds like he can't wait - "Since the opening of Cabot Circus Bristol now boasts the best shopping in the South West with an amazing mix of high-street and designer brands. Bristol has a very unique style - it's urban, edgy and cool. I can't wait to see what Bristol has to offer on 25th September!"The Stylish Celebrations will continue on the 26th with House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols both showing dedicated shows. A perfect opportunity to scope out the best new season pieces from fashion to shoes!

The weekend will be filled with a variety of styles to suit every fashionistas taste - from gothic chic and military fashion to animal print and bohemian romance. The revival of the classic camel look is being celebrated as a big trend this season. Also a sample of the grunge glamour look which is comfy yet stylish and has been hitting the catwalks. Each show will be created by top stylist Ricky Partner, who has worked with a host of designer names including Jasper Conran, Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald.

The Cabot Circus Fashion Weekender is being held in partnership with Breast Cancer Care, to raise funds for this vital cause. Goodie bags will be on sale throughout the weekend, with all proceeds being donated to the charity.

Retailers featured in the fashion shows over the weekend include House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Urban Outfitters, Warehouse, Zara, New Look, A-Wear, French Connection, Reiss, Ted Baker, Ollie and Nic, Aldo, Schuh, Azendi and Hobbs.
Now you may have noticed if you have visited Cabot Circus this week a perspex box with some desirable items inside... These are 'Gok's Top Picks' guests will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw on the Sunday and win the contents. You may have also noticed if you have visited this week a washing line has appeared... This is to Air Your Dirty Laundry - Fashionistas are being urged to bring their most embarrassing items, fashion faux pas and just plain awful 'What were you thinking!?' garments and bravely hang them out for the world to see on the 'Washing Line of Shame' for a chance to win a one-to-one styling session with Gok Wan.

Now this weekend sounds like it will be so much fun with discounts of 10-20% in most of Cabot Circus' iconic stores. Unfortunately I will be unable to attend because I am attending a Christening but if you can DO go and check it out!!!

Enjoy
Fashion Fantasist xx