It’s not often I can persuade the stylist daughter to come shopping with me; she is always too busy, you see. So when she offered to take me shopping in Kildare Village (in a chauffeured driven limo!) I didn’t wait to be asked twice. Even though the day was wet and miserable, The Village was sparkling and glittering in its festive lights and nothing was going to dampen our spirits, certainly not a little rain!
On arrival, we headed straight to Le Pain Quotidien for coffee and a scone (both delicious, by the way, and regular readers will know I am very fussy about my coffee) and then straight to the new shops in Phase 2. I hoped that I might find a new winter coat for myself during the course of the trip, as I have been on the hunt for one in a dark colour for a while.
However, we had to pass Ralph Lauren on the way and were drawn in by the cutest children’s clothes. Suffice to say that Logan Keegan got another present. Can’t post as he might see this, so here is a peek at some of the little girls’ outfits!
We spent far too long in So Collective, but then it is difficult to leave. Firstly, the space is beautifully utilised and the vibe in the store is one of luxury and elegance. Over eighty Irish designers, from fashion, craft, gifts, food and culture, have been brought together to showcase their goods and that is exactly what it does. One of Emma Manley’s textured and embellished collars is all you need to turn an ordinary dress or top into a dramatic statement. There is about a 30% reduction from the recommended retail price.
Pauric Sweeney’s bags, (below) Paula Rowan’s gloves, Helen McAlinden’s and Natalie B Coleman’s designs are only a few of the talented Irish on display – this is a ‘must visit’, even if it is just to drool.
Diane Von Furstenberg was our next stop and here we lingered over her signature wrap dresses and her beautiful furs. Again, there are some pretty amazing deals to be had here and if you are a DVF fan get down soon. I was tempted by a zebra-print trench coat, but I was a little outside my comfort zone, though the price was good and the stylist daughter fancied herself in colourful furry coat that made her look like a cuddly teddy bear.
There are fabulous bags and purses in Coach with extra discounts on many items, if you are in the market for either and what an acceptable present for a discerning lady of any age.
When you enter Kate Spade New York, you are greeted by a riot of colour and playfulness and incredible bargains. I nearly purchased a classic, black, dressy trench here and there was an extra 25% off and I have to admit it was difficult to resist buying one of the cute handbags, but resist I did.
Belstaff was another hit with Courtney buying a jacket, while I wondered if I could get Graham into a Sherlock Holmes coat. I do fancy Benedict Cumberbatch just a little bit. (Knowledgeable sales guy, by the way, who obviously loves the brand.)
We mooched around in LK Bennett and DKNY, but it was in Gerard Darel, (a French label both Courtney and I adore and one that crosses the generation divide) that I hit gold in my search for a coat. I could not believe my luck, because there was 50% off the already discounted coat. I paid €178 for a coat that originally cost over €600. You see, their sale has already begun and the shop was very busy when we were there, with seasoned shoppers availing of bargains by the bagful. The good news is that they were reloading the shelves with new arrivals as we were leaving. I will post my purchase, my present from GG to me, on Instagram and Facebook next week.
We returned to Le Pain Quotidien for a delicious lunch and then a quick dash into Wolford for some tights (fabulously discounted) and unfortunately it was time to return home.
I might just head back down next week, because I saw some lovely duvet covers in Bedeck, but I couldn’t decide without GG. We needed longer and I suggest that if you plan on going, you really probably need about five or six hours, particularly if you are trying on clothes.
My advice is to try to avoid the weekend, check out special offers and opening times on http://www.kildarevillage.com
I have only given you a flavour of what is on offer in the shopping outlet. There are bargains to be had and if you have still got some Christmas shopping to do, get yourself down fast..might see you there!
