My visit to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in York for Fashion Fling

Earlier this month I went down to a McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in York as I was curious about the place. It is basically an outlet with shops inside where products by designer and High Street brands are sold at discounted prices – typically between 30% and 70% off. It all sounded a little too good to be true, so I had to go and see for myself. I had assumed that if the products at the outlet were so much cheaper than they are on the High Street, then they were most likely undesirable products. To my immense surprise, the shops are generously stocked with goods I would certainly regard as highly appealing, particularly the luxury brands. The savings are huge. I saw a Paul Smith laptop sleeve selling for just £66 and the holdall bags were £100 cheaper. At L.K. Bennett, women’s shoes were on average £70 cheaper than what you would pay at its high street stores. Other bargains included a This felicity jacquard coat by REISS which was originally £295 on the high street but £88 at the McArthurGlen designer outlet. At French Connection UK, all dresses were on sale for just £35. At the Kooples I spotted a very beautiful white laced which originally sold for £210 on the high street but was just £63 at the outlet. The PR woman, who works for the PR agency which invited me to McArthurGlen, accompanied me to the store and she ended up buying that dress. I am a terrible influence but hey, at least she got a serious bargain!

Until the end of Sunday 21st April, McArthurGlen is running a campaign called Fashion Fling which is supported by Grazia Magazine. The campaign is simply to promote its spring range and trends by offering a number of special offers, flash sales and fashion consultations. On the day I went, Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor & Features Editor, Katherine Ormerod, was giving talks on some of the key pieces to buy, and she was also offering one-to-one styling consultations at the newly installed fashion hub. Copies of Grazia magazine and tote bags were being handed out for free.

I took back some bargains which included a tiny bright orange DKNY handbag for £71.99, as a surprise for my mum. It was highly recommended by Grazia and I could see why. I got myself a button down collar shirt by Brooks Brothers for a remarkably cheap £29.99, and a GORGEOUS herringbone briefcase bag for less than £129 (originally sold for over £300), again by Brooks Brothers.

I genuinely had the most wonderful time at the York Designer Outlet and really missed being there the next day when I went back home to London. I cannot wait to return again in the near future to pick up some more bargains!