26/12/2013

Boxing Day Outfit of the Day: Manchester Christmas Markets

 

 

Merry Christmas kittens, happy boxing day! Hope you all have had (and are having) the most wonderful couple of days. In our house, we like to go all out and make the festive season spread out for as long as possible, so for us, boxing day is less about facing the sales and more about relaxing with family – although no one has banned internet sales shopping yet(!)

Today’s Outfit of the Day is appropriately festive, with a couple of minutes extra in the video to give you a quick sneak peek around Manchester’s Christmas Markets 2013. We are so lucky to have the largest (don’t quote me if I’m wrong) Christmas market in the UK, spreading out over 300 stalls over several districts in the city; Albert Square, Brazennose Street, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, Corporation Street. Phew!

Although there’s always a huge selection of things to buy – trinkets, food and gifts – I’m more of a window shopper and my enjoyment stems from people watching. I just love being able to wonder around the markets with a Bailey’s Hot Chocolate to warm my paws, taking in all there is to offer and disappearing into the crowds. The trick is to go when it’s not -too- busy. At the weekends, town is full to the brim with market-goers so I like to pop by on a weekday evening after work.

My favourite area of the city in December has to be Albert Square, probably the epicentre of all things Christmas in Manchester. I absolutely love the pop-up Afflecks Palace they assemble in the town hall – gives me a perfect excuse to ogle at some stunning architecture and clothes at the same time. It’s also slightly removed from market street and the main high street shops, so it’s great for escaping Christmas shoppers during the day. In fact, the only downside is how empty the square looks when the stall owners go home on the 23rd December (but hey, who can blame them for wanting a Christmas, too?)

Anyway, on to what I wore… When exploring the city in December, it’s always key to dress with equal measurements of warmth and style. Luckily, my favourte Biba faux fur coat provides me with just that. After having bought this beauty after I first started my job last year as a little treat to me, from me, the comfort it provides in Winter has been helpful in justifying it as in investment piece. Plus, red + leopard print = totally me.

Faux fur coat: Biba – Boots: Deichmann – Dress: Neon Rose – Blouse: F&F Clothing – Headband: Faux Fur
Handbag: Vivienne Westwood – Tights: Primark
As the coat is such a huge statement piece, I kept the rest of the look pretty monochrome to compensate. The dress I wore is actually from Neon Rose’s Christmas Party collection, but by wearing it with my polkadot blouse from F&F Clothing underneath its transformed into a pinafore-style tea dress. Love a good transitional item! The finishing touches came from my Deichmann boots and market stall faux fur headband – I thought that it was a bargain at £6 from a market in town, until I saw a street-seller flogging them for £2! Eeek.

In case you’re wondering, my personalised bauble was a beautiful Christmas gift from Manchester Fashion Week and GettingPersonal.co.uk – such a gorgeous and thoughtful addition to my Christmas tree. #MCRFW is set to take place next year (I’m trying not to give too much away!) and last week they gave me a wonderful festive “bloggers box” to get me excited – see here for a picture of my loot. Although I’ve already worn my Moulin Rouge tights, my top picks had to be beautiful Oliver Bonas scarf, which will be perfect for looking chic for the rest of winter, my first Salcura skincare collection (Lord knows my skin needs it after indulging this Christmas) and my pretty in pink Filofax for the Breast Cancer Campaign – all I need for starting 2014 in style.

So kittens, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! What’s your favourite thing to do to get you in the festive mood, or to celebrate? Leave me a comment below and let me know! And don’t forget to follow me on Twitterlike my Facebook page and subscribe to my Youtube channel to keep up to date with all things fashion!

 

14 responses to “Boxing Day Outfit of the Day: Manchester Christmas Markets”

  1. Your outfit looks great – festive and lovely and warm. I loved your video as well. We never made the Christmas markets in Manchester this year – I am originally from Manchester but we live in Liverpool so we went there this year. We usually do both, but we have three kids, and they have been full of colds so we just went to one this year. Your video makes me miss the Manchester ones! x

    • Lily says:

      Thank you Kerrie, glad you liked it!

      Aw that's a shame you couldn't make it this year but totally understand it must be hectic with kids. At times its overwhelming enough for me on my own, it can get so busy. I bet Liverpool's markets are lovely too, though. I must visit next year as I've never seen their markets :) x

  2. Great outfit, love the coat!

  3. Jessica says:

    I love Manchester Christmas market. I feel spoilt that its a 2 minute walk from uni.
    Just found your blog and I'm in love :')

    xoxo
    jessica
    from
    http://www.thecrownwings.blogspot.com

    • Lily says:

      Aw thank you Jessica, what a lovely comment!

      Yeah you're so lucky to be so close, its so bare without them in town now isn't it? :( x

  4. Your Biba coat is to die for! Some amazing photography too!

    xXx

    Follow me too? Oh So Gawjess

  5. Colette B says:

    You look super glam – I hate dressing for the winter. Need to get a grip of my wardrobe this year!

  6. Hola Bambi says:

    Stunning photos you look amazing xx

Meet The Creator

Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.

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