Hey kittens, hope you’re all okay! Following on from my last blog post about some freebies to be picked up at our local shopping centre, I thought I’d let you all in on my latest visit. The other week I was lucky enough to be invited over to arguably the shopping capital of Manchester, the iconic Arndale centre, to take part in their #TweetSeatAccess campaign. I’ve attended a couple of these events before as I think they’re a pretty near idea – basically, we’re shown around the hottest ways to way this seasons trends whilst live micro blogging (or tweeting!) our hot picks. Pretty cool, huh?

Not only do I love the idea of updating y’all on my chosen fashion high notes (which if you follow me on pretty much any social media, you’ll know that I love doing anyway) but I’m always keen to support the Arndale too. It might not be the most high fashion, designer focused centre, but it’s undoubtably accessible and mainstream; you’d be lying if you said you couldn’t find at least five shops in there for you! 

I joined the afternoon session and was greeted by the lovely Manchester Arndale ladies, who are always so friendly and welcoming. I was told we would be exploring four main trends for this Spring and Summer, popping into four different Arndale stores to match. As I had an appointment prior, I sadly missed the first stop at Dorothy Perkins, where I believe The pastels trend was explored. Apparently the focus was on pastel accessories, such as a statement pair of heels or clutch bag, which I personally believe to be the most wearable way to “do” the trend. God knows I’m too pale to pull off pastel jeans!

However, I was just in time to meet the group at their second stop of the day, Monsoon Accessorize. Having worked in this store in my school days (little secret there!) I do have a soft spot for this brand. Despite most of the clothing being for the older lady (I feel), we were showed some lovely flowery dressed as we explored the florals trend. “Florals for Spring, how original!” – does that Devil Wears Prada quote ring a bell with anyone? Unoriginal it might be, but classic I think so! I especially loved the floral Accessorize pieces, including some graphic floral jewellery and some amazing statement headpieces. The other ladies didn’t seem so keen on the floral crowns, but with five already in my wardrobe, I’m fully ready to invest in some more!

Thirdly, we explored the colour block trend in Kurt Geiger AKA shoe heaven. We were shown a range of this seasons’ best sellers, ranging from flat canvas slip-ons to classic Kurt stiletto heals. We were told how orange ran through all of the new collections in store and was THE statement colour to rock with an LBD right now. However, if you aren’t feeling brave enough for such a florescent shade, apparently cobalt blue is the secondary colour favoured.

Finally (phew!) we were shown around the largest Boots store in Central Manchester, where we learnt about Spring hair and makeup trends by No.7, Smashbox and Bumble and Bumble. Despite being pretty stuck in my ways with my makeup – always a red lip, winged eyeliner and fairly simple pale complexion – the beauty blogger in me loves to learns about new products so I was delighted to be sent away with a sample of the Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream which is yet to be released. Exciting! I was also pleased to near that Bumble and Bumble, a New York brand, do a range specifically for curly hair. I might have to try…

Over all, my whilstle stop tour of the Arndale was a success – it showed me how the mainstream shopper can get their accessible trend fix. It’s not all glam, but it’s a Manc institution and I’m pretty sure you’d be lying if you’d said you hadn’t shopped there. And now, with the hottest Spring/Summer 2014 trends hitting the shelves, you have no excuse not to.

So kittens, what are your top spring trends for this year? Leave me a comment and let me know!