With a combined social following of over 200,000 and a hugely popular fashion and lifestyle blog, The Frugality, the realist and first time mum is an inspiration for many women across the UK. Known for her ‘smart’ shopping tips, Alex’s ethos is about investing in key pieces at an affordable price to make the most of her budget and therefore was the perfect partner for McArthurGlen, whose centres are home to high street, premium and designer brands offering year-round savings of up to 60% off RRP.
Alex commented on the partnership, “I am an advocate of accessible fashion and have really enjoyed teaming up with McArthurGlen for The Autumn Game Changers edit. A day shopping at a McArthurGlen Designer Outlet proves that you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe to update your look as the seasons change; you just need to invest in key items, such as the perfect coat, bag or shoes. Incorporating these game-changers into your wardrobe can instantly refresh your look every day.”
For the campaign, Alex has used her expertise to select ten game-changing Autumn/Winter pieces from McArthurGlen’s six UK centres – Ashford, Bridgend, Cheshire Oaks, East Midlands, Swindon and York. Visiting some of her favourite brands such as Mulberry, Reiss, Jaeger, The Kooples, French Connection and Gap, Alex has curated six different looks, each featuring one or more game-changers. Whether it’s a statement leopard print coat from Guess, lust-worthy green handbag from Mulberry or must-have colour pop boots from Kurt Geiger, Alex showcases the staple items that will instantly transform any outfit and stand the test of time.
Style Notes: Alex’s top tips for AW18
Look 1: The great coat
Everyone needs a camel coat in their wardrobe, and this super soft version ticks all the boxes. Try mixing it with leather and a pop of red to make it feel fresh.
Game-changing items: Camel coat, Jaeger – RRP £375 Outlet price £249, Red colour pop boots, Miss KG (Kurt Geiger) – RRP £69 Outlet price £59
Look 2: Maxi length
Utility can be feminine: soft chiffon mixed with harder edged pieces, like a cocoon coat and chunky metal details, to bring the look up-to-date.
Game-changing items: Green bag, Mulberry – RRP £725 Outlet price £485
Look 3: Leopard print
There’s no doubt that leopard is the print of the season and paired with denim is the easiest way to wear it. Raw hem jeans dress down the busy top half of the look, whilst the embellished heels keep it feeling smart.
Game-changing items: Leopard print coat, Guess – RRP £159 Outlet price £99, Black embellished heels, Ted Baker – RRP £140 Outlet price £80, Red bag, Furla – RRP £291 Outlet price £179
Look 4: Print clash
Snake, zebra and leopard print all rolled into one outfit – why not?! The navy keeps it tonal and provides the perfect twist on classic animal print.
Game-changing items: Leopard print boots, Paul Smith – RRP £340 Outlet price £179, Zebra print bag, Furla – RRP £276 Outlet price £179
Look 5: Folklore
The best way to approach any trend is by slowly adding it to your wardrobe. This skirt is the perfect introduction to embroidery and folklore and paired with an oversized knit keeps it from feeling too girly.
Game-changing items: Embroidered skirt, French Connection – RRP £150 Outlet price £89
Look 6: Pyjama dressing
Soft tailoring has been around for a while, but we’re ramping up the pace a bit with a flash of red silk. Again, you don’t have to do the entire look – go for a relaxed approach and wear with stripes and a leather jacket for a weekend ready look.
Game-changing items: Navy biker jacket, Jaegar – RRP £299 Outlet price £199