Now I may have lived in London for 6 whole years, but why did no one tell me about the incredible designer shopping outlet that’s an hour door to door from my house?!
Of course, I’d heard of The O2 for being one of the biggest concert arenas in the UK, but what I didn’t realise was that it’s also an epic place to shop for designer items at bargain prices, with up to 70 per cent off over 60 brands including adidas, Calvin Klein, Sunglass Hut, French Connection, Clarins and so many more - all under the iconic roof of The O2.
From North Greenwich tube station, I had a short two minute walk to the impressive O2 Arena, where I came fully prepared with my trusty Adanola tote bag, ready to fill up with designer goodies and £100 to spend - and let me tell you, I was not disappointed with what I found.
The first shop which caught my eye as I stepped off the escalator was French Connection which recently opened. It was as if I entered my dream autumn wardrobe, with each rail bursting cosy knits, thick padded coats and patterned dresses.
A jumper which I deeply regret not buying is this stunning Mid Mix Rib Half Zip Jumper which was down to £44 from £65, however I’ve spotted it for exactly the same price online - it’s fate right?
Shop prices 'are yet to peak and will remain high' as inflation hits new heightsOne thing I was in desperate need for was some new bras, so I was delighted to stumble across Calvin Klein in the outlet - and even happier to see that there was up to 70 per cent off some of my favourite styles.
Due to them being so affordable, I picked up two - a handy lightly lined white t-shirt bra for just £28 down from £48, and then an amazing Skims dupe bra in nude for £31 down from £44 - however I've spotted it for even cheaper online for just £20.
Although we’re heading into the depths of winter, I couldn't not head into my guilty pleasure store, the Sunglass Hut - and I was shocked at all the amazing discounts on offer. Now I've been after a pair of Prada sunglasses for a while now, but can't bring myself to spend above and beyond on a pair, however seeing as my favourites had been dropped to £220 from £315 - I couldn't not treat myself to them for my next holiday (sadly this did make me go over my £100 budget though)
Of course, it wouldn't be a shopping trip without stocking up on some beauty, so I headed to The Cosmetic Store to pick up some of my cult favourites for a fraction of the price. Having read plenty of positive reviews about the MAC Stack Mascara, I decided to try it out as it was down to just £18 from £27 - and I can confirm, the rumours are true - my lashes have never looked so long!
I was also in desperate need for a new eyebrow gel, so picked up the Too Faced Brow Wig Fluffy Brow Gel which cost me £15.50 instead of £22. Last but not least I grabbed this Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm Lip Treatment which is packed with nourishing fruit oils, conditioning butters, coconut water and plumping hyaluronic acid - and I've not stopped applying it (and smelling it) since buying it!
As well as treating yourself to fashion and beauty, there's also plenty of homeware stores too including Le Creuset, mur mur and Pro Cook - so there's something for everyone. It's also a great place to do your Christmas shopping for less as you can pick up a fancy skincare set for Mum at Clarins, and a bestselling aftershave for your other half from The Fragrance Shop.
All in all, I had an incredible experience at The O2, and can't wait to head back there for my next shopping trip. One thing I'd flag is that I've spotted some of the products I bought for even cheaper online, so it may be worth looking them up first to make sure you can't get it cheaper elsewhere.