The shops are brimming with autumn/winter stock and while we’re all hoping for some last minute sunshine, in reality it’s not going to happen.  Autumn is almost here so it’s time to assess your autumn/winter wardrobe and work out what you need to invest in this season.  But, before you head to the shops, why not get a little guidance?

There are two fantastic opportunities to find out what’s in store for us all this season.  The first is Bristol Fashion Week, up at Cribbs Causeway and the second is the Cabot Circus Fashion Show.  We really are a little spoilt here in Bristol.

Bristol Fashion Week is always fabulous.  The catwalk shows are entertaining (thanks somewhat to the banter between Mark Heyes from GMTV and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton), energetic and inspiring.  Everything showcased is available in store, so of course it’s inevitable that you’ll not leave empty handed.

There are 18 fashion shows so there’s plenty of opportunity to catch one, and with tickets only costing  £8.95, (or £13.95 for front row seats), it would be a shame to miss out.  Tickets are available from www.mallcribbs.com and include pre-show refreshments from M&S, a goody bag, discount vouchers for stores in The Mall and entry into a Free Prize Draw to win one of 18 Aspinal handbags worth over £395, courtesy of John Lewis. 



Cabot Circus Fashion Show is being held in association with the British Fashion Council and is another event that mustn’t be missed.  This one is free (yes free!!) and takes place this Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September.  There are 11 shows in total so there’s plenty of time to catch one in between shopping sprees.  For show times, visit www.cabotcircus.com/what’s on.

Thanks to the wide range of retailers in Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars, the catwalk shows not only showcase the best of the high-street, but you’ll also see the best of the designer brands too.  So whatever your budget you’ll be able to find something to update your autumn outfits from last year, and with many of Cabot Circus’s stores and restaurants offering up to 20% off, your pennies will go that little bit further.

I’ll be watching a show or two, and might even do a spot of live blogging (although this scares me slightly) so check back next week for some photos straight from the catwalk. 

I can’t believe it’s that time already, it seems only a couple of months ago that we were treated to a fabulous showcase of what Cribbs Causeway had to offer for the winter season, and now it’s time to discover what lovelies we can add to our wardrobe for spring/summer!
I can’t wait; I’ve been so busy updating client’s wardrobes so I’m really looking forward to taking some time out to think about what I might add to mine. I always find the fashion show’s at Cribbs Causeway a great source of inspiration, as they feature the latest trends in an easy to wear way.

If you’re still not sure, here’s a photo from last year to entice you...

Well it’s that time again, the new collections are making an appearance in the shops and with the sale items finally disappearing we can start to think about how to work the spring/summer trends and what to buy to update our wardrobes from last summer.

If you need some inspiration then head to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway for one of their fantastic fashion shows.

I used worked at John Lewis as one of their fashion advisors before setting up my own Personal Styling business, (www.nikiwhittle.com) and had the opportunity to experience the shows from behind the scenes. The work that goes into getting the shows and outfits just right is incredible!

Mark Heyes has become a regular host and is returning again, with celebrity hair dresser, Andrew Barton. Mark says: “Thousands of fashion-savvy ladies return year after year, so if you’ve not been before, then come and join us. As well as the fashion shows, you can enjoy free cosmetic make-overs, mini-manicures, massages, hair advice and styling by SAKS”

The fashion magazines are full of fab images from the catwalk shows at the moment, how many of you look at the models and think to yourself “there’s no way I can wear that!” Well you can, with a little inspiration from the Mall fashion show; you’ll discover how to interpret the catwalk looks and adapt them into something much more wearable.

Showcasing outfits for all ages and styles, and fabulous make-overs by Mark Heyes, the shows are a must for anyone who’s not sure about how to work this season’s trend’s, or is looking for a fab trip out.

Tickets cost from just £8.50 and are available from www.mallcribbs.com or The Mall’s Information Desk.

Makeover model Sally:


Sally Whitworth was picked to be one of the makeover models at The Mall's fashion show last October.

Sally said: “It was so exciting to receive personal style advice from Mark Heyes and the other experts. Going out on the catwalk was scary, but everyone was very supportive and knowing I looked good gave me the confidence to do it. The buzz stayed with me for some time afterwards. I’d really recommend the experience to anyone!”

All images courtesy of Sarah King