Personal Shopping At Selfridges, Designer Try On Haul & A Day In Manchester

It's not every day you get to enjoy Selfridges all to yourself, okay, almost all to myself. I spend the majority of my time in London, closely followed by Leeds and actually, rarely Manchester anymore so it was great to head back to Manchester last week. My excuse for going to Manchester is usually to see Lee, my hairdresser at Sassoon. I do really like Manchester, the restaurant scene is epic and, it's home to my favourite hotel too. Come personal shopping with me in Selfridges and see what I got to try on: spoiler, I'm in love... P.S, whilst I've got you, click here and sign up to my new newsletter. It goes out every Friday morning full of random bits and bobs just for newsletter subscribers. I'd love to have you!!!

We started the day at Gran Cafe by San Carlo. San Carlo is one of my favourite Italian's and it was a pleasure to try their lunch offerings on the ground floor of Selfridges. I had no idea it even existed. We indulged on delicious sharing starters (give me all the mozzarella) and rather than the cocktails they had on offer, I opted for a smoothie (all in the name of Em's Challenge). 

I never go for salads but I was crazy full from the starters so thought a light salad would hit the spot. The salad was epic but it certainly wasn't a light salad! It was one of the best salads I've ever had but the portion was huge. Next time, I'll skip the starters! 

After lunch we rushed straight over to Louboutin Beauty. I've used Louboutin nail varnish before but didn't realise they offered beauty appointments in their stores. I went for an eye, brow and lip appointment and as someone who loves getting her face base done, I was actually so impressed. The girls at Louboutin are incredible and made me dare to pull off a smoky eye. I also did some fragrance testing and had no idea just how good their fragrances smelt, I'm totally out of the loop... 

It's safe to say Louboutin mascara is one of the best out there. 

I feel as if I need all the nude Louboutin lipsticks and lip liners need to be in my life now. My lips felt so full and I walked away from the counter feeling lovely. I just wish I'd booked in for a blow dry on this day too! Shop Louboutin beauty here. 

I wandered around Selfridges, picking out all my dream items and then popped them into the huge Selfridges personal shopping lounge. The lounge is so beautiful, exactly how I'd like my future home to be. I'm pretty tempted to sell my whole current wardrobe and make way for the above, it's the perfect transitional Autumn wardrobe. 

The designer bags: 

 I'm a little difficult when it comes to handbags. I don't really follow the trends and try to go for absolute wardrobe staples, like my Gucci swing bag years on, I still have it and it fits everything into it. As I've got more into designer handbags, I've fallen madly in love with a few brands. My current favourites are Gucci, Prada and LV because I'm desperate for the envelope bag everyone has. However, I do recognise that some of these bags cost the same price as a car and I am saving for a house so at the moment, sadly the Gucci of my dreams and the LV will have to wait. It didn't stop me styling them up though (and was kinda like taking candy from a baby when I couldn't take them home with me). I love bags but I constantly think about the fact that 1 Gucci = 1 holiday abroad for my whole family. I know it's silly but sometimes I think it's best to hold out for one you can use forever. I'm just old fashioned. 

I fell in love with the Soho Disco, I didn't think I'd like it on myself because everyone has it but actually, I loved the way it looked. It's such a classic and so easy to wear. Shop it online here and here. 

The Gucci Sylvie is one I've wanted forever, personally, I just don't think it's futureproof and it's one I'll happily wear a few times but probably wont get as much wear out of it as one should. Shop it online here and here. 

My absolute favourite though is the Prada Astrology bag, I cannot find it anywhere online and it seems it's really old (which is totally fine) but means I can't link it, you can get similar Prada bags online here, here, here AND here. 

The clothes: 

I tried on a lot of clothes and I've decided to put cheaper options alongside the actual outfit too, so you can either buy the exact outfit or recreate the look.

White Lace Dress - Possibly the most flattering dress I have ever come across. It hugs in all the right places and I felt like a real life princess.

Online here, here, here  and here and similar but cheaper online here.

The Gucci Bow Shoes - (of my dreams, which are typically only sold in America online) 

Online here and here and here not designer but similar style here and here.

The Maje Button Dress - Easy to wear, flattering and surprisingly comfortable too.

Online here and similar here and here and here.

Gucci Star Trainers - I've wanted some Gucci trainers for as long as I can remember. Selfridges didn't have the ones I wanted in stock but I did try these, just incase. I also tried some Paige denim jeans and thought they fit me so well, I'm a sucker for good quality jeans. I do love a casual look once in a while.

Gucci bee trainers I love online here, other Gucci trainers, with heart online here, with stars online here and here. T-shirt online here but similar here and here.

Sandro Blue Shirt Dress -  I think this is so cute for a day-to-night occasion. It's so easy to wear.

Shop online here and similar here and here.

Victoria Beckham Jumper -  I've always admired Victoria Beckham and it goes without saying that she's a total style icon. I finally tried on one of her jumpers with the jeans.

Shop the jeans online here and similar here.

Shop the jumper online here and similar here and here and here.

Rag And Bone Coat - I fell in love with this Rag And Bone coat, it was so easy to wear and just made any outfit I tried it with look classy. Is it bad to buy Autumn coats in August?

Shop the coat online here and similar but cheaper online here and here and here.
Shop the Valentino studs online here. 

Maje Leather Jacket - I'm a sucker for a good leather jacket and have always wanted a Maje one.

Shop the leather jacket online here and similar here. and here. 

Diane Von Furstenberg Dress - This is such a stunning dress and actually, I thought it would be a lot more expensive. I couldn't stop twirling in it.

Shop the dress online here.

With style, I'm a big believer in mixing designer and high street. I'll always pop Topshop jeans with my Gucci bag and a nice leather jacket for example. Make sure you do check out Selfridges online as I seriously did (as you can see above!) have a field day and find so many incredible pieces. I already can't wait to go back and try on some more bits.

Watch below and you can see my whole try on haul and watch my day in Manchester (if you could press subscribe it would obviously make my day too!):

 Shop the items from above below, just swipe across and click:

After a day of pampering at Selfridges, we headed to King Street Townhouse hotel, my favourite hotel. I'd love to have a bit more time here, it seems I always check in crazy late and then have to rush out. We got stuck in hours of traffic to Manchester so sadly just didn't have the time I wanted to really enjoy the Townhouse. You can read my full review of King Street Townhouse if you missed it. I managed to have a quick bath before dinner and have now decided I need that bath in my own bedroom. 

 Getting ready in King Street Townhouse hotel is a total dream, it's such a clean and wonderful hotel, hence why I wish I had more time there. From the moment I checked in I felt relaxed, at home and can never quite believe how great the service is. Nothing is too much for them. I've stayed in fabulous hotels around the world and King Street Townhouse is one of the best for first class service. I never want to check out when I stay there.

We headed to Neighbourhood Manchester for dinner. I've heard good things and didn't really know what to expect. They're getting one in Leeds which should be exciting for the city. It was ridiculously dark as it's more of a bar so apologies that my photos aren't as nice as I'd like them to be. It's a great place for delicious food, cocktails and then a dance. The idea behind Neighbourhood is to drink, dance and dine. We devoured mini burgers, some of the best sushi I've found up North and the best bit, the cocktails. Neighbourhood do amazing drinks, including mini shots that light up - note to self, must go back with a group of friends. My cocktail came complete with mini gummy bears. I loved the relaxed vibe, the music was epic (with live sax players!) and the delicious food. I could have sat there all night eating and drinking. 

We didn't want to leave Neighbourhood but knew we wanted to get up bright and early to enjoy King Street Townhouse before check out. I can't recommend Neighbourhood enough for a really fun and delicious night and I'll definitely be back.

I know I should probably head downstairs for breakfast one of these days but King Street Townhouse make their rooms so idyllic, I never want to leave. I slept like a baby and felt so at home and happy waking up in their cloud like princess beds. They'd even left me a note saying 'welcome back' and it made me so happy that they remembered me as I'll certainly never forget them. They offer the best breakfast in bed, ever and even though they could, they don't sting you with London prices for it.

I had a massage. after breakfast and it was one of the best I've had. Yup, this boutique hotel offers massages too. It was seriously needed after a stressful week. We then headed up and enjoyed the spa, with incredible views over Manchester and a heated spa pool. We also used the sauna and steam room. I'm desperate to book my family in here for a relaxing mid-week trip and think I'm gonna have to do it potentially for my birthday in December! I know they'd fall in love. 

 We finished our stay with a retreat to King Street Townhouse' cosy little lounge. We nibbled away with their afternoon tea (the scones were delicious) before heading to my hair dresser. Reluctantly, I checked out of my little Northern paradise.

I headed to Lee at Sassoon for a much needed hair cut. He is just epic and has turned my hair around. Read about Lee and my hair disaster here.  I felt so rejuvenated after my massage, spa morning and then hair treatment and cut. I hope my hair continues to grow and stay in good condition now but I know, under Lee it definitely will.

So there we have it, a look at a whirlwind two days in Manchester, luxury personal shopping and a pamper day with Selfridges, epic date night at Neighbourhood and then a stay at one of my favourite hotels ever, don't worry - I'll be back.

Have you visited Manchester? Have you heard of the hotel? Do you like any of the clothes I tried on?

Lots of love, Em x

You might also like:

Topshop personal shopping review 
My current wishlist 
The best restaurants in Leeds
 Review of King Street Townhouse

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