Hi Everyone!
I hope you’re all enjoying the lead up to Christmas. While lots of us will be on top of our Christmas shopping and preparation, there are many of us who find it difficult to fit everything in around work. That’s why I was so pleased to find out that Princesshay Exeter is holding late night shopping until 9pm each Thursday making it perfect of those who just don’t have time to get to the shops during normal opening hours.
On Thursday I was lucky enough to experience late night shopping in Princesshay myself and was so impressed by how much they have going on this year. Even though the shops were open until 9pm, I was exploring right up until the last minute.
I started out by heading to Debenhams to get a makeover. There is such a large amount of choice when it comes to makeup in Debenhams that you will surely find something that you or your loved ones will like. I chose to get a Chanel makeover as their products have always been such amazing quality and have completely transformed my skin when I’ve used them. The staff are incredibly helpful and made sure to chose products that suited my skin type and tone, giving me advice on would work best for me throughout. I have truly never had a makeover which complimented my skin, eye colour and hair colour so well. With the consultation being free, there is no harm in speaking with a member of staff in order to gain some invaluable advice about what would work best for you or someone you’re trying to find a gift for.
Next I moved onto the hidden gem, personal shopping. I actually had no idea that Debenhams offered entirely free personal shopping appointments until now. I was also told that the staff do not work on any commission so you are not pushed into making any purchase. The great thing about personal shopping is that you are introduced to so many brands, cuts and colours that you might not normally try but that actually really suit you. After a few questions about what I am missing from my wardrobe, I quickly had over 12 stunning pieces to try on which completely suited my needs for both work and events. I always struggle to find outfits that I can wear to work but also might be able to wear to dinner with friends afterwards. However, everything presented before me worked perfectly for both work and socialising.
After trying this experience, I want to go back every time I need to find something to wear. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have left a shop frustrated after finding nothing that suits me. With personal shopping it completely takes away that hassle and lets you concentrate on simply picking out clothes that you really love.
Something that Princesshay has also done to make late night shopping even more special is by putting on acts in the main square. Last Thursday I was lucky enough to watch the heliosphere act which was one of the most magical things I have ever seen. The acrobat was suspended underneath a helium balloon in the air above us which really created the illusion of flying.
To finish off the evening I headed to Carluccios to try out their festive menu. The sweet smell of pastries, panettone, cakes and biscuits were heavenly. We were immediately greeted by the friendly and bubbly staff who showed us to our table in a peaceful corner of the busy restaurant.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated with colourful Christmas gifts, baubles and twinkling candles and there was a warm, charming atmosphere inside on a cold night in Exeter.
You can choose from “Menu Festivo” which gives you less options and is cheaper or the very filling and diverse “Menu Di Natale”. I obviously chose the second option as the mussels on here looked too delicious to resist.
I went for the Antipasto to start which was ham presented with baked ricotta, prosciutto, salami and peppers while my boyfriend had the chicken liver pate. Both of them were so delicious but light enough that we weren’t too full for mains.
For mains, I went on to get the Cod and Mussels and my boyfriend got the Chicken Saltimbocca Al Vin Santo. Mine was not a very festive dish but it was still a cosy comfort food dish – which is what Christmas is all about! Having just one bite of the chicken dish is enough to make me come back for another visit and is definitely the first thing you should try when visiting Carluccios this Christmas.
Furthermore, Carluccio’s drinks list has everything you need for a festive get together from a fantastic range of Italian wines and festive fizz, through to Italian craft beers and seasonal cocktails.
Not only will Carluccio’s fill you with festive food and cheer but it’s also the perfect place to buy some of your Christmas gifts. Choose from the beautifully curated Christmas gift collection, all from Italy’s best artisan producers, including carefully wrapped gift boxes and hampers.
Overall, I absolutely loved my late night shopping experience with Princesshay. I managed to fit in getting a makeover, having a personal shopping experience, watching a unique act in the square and ended the night by trying a delicious festive menu. Princesshay just has so much to offer during it’s late night shopping and is absolutely worth paying a visit to. So what are you waiting for? Make sure experience your own late night shopping each Thursday until 9pm leading up to Christmas.
Make sure to let me know what you get up to 🙂
See you in my next post!
Clara
