When it comes to buying the right pair of trainers, it can be a bit of a struggle. There are just so many to choose from and they all seem to have a different purpose. Well, I’ve made the search a little easier by picking out my fave three trainers to wear in the gym, on light runs (up to 5k) or even just for running errands. They’ll do the job all while looking super cute as well. What’s not to like!
Last week, I was invited to join team New Balance at their brand new Bicester Village store. Home to many premium and luxury brands, Bicester Village is the destination for anybody searching for quality products at great prices making it an ideal spot for New Balance to make home for their new outlet arrival. As well as being the brand’s most premium outlet store, it is also the first performance sports offering available at Bicester Village, so you can only imagine how excited I was to pay it a visit.
The Store
The boutique sized store fits perfectly with the usual New Balance style and has clearly been designed with much care and thought. It’s clean interior and bright lighting allows for the products to be show-cased to their full potential. There is also a clever use of storage, with hidden drawers holding masses of trainers- ready to try on and buy at the drop of a hat. No waiting around here!
There’s a clear divide between women’s and menswear with each having their own half of the store, so there’s no confusion as to where to head for what. The staff are also amazingly friendly and surprisingly well-knowledged, especially as the store only opened earlier this month.
It’s an intimate setting compared to their recent Oxford Street haven, but means that it only has room for the best products…
The Product
Stocked with the top picks of New Balance product, including premium ranges and limited edition pieces, anyone with a passion for great quality sportswear or athleisure will find themselves in NB paradise. The selection includes sought after ranges such as the ‘Explore the Sea’ pack, the New Balance x Horween Leather and the women’s J.Crew collaboration.
Trainer-wise, you will not be let down. There’s plenty to choose from across both lifestyle and performance for both men and women. Sneakerheads, beware! Although with outlet prices, there’s really no need to hold back.
My Top Picks
As part of the day, I was asked to pick out my favourite pieces… Not. A. Problem!
I have to say, I did spend most of my time running between the New Balance x J.Crew section and the changing rooms with a few cheeky stops by the trainers! Although my usual style is pretty monochrome (all black/no colour whatsoever/maybe some grey), the fit and style of the bright orange and blue set had me swooning and I just had to add it to my shopping bag! I also nabbed the most dreamy drop back vest top, a striped crop and two pairs of black trainers, of which one pair glows in the dark!!
I practically live in sportswear, so loved being able to try on all of the premium activewear pieces- the ideal additions to my athleisure wardrobe.
A huge thank you to New Balance for an amazing day. If you’re a New Balance fan (or even just looking for some quality sportswear that won’t break the bank) then I would definitely recommend a trip to their new store. Enjoy! x
I recently posted about the Puma Do You styling event and after party (if you missed it click right here) and promised to update you guys with the images from the shoot. Well, the lovely ladies who invited me down were in touch today- super speedy I must say- with the final shots.
Here’s a little BTS!
And here’s me, styled by Nayaab Tania and shot by Loan Love.
Yesterday I headed to East London for an afternoon & evening of fun with Puma Women. In perfect timing with Internation Women’s Day, Puma decided to celebrate their Do You campaign, which aims to empower women everywhere. Just my thing!! The event started with a super cute styling session and was followed by a jam-packed after party.
The Do You Styling Session
Held in the iconic railway arches of London, Puma pulled out all the stops to provide myself and a whole load of other influencer/creative/kick-ass babes with the chance to style their very own shoot. With rails of the new SS17 Puma lifestyle range and in-demand stylist Nayaab Tania at hand, we definitely had all the right tools to create the perfect spring summer athleisure look.
There was a hair and makeup station, masses of clothes to choose from and London’s hottest female photographers Emma Breschi and Loan Love. What more could you want! Nayaab kitted me out with the cuttest oversized flare pants (with a slit up both legs of course) and obviously Puma trainers to complete the outfit, while Loan Love snapped away & even left me with this tiny Polaroid to take home- how sweet!
My second outfit was from the Puma X Fenty range by Rihanna and it was heavenly. A matching tracksuit with baggy pants and a cropped sweat; oversized, ridiculously comfy and in Khaki (one of my fave colours) it couldn’t have been more perfect. Unfortunately I don’t have any images just yet of this outfit but I’ll make sure to post them over on my Instagram (@kirbyanne) as soon as the professional shots are sent over!
Throughout the session we were kept fully hydrated- ish- with prosecco & a variety of juices at the Puma bar. Yum!
The Do You After Party
As predicted, the party did not disappoint. In the same location as the styling session there was a fully stocked free bar, music from the baddest female DJs (girl power at its finest), an in-demand photo booth and a room full of people bringing nothing but positive energy. We danced, socialised, drank and basically had a load of fun in true girl boss style. Even the boys came down to celebrate!
So here’s a huge thank you to Puma Women! Don’t forget to keep an eye out over on my Instagram (@kirbyanne) for the results from my photo shoot.
Lots of love to all of the amazing women out there- let’s show the world what we’re made of!!
Kirby xxx
It’s a brand new week, meaning that we have a whole seven days to make the most of it. Mine is looking to be rather hectic, so I’ll need all the energy that I can to tackle it with the usual Tigeress style.
Here’s some rather bright fitness inspo from my shoot with photographer Tom Joy. Let’s smash this week!
Tigeress Lifestyle 