At the moment we have the sales in Brussels and they really commit to BIG discounts! With our shipment taking it’s sweet time to arrive we are rather in need of a few things, especially a suit for Bond to wear to a wedding next weekend!
First stop is always Hackett, this is a brand that really fits Bond well and that he loves because it is good quality. We had decided a suit would be the best way forward but struggled to find one that wasn’t pure wool and thus extremely hot. The hunt was on for a different idea.
The lovely salesman went out of his way to hunt down the perfect ensemble and now Bond will be very dapper at the wedding. I would thoroughly recommend Hackett to all, the Brussels branch proved that wherever in the world you shop Hackett have ensured that the service will be great, the stores will be beautiful and the collection will have everything you’re looking for, and in this case even things you didn’t know you were looking for!
Having succeded at Hackett we rewarded ourselves with a calippo and a nice dinner at home. Sometimes it’s the small pleasures!
The next day it was my time for some more shopping, I have a new favourite store here in Brussels and they sent an email saying they had a sale, well it would have been rude not to check it out! Akaso is fabulous. The brand is all based on a tribe in Africa, they use prints based on the body painting that they use as part of their tribal identity. It means that each piece is really unique. The way they apply the print also has a 3D effect which makes it feel a lot like paint. The attention to detail is fantastic and the clothes are easy to wear while being stylish. PLUS Akaso give the tribe money for all their prints and so the community is being helped, fashion and doing good are a great combo in my opinion!
Another favourite spot for Bond and I is Waterstones. I suspect all expats have something that make them feel they are at home, and for us a good English book store is the way to go. They even sell favourite English food and all important tea bags. Nothing says home like a good cup of tea. Bond bought a couple of books but I resisted temptation as I have a pile by the bed already to get through.
The next stop was Zara where I picked up a few summer clothes, this heat is insane and my work wardrobe was severely lacking. Now I have a few pieces I can mix and match and not swelter on the Brussels Metro the whole time. The sale was incredible and I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I saved!
My best find in Belgium is Veritas. They sell all kinds of craft goods and for someone who LOVES to knit this is a must visit. The ability to go in and actually be able to look at the wool and get inspired is so great. The staff are also really friendly and helpful. the danger is there are a LOT of branches and I can never resist going in…now I have four new projects on the go!
Next we went to Cliff Tailor for their liquidation sale. Bond was rather upset that this store is closing down as it’s an old fashioned tailors with gorgeous stock and the store itself is so lovely, all wood pannelling with a stunning spiral staircase. We were really pleased to at least find out that the owner is closing out of choice so he can enjoy his retirement. Bond picked up some lovely belts which he needed so he was happy. Hopefully the new owners will maintain the look and feel of the store and also the great staff.
We finished our day off by going to the pharmacy for plasters and managed to meet a nice couple too! We hope to meet up with them again in the future so that we can have some new friends in Brussels!
All in all a great weekend full of treats!
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