Got bitten by an adventurous bug today, so I decided to venture a little beyond central London for shopping. Bicester came to mind – the country’s leading shopping village right in the heart of Oxfordshire, midway between London and Birmingham. And it’s easy to get to besides: Tube to Maryleborne station, and from there, the connecting train direct to Bicester. I heard there’s a fab shopping village there simply named Bicester Village, where I can find outlet shops of designer goods and other gems at knockout prices – fantastic discounts of up to 60% and even steals such as two bags for the price of one! OK, that’s it, what am I waiting for… Bicester, here I come!

Needless to say, I went a little mad shopping here. My first pit stop was Tods, where I chanced a maroon leather tote bag. I was smitten immediately! With the discounted price tag and the healthy tax refund I was entitled, I needed no more persuasion – I whipped out my credit card. Deal done!

I also visited the other stores like Burberry, LK Bennett, Fred Perry, Pringle of Scotland, Mulberry and Salvatore Ferragamo, where I spotted a pair of red shoes that would match my bag to the tee. Another deal done with just as little persuasion!

Here, there’s something for everyone…among stores for men, for beauty, for travel, lingerie and even for the home. It’s really easy to spend the entire day here. I grabbed lunch at the largest Pret a Manger store in London. You know what? I could get used to living in Bicester!