Father’s Day is just around the corner and here at The Rock we know just how tricky it can be to find the perfect gift for that special dad or granddad – so to make it easier this year we’ve pulled together a handy gift guide of Father’s Day presents available from retailers at The Rock.
Put a smile on his face with a delicious giant cookie personalised with a message of your choice from Millie’s Cookies. Prices start at £14.99.
Over at Debenhams there’s plenty of accessories for dapper dads from prime leather men’s bags, wallets and to elegant formalwear with a choice of ties and pocket squares with gifts to suit all budgets.
Does your dad love a cuppa? Or maybe a whiskey is his tipple? From pint pots to flasks there’s a range of special gifts available at The Card Factory, with mugs starting from £2.99.
Maybe dad needs to relax and enjoy a pamper, if that’s the case head to Lush and treat him to one of their Father’s Day gift bundles and let him have some ‘me time’. From budget bath-bombs to full gift sets the store has something to suit every pocket.
Treat him to a new scent from The Perfume Shop – as part of the store’s Father’s Day promotion there’s some great discounts on some much-loved aftershaves.
From toffees to t-shirts and whiskey to real ales there’s an endless choice of treats in store at M&S – make sure you don’t open them before you gift them.
And don’t forget the card!
However you plan on wishing your dad a Happy Father’s Day on Sunday 18th June, visit The Rock for the perfect gift.
The biggest event on the movie calendar, the Oscars is taking place on Sunday 28th February. In preparation, we’ve picked out some of the best shopping scenes in movie history.
But be warned, reading this article will make you want to shop, right now.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
2 minutes of glamorous window shopping has become one of the most iconic opening scenes in movie history. A timeless classic in which Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, dressed in a Givenchy black dress and silk gloves stares longingly in the window of Tiffany’s on Fifth Avenue, New York.
Pretty Woman
This scene has got it all; a changing room montage with a killer song and a fashion transformation, featuring Julia Roberts strolling down Rodeo Drive.
Big
For the bit where Tom Hanks gets a dream job in a toy shop by playing Chopsticks on a giant foot operated electronic keyboard. We just wish this could happen in real life.
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Taking all those emotions we have during the sales: the temptation, the frustration, the justification and the guilt, and multiplying them to the max.
What Women Want
The best prom dress shopping scene with one of the best soundtracks to match.
Clueless
For the scene when shopping can’t even solve Cher’s romantic problems and she walks from Rodeo Drove to the soundtrack of ‘All by myself.’ We’ve all been there, Cher.
Elf Ok, ok it’s not Christmas. But Elf still makes the cut on this list for the number of laugh out loud moments that happen inside a shop.
Crazy, Stupid Love Finally it’s a guy’s turn to get a fashion transformation as Steve Carell is given a de-slobbing makeover with assistance from Ryan Gosling. A pretty perfect situation if you ask us.
Have you got any other classic shopping movie moments? Tweet us @therockbury
Shopping is a skill. It takes practice to become a pro. Here’s how to take your shopping to the next level to help you save time, money and stress.
Take a break
Shopping can be tiring, so keep your energy up with regular snack breaks. Plan your route so that it ends in something you can look forward to, like a meal at Frankie and Benny’s or a coffee and a cake at Barista.
Click and collect
If you’ve already got your heart set on something, order it online and collect it from the store. That way, you don’t have to search desperately around the shop and you cut out the risk of it selling out. This is a free service offered by many retailers including, Topshop, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Debenhams and Next.
Change is good thing
Always have loose change on you for things like the parking machine or the bus home.
Need versus want
Make a shopping list, categorising it into things you really need and things you want. That way you can prioritise your purchases and don’t forget something crucial like your Dad’s birthday present.
Take an honest friend
Take THAT friend, who will always tell you the truth, even if it’s hard to hear. Because sometimes we need to know when we’ve already got 22 bags or when that style isn’t flattering our shape.
Twitter
Follow your favourite shops (and The Rock) on Twitter and have a scroll through their feeds when you’re shopping. That means you’ll be the first on the scene for the latest deals.
Earlier the better
The mornings are always quieter at The Rock, and at shopping centres generally. So beat the crowds, queues and the competition and get in there earlier. We’re not talking 8am, let’s be realistic and call it 10.
Treat the kids on a budget
Reward the kids for good behaviour with a meal out, bowling or the cinema. With Mini Mornings at Vue Cinema tickets start from just £1.99 and at AMF Bowling kids can eat, drink and bowl for £6.59. Check out our other offers here.
It doesn’t matter what your partner says, how much they claim to not care, Valentine’s Day matters. So we’ve picked out our favourite gifts from The Rock to help you to discover the perfect match this Valentine’s Day.
Taking you seamlessly and stylishly from winter through to spring.
Hippie Chic
The 70s trend is here to stay. Think suede, bold prints, chunky layers, and flared pants to create modern 70s-inspired ensembles. We’re just thankful that double denim is no longer a style sin.
Kiss The Sky Talitha Cold Shoulder Dress £32.00 Ark (left)
The slip on
This may take until the weather warms to really hit the high streets, but the slip on is back and it’s sexier than ever. Underwear, outerwear, same thing. The key to this trend is layering, over fine knits and lace.
Bringing the soft florals of summer into winter, with moody, mellow, darker vibes. Look out for florals mixed with lace and team with even darker colours.
Whether they’re big and bold, delicate and detailed, or even combining them both together, for 2016, the stripe is oh so right. Instant style, without too much effort.
We know, we never thought we’d see the day either. But unlike Justin and Britney, 90s fashion is back. Dungarees, chokers, crop tops, matching sets, high waisted jeans and shirts tied casually around your waist, it’s the naughty 90s gone good.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. From festive feasts to Christmas crackers, family fun to finding the perfect gift, here are 10 reasons why we love Christmas at The Rock….
1 – Advent calendars
25 days of chocolate in the morning. Can it get any better? Well, we tried, bringing you a giant advent calendar at The Rock with a new exclusive offer EVERY day. We announce them every morning on our Facebook page.
2 – Christmas singles
‘It’s Christmas!’ as Slade remind us every year, but the songs never get old. Whether you’re into Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You, Wham!’s Last Christmas or The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York, the list goes on.
Whether it’s Santa outfits, festive jumpers or a new party dress for your Christmas do, ‘tis the season to look jolly good. River Island are all about bold coloured dresses with faux fur, for a hint of glint head to Next or for the perfect combo of rich tartans and pretty velvet head to Ark.
5 – Secret Santa
You just don’t know what you’re going to get. It fills you with excitement and fear in equal measure… but it just wouldn’t be Christmas without Secret Santa. Struggling for ideas? There’s games, jigsaws and stocking fillers at The Entertainer.
It’s not so secret, but you can visit Santa’s Grotto at The Rock throughout December, for free!
6 – Topping the tree
Wrestling with the tree to get it down from the loft, tangling the dog up in tinsel as he bites baubles from the tree, and the yearly quest to find the one light that’s not working, all part of the fun and games of Christmas. But we all know that whoever gets to top the tree with the star is the real winner.
7 – Turkey dinner with all the trimmings
Turkey, stuffing, roast potatoes and veg, Christmas food is totally worth the extra pounds you’re probably going to put on. We’ve created a Festive Food Market full of our favourites including the German sausage swing grill, The Little Chocolatier, Donut and Creperie Cottage and Christmas roasts stall, running until 3rd January.
8 – Festive cheers
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a glass of bubbly in the morning and a sherry to wash down your roast dinner. Take the party home with you with a selection of festive fizz from M&S.
9 – TV specials
Your favourite TV shows are all scrambling for a slice of your attention like a new puppy on Christmas day. If you’re not the Queen’s speech sort-of family, there’s your classic Doctor Who, and recently turned festive favourite, Mrs Brown’s Boys.
10- And all the presents!
How could we forget? Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, there’s lots to choose from here at The Rock. Build your own bear at Build-a-bear Workshop, pick up the latest video games from GAME or choose a new fragrance from The Perfume Shop.
With the arrival of Urban Decay in Debenhams, they recently held a make-up masterclass to show how to achieve a smoky eye using their new Naked Smoky palette and we went along to see how it’s done.
Prime your lids – To help keep eyeshadow in place, use a primer on your lids for a smoother application, more vibrant colour and to prevent creasing. Urban Decay’s Eye Shadow Primer Potions (£16) come in three shades and also in a travel size (£8), you only need a small amount so this product really will last you a long time.
Build your eye-shadow – When creating a smoky look it is important to slowly build the colour to achieve the shade you want, smoky eyes isn’t just about using shades of black. Using the Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette (£38), apply the shade Dagger on to middle section of your eyelid across to the outer edge with a flat eyeshadow brush, patting the shadow on to build the colour to a shade you are happy with. With a clean eyeshadow brush apply the shade Armor to the inner corner of your eye up to the middle of the eyelid. Build on top of the middle section where you put Dagger with the shade Smolder, and also take this colour underneath the eye along the lower lash line using the smoky smudger side of the double-ended brush included with the palette.
It’s all about blending – Using the tapered crease end of the applicator brush blend the colours together using small circular movements, this will create the smoky look you are aiming for. With an angled brush take the shade Black Market and create a V shape on the outer edge / crease of your eyelid, you can keep building this if you want to make it darker. Again use the tapered crease brush and buff this colour into your crease using small circular motions to blend it all together.
Define your eyes – To create definition and for the ultimate smoky look, eye liner is a must. Use the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye-Pencil (£15.50) in the shade Black Velvet along the waterline (just above the lower lash line) from one corner of the eye to the other. Use Ink for Eyes precision eye pen (£15.50) and draw a smooth line along the top lash line from the inner corner to the outer edge of your eye, add a wing or flick using the precision pen applicator.
Mascara is a must – To finish off the smoky look and create dramatic dark lashes first use the Subversion Lash Primer (£15.50), it conditions and primes lashes helping them appear thicker and fuller, don’t be put off by its white appearance as your mascara will mask this when applied after. Follow with the best selling Perversion mascara (£17.50) which is the blackest of blacks, apply one coat to one eye and then move on to the next eye before going back to other to build up the mascara, apply on top and bottom lashes. Use Naked Concealer (£17.50) to tidy up any fall out from the eye shadow or to neaten up edges, and your look is complete!
How to achieve the smoky eye look the Urban Decay way
To get your hands on the new Naked Smoky palette or to book in for a smoky eye make-over of your own (cost of make-over redeemable on purchases on the day), visit the Urban Decay counter at Debenhams, The Rock.
With Father’s Day on Sunday 21st June it’s time to start thinking about what to get Dad, so we’ve taken the hassle out of searching for the perfect gift with our top picks from stores at The Rock.
Aftershave
Looking for the perfect Father’s Day fragrance? The Perfume Shop have some fantastic offers so you can treat Dad for less. Boss Bottled Night is a classic masculine fragrance full of elegance and depth, now only £42.99 for a whopping 200ml bottle (saving £33). Versace Eros has notes of mint leaves, lemon zest and green apple coupled with cedarwood, making it an intense and powerful scent. You will receive a free Versace men’s military weekend bag when you purchase a 50ml fragrance (£38.99) or larger. Diesel’s Only The Brave has a woody oriental scent, you can get a 200ml bottle for just £53.99 (saving £12.51) which also comes with a free weekend bag.
Skincare
Want to treat Dad to something special? Clinique in Debenhams have a free bonus time gift including travel size face scrub, face wash, cream shave, post-shave soother, moisturising lotion, anti –ageing eye gel and eye cream, all in a stylish travel bag. Simply buy two or more Clinique for Men products to claim your free gift until Saturday 20th June at Debenhams.
In store at Lush check out their ‘Say No to Socks’ collection of alternative Father’s Day gifts. The Happy Hippy shower gel has an uplifting fragrance with pink grapefruit and bergamot oil (£3.75 for 100g). While the Kalamazoo beard and facial wash contains fresh pineapple juice to cleanse the skin and zap away dirt, whilst almond and jojoba oil will leave his beard super soft (from £6.50 for 100g).
Socks
Marks and Spencer have a buy one get one half price offers on men’s underwear and socks from Sunday 14th to Sunday 21st June. Their Days of the Week socks set is just £12 and include seven different pairs labelled for each day of the week.
Food
Spoil Dad with the M&S Breakfast in Bed set which includes a cafitiere, two mini jams, classic ground coffee and a wooden breakfast tray (£20).
Or has he got a sweet tooth? Millie’s Cookies can personalise a double cookie for just £19.99. Choose from a milk chocolate, double chocolate or white chocolate cookie base and then have your own personalised message iced on top.
Meal Out
If you’re looking to treat your Dad to a meal out then Frankie & Benny’s are offering ‘Dad’s eat for free’ on Sunday 20th June which includes 2 courses from their specials menu.
Or if it’s Pizza Express you’d prefer then the whole family can enjoy a starter and a main for just £11.95 each, including the likes of dough balls or garlic bread followed by a pizza, pasta or salad.
With festival season upon us here’s our guide to the hottest festival essentials you can find at The Rock right now.
Festival fashion
This year there’s a boho festival vibe sweeping across the high street, from 70’s inspired prints to fringed tops and platform shoes. If your not really into high fashion for festivals then you can’t go wrong with denim shorts or dungarees paired with a plain tee or crop top and some Converse.
(Left to right) Motel Kimmy Lotus Skirt (£22) and Crop Top (£24), Hearts and Bows Daisy Trim Tee (£17), Juna Short Dungarees (£30), all available at ARK
Accessories are everything
Any chic festival look wouldn’t be complete without a few accessories, our favourites this festival season include fringed bags, metallic temporary tattoos and headbands.
(Left to right) Gold Coin Headband (£3) from Ark, Metallic Arrow Temporary Tattoos (£6.50) from Topshop, Fringed Shoulder Bag (£19.99) from H&M
Be prepared
You need to prepare for all weathers, this is the UK after all. A pair of wellies could be a life saver if you don’t want to risk ruining your brand new white Converse, while a fold away poncho will keep you dry in the event of a downpour. If it’s definitely set to rain and you don’t want to compromise your style get yourself a trendy printed mac.
(Left to right) Floral Mac (now £35 -was £50) from Topshop, Candis Womens Patterned Wellies (£17.49 – was £34.99) from Trespass, Lightweight Poncho (£1.99 – was £2.99) also from Trespass
Handbag essentials
If it’s sunny you might want to consider wearing some sun protection, there’s nothing cool about a red nose! Powdered sun protection will help avoid the mess that lotions and creams can create. A miniature fragrance that fits in your handbag will keep you smelling sweet all day long while a money belt underneath your clothes will keep valuables safe.
(Left to right) Powdered Sunshine with SPF 15 (£6.95) from Lush, Karma 10ml fragrance (£12) from Lush, Money Belt (£5.99) from Trespass
Wedding season has arrived and natural that means buying a new outfit (or three), from exotic beach ceremonies to countryside nuptials, here’s a guide of how to dress for every wedding occasion.
The city wedding
From cathedrals and town halls to art galleries and museums, many city centre landmarks offer wedding packages in a unique setting. Keep your look chic with more fitted styles, a statement bag and court shoes.
(Left) Plain Crepe Wrap Dress (available in Pink and Orange – £55) Cassie court shoes in Natural (£35) and Ruby Glitter Clutch (£25). All available at Oasis.
(Right) Little Mistress print prom dress (£60), Sole Diva cross strap pointy court shoe in black (£30) and lace evening bag (£17). All available at Simply Be.
The country wedding
Converted barns, marquees and even tee-pees are becoming more popular as wedding venues. Pretty floral prints and A-line dresses are perfect for countryside weddings, along with a statement fascinator and nude shoes, make sure you opt for a wedged or block heel as you don’t want your stilettos to sink into the grass.
(Left) Kelly Brook Printed Belt Dress (£60), Sole Diva platform sandals (£35) in nude pink, Pastel Envelope clutch bag in pink (£20) and Feather Bow fascinator (£20). All available at Simply Be.
(Right) The Ivory Prom Dress from Debut (£99), purple Jacques Vert two colour fascinator (£79) and The Collection cream patent high wedge court shoes (£32.50). All available at Debenhams.
The destination wedding
Many are opting for weddings in more exotic locations, from the Italian countryside to the beaches of Mexico. Light weight layers and loose fabrics will help keep you cool while sparkly sandals are perfect for beach weddings. A decorative hair clip or crystal headband are more practical than a hat.
(Left) Warehouse Spotlight Feather Print Maxi Dress (£85), Red Herring Grey Metallic Diamante sandals (£25) and Red Herring Twinkle Burst crystal hair comb (£10). All available at Debenhams.
(Right) Little Mistress Embellished Maxi Dress (£70), Sole Diva diamante flexi sole sandal (£25) and Mood diamante crystal patterned headband (£14). All available at Simply Be.
the colour to achieve the shade you want, smoky eyes isn’t just about using shades of black. Using the Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette (£38), apply the shade Dagger on to middle section of your eyelid across to the outer edge with a flat eyeshadow brush, patting the shadow on to build the colour to a shade you are happy with. With a clean eyeshadow brush apply the shade Armor to the inner corner of your eye up to the middle of the eyelid. Build on top of the middle section where you put Dagger with the shade Smolder, and also take this colour underneath the eye along the lower lash line using the smoky smudger side of the double-ended brush included with the palette.
Use Ink for Eyes precision eye pen (£15.50) and draw a smooth line along the top lash line from the inner corner to the outer edge of your eye, add a wing or flick using the precision pen applicator.
e blackest of blacks, apply one coat to one eye and then move on to the next eye before going back to other to build up the mascara, apply on top and bottom lashes. Use Naked Concealer (£17.50) to tidy up any fall out from the eye shadow or to neaten up edges, and your look is complete!
