Halloween, Bonfire night, carol singing – we have a lot of outdoor activities in store over the next few months which means keeping warm is a must! Luckily our stores are already prepared for your chilly selves so get down here pronto to stock up on your winter essentials.

This season is all about layers – so layer up jumpers, cardigans and coats to not only have a fashion edge, but also be nice and warm! H&M always have great knitwear pieces at very reasonable prices and this year is no exception, with jumpers from just £14.99 you would be crazy not to treat yourself.

For your winter coats TK Maxx and Debenhams are perfect, with great selections from top labels to choose from, and if you are looking for something a little less expensive then Primark always have great fashion jackets this season.

Make sure you keep the 1^st November free – Boots are having a special Christmas event, where you can see all the gift ideas, have the chance to win some great prizes and get a glass of free fizz (take a look at our website for more details). Also keep an eye out for our Christmas opening hours to make sure you get the most out of your visit to the Royals

Until next time

Kara x

This is the first September since I was 5 that I didn’t have to face the dreaded first day back to school after the summer holidays – its still quite strange knowing that I’m no longer in education anymore!

 So back to school/college/university can only mean one thing – new uniform/clothes! At The Royals we have everything you need to get you’re back to school wardrobe sorted. Head to places like Debenhams & H&M for your basics such as black trousers, white shirts and blazers – then for your book bags and shoes give Primark and TK Maxx a try.

Also make sure you are looking at your best by getting your hair styled at Supercuts! Then maybe if your student loan allows you to – head to boots for all of the latest beauty buys! It may sound really sad but one of my favourite things to do before I started back at school was going for the annual stationary shop! And if you visit Southend high street you can get all your stuff for every subject all in one go.

Remember winter is also coming – so maybe now is the perfect time to start getting your winter wardrobe sorted; next time I’ll be telling you what you need to keep yourself nice and cosy for the next few months!

Until next time

Kara x

First the Jubilee, now the Olympics – this year has been one of the most patriotic years ever! Now is definitely the time to wear your reds whites and blues and carry on the spirit of the games, so if you haven’t got anything to wear get down to the Royals pronto where you will find everything you need!

When the mountain bike event took place in Hadleigh, Southend was buzzing with tourists and people relaxing and enjoying what the seaside has to offer, it was lucky the rain managed to stay away! And the Paralympics start soon too so don’t get out of your red white and blues just yet!

If you have been inspired by the games and feel like starting some sporting activities, then you need to make sure you’re kitted out in the right clothes so you look and feel the part; most of our clothing stores have sports wear on offer so you can stock up on all of the essentials, and with the weather starting to pick up a jog along the seafront at sunset doesn’t sound so difficult does it?!

And even better, TK Maxx, Debenhams, Pandora, Primark and Boots will all be open an extra two hours, from 10am to 6pm each Sunday during the Olympic period, until 9th September, which gives you plenty of time to do a spot of shopping and stock up on lots of new sporting gear.

Until next time

Kara x

So when I was planning my posts for what I wanted to write for the Royals blog, my intention was to write a July post about all of the lovely things you can get from the Royals for the summer…but summer has arrived, yet I see no sun! I was certain that we would all be sitting outside, with our Rossi’s ice cream enjoying the lovely weather but I guess I was wrong! I’m going to talk about it anyway because even though the sun is non-existent, the shops are still stocking all of the latest summer buys, and maybe reading this will make it seem like the sun is out (even though it isn’t).

I think the place to go for your summer essentials is definitely H&M – everything is so reasonably priced, which means you can stock up on your essentials such as vests and skirts (you can get a plain tube skirt for just £2.99); they also have a great selection of swimwear and cover-ups perfect for by the pool. I’d also head to TK Maxx for some summer bits too; I always manage to snap up a bargain!

And if we do only get an odd few days of summer then there is only one thing to do – head to Debenhams and fake it! Fake tan is the easiest (and safest) way to get a sun kissed glow without the sun; and Debenhams have some great skincare products from St Tropez that you can try. But remember if we do get some sunshine; protect your skin by heading to Boots and stocking up on sun cream!

Also if its that summer body your after, get your healthy eating habits going by heading to Julian Graves where you will find over 800 health food products, so there is no excuse!

Next time I will be taking a nod to the Olympics and telling you how to give the games your own fashion edge!

Until next time

Kara x

I know I may be a bit biased but I honestly think Southend is one of the places to visit when the sun is shining! Sadly I won’t be in Southend as often anymore as I have just finished my degree, but I can assure you I will still take a drive down for a Rossi’s!

As you all know this year is a big one for Britain, not only do we have the Olympics fast approaching, we also have the Jubilee, which is getting everyone in a patriotic spirit – including The Royals! The Queen is making a visit to Chelmsford during her jubilee tour, but we have decided to get our very own Queen to visit (in the form of look-alike Mary Reynolds) who will be having tea in all of the cafes around The Royals on 5^th June.

To get yourself ready for the summer festivities, you are bound to need a new outfit – and the Royals has that covered! If you are looking for something new and fresh then head to HQ Fashion, where you will find all of the latest trends and can stock up on all of the summer favourites (pastels and floral prints are huge this year). Maybe treat yourself to a new hair ‘do at Supercuts or Toni & Guy – a new haircut is a perfect way to get yourself ready for the summer!

H&M is also a must visit when you are stocking your summer wardrobe, with all of your basics at a very reasonable price, when you stock up on your staples you can keep your outfit simple by adding a nice necklace and a pair of sunglasses (that is if the sun comes out)! Don’t forget to grab some food too – need to keep your energy up to carry on shopping!

Next month I will be telling you what’s hot and what you should all be wearing this summer.

Until next time

Kara x

I can’t believe its April already! This year is going so quick but this does mean that it’s nearly summer, and this gives everyone a great excuse to head to Southend-on-Sea for a look around the shops and an ice cream on the seafront!

Hopefully you all had the chance to pop down to the Royals on March 24^th to have a look at The Royals Shopping Centre Fashion Show, put together by South Essex College students. It attracted quite a crowd but if you missed it, check out the Royals website where you will find a link to view all of the photos taken on the day.

We are very lucky to have such a buzzing area on our doorstep – Southend has always been popular with all ages because there is always something to do! The thrill seekers can head to the Adventure Island, the party goers can head to the various bars and clubs, and the ones that prefer a more chilled out day can head to the Royals Shopping Centre!

This Easter weekend is the perfect time to take a trip to the seaside; I think everyone should take advantage of the long weekend! It’s time to chill out with your friends and family and what better way to do it than spending some time at the seaside then finishing it off with a spot of shopping at the Royals.

As we have mentioned before the Royals is a great place to visit, its just off the sea front and has a wide range of shops to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets – they also have a selection of places to eat too if your getting a bit tired from all of your shopping! The Royals has an impressive range of food outlets that offer everything from a snack-on-the-go through to hot meals, my personal favourite is Costa Coffee – if its cold then grab a hot chocolate or if it’s a bit warmer then get a refreshing cooler that comes in a variety of flavours. The centre of the Royals you will find Café Giardino where you can grab something a little more filling!

Keep an eye out for next month when I will be telling you all about the best of British, or more importantly, the best of Southend!

Until next time

Kara x

Well we are supposed to be in spring, but the weather is telling us otherwise – I don’t know about you but I’m getting a little bit tired of wearing jumpers jeans and boots, I’m ready for floral dresses, cute shorts and sandals! Hopefully the sun will start shining soon but in the mean time you can get your spring wardrobe ready by heading down to the Royals on Saturday 24^th March where you will find students from South Essex College presenting 3 catwalk shows showcasing all the looks that you need to be keeping an eye out for this season, show times are: 12pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm with a beauty zone taking place from 12pm until 3pm.

Most of the stores are helping the students to create a variety of looks featuring the key trends from pastel shades to the sporting trend that’s perfect for the upcoming Olympics. Also the event is free so you have no excuse not to go down and support Southend’s up and coming talent!

Some of my favourites from Henry Holland!

Now as you probably already know the Royals is home to some fantastic shops including Primark, TK Maxx and H&M – and Debenhams is one of the places you should go to if you are looking for anything for anyone of any age! They always have some great designer collaborations and their kids section is adorable – from Rocha.Little Rocha, Junior J by Jasper Conran and Star by Julien Macdonald to name a few! For the lovely ladies out there you need to check out the H! by Henry Holland range, I have already fallen in love with most of the dresses the genius designer has created! And you cannot beat a bit of Rocha.John Rocha for all you guys out there, with a range of neutral tones to suit any shape and size (most of my dad’s wardrobe is from this collection!) Debenhams at the Royals also have a fantastic makeup and beauty section with some of the all time favorites such as Clinique, all with trained staff to give you a helping hand whether its treating yourself or buying something for a loved one.

Next month I will be talking about one of my favorite topics (besides fashion obviously!) – food!

Until next time

Kara x

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This Valentines Day, you don’t need to get stressed out if you are on a budget – the Royals has it covered, the variety of shops means that you can find you loved one that special something all under one roof, if you are planning on spending £1 or £100, take a trip down here and I am sure you can find something special. Now I’ve been in a relationship for 4 and a half years, and I personally think that Valentines day is a little over-rated, but its still nice to treat your special someone every now and then and this is the perfect time to do it as there is so much on offer!

Lets start at the lower budget – the Royals is home to the lower priced brands such as Primark, then there’s Poundland but I think the place to go to get something nice and still reasonably priced has to be TK Maxx – loads of designer brands without the designer price tag, plus at the end of last year they gave the store a make over so check it out if you haven’t already! H&M is also a perfect place to try for cute accessories and once again its very reasonably priced.

Moving on to all you loved up people who really want to spoil your mr/mrs and budget is not a problem, straight away the two stores that you must visit are Pandora and Sarah Beth Jewellers, these stores will be just what you are looking for, whether it is a charm for their Pandora bracelet or you fancy getting them a watch so they wont be late for your Valentines Day date! (Plus if you go to our website, there is a voucher for 10% off at Sarah Beth Jewellers!)

And remember to head to the Card Factory for your lovely card and don’t forget the wrapping paper!

Next month I will be telling you all about the fab spring collections from all of your favourite stores – so keep yours eyes peeled!

Until next time

Kara x

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