Christmas at the new Coast Store, Metrocentre

Ahhhh I have nothing to wear! I'm sure that is a sentence we've all said in the run up to Christmas, usually whilst pulling every item of clothing out of our wardrobes. Well don't worry, the new Coast store at the Intu Metrocentre has finally opened its doors, just in time for the Christmas party season!

Coast have opened up a luxury store, the first of its kind in the country, in the Platinum Mall at Intu Metrocentre. With rails upon rails of beautiful clothes, you'll find one of the widest collections in the UK. Limited Edition, Bridesmaids and Resort collection are all in store as well as a number of Exclusive styles not available anywhere else in the UK alongside statement jewellery, party shoes, clutch bags and luxury candles.

Along with some friends, I was invited to the new store a few hours before it officially opened to the public for an exclusive shopping experience and a little look to see what fashion loving ladies in the North East can expect from the new concept store.

Greeted into store with some breakfast and fizz from Carluccios, who have recently opened opposite Coast, I tucked into croissants, pastries and muffins whilst catching up with friends over flutes of fizz.

The Winter Season at Coast has arrived in a flurry of luxurious velvet, delicate lace, dramatic patterns and vibrant colours - making it the perfect collection for Christmas and New Year parties.

I eagerly explored the rails, sweeping up arms full of outfits to try on. With so many beautiful pieces in store loads caught my eye and I made my way into the changing rooms with embellished dresses, fancy jumpsuits and dramatic skirts.

 If the shop floor hadn't already impressed me the changing room certainly would. The huge space is decked out with massive mirrors and comfy seats and the thick curtains splitting up the room makes it a great space for a personal shopping experience or a dress shop with bridesmaids. Running in and out of the changing rooms with my friends was a lot of fun and the staff were all on hand to fetch us different sizes and give us great advice to style our new finds.

Unfortunately I don't have any fancy Christmas parties to attend this year, but Simon and I are going to a wedding at Alnwick Garden on Saturday which I desperately need an outfit for. With nothing Winter wedding appropriate in my wardrobe I was keen to find something beautiful that would make me feel amazing.

 It wasn't long before I had fallen in love with the Exeter Jacquard skirt (£179 - currently on sale for £119), as styled by the gorgeous Olivia Palermo as part of Coast's new AW16 range. Perfectly fitted round my waist before dramatically flaring out, the vibrant floral print makes it quite the showstopper. Flouncing around the changing room in it I could picture myself swooping up and down the stairs at Alnwick Garden feeling like a movie star.

Exeter Jacquard Skirt as styled by Olivia Palermo for Coast Stores

Me and the skirt were meant to be and I can't wait to wear it to the wedding next weekend - keep your eye on my Instagram for a photo of me wearing it! What a successful first trip to the new Coast Store at the Metrocentre!

As we all left the store, excitedly chatting between ourselves we made a pact to organise a night out in January - after all, such beautiful clothes need to be seen!

Coast Stores invited me to their store opening and gifted me with my outfit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.