Category: Uncategorised

Championing Successful Mums in Bromley

This International Women’s Day we are celebrating a Bromley businesswoman who is empowering mums across the borough who want to get back into work.

Jane Knight set up her business, Successful Mums in 2014 after finding it hard to find part-time work following the birth of her first child.

Fast forward to today and the specialist training and confidence courses she runs have helped thousands of mothers revive their careers, embark on completely new paths and really get their mojo back, so they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

Inspiring stuff indeed. We had a good old chinwag with the teacher-coach-career advisor, who will be running her Back to Work programme at The Glades completely free of charge in April and May.

What can people expect from your course at The Glades?

It’s a friendly and professional course to help women returning back to work. We help with that gap on the CV, career advice, where to find the part-time and flexible jobs, confidence building techniques, personal styling plus links to local employers that support women returners.

The course also includes one-to-one, bespoke career coaching including advice on taking a new path, arranging work experience and looking at your field and job options.

What’s one of the biggest issues you feel women face today about getting back into work?

I think it’s not knowing where to start. It can be quite isolating, especially if you don’t want to go back to the same type of role and want to do something different that fits in around your family.

That’s where we can step in and offer a starting point and career advice, so women have clarity about their options.

Have you noticed any surprising common denominators between the women who attend the courses?

 The majority of the women we help haven’t recognised the parenting skills they have that can be taken into the work place. Since becoming a parent my negotiation, time management, conflict management, organisational and creative skills have all improved!

What’s your top tip you’d give to women wanting to set up their own businesses?

Choose something you are passionate about then it’s easier to sell your product or service and this will get you through the more challenging times too.

What’s the key to getting the work-life balance right?

I don’t think there is a magic formula, the closest I can get is knowing what a work-life balance means to you then looking at the small steps to make this happen.

Where possible delegate, ask for help, dinner plan, buy online to save time, buy birthday cards in bulk, keep a diary, learn how to switch off so you are supercharged when you are switched on again!

Can you tell us about a really proud moment you’ve had as the founder of Successful Mums?

My top three are:

• Women telling me the course has changed their lives and had an impact on them and their children’s confidence
• Supporting 4,500 women on their journey back to work or starting a business
• Influencing employers to see the benefits of flexible working and employing women returners.

You’re hosting an International Women’s Day dinner. Which women from history or the present would you invite?

Recently, my daughter and I have been reading a book called Women in Science and we have discovered Elizabeth Blackwell the first female doctor in America was a pioneering woman, defying expectations by becoming a doctor in 1857 and went on to found a School of Medicine for Women. So inspirational.

From the present day, there are many but top of my list would be Melinda Gates, Michelle Obama and Serena Williams along with people I know including author and speaker, Penny Power, entrepreneur Angela Middleton and a lady called Penny Ferguson who inspired me to start my own business. Of course, my own mum who has always been there to help me.

What message do you want to send out to mums who are thinking about starting a new career?

Find someone who can help you on your journey, connect with people that do what you want to do. Get career advice and a coach that can make the right connections for you and arrange work experience.

Jane Knight from Successful Mums will be running her Back to Work course at The Glades on Wednesday 24 April and Wednesday 1 May from 10am to 2pm. Book your free place today.

Versatile style from a new ECCO office hybrid
ECCO ST.1 HYBRID

This season, Superdry’s Sport range celebrates what it takes to achieve your best. From the initial motivation, through the blood, sweat and tears, to the sense of achievement felt for pushing your personal best boundaries and smashing your goals. Whether your aim is to work out the mind or body, the SS19 Sport collection has you covered. Training never looked so good with Superdry’s technical performance wear featuring bold colour blocking and fluro features, while the Studio range sees muted pastels across the softest fabrics, perfect for yoga and stretching.

This range, for both men and women, is functional yet sleek incorporating lightweight, seamless compression fabrics detailed with subtle reflective panels. Waterproof and wind resistant components mean whatever the weather conditions, this collection will help conquer fitness goals. The Sport range is an amalgamation of both indoor and outdoor training product, giving medium-impact support using lightweight and stretch materials to keep wearers comfortable and cool.

Feeling inspired? Watch the video…

Did you know that participation in Veganuary grew by 180% in January 2018? This year is set to be even bigger so whether you’re looking to challenge yourself for the month or you just want to try something new, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the best places to experience some delicious vegan food at The Glades.

If you’re giving vegan a go this Veganuary, wagamama has you covered. Their vegan menu is meat free and taste full, to keep you nourished from bowl to soul. Celebrate Veganuary with their iconic vegatsu. Seitan coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs covered in their famous aromatic curry sauce on a bed of sticky white rice.

Think sushi is just raw fish? Think again. At YO! Sushi, their new menu has something for everyone. If you have a 2019 New Year’s resolution, Make it or Break it at YO! with 40 dishes available for only £3 this January, including 16 which are vegetarian or vegan.  To celebrate Veganuary, YO! has extended its plant-based menu and launched new vegan dishes. A third of the menu is now vegetarian or vegan! This is great news for vegan eaters and those wanting to discover how tasty it is to go vegan! Why not try Tofu Katsu Curry, voted ‘Best Vegan Curry’ by PETA. Crispy tofu with mild curry sauce, spring onions and steamed rice. Mmmmm….

The range at Carluccio’s has expanded and if you haven’t been for a while, you’ll be in for a treat. Snack on focaccia and olives, or order bruschetta with plum tomatoes and basil. New pasta dishes include Cauliflower Orecchiette, cauliflower, baby spinach, chilli, caper, turmeric, garlic & herb breadcrumbs with orecchiette pasta.

If you’d rather steer away from pasta, try the new Zucchine Ripiene, including stuffed courgettes with olives, breadcrumbs, capers, tomato, spring onion and basil. You could also opt for a lighter option with Riso Nero salad, black rice, tenderstem broccoli, golden beetroot, pickled carrot, yellow courgette, mixed leaves, soya beans, peas, chick peas, basil & chilli vegan mayonnaise – delicious!

Happy eating!

Autumn has officially arrived, the weather is turning and here at The Glades we believe now is the perfect time for a wardrobe and make-up overhaul. A time to try something new, whether that be a fresh fragrance, matte lipstick or that jumpsuit you haven’t quite worked up the courage to step out in yet. Our retailers are here to help so check out our edit of the best in-store events coming up this month:

Find your future classics at Phase Eight

Phase Eight invite you to join an exclusive autumn shopping event on 15th September where you’ll be treated to a glass of fizz, special discounts on their stunning new collections and expert advice from their team of Personal Stylist. See you there!

Find out more

Jasmine & Sun Rose Launch Party

Visit in-store on 13th September to experience the ‘Pretty Bold’ allure of Molton Brown’s new Jasmine & Sun Rose Collection, featuring the exquisitely delicate yet exceptionally powerful qualities of the jasmine flower. This exclusive launch promises to be an impressive introduction to the collection. Indulge in sweet macaroons and shimmering fizz and take home a goody bag with every purchase.

Find out more

Bobbi Brown Bridal Week

Need bridal beauty inspiration and expert one-on-one advice? Visit Bobbi Brown from 22nd – 30th September at the bridal event to say yes to. Featuring an appearance from PRO artist Adeola, don’t miss this chance to learn the tricks of the trade and enjoy a glass of bubbly while you’re at it. Call 0370 192 5910 to book your spot now, spaces are limited.

Find out more

Jo Malone London Honeysuckle & Davana Floral Crown Masterclass

Roll up your sleeves for a Floral Crown Masterclass where you will discover Jo Malone London’s happy new floral, Honeysuckle & Davana. Expert florist, Michelle Buabin, will be in-store to help you create a floral crown to take home. Sip on Honeysuckle Fizz and indulge in sweet treats.

Find out more

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of term! There’s just one final hurdle – what to buy to thank the person who’s taught, inspired and been a role model for your little one this past academic year. Many parents opt to club together and purchase a gift card for The Glades – we may be biased but we think it’s the perfect gift! Available to use at over 120 stores and restaurants, you can buy one from our guest services team on the upper mall. Please be aware we don’t accept cash so bring along your debit or credit card.

If you’re doing your own thing, we’ve picked out 3 alternative gifts that are guaranteed to please.

Charles Mignon ‘Hymne à l’Amour’ Champagne, £32, M&S

This wine is perfect lightly chilled to allow its aromas to shine, either as a celebratory aperitif or to complement smoked salmon blinis. Teachers will love toasting the end of term with this pretty bottle of bubbly.

The Everything Chocolate Gift Hamper Collection, £27.50, Hotel Chocolat

This hamper contains some of the most celebrated recipes in the entire Hotel Chocolat collection. An effortless chocolate gift hamper for any chocolate-lover, this should see teacher through until term starts again!

Treat the best teacher ever to a once-in-a-lifetime present with the exciting range of gift experiences available at Debenhams. Our top pick is the 2 for 1 Spa Retreat with Afternoon Tea Gift Experience Day, just £39.

For sophisticated sunshine style, look no further than one of this season’s hottest trends – white. Layered white looks will take you effortlessly from lazy sun-kissed brunches by the beach, to balmy summer nights and everything in between.

A white day dress is an Insta favourite and wardrobe classic. Button-through and just below the knee is our preferred silhouette as it’s just so versatile. Pair with some neutral slides and a raffia tote for day, or a mule and a statement necklace for a more dressed up look.

If top-to-toe white is a bit too high maintenance, why not try a great white linen shirt or top with a denim short, or jean for easy, effortless summer in the city style?

All looks available at Massimo Dutti at The Glades.

1. Buttoned white dress, £99.95

2. Plumetis blouse with flared sleeves, £59.95

3. Tan leather sandals, £69.95

4. Raffia and leather crossbody bag, £119

5. Necklace with stone details, £44.95

6. Black mock croc leather sandals, £79.95

7. Limited edition animal print sandals, £139

8. Lyocell Bermuda shorts with dart details, £59.95

The best from the west(ern) trend
It’s rodeo drive time, so get festival-ready at The Glades Shopping Centre

Coachella kicked off the festival season in fine, glittering form, with the Californian desert location the perfect backdrop for the star of the (fashion) show to shine through. We’re of course talking about the rodeo trend, sorry Beyonce!

The Glades Shopping Centre’s in-house fashion doyenne, Juliet Wyatt, shows how to work the look, with a selection of items that will take you from dusk ‘til dawn. Embrace your inner cowgirl and get wild!

1. Meet the hardest working item in your wardrobe this summer. Spot on for unpredictable temperatures, the cut-out detailing adds interest, while the mid-sleeve is great for when the sun goes down. New Look white crochet embroidered mesh top, £19.99

2. Western-inspired boot toughens up a floaty midi dress and the rust-coloured hue adds a cool-girl vibe to a ‘nice top and jeans’ combo. The block heel means you’ll be the last one standing. River Island suede western ankle boot, £55

3. With so many stand-out accessories for this trend, you can lasso a few items for a subtle nod to the trend. Worn slung low or cinched in at the waist, this leather-look belt works with everything. Accessorize western jeans belt, £10

4. You can’t talk about wild, wild wares without mentioning denim. The statement colour and contrast stitching make this ‘hero’ piece chic and undeniably fun. Zara skirt with contrasting topstitching £49.99

5. Off the shoulder? Check. Ruffles? Check. Checks? Tick! This little number was made for dancing in the sun. Wear with a wide-brimmed hat and sunnies. Oasis check bardot dress, £46

6. Throwing your hands in the air and waving them like you just don’t care is a must in this butter-soft beauty. Zara fringed leather jacket £149

7. Small in stature, but huge on style. With suede, tassels and enough room for all your essentials, it’s the festival bag of dreams. River Island yellow mini embellished tassel crossbody bag, £55

Bromley FC players, Jack Holland and George Porter, have visited The Glades Shopping Centre to get style inspiration ahead of the team’s trip to Wembley next month.

Following a nail-biting away game, Bromley FC is Wembley-bound following a 1-1 draw (4-3 on aggregate) against Gateshead. In preparation for the trip, two of the club’s star players, Jack and George, headed to The Glades’ newest store for men, NA Menswear at Regents Arcade, for a private shopping experience with its owner and designer, Nial Azam.

Fan-favourite, Jack explained that he has been shopping at The Glades for many years and made a beeline for the centre’s in-store stylist, Juliet Wyatt, who recommended NA Menswear for its sharp suiting and casualwear.

Jack said: “Going to Wembley is a huge highlight in our careers to date and it’s going to be an unforgettable day. We’re all young lads on the team, so looking good is important to us and that’s why Juliet was our first port of call, as she’s great with showing how to wear the latest trends.

“She introduced us to NA Menswear and we were really impressed by the collections. Ben Chorley will kill me for saying this, but Frankie Raymond has the best style, although he’ll have some serious competition from me now.

“Nial really knows his stuff and his designs are some of the best I’ve seen,” said Jack. “Fit, is especially important for someone like me who’s quite tall, as it’s hard finding clothes that fit me well. The tracksuits and tailoring suited my body shape, and I can tell you that I went home with a lot of stuff!”

George also had a field day, freshening up his wardrobe at the independent retailer. He said: “We had a brilliant time at NA Menswear and I’m sure the rest of the team will be making a trip to the centre as soon as they see what we’ll be wearing to Wembley. We’d like to thank Nial for being so generous with his time and style advice.”

Nial was pleased to welcome the players to his store, which opened at the end of last year. He said: “It was great spending time with Jack and George and finding out about their individual style. What a fantastic seal of approval that Bromley’s local sporting heroes came to my store for their Wembley attire – I wish them all the very best for the match.”

Kate Miller, general manager of The Glades, said she was thrilled to hear the players had such an enjoyable time at the centre. She said: “It was wonderful that Jack and George had such a successful day of shopping day at The Glades’ Regents Arcade with our stylist Juliet and Nial.

“I’d like to wish Bromley FC all the very best for Wembley and hope they come back with a trophy – we know they’ll be looking very stylish if they do.”

Peter Rabbit™ is heading to The Glades on 12th April! Come and see the adventurous bunny during Story Time sessions, led by a narrator, at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 2pm and 3pm. Story time session places are free and can be booked online here. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our eggciting Easter fun while you’re here.

Peter is no ordinary rabbit; he is suited and booted in a blue jacket and shoes and his brave and courageous nature means he is always looking for an adventure. To celebrate the visit, we’ve picked out the cutest Peter Rabbit™ merchandise, all available at The Glades!

Backpack, T-shirt, Wellies, all by Joules

Puzzle train, Booties, Easter Egg, all available at Debenhams

Bookends, Book, Dining Set, all available at Waterstones

Mopsy Bunny and Peter Rabbit, both by Steiff | Peter Rabbit, available at Build a Bear

Outfit, Puzzle, Baby Book, all available at M&S

She’s seen you through good times and bad so say “Thank You” to mum this Mother’s Day (11th March, don’t forget!) with one of our carefully selected gifts. Continue reading “9 perfect gifts for the best mum ever” →

Try as we might, we can’t resist the weird and wonderful world of unicorns so we’ve scoured our stores for the greatest range of magical creatures to add to your collection. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be over here stroking our manes… Continue reading “I’d rather be a unicorn” →

I’m Juliet, The Glades’ resident Personal Stylist, welcome to the first in the series of Style Notes. I’ll be bringing you monthly blogs throughout the year on the season’s top trends and how to wear them. It may be freezing outside but the inspiration for this season is all ice-cream hues, sugary-sweet macaroon shades and candyfloss prettiness. Continue reading “Style Notes: Pastel Perfection” →

Love is in the air…can you smell it?! A fine fragrance is a certainly not a gift to be sniffed at but don’t forget to make it personal. We’ve found the best gifts to make sure your Valentine knows how special they are. Continue reading “Scentsational Valentine’s gifts” →

Looking for a gift that’s guaranteed to please? Look no further. Everyone loves a sweet treat and we’ve picked the finest selection of delectable delicacies available at The Glades. Continue reading “Treats for your sweet” →

We know dads are tricky to buy for, especially when they’ve got everything they ever wanted (the perfect child, you!) so we’ve scoured the stores to find the best of the best gifts for Father’s Day. We know, we’re too kind, you can thank us later. Continue reading “Father’s Day Giftspiration” →

Soo…The Glades is BACK, Bromley! Its been a full 25 years since we first opened our doors for all of you lovely people, way back in 1991. This had us thinking – what else was going on that year? Continue reading “25 things from 1991!” →

With so many fabulous stores at the centre including Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Zara and Massimo Dutti, we have the inside track on the latest trends and must have wardrobe updates and each week we’ll be sharing our fashion know how with you.

We’ll have the best of homewares, make-up and beauty updates, stuff for the kids and of course food…we love food. If the menus in any of the wonderful restaurants at The Glades change, we promise you we’ll be there straight away and report back here to let you know our verdict…it’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it.

We’ll also be bringing you guest blogs from some of our retail experts, fabulous shoppers and partners and maybe, if you’re lucky the odd competition too.

So, we look forward to chatting more very soon but for now why not check out our first fashion blog here.