Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
People are attracted to things that shine and sparkle, so gentlemen keep yourselves polished because according to ZZ Top everyone likes a Sharp Dressed Man and I know just the place to make that happen.
Luckily, while I was at the Bahrain International Motor Show last week, I was fortunate enough to run into one of the founding partners of ‘The Designer Outlet’, Pete McGowan.
Pete, along with Pieter Drent and Russell Mack, started the idea to sell designer labels for less and since August 1 the store has been open for business.
I was quickly briefed about this new store and couldn’t wait to grab GulfWeekly’s Bambi Manalese and check it out. The location is great because it is tucked right on a corner before Bahrain City Centre which makes it easy to drop by for a quick stop-and-shop. Last Thursday we met Claire Pollard, who is also involved in the business, to guide us through the store.
They carry up to 80 per cent off designer brands for men, women and children. I decided this time to focus on men and, in a future issue of GulfWeekly, the other collections because the whole upstairs is dedicated to ‘gents’.
The savings are staggering, for example, I saw the men’s Versace footwear collection for 30 per cent off. The suggested retail price: BD135, Designer Outlet price: BD89 and then the sale price was BD62.300. These shoes will put a strut in your step and save you money. They have a cubicle full of Superdry T-shirts which are the current street trend in London and sold all over the iconic Bond Street. These amazing finds are 40 per cent off, bringing them down to only BD10.500.
My deal of the week goes to a table full of men’s graphic print tees for only BD5. Labels like Tommy Hilfiger and Diesel. In my opinion, this deal is so great that the stocks will run out fast.
They have impressive prices on men’s designer bomber jackets in plaid, army green, black, grey and blue and white flecks for 30 per cent off of BD35.
Trousers and denim are down to BD10 and Fred Perry polos in red, blue, brown and white are selling for 50 per cent off.
Need a crisp men’s work shirt? I found Tommy Hilfiger two-ply cotton long-sleeve shirts down to BD19.500 in blue, white, pink and black.
Before we left I took a snap-shot of some Roberto Cavalli watches for last-minute gift ideas. They are selling for only BD39 and sold in yellow, purple, red, silver and two shades of blue.
Everyone must grow as smart as their smartphone and keep up with the latest technology and gadgets. However, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to use the following wireless speakers from Home Electronics. I was impressed with their variety, style and price.
* The Creative D100 Wireless Speaker is a nifty bit of kit that plays music wirelessly from your Bluetooth-compatible music player. Dual 3-inch drivers carry impressive bass output and the device runs on four AA batteries. There are four colour options and it costs BD19.490.
* X-Mini KAI Capsule Speaker is a small device that promises a big sound through Bluetooth transmission from a paired device. Music lovers will be able to control their list of favourite tunes wirelessly with the simple toggle of a button to skip through the tracks. There is a Bluetooth dongle function which enables you to control your playlist wirelessly through the speaker by connecting it to your home audio system. Aside from being able to play your music wirelessly, if the device has been paired with your mobile phone, you will also be able to answer your calls just by pressing on the toggle button. It costs BD29.500.
* The Trust Jukebar Wireless Speaker Red is Bluetooth compatible within a 10-metre range. Its rechargeable battery offers up to 17 hours of playtime and it’s remarkably easy to use thanks to its volume, media and call-pickup buttons. It costs BD23.500.
Other deals I’m privy to:
* Centrepoint, Mothercare, Shoe Mart, Lifestyle, Bossini and Lee Cooper are holding an ‘end of season sale’ – starting today
* Carpisa, Nose, Dumond, Steve Madden and Valencia ‘end of season sale’ – starting today
* Red Tag and Twenty4 are holding ‘seasonal sale’ upto 50 per cent off – starting today until January 15.
