Coast

Coast. The name can evoke whatever image your brainbox dares conjure, whether that be the more positive sun-​drenched coast of a Mediterranean holiday town with its white sandy beach and loungers… or it can be a grim, grey day in Southport with many disgruntled looking elderly people. It’s fairly similar to peoples’ perceptions of this here evening wear store… you either get rather excited about it or you can’t see the fuss.
I personally see the necessity in Coast, especially for its varied range of maxi dresses. I’ll be honest, I haven’t encountered a shop that sells quite as many different kinds, all of which would be suitable for a party. Some are summery and light, others are proper gowns. Coast helpfully categorises its items this way — you can shop specifically for a certain type of dress and not be disappointed. And come wedding season, it’s is always packed to the rafters.
That’s exactly what Coast is perfect for… occasional wear. It’s one of the best options for those last minute high-​class party outfits, and its jewellery range helps this along nicely too. You’ll find necklaces, earrings and bangles to match every single outfit in the shop, so you might as well get the whole lot done in one go. And stuck for a clutch or a fascinator to finish it off? You won’t be disappointed.
You can find Coast concessions in House of Fraser and suchlike, but I find this store in the Arndale Centre is large enough to offer more quality and quantity for your buck. So if you’re in a panic about how to upstage the bridesmaids, or even, God forbid, the BRIDE, get yourself kitted out at Coast and be beautiful. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about Bridezilla giving you the evils throughout the shindig because you look better than her…

I used to love Coast.
If ever I had to go to a wedding or a special occasion I used to always head here first to stare longingly at dresses which were much too expensive and too opulent for the occasion. Sigh… I miss those days.
Nowadays, Coast has become a little bit too high-​street, the dresses aren’t really that different than what you see in all the other shops. They’ve completely lost their spark.
It’s quite sad really because this place used to be amazing! I’d always chicken out of getting the dress I really wanted and then end up seeing somebody wearing that dress!!!
Maybe next season will be better, I hope so.