Introducing the summer fashion trends of 2020 that you need to know about! Keep up with the latest trending styles this summer from your favourite retail stores here at Monks Cross Shopping Park. With free parking right outside your favourite stores, you’ll be sure to have enough time browse the aisles for all the latest summer looks. Get ready to give your wardrobe the ultimate post-lockdown upgrade.
Tiered Summer Dresses
This summer, we’re ticking off our dressing needs with the tiered summer dress. The tiered dress comes in a wide range of styles for any occasion. Like this Pink short sleeve mini smock dress from New Look – it’s perfect for a day out! Complete the look with chunky wedges and beaded accessories.
Leopard Print is trendy as ever!
Perfect your style with an animal print like these leopard print casual sandals from Clarks. The style is finished with a soft microfibre sock for lasting comfort.
Hello Sunshine!
Is summer really summer without a bit of sunshine? Dazzle like the sun in this River Island White floral shirred bardot midi dress.
Accessories must haves!
Complete your look with our favourite accessories from some of the retail shops here at Monks Cross. You can’t go wrong with some oversized sunglasses – see in-store at Primark.
Photo credit: River Island, Primark, New Look and Clarks.
Step into Monks Cross Shopping Park and you’ll find all your favourite high street stores conveniently in one place. When it comes to shopping in York, you can never go wrong with a visit to Monks Cross as you’ll find all your big named beauty, makeup and fashion brands to choose from and to give you a bit of inspiration. Here are some of our favourite Summer Beauty Trends for 2020.
Graphic eyeliner is in!
This stylish look can go super simple and super dramatic. It’s both effortlessly cool and simu
ltaneously totally on trend and we can’t get enough!
This sharp-cut eye makeup is a much-loved minimalist look but offers ample opportunities to experiment.
Want to give the look a try? Check out our favourite eyeliners from Superdrug.
Budge Free, Stress Free Base
As the temperature rises, wearing makeup that lasts during the warm weather isn’t an easy feat. 
Perfect your makeup routine with a budge-free primer base from Boots. Start your day with the Benefit The Professional Hydrate Primer (22ml) and consider a medium-coverage foundation that you can build up or buffer out such as the NEW Givenchy Teint Couture Everwear Foundation SPF20 (30ml). Lock everything in place with Urban Decay All Nighter Make-Up Setting Spray (118ml).
Honey, you’re glowing!
Look and feel amazing with Primark Beauty’s eye palettes. 
Choose from sunshine honey to sweet cherry for an extra pop of glow and colour!
We’d love to know, are you team cherry, peach or honey?
Looking for a trendy outfit to match your perfect look? Head over to our Top Summer Fashion Trends Blog to find the latest high street looks you can find here at Monk Cross, York.
Who says you can’t dress up to stay in? As we’re adjusting to this new of life, why not have some fun by yourself, with flatmates or family and spruce up your look whilst you’re home. After all, this is the perfect time to perfect those winged eyeliners and to experiment with fashion styles and new hair do’s that you’ve always wanted to try!
We’ve pulled together these fun reasons why you should get dressed up for a fun night indoors because after all, staying in is the new going out.
- Themed Dinner Parties
At the end of a tiring week why not plan a themed dinner party with your friends or family? Forfeit the Netflix and chill hours and crack open a bottle of champaign, relax with company, play games and dress up for the occasion with that special outfit you were saving for a special occasion.
- Experiment!
Can you think of a better time to experiment with your hair and makeup? Experiment with outfits you’ve always wanted to try, play around with your hair and see what styles suit you best, spruce up your makeup look and try different styles from eyeshadow, highlight & contour … the full works! Who knows … maybe you’ll come out the other side of this a whole new woman!
- Games night
Why not get you and your friends dress up for a virtual house party with the help of House party – the app. You can go head to head with in-app games such as Heads Up, Trivia and Cards Against Humanity. What’s not to enjoy?
- Date Night
Romance isn’t dead. There’s plenty of quarantine approved date night ideas to get excited about. From virtual museum tours, games night, dance classes or Tik Tok or a fancy dinner date at home.
As the cold winter months draw to a close, we can’t be anymore excited about the fresh beauty trends Spring is bringing for us. We’ve selected our hottest beauty tips to help you transition through the seasons!
So if you’re looking forward to sunnier weather and fun, fresh makeup tips then keep on reading!
- Always start your makeup on a fresh face and what a better way to keep your skin refreshed and rejuvenated than to start your day with the new Vitamin glow Primer by Smashox. Infused with vitamins B, C & E, this primer enhances your natural glow everytime you prime … oh and it’s vegan! Get your from Boots.
- Go bold or go home right? Look at the pigment on this Primark Body Foil eyeshadow! We’re definitely adding a few to our shopping bags!
- Refresh your Spring scent with the new limited edition Daisy Love Daze perfume by Marc Jacobs. And don’t forget to get a free Daisy Love Tote Bag on selected Marc Jacobs when you shop at Superdrug. T& C’s apply
- We’re obsessed with the NEW Huda Beauty pastel obsession palettes. These will definitely add colour and bring that extra pop to your makeup look. As inspired by @makeupbybrooktiffany.
Spring is around the corner and it’s finally time to wave those winter blues goodbye!
As we spring into the new season, we’re excited about the new homeware and interior collections that you can get your hands on to freshen up your home.
From flourish florals to sunshine yellows and gentle greens. Read on for more of our favourite pieces to add some colour and WOW your house.
Go BOLD or go home! We’re in love with this teal armchair from Homesense.
@haguehouse
Sometimes less is definitely more! Check out these eye catching cushion covers with tassels from H&M Home.
@gabbieshome
And how about this for a show-stopping statement?! Check out this Gosford Mural print wallpaper from Laura Ashley. It has flower power written all over it! 
If you want to get creative and sustainable, how about upcycling any old items you have. Like this recycled Hobbycraft wreath base with white faux blossoms from Homesense. It’ll definitely brighten your day and your home.
@fayes_homestyle
We are teaming up with York charity Snappy again over the festive period. Shoppers are being asked to visit the Gift Giving Tree in Information Centre and collect a tag from the tree to donate a Christmas present.
Snappy is a registered charity working with children and young people of York with wide ranging disabilities, from learning difficulties to profound physical disabilities. The volunteers work to develop confidence, independence and social skills but mostly, to give the children and families the opportunity to enjoy new experience have fun and make friends.
Last year the presents donated by kind hearted shoppers made such a difference to the families SNAPPY works with and we are hope we can continue to make that difference this year too.
WE ARE BACK!!
HAYS TRAVEL MONKSCROSS IS NOW OPEN!!
As ex: Thomas Cook employees, we are back doing what we do best looking after our customers dreams and holidays of a lifetime.
We are now an independent travel agent offering lots more tour operators….
Including jet2 holidays.
Please pop in and say Hi and we’ll pop the kettle on.
On 16th June, we’re celebrating Dads nation wide, so it’s about time you show yours just how much he means to you!
Dads can be difficult to buy for, which is why you need to #MakeItMonksCross and let us do the leg work. We’ve found our top 10 gifts, available in our stores, that every type of dad will love, from football mad to movie buff dads!
1. One for the dads who know what they like.
You can’t go wrong with getting Dad’s favourite scent this Father’s Day, or even a new one! Superdrug & Boots have endless collections of aftershave that your dad will love, why not even get it in a gift set?
2. For the caffeine addicts.
If your Dad is anything like us then he NEEDS his morning coffee to function. So make his day and have a browse of Debenhams range of coffee machines so he can start every day the right way. This Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine is on £40 down from £100!
3. For the stylish Dads.
There’s one little accessory that makes a mans outfit go from 0 to 100 and that’s a stylish watch! There’s no need to break the bank, River Island has an amazing selection that your Dad is bound to love.
4. One for the Gamers
We all know that Dads are just big kids, so embrace it and buy them a new game or a gaming accessory!
Don’t worry if you don’t know the first thing about gaming and what they’d like, play it safe with a GAME voucher.
5. For the book worms and holiday readers.
Whether your dad always has a book in his hand or he just needs a page turner for his next holiday, you’ll definitely be able to find his next read in WHSmith.
6. For the sporty Dads.
Whether he’s a York City or Manchester City fan, he’ll definitely be over the moon if you treat him to his teams footy shirt from Sports Direct!
7. Trainer mad Dads!
If he fancies himself a bit of a shoe guru then you can’t go wrong with treating him to some new kicks from Schuh’s amazing range.
8. One for the Fashionable Dads..
…or for the ones who need a little help with their look. Give him that helping hand and find him an outfit that’ll turn him from early 2000s Steve Carrell to 2019 Steve Carrell
Check out the men’s range in River Island, H&M and Debenhams.
9. One For the foodies!
If your dad is one who loves his food then look no further. Debenhams has some fantastic gift sets in that he will LOVE! From Nando’s peri peri kits to a chocoholics dream, there’s hundreds of gift sets in store.
10. For the beer lovers!
If your dad loves a cold pint whilst watching the tele on a Saturday night then this is the gift for him. Check out our craft beer gift sets in store at Debenhams.
We hope our little gift guide has given you endless ideas on how to spoil Dad this Father’s Day!
From all of us here at Monks Cross we hope you have a Happy Father’s Day!
With only one day left until Valentine’s Day, we can’t be the only ones who are feeling the last minute panic to buy our loved ones the perfect gift. Lucky for you, Cupid works on a deadline at Monks Cross. Here are some of our last minute easy gift ideas:
Nothing shows that you really know your partner more than buying them an outfit to wear on Valentine’s Day. Picking out an outfit for your girlfriend is not only romantic but will make her feel great. Feel those 70s vibes with this heart print mini dress from River Island, this is dress can be worn for a more casual look with some boots or dressed up with some stilettos making it perfect for your Valentine’s Day plans.
To match that 70s vibe, nothing shows you know your boyfriend more than picking out the perfect patterned shirt to match his style. Not only is this Primark shirt on trend for Spring / Summer 2019 but it’s so versatile it’ll make a lasting impression on his wardrobe.
Valentine’s day is all about love and spending time together, so how about you treat your loved one to a BUYAGIFT experience from Debenhams. You can choose from a romantic meal out at The Shard or spend the day getting pampered at a local spa, perfect for spending quality time together!
Put your own unique twist on ‘I Love You’ by hand making your loved one a Valentine’s Day gift. From handmade cards, gifts to baking. Hobby Craft has everything you need to give that special someone a personalised gift that they’ll love.
For those on a budget, Poundland are offering some great Valentine’s Deals. Whether you feel like popping the question, they now sell engagement rings. Or you could make a hamper of all your loved ones favourite things, for some ultimate brownie points from your other half!
Don’t let the pressure of Valentine’s Day get to you, let the gifts speak for themselves by getting yours from Monks Cross.
If you’re anything like us then you take pride in your home. You love making it look, feel and smell beautiful and adjusting your homey touches to fit the seasons.
So we thought we’d have a browse around our favourite stores for home ware and give you a little Autumn / Winter décor inspiration. It may even give you a few gift ideas for Christmas!
Cosy Cushions
Cushions are a great way to inject a bit of character into your home and definitely make it cosier; which is exactly what you need in the winter.
Whether you prefer a muted toned cushion or a bright and quirky masterpiece, our stores have definitely got something to suit you.
Beautiful Bedding
Settle into the season with Monks Cross’ range of beautiful bedding. We’ve searched high and low to bring you the cosiest, softest and prettiest bedding in our stores. Whether you’re looking for ultimate warmth or cool and breezy sheets, you’ll definitely love what we’ve found for you.
Homey Touches
There’s one thing we refuse to leave out of this blog and it’s one of our favourite parts.
That’s right, you guessed it – it’s those little accessories that give your home that extra cosy, welcoming touch.
There’s something about adding a cinnamon candle, an inspirational poster or a snuggly throw around the house that perfects that inviting feeling.
Get Crafty
Maybe you’re one of those people who likes to add their own unique personality into their home. So why not customise your accessorises or even make your own?
We’ve taken some inspiration from Hobby craft and decided that this AW18, we’re going to get crafty and create unique accessories to dot around the house! Whether you’re sewing royalty and fancy making your own cushion covers or just want to add a seasonal wreaths to your doors, Hobby craft can definitely help.
