Posts Tagged ‘house of fraser’

15 December 2011: 20:00

A touch of heavy metal this party season

It’s party time and while the music may be chart toppers and guilty pleasures (a recurring theme this year) the dress code has a touch of sparkle which is definitely more rock than cheese.    Metallic leathers, sequins galore, studs and embellishment are all big party hits this season and even if its just a touch of accessory rather than full on  head-to-toe shine there’s a way to get a little metal into your wardrobe this year.

From left to right: Premium coated snake jacket, Topshop, £110, Premium metallic calf skirt, Topshop, £60; Sequin Wrap Dress, Rare by Topshop, £55, Skinny belt, Topshop, £14; Mixed metal necklace, Evans, £10; Planet Shift Dress, £79, House of Fraser, Black embellished boots, River Island, £55

For more party looks check out our picks from the best party dresses on sale. It’s like Christmas come early!

Comments(2) | Email | Bookmark and Share

13 December 2011: 10:02

The must-have beauty items for party time

Tis the season to be merry, therefore we need some special beauty treats to keeep us looking and feeling perky before and after and we think (Santa, FYI) that we’d be adequately prepared with the likes of these four treats in our make up bag.

Bobbi Brown’s Ultimate  Party Collection would be the perfect compact for New Year’s Eve combined with a little Prada Candy gift set.  This Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Make up Set collection is the only way to look like you’ve had more beauty sleep than you may have actually had.  And we’ve recentlyfallen in love with Green and Spring andthis compact gift set is just what we’ll need for a little TLC.

 

Bobbi Brown, £59 at House of Fraser, Prada Candy Gift Set £53, Boots, Yves Sait Laurent £46.50, Boots, Green and Spring £14.50, House of Fraser

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

7 October 2011: 15:08

A maxi dress for all occasions

It’s no longer the little black dress that we’re covetting but the long black dress.  More of a wardrobe stable than a trend, the black maxi is here to stay and for this season it can go from casual day wear to evening glam.  Here are three of our favourites.

First it’s the monochrome Jane Norman dress featured in this year’s Car Bootique at Westfield London.  It was one of  our favourites backstage and at £35 is a real steal.

The French Connection Aztex Maxi dress is £180 of gorgeous Grecian goddess glam.  It’s on the must have list for Autumn/Winter for sure.

This amazing long sleeve Biba maxi that Catwalk Queen picked out on her shop around the centre recently and is on sale now for £50 at House of Fraser.

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

20 September 2011: 13:06

Biba beauty has arrived

Since the re-launch of the iconic brand Biba in 2010 we’ve filled our closets with senventies-inspired modern skirts and dresses and a gorgeous bridal collection.  Now Biba has launched a capsule collection of make up exclusively for House of Fraser.

Drawing inspiration from the original Biba themes of 1930’s Hollywood Glamour the collection comprises of a Lip Palette, Eye Palette, Face Palette, Nail Polish Collection, Eyelash Collection and Lip Gloss Ring.  The collection will be available in House of Fraser from October.

Biba Lip Palette £24
Luscious and indulgent lip colours in five luxurious shades. Custom blend the lip colour for a unique style all of your own.

Biba Baked Eyeshadow Palette £26
Velvety soft mineral eyeshadows in opulent shades of molten metal and precious jewels. Use a dampened brush for intense long wearing colour.

Biba Face Palette £34
Six luxurious eyeshadows, a rich oyster pearl highlighter and dewy pink blusher to create alluring and sensuous looks- perfect from dawn unto dusk.

Biba Lipgloss ring £15
This chunky cocktail ring will draw admiring glances with its nod to the iconic Biba logo. The lid slides to one side to reveal a shimmery pink gloss for the perfect pout! It can also be used to adorn your bag as a charm.

Biba Nail Varnish Trio £21
Nail polish is the ultimate finishing touch to any look and these three stand-out shades will add a little something to every outfit.

Biba Luscious Lashes £18
Biba lashes are sure to make a statement. Two pairs- one show stopping evening pair and one for a more natural day look will ensure that you are never overlooked.

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

2 September 2011: 08:48

New season essentials: the trench

There’s one item we need in our wardrobe for this season that’s an absolute essential for men and women – the trench coat.  And we think it’s worth making it a bit of an investment piece.  A good trench will last you through the seasons, is a classic and won’t go out of date.

Diesel at House of Fraser £220, Jaeger classic £399

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

17 August 2011: 09:00

Rebelling against foundation with tinted moisturiser

Product: You Rebel tinted moisturiser by Benefit


Available from: House of Fraser/Debenhams and Boots

Price:£23.50

What it claims to do:
Benefit You Rebel is a defiantly different tinted moisturiser. Will leave your complexion healthy and protected with a hint of colour. It contains antioxidants, aloe vera and allantoin for soft, supple skin all year long. Contains SPF 15+.

Review:
I’ve never used a tinted moisturiser in my life, preferring a medium – full coverage foundation instead. After recently spotting this product on many blogs I decided to give it a go for lazy weekend days when I’m only pottering around my local neighbourhood and for days when I just don’t feel like looking so ‘made up’. It comes in two shades (You Rebel and You Rebel Lite) and I find that it blends into my skin really easily, providing a nice glow that tends to only come about from a primer such as Clairns Flash Balm.

Final verdict
I will be definitely buying this again. I can’t believe I didn’t discover it sooner! If you have blemishes or spots you can always cover that specific area with a concealer or higher coverage foundation.

Reviewed by Dearne

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

5 August 2011: 11:01

Last minute holiday packing and beauty guide

I’m sure I’m not the only one who leaves holiday planning and packing to the very last minute and you’ll know if you do that this can make for a bit of pre holiday panic.   So, I went to speak to one of our favourite personal shoppers, Diane McCarthy at House of Fraser to get her advice on the absolute holiday essentials.  Watch the video to get the perfect holiday wardrobe and a guide on how to pack it.

I’m now in love with Timney beach wear range of swimsuits, cover ups and accessories.

While at House of Fraser, I caught up with a specialist from Clinique to find out how to tan beautifully and safely.

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

17 July 2011: 09:50

Handbag essential: Mocha rose lip balm

Product: Rosebud Mocha Rose Lip Balm 

Available from: House of Fraser

Price: £8.00

What it claims to do:

Rosebud Perfume Co. Mocha Rose Lip Balm is a trade secret blend of Essential Oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E in a special Petrolatum base. Infused with the coffee shop flavours of mocha, chocolate, and vanilla. Its aromatic properties practically burst out of the tin when you open it.

Review:

Lip balm, like hand cream is a handbag and bedside table essential.  I live in fear of dry hands and lips and admittedly panic a little when I find there isn’t any to hand.  But I’ve never been fussy, as long as it moisturises and isn’t too gloopy I’m happy.  This lip balm though is something I love carrying around in my handbag, not just as a necessity and something I love using, not just something that stops me getting dry and angry.  It does the job but instead of looking medicinal and boring, the retro packaging is gorgeous and the smell is delicious. 

Final verdict

A side table and handbag essential which smells and looks so much prettier than any other pot out there.

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

22 June 2011: 17:53

Summer sales shopping: Summer wedges

Wedges are a summer essential and this season’s wedges are higher and brighter than ever. 

These beauties are perfect for festivals and beach holidays.  Perfect paired with maxi dresses or a shorts,  these are four of our favourites on sale right now.

From top: French Connection wedge (was £52, is £49); Karvela Kuchina from Kurt Geiger (Was £150, is £89); Wizard orange striped wedges from Topshop (Was £70, Is £40); Carvela wedges at House of Fraser (was £140, is £69)

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share

17 June 2011: 14:09

Summer sales shopping: Bright colours

Block colour has been a massive trend for this season and will contine, with a slightly more autumnal feel, into next season.  Plus, a brightly coloured accessory will never really go out of fashion, whether paired with other brights or to give an otherwise understated outfit a little pop of colour. 

 

Investing in a quality trench like this one from Aquascutum will brighten up any rainy day (Was £495, is £225) while this Pied a Terre ‘Stella’ bag sold out in a matter of days when it first went on sale but now it’s available for a fraction of the cost  (was £115 , is £57.50); both from House of Fraser.

As Olivia Palermo pointed out recently, flats really are the chicest shoe and I’ve got my eyes on this pair of Jimmy Choos in gorgeous purple (£87.50, down from £125).  For ‘statement’ shoes the multi-coloured Carvela shoes with a touch of leopard print  from Kurt Geiger certainly make a statement (now £79.00, down from £130).

No Comments | Email | Bookmark and Share