House of Fraser | Inspiration and Ideas

10 handbags you'll want for Christmas

What do we all secretly love about Christmas shopping? The inspiration you stumble across for your own list, of course. So whether you’re treating your Mum or your best friend, delve into our must-have handbags and put in your requests now.

1. Winter florals

Metallic, detailing and leather. All in one accessory. What’s not to love? Elevate your winter wardrobe with this head turning handbag.

Coccinelle Ambrine Exotic Cross-Body Bag £470.00

2. Disco details

Thanks to a resurgence in the '70s disco styles, sequins are back in a big way. Anything but subtle, they’re the perfect accessory to make a statement. Embrace the sparkle just in time for New Year’s Eve.

Therapy sequin cross-body bag £20.00

3. Taupe treats

Give winter neutrals a twist by pairing them with standout prints. Mix dark florals with statement jackets and to dress things up, just add heels and stackable rings.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Newbury Tote Bag £280.00

4. Faux fur

A faux fur jacket just isn’t enough anymore. Soft styles are sneaking into all areas of our wardrobe and we’re completely on board. For even more drama, wear with on-trend flared sleeves and a red lip.

Therapy cuddle fur clutch £25.00

5. Autumn essential

The faithful tanned tote is back in style this season, meaning there's no better time to indulge. Wear with dark denim, boho blouses and pointed boots for a relaxed elegance.

DKNY Chelsea Pebble Large Tote £250.00

6. Code red

In case you missed the memo, it’s all about red this season. So why not treat yourself to a new statement handbag? Wear it with crisp shirts and a classic coat to add a pop of colour.

Linea Ryder Frame Bag £65.00

7. Reworked classic

For a handbag that’ll never let you down, look no further than this forever tote. Team black styles with heritage checks for easy chic. And when it comes to the weekend, simply throw on trainers.

Radley Pocket Essentials Large Zip Tote Bag £69.00

8. Relaxed neutral

This lightweight handbag will become your best friend for every occasion. Add grey to monochrome outfits and all-black ensembles to lighten the mood, or, for more edge, style it with a leather jacket and a pair of showstopping boots.

Linea Ashmore Leather Cross-Body £99.00

9. Precious details

Embellished clutches are an essential addition to eveningwear and this hard-working style will be just what your LBD needs for a refresh this season. For low-key glamour wear it with a blazer, black jeans and courts.

Biba Logo Embellished Box Clutch £59.00

10. Blue for you

Step it up a notch with this blue beauty. The vivid colour will liven up knitwear and suiting, so just add brogues and your favourite coat. And for after work drinks, pair it with tailored trousers and a bomber jacket.

Ted Baker Rachila Quilted Crossbody Bag £160.00

Welcome to the Style Collective

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Welcome To The Style Collective

Welcome to the Style Collective

With temperatures soaring, we’re in need of wardrobe inspiration now more than ever. Thankfully, help is at hand in the shape of our latest venture with ShortList, the Style Collective.

Join to receive a monthly email with exclusive discounts on the most exciting new menswear and grooming products. Head online each month to hear from our style ambassadors – men with interesting, off-the-wall lives who manage to look incredibly cool at the same time – and pick up ShortList for the best buys from the team.

This month, ShortList hears from Al Mennie, an author, adventurer and professional big wave surfer. Using his wardrobe as inspiration, here’s the ShortList edit of the best menswear to buy this August, whether you’re cruising the coast or careering round the city.

Sign up to the Style Collective Read the feature

1. Candy stripes

Vertical stripes are a key trend this summer and there’s no better way to channel it than with an easy, breezy shirt that’s got weekend nonchalance written all over it.

Label Lab, Pisces Vertical Stripe Shirt, £35

2. Paradise found

Want a t-shirt that’s a statement without being a cliché? Different but still undeniably cool? Slip on this printed number and let the compliments come rolling in.

Polo Ralph Lauren, Hawaiin Printed T-shirt, £59

3. Go long

This long-sleeve, graphic tee has a sportswear feel. Think après surfing, ice-cold beers, barbecue on the beach… heaven.

Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Graphic Long Sleeve T-shirt, £45

4. The short cut

When our phones say 25°C+, we say you need a pair of tailored chino shorts that’ll help you stay cool at work or weekends.

Linea, Oakley Chino Shorts, £35

5. Keep it sweet

Proving pink is for everyone, this great-fitting blush tee is the perfect warm-weather basic for the modern, stylish gent.

Criminal, Cotton Basic Tee, £15

6. The right footing

We’re big fans of a flip flop that fully allows for weekend spontaneity: perfect poolside and smart enough for museums and Merlot.

Aldo, Gwirawen Sandals, £30

7. Hot on the heels

First a doodle by co-founder Paul Van Doren, the sidestripe on Vans’ Old Skool trainers is now an icon in itself.

Vans, Old Skool Trainers, £56.99

8. Wave back

Our two favourite things – a classic white tee and a retro feel pattern – in one. We’re sold.

PS by Paul Smith, Wavy Striped Organic Cotton T-shirt, £65

9. Don’t sweat it

Sport in summer doesn’t have to end with the inevitable sticky feet situation. Enter high-performance sports socks that’ll keep your feet cool and you’ll be happy running for a whole lot longer.

Nike, Cushion Crew Socks, £8

10. Take to the streets

This hoodie has so nailed the sportswear/ streetwear trend that we kind of want to fling it on over all of our weekend ensembles.

Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Jeans Graphic Hoodie, £80

Artisanal Interior Ideas

Trending: artisanal interiors

The year’s biggest interiors trend? It’s all about artisanal. Touches of tribal influence are mixed with soft neutrals, sun-dried colours and simple rattan accessories to create a look that has some real staying power in our homes. Here’s how to do it yourself.

Shop the Edit

Pick out pops of print

Bear with us, all you print-phobics. If you’ve previously dismissed the tribal trend in fear of playing with pattern, you’ll welcome the softer, sun-dried shades in this season’s twist. You can add as much or as little print as you like, using earthy tones to balance brighter hues.

“It’s a celebration of global craftsmanship, so mix and match print and texture”

But print and colour don’t have to go hand-in-hand. Case in point: this tactile geometric bedspread. It adds visual detail, but the splash of white keeps the set up feeling fresh. And if you’re a print lover? A layered bed is the perfect place to mix and match to your heart’s content.

Mix and match textures

Artisanal accessories are all about texture, and our design team have sourced a patchwork of global techniques, from hand-stitching to tassels and fringing. Alongside the earthy russet and turmeric tones, these tactile embellishments add their own welcome warmth.

“Cue a patchwork of techniques, from mark-making to hand-stitching”

And it’s not all about textiles. We’re embraced the rattan revival, and this simple pendant light and set of lanterns (bonus points if you mix and match different sizes) provide perfect balance for bolder print. Plants add texture too - we love a spikey cactus to nod to that sun-soaked feel.

Focus on form

When it comes to ceramics, shapes are simple and relaxed but not sleek, and anything that’s hand-crafted, hand-fired or hand-finished gets top marks. We love the idea that these pieces tell a story, and it can feel like you’re almost meeting the maker.

“Look for those little variations that make artisanal textiles and ceramics unique”

It’s all about finding the beauty in imperfection, so look for those little variations that make artisanal ceramics unique – it might be a set that aren’t quite the same, an uneven rim or a rather rustic glaze. Colour is often simple, as mixing similar shades will keep a unique collection feeling curated.

Alternative Wedding Dresses

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Alternative wedding dresses

ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESSES

Whether you're hosting a casual affair in the city or dreaming of being a boho bride, a wedding doesn't have to mean a big white dress; there are plenty of alternative wedding dress options out there. From shorter lengths to chic separates, shake up tradition up with our unique takes on bridalwear.

Shop the wedding boutique

Shorter dresses

Little white wedding dresses are becoming more desirable every season. Maybe you're having an evening event and hoping to dance the night away. Or perhaps you're planning a low-key registry celebration and want an understated look.

"Dress up short dresses with jewellery and statement shoes."

Want the best of both worlds? Go for a floor-length gown during the day, and change into a shorter dress come nighttime. The dance floor will thank you for it.

Biba dress - COMING SOON

Phase Eight

Madalyn Bridal Dress

£135.00

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Dune

Beaubellee Jewelled Bow Court Shoes

£120.00

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Chi Chi London

Lace Panel Dip Hem Dress

£68.00

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‹ ›

Suiting and jumpsuits

Dresses aren't your thing? Channel the effortlessly cool Solange Knowles in a chic jumpsuit or trouser suit. White separates will stand the test time in your wedding photos (Bianca Jagger in that wedding suit anyone?) and you'll be sure to be the coolest bride of the season.

"Keep the suit simple and pair with oversized earrings."

Layer flared trousers and jumpsuits under classic jackets, then add strapped sandals and silver jewellery. When it comes to beauty, keep things simple. A feline flick and nude lips are all the finishing touches you need.

Sportmax Code

Fiordo long trousers with back pocket

£42.00

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Links of London

Sweetheart Sterling Silver Bracelet

£195.00

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‹ ›

Casual Eveningwear

When it comes to a modern wedding, nothing is off limits. Some of our favourite styles include white evening dresses and maxi skirts, which are perfect if you don't feel like going all out in big white gown; think Olivia Palermo in her full skirt and cashmere jumper combo.

"Evening dresses are perfect with metallic accessories for an unexpected bridal look."

If you're getting married somewhere tropical, lighter layers are essential. Add traditional touches with your bouqet and a simple hairdo - we love loose curls and plaited sections this season.

Turner & Sanderson Key notch lapel sharkskin suit and texture silk tie - COMING SOON

Lauren Ralph Lauren

Lorelei skirt

£70.00

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INSPIRATION & IDEAS

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10 Handbags you'll want for Christmas

There's still time to treat yourself

1. Winter florals

2. Disco details

3. Taupe treats

4. Faux fur

5. Autumn essential

6. Code red

7. Reworked classic

8. Relaxed neutral

9. Precious details

10. Blue for you

Welcome to the Style Collective

1. Candy stripes

2. Paradise found

3. Go long

4. The short cut

5. Keep it sweet

6. The right footing

7. Hot on the heels

8. Wave back

9. Don’t sweat it

10. Take to the streets

Trending: artisanal interiors

Pick out pops of print

Mix and match textures

Focus on form

ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESSES

Shorter dresses

Phase Eight

Dune

Chi Chi London

Suiting and jumpsuits

Sportmax Code

Links of London

Casual Eveningwear

Lauren Ralph Lauren