I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a good feeling about 2012. Don’t get me wrong, 2011 was brilliant, however when you’ve experienced dreary weather for the past couple of months you look to the future with a somewhat fresh anticipation.

As the January sales come to an end, the retail world welcomes breezy summer designs that are destined to brighten up the high street… so with the upcoming summer months in mind, I hopped on a train and headed to Birmingham for the Interiors UK Trade Show at the NEC.

It’s always exciting to see what’s to be expected for Spring Summer 2012. After staying in, cuddled up on the sofa throughout the icy climes, it’s nice to think about vivid summer colours, quintessentially British garden parties, and seasonal ways to update your abode.

Whilst strolling through the endless stands and product demonstrations within the exhibition centre, there were a few trends that certainly stood out.

SUMMER BRIGHTS

Bold and beautiful colour is always a key story for the warmer months, and 2012 is set to be no different. From rich chartreuse to fluorescent florals, lively shades dressed a host of home accessories. Plush cushions and various home accessories were transformed for SS12 in tropical pinks, electric blues and regal purples.

CANINE COUNTERPARTS

I’m very much a ‘dog person’, so it was great to see a little pup on practically every homeware stand. French bulldogs, dachshunds, greyhounds and pugs (who could forget that fashion favourite?!) appeared on an array of homeware pieces for a contemporary but cute look. My particular favourites had to be the sausage dog chairs (see below) and some Winston Churchill-inspired bulldog cushions that I was unable capture on film *weep*

GO RETRO

Let’s face it, you either love or hate retro homeware. Those that adore contemporary clean lines and minimalist chrome will grimace at the thought of designs inspired by a bygone era – so I recommend you look away now. Whether its sixties bubble chairs or atom-esque coat hooks, I love it all. It’s no surprise that this theme made me smile, and there were a few style spots that I just had to share…

TOP TIP: SWAP YOUR MODERN HOUSE PHONE FOR A CLASSIC DESIGN FROM THE GOOD OL’ DAYS – FORGET ABOUT PRACTICALITY AND FOCUS ON STYLE THIS SEASON.

STATEMENT GLAMOUR

Lavish gold mirrors, gleaming metallic finishes and over-the-top accents were everywhere at Interiors UK, a theme that’s a must for those with a ‘more is more’ approach to interior design. There were no magnolia walls insight, with the majority of brands opting for in-your-face visuals and accessories on a grander scale. Looking for an understated wall clock? Forget it. If this event was anything to go by, then a large silver grandfather clock is much more fitting.

HOME SWEET HOME

Vintage white finishes are popular in many households nowadays, and this story looks set to stick around for the next few seasons. Feminine French details and gently washed wood were a key focus in many of the collections I viewed, with large wardrobes and oversized chests designed in this clean, crisp style – pieces that would certainly brighten up rooms with less light.

DUST & RUST

For those that despise chintz and prefer their homeware to be a little more industrial, this theme is sure to please. ‘Gasoline’-emblazoned wall art, aging clock faces and items with plenty of wear and tear were made centre pieces in many displays in the exhibition hall. Worn, salvaged wood made wonderful dining tables, whilst chunky vegetable crates and potato sacks were reworked into useful storage and soft furnishings.

WEIRD BUT WONDERFUL

Quirky? No. Eccentric? Definitely not, but regardless of my personality, I still managed to seek out a few gems that couldn’t be ignored. Whether you love them or hate them, you have to admit these are certainly something…

My day ended with a lovely couple of hours watching upcoming homeware designers pitch their ideas to our panel of Mary Portas experts – Peter Cross, Mary Portas’ business partner, Roderick Williams, House of Fraser Homeware Director and Alex Dimitriu, House of Fraser Director of Buying (Womenswear). The winning designs will appear alongside the Mary Portas & House of Fraser collection.

Here are a few of my favourites…

Tina Crawford and her hand-sewn dolls – look there’s Mary…

Camila Prada and her bone china tableware…

Tara Willis and her ‘Helpful Hankies’…

Lianne Mellor and her tea party set, Denise Rawls and her greetings cards, and Louise Tiler and her beautiful wallpaper.

HoF HITS BRUM: INTERIORS UK AT THE BIRMINGHAM NEC is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

‘Tis the season to be beautiful! And as Christmas gets closer and closer all I can think about is gifts, gifts and more gifts. If it’s not Mum asking what I want, it’s me desperately trying to cobble together some kind of list so I feel at least slightly organised once I get to the shops and don’t get that awful feeling of, ‘what was I here for?’.

So here is my list of must have beauty gift sets that should be sure to please even those who have everything!

The Estee Lauder Make Up Artist Collection £300

This is the ultimate make up kit and perfect for mum! She has always loved Estee Lauder and I can’t think of anything better to kit her out for looking fab in the new year! It includes every piece of make up she could ever need with 30 colours, brushes and more. Including a Deluxe Eyeshadow Compact with 18 coordinating shades (Summer Linen, Amazing Grey, Amethyst Spark, Flirty Lilac, Pink Flash, Purple Passion, Nude Fresco, Tranquil Moon, Peacock Blue, Smoky Ember, Berry Burst, Tempting Mocha, Ivy Envy, Chocolate Bliss, Ivory Slipper, Sandbar Beige, Hot Cinnamon, Rivera Rose.) Deluxe All-Over Face Compact (Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, Estée Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush in Pink Kiss, Radiant Peach and Nude Rose.) 2 Pure Color Gloss in Orchid Passion Shimmer & Electric Ginger. 3 Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Barely Nude, Candy and Fresh Plum). Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara (10-day supply; in Black). 2 Artist`s Eye Pencils (great for smoky eyes, in SoftSmudge Black, SoftSmudge Brown) Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (full-size 100ml). And as if that wasn’t enough it’s worth over £300 and available at House of Fraser for £50 with any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase. I suppose there’s no harm in topping up on some of life’s Pleasures if it saves me £250 ey!

Origins Ginger ways gift set £29

For My Auntie it has to be abit of Origins! She absolutely loves Ginger at this time of year and this set has all the right products so she can feel perfectly pampered and energised as the temperature drops! The set includes Ginger Essence Sensuous skin scent 50ml, Ginger Soufflé Whipped body cream 200ml and Ginger Burst Savory body wash 100ml.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her gift set  £72.50

For my sister is has to be her favourite fragrance, Narsico Rodriguez.  As it’s a luxury scent she would never buy it for herself so this is the perfect opportunity to make her feel spoilt! She loves musky scents and this blends  floral, amber and woody notes perfectly for colder months. And as it contains a 50ml Eau De Toilette and 10ml Purse Spray she can keep the scent with her all day!

Molton Brown Crystalline gift set £36

For my boss this set is perfect.  It’s always a tough one with work colleagues but I find you an never go wrong with Molton Brown. It contains a great range of six beautifully scented body products including Sensual Hanaleni moisture bath & shower gel, Invigorating Suma Ginseng bath & shower gel, Relaxing Yuan Zhi bath & shower gel, Cool Buchu bodywash, ultra smooth Coco de Mer body lotion and a lovely, warming Eucalyptus bath & shower therapy, so there’s bound to be something to suit.

Bobbi Brown Ultimate Party Collection £59

I of course couldn’t put together a December wishlist without sneaking a cheeky pressie in for myself and it had to be the Bobbi Brown Ultimate Party Collection palette. This collection features everything a girl about town needs to look party ready. With 8 Matte, Metallic, Shimmer and Sparkle Eye Shadows plus 4 Glitter Lip Glosses, this palette is perfect for getting perfect party looks for any occassion! And it Includes a Mini Lip Brush and Mini Eye Shadow Brush so it’s great for touch ups on the go.

What’s on you beauty wishlist?

Need help? Take a look at the gorgeous range of beauty gifts online at House of Fraser.

December Beauty wishlist is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

It’s our favourite time of year, our 2 Day Brand Event is here! We asked House of Fraser staff what they had their eye and here’s what they said…

Biba Faux Fur Sheepskin Coat was £225 now £135

‘I’m definitely treating myself to this cozy number, I’ve had my eye on it for ages and now the temperatures dropped, as well as the price, it’s the perfect excuse!’

Gant Lambswool Jumper was £80 now £70

‘I am going to be buying my dad this Gant V-neck jumper, he has about 3 already but has requested another in a different colour, they are his fave!’

Wolford Tights was £21 now £16.80

‘As with every event, I try to re-stock my tights collection before they get mid-winter bobbly-ness. Buying Wolford tights feels decadent, but when they’re such good quality and 20% off, I can’t resist.’

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Collection was £52 now £46.80

‘I’m a big fan of Bobbi Brown’s make-up, as are some of my best friends. I’m buying this for one of them this year (it’s also on my Christmas wish list – hint hint santa!).’

Toshiba 22DL833 LED TV/DVD Combi was £279.99 now £229.99

‘I have just moved in to my dream home and this is the perfect reason to nab this TV, it’s such an amazing offer I don’t have any excuse not to!’

Cath Kidston bath robes from £22.40 – £26.40
‘This is a lovely fun bathrobe for little ones, absolutely love the prints and sizings great so will keep them cozy for years to come!’

Linea merino wool jumper was £50 now £30

‘My boyfriend has these in every colour as it’s a 100% merino wool jumper for just £30. Effortless daily outfit for work with a shirt underneath and smart trousers, perfect! And here’s a tip, it says hand wash but so far they have survived on a 30 degree wash – even better!’

Bare Minerals Get Started Light Kit was £48 now £43.20

‘I’m getting every female friend and family member this as it is includes the best foundation within an amazing value pack. Top quality brushes x 3, 2 shades of foundation [one for pasty winter one for ‘with a tan’ summer, concealer, bronzer, finishing powder and a DVD to show you how little you actually need to use! We have all bought Medium as we are all have ‘not too pasty’ skin – it includes the medium beige and medium foundations which when I was testing the colours in store most people were being offered!’

What have you got your eye on in the months 2 Day Brand Event?

**2 Day Brand Event ** What’s in your basket? is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

With party season well underway don’t ruin a beautiful outfit with bad underwear! Unusual Lingerie has just launched online so you can look perfectly put together with their luxurious range of bras and knickers. We love the vintage feel of the pretty lace styles and the practicality of their more understated pieces.

Here’s some of our favourite picks.

Unusual Soft cup bra £33

Unusual Soft shorts £13

Unusual Polka dot bra £33

Unusual Polka dot shorts £14

Unusual Lace plunge bra £28

Unusual Lace brief £14

Browse the Unusual Lingerie range.

New brand: Unusual lingerie launches online is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

We all want that hero product that’s going to keep the promise of smoother, blemish free, perfectly airbrushed skin, and working in beauty we’re no strangers to miracle products claiming to solve all of our skincare woes.

Everybody’s different and people react to lotions and potions in different ways (one girl’s ‘can’t live without’ could be another girl’s nightmare). Taking this into account it’s not often we find a product that impresses right across the board, but when we do discover one, we want to shout about it, letting everyone in on the secret.

So what is this must have product?

New brand Electric Body skincare range uses the values of revolutionary science discoveries to bring you completely natural, organic products.  They are completely free of harmful chemicals, preservatives and parabens. When applied, the ingredients react with your skin and Electric Body acts as an all-in-one hero, featuring benefits found in day and night creams, anti wrinkle/anti aging creams, moisturisers, toners, sunburn treatments and antiseptic creams too. The list is endless.

Sounds too good to be true? Just have a look at our staff testimonials and try and resist!

‘The first thing that hits you is the smell of the product, a wonderful citrusy smell. The texture is gorgeous, thick and creamy but sinks into your skin really quickly.  

I started using the product on a scar on my chest. 6 years ago I tipped steam down myself and was left with a red, angry scar, about the size of a 50p piece. Whenever I was run down it would become inflamed and even more unsightly. I tried every product out there to try and reduce it and then I found Electric Body…after a month of diligently applying it twice a day the scar is now barely noticeable! I can’t even begin to describe the change that this has made, it’s no longer a consideration when I’m choosing what to wear which is incredibly liberating!’

 Cat Gilbert, Beauty Merchandiser

I’ve been very impressed with this cream since starting to use it a week ago.  Several people have also commented on how much better my skin looks (I generally have a dull and unhealthy-looking complexion unless I’m on full-out detox mode).

It’s great because it can be used on any area of skin. The extensive ingredient list is all naturally-based with a fresh scent of warm orange peel which is quite different from other creams, but I like it.

It goes on very easily and it spreads quite a long way. After a couple of minutes, it feels like your skin has a protective barrier over the top. It has a plumping and smoothing effect and leaves skin feeling very soft.”

 Maddie Melson, Trading Manager

I’ve used Electric Body on & off for a while now & I must say, I do love it – this really is an essential product and is suitable for any skin type. It’s an all in one product that is incredibly multi-functional, whilst it says you can use it as a hand cream, foot cream, cuticle cream (and many more!), I prefer to use it as a simple daily moisturiser. I don’t have particularly high-maintenance skin, however I do get the odd blemish, especially if I’m feeling the pressure of normal daily life like everyone I’ll get the odd break-out! By using Electric Body, I feel that my blemishes heal faster, my skin feels nourished & rejuvenated (which I am told is down to the ingredients – including New Zealand Cow Colostrum and aloe vera) and it also helps to reduce my pores – which is definitely something I look for in a moisturiser. The texture is smooth and soft, and a small amount goes a long way – anything to make it last that bit longer!

Rebecca Roberts, Beauty Buyer

Get ready to clear out your cupboard and make room for this all-in-one skin saviour . Take advantage of our offer with up to £45 off Electric Body products, but hurry this offer is exclusively online and for today only!

Shop the Offer

Today’s Flash Sale Alert: Electric Body! is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

The coveted Dior backstage confidential event is now on at House of Fraser stores until Wednesday 31^st August.

Launching their limited edition look for Fall, the Blue Tie collection is sultry and sexy with grown up tones of navy, sapphire and cobalt on a back drop of flawless skin and rose accents.  Visit any of the participating HoF stores and get your own personal 30 minute make up lesson with a Dior expert make up artist.  You’ll learn how to apply this seasons hottest catwalk trends, as well as how to adapt the must have Blue Tie collection to suit you best.

To book your place visit or call the Dior counter in any of the following stores:

Birmingham

Bristol

Cardiff

Frasers

Glasgow

Guildford

Jenners Edinburgh

Lakeside

London Oxford Street

London Westfield

Manchester

Sutton Coldfield

Places are extremely limited so book now to avoid disappointment and get backstage beautiful!

Shop the Dior Blue Tie collection.

Find your nearest store.

Dior backstage confidential is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Summer is finally here! Although you’d never know it given the cloudy, windy, rainy weather dappled with the occasional spot of sunshine.  So, if like the weather, you’re feeling gloomy, our July beauty wishlist is here to brighten you up.

First up is the Bobbi Brown tortoise shell eye palette in sand.  Eight gorgeous eye shadows varying from dark shading tones to lighter highlighting ones, great for the summer months as well as day to night makeup and I love the packaging, influenced by classic tortoise shell sunglasses not only will this compact fit into your bag it’ll add some style to it too.

Bobbi Brown Tortoise eye palette

If there’s one thing I couldn’t go without in the summer it’s a good mascara.  I’ve tried them all and I’m happy to say that if, like me you love to flutter those lashes then Lancome Hypnose Babydoll Mascara is just for you.  Non clumping, it features an amazing brush to help lift and separate lashes to make each one stand out.  Twiggy eat your heart out.

Lancome Babydoll mascara

Next is one of my makeup bag essentials.  Rarely do I leave for a night out with a couple of clicks of ‘my secret weapon’. YSL Touche Eclat has fast become a cult classic among beauty addicts everywhere. Some say a long time coming but that time has finally come, Touche Eclat is now available in 7 shades, so for those of you who couldn’t understand the hype due to it being far too light, it’s time to get involved and get obsessed, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.

YSL Touche Eclat

If you like to wake up with a full on face wash routine then my next must have is perfect for you. Clarins Daily Energizer range has been specifically developed for younger skin and includes a cleansing gel, toner and two moisturisers.  I absolutely love the name and packaging, all products are freshly scented and the name ‘Daily Energizers’ is exactly what it does, a good dose of energy to give your skin that extra zing.

Clarins daily energizer

Aveda has just launched online and this has created quite a stir at HoF HQ. Everyone has their hero products from haircare to makeup.  I absolutely swear by their Inner Light tinted moisturiser, great coverage, subtle scent and perfect for summer when I don’t want too much makeup on but still want a natural glow. Another favourite is their Shampure shampoo, this is a great light shampoo, perfect for everyday use and to take on holiday as it’s not too heavy and helps remove product build up.

Aveda Shampure Shampoo

Aveda tinted moisturiser

I spend every summer searching for the perfect bronzing powder and this year Guerlain just might take the biscuit. Their Terracotta range is perfect for adding a sunkissed glow without looking unnaturally tanned.  I absolutely love the moisturising bronzing powder, as a victim of combination skin I find that powders can sometimes enhance the dry areas of my face, mostly around the nose, however this one is perfect as it doesn’t draw attention to any dry areas and the only things highlighted are my radiant features (even if I do say so myself!).

Guerlain moisturising bronzing powder

This next must-have could be in the running for my essential summer make up case. From Benetint to Posietint those lovely ladies at Benefit now bring us Cha Cha tint, just in time for summer.  This mango tinted lip and cheek stain is still the same formula that we know and love, smoochproof, smudgeproof and everything in between. This stain will leave you looking sunkissed, begging the question where have you been doing the Cha Cha Cha?!

 Benefit Cha Cha tint

Vera Wang Lovestruck the newest fragrance to the Wang perfume franchise. This one has exotic notes of jasmine and lotus blossom fused with fruity top notes of pink guava and mandarin, a beautiful fresh summer fragrance and the bottle is even cuter, makes for a great dressing table feature if nothing else!

Vera Wang Lovestruck

Attention all you fake tan addicts! I have found the new gospel in fake tanning in the form of He-Shi foaming mousse. For use for him and her (as most fake tans are, but at least there’s no shame in this one). I have always preferred a mousse rather than any gels or creams purely because it’s so much lighter and that means a more even tan with no heavy streaks. With He-Shi mousse there’s no rubbing and colour soaks into the skin quickly and evenly. Not 100% scent free but definitely an improvement on the cereal milk/digestive biscuit smell we’ve grown to tolerate.

He-Shi foaming mousse

And lastly, my absolute can’t live without product for the summer months, a good stash of lip balm. I love to use it for moisture as well as getting a slightly tinted one to add a wash of translucent colour to keep my lips kissable from the beach to the bar. Rose & Co do a great set of 3 which features my absolute favourite Cherry Kiss, with a hint of colour and amazingly delicious scent this is perfect for holidays, as well as back in the office. Sweet Vanilla is great for sharing with the other half and the classic Rose Petal salve also doubles up as a great solution for dry skin. I also like to use it to highlight the eyelids and brow bone.

Rose & Co mini salve set

July’s beauty wishlist is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

How to wear

Hot on the heels of fashion’s love affair with colour blocking, comes printed trousers. Gone are the days when a printed dress was enough of a style statement, today it’s all about the trouser. Whether you like it wide, peg, harem or capri, printed trousers are the most on trend look of the moment. But, we know how daunting a printed trouser can seem, as women we are drawn to a print like a magpie to silver, but then we are cautious… will a leopard print trouser leave me with massive thighs? Will I get mistaken for someone in ’80s fancy dress? Will my boyfriend run for the hills, and find a nice girl who only wears printed dresses?!

But in reality printed trousers are actually surprisingly easy to wear, sexy, slimming and look good. The key to dressing any form of printed trouser is too keep everything else very simple. You want to stay quite tailored and fitted on top as this will slim you down. A basic vest top or cropped t-shirt looks great paired with printed trousers, and we love a blazer or cropped leather jacket for chilly days. Finish off your look with a pair of towering platforms, the height will elongate your legs and give you serious fashion points.

Our fave printed trouser accompaniments:

Animal Print

Probably the most rock ‘n’ roll of the printed trouser world has to be the animal print. Who can resist a spot of leopard?! We certainly can’t. The animal print is particularly easy-to-wear as whilst it is quite a ‘wild’ print it’s still quite subtle, and has an instant cool-kid feel.

 Graphic print

For a slicker printed pant, graphic prints are perfect. These look particularly good with a tailored jacket and architectural heels. These also work well for an evening look when paired with a slinky vest top and oversized clutch bag. With monochrome prints you can really use accessories and jewellery to create even more impact. Chunky cuffs and earrings really suit this style.

 Wide Leg

Also known as palazzo pants, these printed trousers have been 2011′s answer to the maxi dress. In many ways, they are very similar to the maxi, the wide shape is slimming and forgiving, the print suggests you’ve made an effort (even if you haven’t) and they’re so comfortable you feel like you’re wearing pyjamas. Palazzo pants work best in floral or quirky prints (such as polka dots or bird prints) and really do require a fitted top. I wear my bird print ones with a white cropped t-shirt and platform wedges.

 Slim leg

You might think that these would be the easiest shape to wear, but you’d be wrong, they’re in fact the hardest. My first piece of advice is only attempt to wear a printed slim leg trouser if you have slim legs. A more fitted trouser with a crazy print is not always the most forgiving. Alternatively team your slim printed pants with an oversized vest or t-shirt, this will help balance out your bottom half. Again, keep your top half plain, and your footwear high.

Will you be wearing printed trousers? How will you wear yours?

Tricky trend made easy: Printed trousers is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Fragrance, food, music, so many things can awaken our nostalgia and transport us back to a favourite holiday destination, party or a time in our life filled with endless possibility. I always find summertime particularly nostalgic, whether it’s the smell of an evening BBQ, a glass of Pimms or the sound of 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins, the summer fills me with images of day-long picnics, sleepy sunny evenings spent with friends and a whole lot of fun.

One thing we all love to be reminded of is holidays, for me crepes stuffed with Nutella and bananas screams family holidays in Greece, and just the smell of them transports me back to Greece in a second. There’s something about smell which I find the most powerful of all the senses. Fragrance has always been one of my favourite things to treat myself to and lends itself perfectly to capturing the soul of any getaway you want to relive over and over again. Pick yours for the summer and create your own private paradise.

English Countryside

Whether you’re escaping to the Cotswolds or the New Forest, when British summer time is in full swing nothing beats the countryside. Invoke the floral, hazy scent of a countryside retreat through Plum by Mary Greenwell.  A fruity fragrance featuring gardenia, rose and jasmine at its heart with top notes of plum, lemon and bergamot.  Our beauty buyer fell in love with the purse spray version of this scent and assures me that, ‘No handbag – (nor beauty addict) should be without one!’

Shop Plum by Mary Greenwell

Italy

The heart of culture and sophisticated style, no Italian would be caught without a signature scent to waft past intrigued onlookers. Relive the hustle and bustle of the Italian Riviera with fresh and fruity florals.  Hyacinth and freesia, peach and melon fuse together to create our Apothecary EDT.  Match clean silhouettes with clean scents and climb aboard your own fantasy yacht.

Shop Apothecary EDT

Morocco

Bask in the heady, musky balm of a Moroccan mirage. To capture this scent you need a dark, rich fragrance. Notes of black truffle, blackcurrant and bergamot fuse with lotus wood, patchouli and sandalwood creates the perfect scent in Tom Ford’s Black Orchid.  Mysterious and intoxicating, escape to the souks of Marrakesh with one spritz.

Shop Tom Ford Black Orchid

Malibu

Make like a California girl and dive into soft, watery, floral scents. Capture the laid back Malibu beach lifestyle through Marc Jacobs Curacao. Zingy, citrus infusions of blood orange and lime blend with sublime violet, orange and pear to create an aromatic cocktail, blended especially for you.

Shop Marc Jacobs Curacao

Find your perfect fragrance

Scents of occasion is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

This weekend Benefit invites you to have your brows wowed!

Head to the Benefit counter at any of the participating HoF stores below and receive the ‘Benefit Signature Brow Arch’, it’s like an instant eyelift but without the surgery. Get your FREE brow wax when you purchase two or more products on the 18th and 19th June.

Participating stores are –

HOF Bluewater

HOF Lakeside

HOF Norwich

HOF Glasgow

HOF Manchester Kendals

HOF Dundrum

Find out what a difference a brow makes! Offer exclusive to House of Fraser Benefit brow bars, subject to availability.

Shop Benefit Cosmetics

Calling all benefit babes is a post from: House of Fraser Blog