With Christmas around the corner are you struggling to find that perfect gift? You needn’t stick to the same old boring socks and selection boxes.  We’ve picked our favourite gifts whether they’re traditional, modern or kitsch, your bound to find some inspiration to please the most discerning of tastes.

Traditional

These gifts are ideal for those who like to stock up on old faithfuls for the new year. This Howick Robe is great for Dad’s, Uncle’s, Big Brother’s, any man, or woman for that matter, who loves their home comforts.  Searching for something a little more tempting? The traditional Christmas Morning hamper is sure to keep everyone happy with it’s popular festive treats! Keep it classic for that special lady with this gorgeous lingerie set from Elle Macpherson.

Modern

For the beauty addict in the family the Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV palette is an absolute must. With 16 neutral, smouldering and vibrant eyeshadows this palette is perfect for New Year’s eve and beyond. Encourage him to shape up with the Babyliss for men iStubble or treat them both to this Krups Pixie Nespresso coffee machine.

Kitsch

This Yoyo from Ridley makes an excellent stocking filler, or these retro style cufflinks from Paul Smith are perfect for a cheeky treat for him.  I absolutely love this cushion from Horrockses as a welcome addition to any house proud family member.

Need some more inspiration? Shop our range of handpicked gifts in our Christmas shop.

The Perfect gift is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

You might have read about Robbie’s new clothing line in the press…now hear it from us first hand – the rumours are true! Farrell will be launching on our virtual shelves and in selected stores in September.

Designed for chaps who like a ‘bit of snap’ in their clothing, the collection has a strong British feel and a nod to Savile Row tailoring.

Expect to find slick one button dinner jackets and bib front shirts to dress up in, and a weekend uniform of chunky cable knit cardigans, brushed cotton shirts and jeans.

Flat caps and pea coats complete the look and make an appropriate vintage-inspired tribute to the collection’s real inspiration, Jack Farrell – Robbie’s grandfather…

Nicknamed ‘Jack the giant killer’, Robbie’s grandfather provided a male role model for Robbie, whose father left when he was 3. And with the backdrop of ‘70s Stoke, he taught Robbie how to be a man, led by honesty, integrity, good manners and a sense of humour – he even taught him how to punch!

As a result none of the clothes are ‘flash’. Labels and logos have been intentionally tucked away to let the design do all the talking. Quirky details have been added, like the secret pockets ‘for the bus fare home’.

If the story and the details haven’t yet won you over yet – then we’re confident the collection will. The trouble is, you’ll have to wait folks, because September is a whole six weeks away!

But in the meantime, take a sneak peek at the collection in this Farrell video – directed by Charlie JO, Robbie’s friend and featuring two other pals, celebrity hair stylist, Oliver Woods and stylist, Marcus Love. As they stroll the streets of Stoke where Robbie grew up the whole story starts to unravel…

Makes us want to live up north!

Introducing Farrell – the collection from Robbie Williams is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Rugby star, Phil Vickery, with his new collection in our Cheltenham store

Last week, our Cheltenham store paid host to the super-fit, pitch-conquering action hero, known in rugby circles as Mr Phil ‘Raging Bull’ Vickery.

There to celebrate the arrival of his new clothing brand in store, Phil took a few hours from his busy schedule to meet and greet our super-lovely customers and his loyal fans.

After his visit, Phil described the Cheltenham staff as ‘amazing…nothing was too much trouble for them’. Which, incidentally, is exactly what they said about you too Phil!

But enough of the mutual back-slapping…If you haven’t caught a glimpse of the Raging Bull collection, then you could be surprised, because, despite the rugby influence, it’s more akin with off pitch socialising than sweaty scrums.

Airy pique polos, seersucker shirts and, of course, the mighty Rugby shirt are all included. So you’ll find plenty of those box-ticking summer essentials.

To find out more about Raging Bull, browse our virtual shelves right here.

The real ‘Raging Bull’ takes centre stage… is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Has the drop in temperature got you feeling the moody blues?  Bring back the sunshine and inject some colour into that wardrobe with our range of coloured denim. 

As seen on the likes of Alexa Chung, Kim Kardashian and Cheryl Cole this is a really easy way of wearing colour without looking like an oversized fruit bowl! Whether you keep it casual for daytime or dress up for evening, coloured denim is the easiest way to update your style.

Here at HoF HQ we’re absolutely loving the J Brand royal blue 811 skinnies, as favoured by a certain Kardashian. Fancy yourself as a bit more of an indie chick? Channel the Chung and go for a washed out berry like the Levi’s coloured skinny jean exclusively at HoF.  Want the style but without the splurge? We’ve got a great selection of colours from Danish brand Only at the bargain price of £35! I absolutely love these lemon yellow ones to add a hint of sunshine on the gloomiest of days.

Still not feeling brave enough to sport some colour? No need to feel left out as we’ve got plenty of classic styles to choose from. I love the MiH ‘Paris’ skinny jeans for a dressed down daytime look, great with flip flops and a linen style blouse. Keep it classic in Hudson with these supersoft skinnies, great for those of you that prefer a softer, ‘jegging’ style feel with the stability of a jean or, lighten up in 7 For All Mankind and pair with a vintage style tee and great printed scarf.

See all denim

It’s all in the jeans is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

The floral trend has reached fever pitch – and with bold bright florals now adorning my bed linen, table linen, mugs, plates and even notebook – my flat looks like its lost a fight with an English country garden. And that’s exactly the look I’m going for!

If you’ve not dipped your toe into this fresh summer trend, then one of the easiest ways you can do is by starting with your bedroom. Bold bed linen forms an easy base for your look and means that you don’t need to fork out on new furniture or paint work. Just find a style that suits your current scheme and there’ll be no stopping you.

Here are my top 3 tips to blooming success:

Linea, 'Ren' bed linen, was from £12 now from £9.60

1. Use Bright Blooms  This season, large prints in bright shades are everywhere and really work well in a modern home like mine. To make the most of this print, keep your base furniture, walls and flooring plain and use a few choice accessories to lift the look – brightly coloured cushions and vases in zesty shades are just the ticket.

Cath Kidston, 'Rose' blue bed linen, from £14

2. Repeat the pattern across accessories/wallpaper/your rooms  Country house florals are everywhere and one of the best ways to make this look work is by repeating the pattern on accessories. This gorgeous Cath Kidston rose bed linen can be bought with a matching dressing gown that completes the floral fantasy with a flourish! Sanderson also do great matching wall paper and curtains as does the Linea clover collection. Just add real roses and rose scented candles to complete the look (Cornish cottage with to-die-for views and hunky surfer neighbour: optional).

Pied a Terre, 'Devine' bed linen, was from £15 now from £12

3. Choose an accent shade  Look carefully at your print to find a secondary shade which will work as an accent on accessories. This Pied a Terre bed linen works perfectly with this season’s hottest accent shades of zesty lime and deep purple. Once you’ve decided on your shades, accessorise your room with statement cushions, throws and vases.

Flower Power: how to decorate your bedroom with florals is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

As I am just about to jet off on my summer holiday, I have turned my attention to all manner of beach-worthy beauty products. First up is this super duper NARS palette, oh I love it,  I have been staring at this palette with the same glazed expression, that I usually only display when seeing the new Mulberry ‘it’ bag and French Bulldogs. I love everything about it, from the cute zip up case, to the fact that it contains the three very best NARS shades; Orgasm blush, Laguna bronzer and Albatross highlighter… What’s not to love?!

>NARS bronzer trio palette £39

Up next on my wishlist, is a Pippa Middleton derriere, and with Mama Mio’s Bootcamp for Butts, it’s well within my reach. If you thought Mama Mio was just for pregnant women, then think again, well it does do some fabulous products for those of you with child… but it also does some great ones for the rest of us women. And this butt bootcamp, is my personal favourite set, it comes with exercises to help you perfect that peachy roundness, and three wonder products to help tone, tighten and smoothen.

>Mama Mio Bootcamp Butts £89

Then we have a new wonder cleanser from Decleor. It comes with two muslin cloths, and you can use it to freshen your skin and as a makeup remover. Mary, our fashion and beauty editorial assistant gave this a whirl, and loved it. She found it easy to use, and loved how clean and refreshed her skin felt afterwards. It’s particularly good for those of you who can’t resist a spot of daily exfoliating (no, I can’t either).

>Decleor Hydrating radiance smoothing & cleansing mousse, £25.50

Also on my wishlist, is Marc Jacobs’ super cute Daisy Eau So Fresh  purse spray. Have you ever seen anything sweeter? This gorgeous little bottle is ideal for spritzing on the go, or for taking on your travels. With notes of raspberry, plum and wild rose, it’s the perfect summer scent.

>Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh purse spray £29.50

Now, any girl who is serious about her makeup knows that Estee Lauder Doublewear range is the most long-lasting and durable of all. So, I was incredibly excited to see that a new gel eyeliner has been added the range, this gorgeous little pot comes in five different shades, including a wonderfully flattering charcoal colour. Each pot comes with a handy slanted brush for expert application, and it lasts at least twelve hours, and because it’s gel based it glides on effortlessly and has a beautiful finish.

>Estee Lauder Doublewear gel eyeliner £15.50

Everyone loves a collaboration, and few get cooler than the latest one between Kiehl’s and Florence and the Machine. They’ve asked that wonderful Florence Welch to design the label for their cult classic Creme de Corps, and oh how I want it! Not only is it a wonder cream for extremly dry skin, but with that fab label, it’s a dressing table must.

>Kiehl’s Creme de Corps limited edition £27

Now, apologies for the Estee Lauder love post, but those clever beauty folk have come up with another hit product. This Even skintone illuminator, has had the beauty editors falling over themselves to try it. If you find that your skin can look blotchy or blemished then you need to try this illuminator. It leaves your skin looking radiant and smooth. I am desperate to get my hands on a bottle so that I can have perfect skin everyday!

>Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, £46

Following on from my fake-tan debut, I am now fully converted, and before my hols I thought it best to banish my paler than pale skin, and try creating that bronze goddess look myself. So, I have invested in the intense mousse by Vita Liberata (I may not be up on the tanning world, but I do know that a mousse is easier to work into the skin than a cream, and doesn’t leave streaks). I went for the intense shade as this is the darkest in the mousse form, and it will apparently turn me golden brown… fingers crossed.

>Vita Liberata Intense Silken Mousse £22.50

Continuing my love affair with sunkissed limbs, up next on my wishlist is Sisley’s much sought after After Sun Tan Extender. This luxurious aftersun moisturises your skin, and soothes any sore bits, whilst also lightly tanning your skin. It contains a touch of fake tan so that you can keep your colour and repair your skin. Sisley is renowned for brilliant suncare, and this may be an extravagant purchase, but it’s sooo worth it.

>Sisley After Sun Tan Extender £81.50

And finally, I’m after Cover FX’s Skintint. This great tinted moisturiser is perfect for adding a hint of colour to your skin, instead of using a bronzer. And because you pick the shade you can get a really natural finish. Plus it has SPF 30 so it will protect you from the sun. During June, Cover FX will be donating 25p from every SkinTint sold to The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity (UK). We are expecting some more shades on this month, so keep your eye’s peeled.

>Cover FX SkinTint £36

June’s Beauty Wishlist is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

As I wandered around Chelsea Flower Show last week, trying to justify spending an obscene amount of money on a single glass of Pimms, I found myself becoming increasingly captivated by the colours and vibrancy of the flowers. And whilst everyone else around me was planning their garden makeovers, I was concentrating firmly on my wardrobe. What if you blended bold orange with hints of lavender? As the Monaco garden did so brilliantly.  Yes, the Chelsea Flower Show is a hotbed of style inspiration, from the angular shapes of the Bird of Paradise, to the softness and delicacy of the peony. Here are my favourite dresses to wear in the most stylish of gardens:

Sizzling tropics

Be inspired by tropical flowers, in this summer’s hottes shade; zingy orange. Touches of bold green might sound scary but actually look amazing. Pair these dresses with lightly tanned bare legs and a pair of flat sandals for an exotic summer look.

Eclectic arrangements

This breathtaking tree at Chelsea, was definitely one of the highlights for me, the fantasy element of the flowers interwoven with the branches of the tree really was quite magical. This is a perfect starting point for a gorgeous summer dress, opt for fantastical shades, and vibrant prints, these two dresses would be perfect for a summer wedding or garden party.

Magical meadows

Wild flowers were in abundance at Chelsea, and this got me thinking… the Stepford Wives had the best style… those ’50s prom dresses with fabulous floral prints. When I found these gorgeous dresses from Oasis, I nearly fell over with excitement. This shape flatters everyone, and looks amazing paired with peep toe heels and a pair of cat-eye sunnies.

Country gardens

For those of you who like your garden and style a little more traditional, these stunning floral shift dresses are a must. They are perfect for wearing to work or for play, and can easily be dressed up with a pair of heels and tailored jacket, or dressed down with sandals and raffia bag.

Oriental florals

A key trend for gardens and catwalks alike was the Orient. In the gardening world this was all about pagodas, water features and dramatic planting, for fashion Oriental means statement prints, rich shades and feminine shapes. If you want a floral dress that isn’t too cutesy or overly girly, then these two are for you.

Style inspiration: Chelsea Flower Show is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Question: what do the astronauts from Apollo 11’s Splashdown Recovery Operation have in common with Fred Durst, Pharrell Williams, Barack Obama and every Major League US baseball player in the US?

Answer: they’ve all had their noggins kitted out in New Era – the American cap company with a BIG history.

Yup, that’s right a lot of brands have history, but few can boast one quite like that of America’s most iconic cap company, New Era.

Over their 88 year history, New Era has evolved into the kind of brand seen on the runway at Paris fashion week and featured in a multitude of music videos on MTV – not to mention their pride of place spot on the heads of some of the world’s most influential artists, musicians and sportsmen.

If you’re a cap wearer then you’re probably aware of the brand, but if you’re new to the world of cool caps (uh hello!) then you need to look out for two New Era styles.

The Fifty Nine Fifty - is the official on-field cap for every major and minor league baseball team and has grown into a bona fida street item. US hip hop artists, rockers and celebrities are among the fans, with the likes of Jayzee, Snoop Dogg and even Barack Obama seen sporting one.

Its straight or ‘flat’ peek is the style of the moment and if you’re tempted by one of these then get your tape measure at the ready because it’s sold in exact sizes – guessing is not advisable.

The Thirty Nine Thirty on the other hand is a stretch-fit style, designed especially for batting practice. If you’re a fan of the preppy look then this will be more your cup of tea – and there’s something of the classic sports fan in its bent peak. Unlike the Fifty Nine Fifty, it has a more flexible shape, which means you can buy it in classic S, M, or Large sizes.

Tempted? Then check out our New Era online collection.

Astronauts, rappers & baseball – welcome to New Era is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

We know it’s barely summer but in the fashion world, as soon as you enter one season and start pulling out the shorts and flip flops, we’re already talking, thinking and planning the next three. So, despite soaring temperatures across London, today we invited the fashion and home press in to preview our new autumn/winter collections for 2011.

And, as luck would have it…we snuck in with a camera to bring you the insider gossip on the looks, colours and trends you’ll be sporting come September…

So first to womenswear where fashion’s love affair with the ’70s continues with a distinctly folkloric edge. We’re already hankering after the signature paisley prints, woollen capes and just a hint of faux fur on our jackets - the perfect separates to complement our much-loved flares!

Workwear gets a chic overhaul for autumn with sleek lines and simple stylish separates – we’re already planning our haul of shift dresses and to-die-for minimalist coats, inspired by Celine. Oh, and guess what? Camel  is staying around for another season.

For cosy weekend dressing, more faux fur and Fair Isle follow on from last season and if you’re a fan of ladylike dressing then you’ll simply lap up the divine little leather gloves, wide brimmed hats and small frame handbags – very Jackie O.

In menswear, formalwear is all about the double breasted suit (set to make a big return!) and elegant slim-line fits  inspired by ’40s tailoring. Paired with a camel wide-lapelled overcoat and a vintage leather brown bag, it’s the ultimate office-to-evening look.

Or, for those of you who dipped a toe in the ‘velvet blazer’ trend last season, you’ll be pleased to know that this louche and luxurious of fabrics has returned again – this time re-worked with contrasting satin lapels. It’s all looking rather ’70s gents…

For a relaxed weekend look; quilted jackets, chunky knits, Fair Isle patterns and padded utility jackets have returned. Just wear with your trusty denims and a pair of chunky boots (of course!). Shawl collars are also big news – and transcend your casual/formal wardrobe, appearing on both knits and tailoring.

Secret duffle coat lovers can rejoice – because they’re back and have inspired toggle fastenings on backpacks and accessories too. Meanwhile the heritage brands like Barbour are set to get even bigger (is that possible?) and country-inspired fabrics and finishes have all stayed around for another season.

And in interiors…Well aside from the well documented Shabby Chic collection, you’ll find opulent yet eclectic new colour palettes for all tastes and emerging interios trends to take to your heart…

The ‘Bloomsbury’ trend is inspired by the ‘Bloomsbury’ era of Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster (to name a few) and the arts and crafts movement they pioneered. A trend which continues to grow each year, we predict you’ll be knitting soon if you’re not already!

Rich, opulent colours, bold muted florals in autumnal shades and quirky accessories like stag head bookends are all key to creating this look – add a rickety mansion, a haunted attic and dark teak furniture and you’re away!

Elsewhere, the kitchen is set to get a purple makeover across accessories and kitchen implements, a colour which asserts its dominance across all collections.

If you prefer a lighter colour palette, then you’ll love the ethereal trend with its feminine dusky pinks and off-white – and the beautiful ‘feathery’ prints found on bed linen. And, if you’re anything like me, then you’ll fall head over heels with the ‘indigo shadow’ prints showcased in the Kenneth Cole collection – a hue that’s been growing as a trend for the past two seasons.

So that’s our little round up complete for the time being – but keep an eye out here for more news, gossip and insider info…

Behind the Scenes: our AW11 Press Day is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Pre-tanning booth

So, I have never had a spray tan… yes that’s right I’m a beauty editor that has never gone under the nozzle. I have been learning to love my naturally pale complexion over the years, and whilst I may not be the powdered milky shade that Dita von Teese so effortlessly works, I like to think I’m not far off.

I don’t tan naturally, instead I go a lovely shade of pink and then back to white again, and that’s even using a factor 50 suncream. So, when I was approached about going for a Vita Liberata spray tan I was a little dubious… would I look orange? Would people sneer at me and my oh-so-faux-tan? But being the intrepid beauty reporter that I am, I decided I should give it a go, can Vita Liberata convert me to the way of the tan?

The day of the tan

I exfoliated the day before, and didn’t use any body lotion… a very important step for all self tanning if you want to avoid streaks and a patchy tan. I then met my tan supremo, Melissa. She talked me through the tanning process and explained that as I have pale skin I would need the darkest tan, as the tanning agent reacts with the melonin in the skin. I was a tad sceptical to say the least, and was mentally replaying an episode of TOWIE where Amy describes the Oompah Loompah tan. But I agreed to the darkest shade and into the booth we went.

Once in the booth, Melissa gave me some paper underwear (very attractive), a hair net and some sticky pads for the feet. I then got changed, and removed all my makeup except the eyes, and Melissa came in and applied a moisturiser to my wrists, elbows and feet. After a quick chat through the tanning positions one must adopt (arm above the heard, leg in turn out, etc) we began.

It is not an unpleasant feeling, only a little peculiar, you feel a blast of cool air and the tan being applied to the skin.

Fresh from the tanning booth

It probably took 15 minutes in total to apply, the only scary bit was the face where you have to take a deep breath and blast of wet air shoots out at your face, but that lasts about five seconds so I can’t really complain.

The tan dries instantly so you can dress straightaway, I would suggest waiting a couple of minutes if you can and wearing something really loose that you don’t mind getting a little tan-stained (it will come out of clothes in the wash). I made the mistake of wearing a tank dress underneath my smock dress, so I have slight tan lines.

Before dressing I inspected my new found tan-ness, under the harsh department store lights the colour looked very strong, and it’s a lot to take in; milky one minute, golden brown the next, but it definitely didn’t smell and I definitely didn’t look orange.

Melissa explained to me that I shouldn’t shower for another eight hours, in order to let the tan develop, and shouldn’t rub my skin too much. I already knew from my TOWIE watching that a shower was better than a bath for post tan application.

The critics

I headed back to the office, nervous for the ‘Tango’ jokes that could come my way, but yet they did not come, instead I was met with “where have you been?” “you look so healthy” “where did you go for a spray tan” etc. I was to be honest quite surprised that I actually looked quite good with a tan, I continued to develop in colour throughout the day and when I got home my flat mate had turned green with envy at my golden glow.

Loving my healthy complexion

I showered the following morning, and it did look like I’d murdered an Oompah Loompah but I still had a strong tan post shower. And I have to say I was relieved, as I went to teach a dance class I found myself noticing my bronzed limbs in the mirrors and feeling really rather smug.

It’s now Tuesday and my tan is fading just as a natural tan supposedly does (I’ve never had a natural tan so I can’t say), and people are still complimenting me on my colour, my other flat mate has even booked an appointment for herself .

Overall

I am so impressed, my colour is so natural, and yet so glamorous. But now the problem is I think I’m addicted, I’m actually worried about the end of the week when my tan is gone and I’m back to being white. I’m thinking about purchasing some of the Vita Liberata products, and possibly booking in for another spray tan. I am 100% converted to the way of the tan.

Still tanned on Monday

The spray tan costs £29.50 and lasts for a week, if you fancy trying a Vita Liberata tan for yourself, then check out House of Fraser store pages and in store services to find your nearest booth.

Losing my spray tan virginity is a post from: House of Fraser Blog