Well I don’t know about you but I am feeling more excitement about this Six Nations campaign than I have for a while! It feels like a clean slate for England – a new squad with no baggage and a fresh young side bursting with potential.

There will be lots of people basing their expectations on what happened at the World Cup, but I don’t think any team’s performances in New Zealand will have a bearing on this Six Nations. It is all a bit unknown, what with new coaches at England, Italy and France, and the start of the next four year cycle towards 2016.

Wales have been hit with some injuries which disrupt them slightly, but expectations from their fans will remain huge as they have so many talented youngsters alongside a familiar and experienced coaching team. Ireland did not play well at the World Cup, however when I watched them play Australia in Dunedin, it was the best game in the whole competition, and with their players performing so well in the Heineken cup they will have great confidence. France, with my old mate from Phillipe St Andre at the helm, have a fairly settled side and appear a threat, however Italy have to hope they can find another gear with a new coach.

As for my beloved England, the team will have to put their catalogue of errors both on and off the field behind them, and I genuinely don’t know what we will see from this new squad. They will be a little raw and inexperienced with new captain Chris Robshaw, who has never played at Murrayfield.  The first game up will be crucial for the lads to get a decent start, and as long as they play with passion and commitment English rugby will receive a massive boost.

We all know that when Scotland are at Murrayfield they take on a whole new aura, and I can remember clearly the intimidating atmosphere they create up there. What the new guys need to do is feed off the atmosphere and direct their energy into silencing the crowd and those bagpipes! New coach Stuart Lancaster is a good guy and knows most of his players from the U21′s and Saxons, so he should be able to get the best out of them. As long as they learn and develop whatever the result, we will have taken a step forward. It is a real privilege to play for your country and test yourself against the best and I believe Stuart has selected a group of players who will give their all. For all the teams, even as a proud Englishman, I want to see us showing the rest of the World how good northern hemisphere rugby can be. For all you rugby fans out there this weekend is going to be unmissable.

Shop the Raging Bull menswear collection by Phil Vickery

Phil Vickery’s thoughts on the six nation campaign is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Gents, there’s nothing like style with a little more substance… and Without Prejudice has just the ticket.

The contemporary British menswear label has designed an exclusive men’s suit for The Institute of Cancer Research’s Everyman Male Cancer Appeal. Featuring Everyman’s signature blue in the buttonhole stitching and lining, this contemporary suit is the chic way to raise awareness for a great cause.

Priced at £450, 10% of all proceeds will go to the Everyman appeal.

Suits will be available from House of Fraser from the beginning of February.

> See the suit at houseoffraser.co.uk

Without Prejudice Designs Suit for the Everyman Male Cancer Appeal is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

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

It’s January, it’s just after Christmas and the student loan has come and gone. Here at House of Fraser we know as a student you need all the help you can get so you can stay at the top of class in the style stakes each term! So we’re offering a 10% discount everyday for every NUS Extra Student card holder.

All you need to do to benefit from this fab student discount is like us on Facebook, this will then enable you to generate your exclusive code using your 18 digit NUS Extra number, for use on that day, then simply return the next day to retrieve your next one and so on. Remember to share this exclusive offer as well to be sure your friends don’t miss out!

Only valid NUS Extra numbers can be used. Each code is unique and can only be used once. Only one code can be generated per person per day.

So what are you waiting for?! Get your code now!

Terms and Conditions apply.

Students! Get your exclusive NUS Extra Student Discount is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Take time out from shopping the January sales and treat yourself to a complimentary coffee…on us! Simply print out the above voucher and take it along to a Cafe Zest within any House of Fraser store and receive a complimentary hot drink with any other purchase.

Just something to say Happy New year!

Have a coffee on us! is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Are you a homeware designer, waiting for that big break?

Following on from the success of the new Mary & House of Fraser shop, the House of Fraser team are searching for up-and-coming homeware designers to pitch their ideas to an expert panel at the Interiors UK trade show in January 2012.

If you’d like to apply, simply fill out the form here by the 6^th January. Successful applicants who pitch will get the chance to see their ideas put in to production and either sold as a product or displayed as part of the Mary & House of Fraser shop – a concept store designed around Mary’s creative vision.

To ensure the shop continues to push creative boundaries, the Mary & House of Fraser team are looking for product and furniture designers who have an innovative idea for an item to sell or for the shop-fit itself. Winning designs would potentially sit alongside the fashion, gift, home and food collection aimed at ‘grown-up women’ which launched in August 2011.

Sitting on the expert panel at Interiors UK will be Peter Cross, Mary Portas’ business partner, Roderick Williams, House of Fraser Homeware Director and Alex Dimitriu, House of Fraser Director of Buying (Womenswear).

P.S. If you’re still searching for the perfect Christmas present, why not treat her to a Mary Portas Styling Experience. This includes £150 to spend in the Mary & House of Fraser Shop, your very own personal stylist, and a complimentary glass of delicious Pommery champagne. For more details ask in-store.

Calling all homeware designers: Enter our mary portas competition is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

You may have already heard the buzz, but we just thought we’d let you in on something exciting that’s happening in the New Year.

Launching in February 2012, Michelle Mason will be introducing her very own interiors collection to House of Fraser, entitled Linea by Michelle Mason.  

Renowned for her strong illustrative style and use of playful prints, Michelle creates interior and giftware that has appeared in Elle Decoration, Living Etc and the Sunday Times, to name but a few.

The upcoming collection sees quirky cupcakes, sweet Scotty dogs and iconicLondonbuses appear on all your homeware essentials, including mugs, cushions, containers and plates.

Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this exciting new collection, exclusive to House of Fraser.

Coming Soon: Linea by Michelle Mason 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

Love FLY53?  Then don’t miss out on the brand’s fantastic competition – which has now been extended until midnight Saturday 1st December.

Simply follow the steps below for you chance to win a £53 voucher to spend at FLY53.

The competition will be running in the following stores:

Belfast

Birmingham

Bournemouth

Bristol

Croydon

Gateshead

Huddersfield

Hull

Leeds

Manchester

Middlesborough

Nottingham

Plymouth

Wolverhampton

Good Luck!

Win with FLY53 is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

We were overwhelmed by the success of our brand new concept store which opened its doors in Union Square, Aberdeen on 21^st October this year.

So we are really pleased to announce the opening of our 2^nd concept store in Liverpool today!

House of Fraser.com has been created for you to come in, relax and shop online using one of our stylish and sophisticated terminals in the centre of Liverpool.

You can also take advantage of our Buy & Collect service – simply order from the comfort of your own home, and have your items delivered for collection the next day*.

*Order before 5pm in store for next day collection.

We’ve got all your fashion, home and beauty cravings covered and with an amazing 1000 brands available online, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Choose from our incredible range of Womenswear including Jaeger, Pied A Terre and Paul’s Boutique. Plus, we’ve got the exciting new Mary Portas collection and the iconic Biba collection, both exclusively available at House of Fraser.

Why not indulge yourself with one of thousands of beauty and skincare products from our top brands including Shiseido, Chanel and Estee Lauder.

Men needn’t feel left out either, with a whole host of brands to choose from including Polo Ralph Lauren, G Star and Barbour. There’s also our exclusive brands including Kenneth Cole New York and Howick Tailored, designed to cover all your tailoring needs.

You can also update the little one’s wardrobes by choosing from our top Kids brands including Name It, DKNY and Hugo Boss, or make their dreams come true with a wide selection of toys including Barbie, Polly Pocket and Thomas The Tank Engine.

Give your home a stylish makeover with some fantastic furniture and accessories from Shabby Chic or Kenneth Cole Home, both exclusively available from House of Fraser, or update your kitchen with Le Creuset, Bodum or Tefal.

Getting married? Use our Wedding List service, which will help you find every gift from the practical and innovative to the luxurious and indulgent. Our service to you is led by our dedicated Concierge team, making our contribution to your special day. Plus, once you have opened your Wedding List at House of Fraser, there are treats in store for all members of the wedding party!

Visit the new Liverpool store today.

Revealed: Our new Liverpool store is a post from: House of Fraser Blog