The 20s are back on our radar as a swinging take on the stylish era sashayed off the SS12 runway and is headed straight for our wardrobes.

Inspiration: Think soft draped silks, blush hues, drop waists, and sequins and channel Clara Bow and Louise Brooks to really get this trend right. For a modern take on the vintage theme, make Rooney Mara your poster girl.

Rooney Mara

Catwalk: Runway shows championing the trend included Gucci, Etro, Ralph Lauren and Sonya Rykiel

Hero piece: Biba’s beautiful beaded dress is the jewel in the crown. Snap one up today to be ahead of the game.

Biba Dress

For more inspiration and great pieces , shop our Great Gatsby trend edit where you’ll find wedding perfect outfuts, pretty pastels and more

Dune Shoes

Kath Kidston Earrings

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress

Will you be wearing the Great Gatsby trend?

Trend Report: Great Gatsby is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

It’s our favourite time of year (other than Christmas) !! SALE! If you’ve had enough of the family, can’t bear to think about turkey and didn’t quite get everything you wanted have a sneak peek at some of our top sale picks and start spending your Christmas vouchers…

Picks for the girls

Mary Portas Utility shirt was £105 now £63

Karen Millen satin shift dress was £175 now £120

Planet Pea coat was £179 now £99

J’adore Dior gift set was £98 now £68.60

Biba lip palette was £24 now £19.20

Clarins Gorgeous Getaways was £44 now £30.80

Picks for the guys

G-Star denim shirt was £105 now £78.75

Jaeger merino jumper was £115 now £65

Mango jeans was £49.90 now £34.90

Picks for the pad

Cuisinart coffee machine was £150 now £75

Linea crystal glassware from £7

Panasonic 3D TV was £1099.99 now £749.99

Picks for the little ones

Uttam girls dress was £29.99 now £14.99

Timberland puffa jacket was £85 now £51

Little Joules t shirt was £29.95 now £20.96

Looking for something else? shop the rest of the House of Fraser sale.

Our top sale picks 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

Calling all Biba fans… it’s been a year since Biba re-launched at House of Fraser, and to celebrate, we’re offering you an irresistible 20% off the entire womenswear collection.

Whether you prefer the rich caramels of autumn’s ‘70s theme or the brand’s unashamedly kitsch prints, there’s something to suit all styles in Biba’s iconic range of women’s clothing.

All you have to do is print off your voucher and take it to your nearest House of Fraser store, or you can enjoy 20% off online by entering BIBA20 at the checkout*.

I’ve got my eye on this eye-catching striped number – the perfect way to brighten up dull winter days!

Download your voucher here.

To view the Biba collection, click here.

Valid on Thursday 8th September only*

20% OFF BIBA – CELEBRATE BIBA’S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY ON THURSDAY SEPT 8th 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

It’s that time of year again, purses at the ready and fisty cuffs polished off, the House of Fraser 2 Day Brand Event is finally here.

Don’t feel quite up to facing the crowds? Check out our best picks from across our Womens, Beauty and Accessories collections, make your selection, then hop online and either pick up instore or enjoy free delivery with orders over £50!

Play dress up courtesy of Phase Eight, was £99 now £79.20, Biba, was £135 now £81 and JS Collections, was £160 now £96.

Make like Claudia Schiffer and don the coveted MiH Marrakesh jean, was £155 now £124, think investment piece, these look great dressed up or down. Team with this super cute Therapy shirt, was £35 now £21, and Love Moschino bag, was £135 now £94.50, for an easy daytime look.

Getting ready to jet set your way through summer?  Our brand event is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday must haves.  Take inspiration from the TOWIE crowd and stand out in this Ted Baker swimsuit, was £65 now £58.50, and killer Carvela heels, was £120 now £96.

In need of some well deserved pampering?  Coat yourself in luxury with favoured products from Creme de la Mer, was £167 now £150.30, and Molton Brown, was £15 now £13.50.  Want an easy way to glow in the summer but don’t want to overload your skin? Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisturiser, was £27 now £24.30, is great for an even skintone on hot days, and with an SPF 15 who could resist?

Calling all make up addicts, the Urban Decay Naked palette is back.  Having sold out almost everywhere and with 10% off for two days only,was £32 now £28.80, there’s no excuse not to stock up.  Need a new signature scent, or fancy adding a dash of colour to your ensemble?  Lola by Marc Jacobs, was £47 now £42.30, is an absolute must-have, not least because the bottle doubles up as a great table arrangement! Get style at your fingertips with our exclusive Deborah Lippmann nail polish collection, was £14 now £12.60, in colours to suit every mood.

Shop 2 Day Brand Event.

2 Day Brand Event best picks. is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

May is here… that means summer is just around the corner, and with another bank holiday coming up we’re already planning BBQ’s, Pimms drinking and of course our summer wardrobes. And with the mercury rising, we’re starting to think about holiday beauty essentials, and summery colour shades. First up on May’s beauty wish list is Guerlain’s genius Rouge Automatique, £24.50. This clever sliding lipstick is a handbag must and comes in a fab array of shades, we love the hot pink Shalimar shade; perfect for showing off a tan.

Click here to buy

Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino range is the perfect summer scent, with citrus, floral and amber notes it sits delicately on the skin. I’m lusting after the body oil and shower gel, £40 to give my skin a subtle hint of fragrance.

Click here to buy

Then I will need a new cosmetics bag to house all these gorgeous beauty buys, luckily Biba’s new coral makeup bag, £50, is just the thing. Plus it has a fabulous leopard print lining, and it’s big enough to store all my favourite products.

Click here to buy

Up next is Marc Jacobs’ latest range of Splash scents, £48, based on tropical cocktails I’m rather taken with the Ginger one which has notes of rhubarb and sandalwood. The fragrance is just divine and ideal for spritzing yourself in the sun.

Click here to buy

Now I am not a huge faux tan fan, I am pale and although dark I burn at the first glimpse of sunlight. So I fear fake tan, as I’m sure it’ll leave me looking… well… fake. Then those fabulous beauty buyers in HoF HQ told me to try this perfect blend tan by Xen Tan, £34.99. This biscuit-scent-free tanner allows you to custom blend your own shade and leaves a gorgeous golden shimmer.

Click here to buy

Talking of pale skin which frazzles in the sun, Clarins have come to my aid with their new 50+ sun milk, £17.50. This moisturising sun cream also has a stunning fruity floral fragrance, so feels like a treat to apply.

Click here to buy

Biotherm follow on from their must-have Celluli Laser D.Code with their new wonder product to help banish jiggly tummies. Biotherm Celluli Laser S.Code, £28, firms and smoothes, so you can get a wash-board stomach without doing a million press ups! But hurry because this product won’t be around for long…

Click here to buy

Now if you’re like me, as soon as the weather heats up your skin goes insane, it’s blemishes galore, and my usually clear complexion looks horrific. One trick to avoiding bad skin in the heat is to ditch the heavy moisturiser and foundation and opt for lighter blends. Bobbi Brown’s new Tinted moisturisers with SPF15, £27 are oil free and perfect for creating a natural base without causing spots.

Click here to buy

Also, in the summer months I hate applying loads of eyeshadow, particularly when I’m on holiday. That’s why I love NARS’ shadow pencil’s £16.50. They come in some great colours including skorpios, as featured, and celebrate which is a fab zesty lime. Just shade in your eyes or use as an eye pencil, for long-wearing, easy-to-apply eye colour.

Click here to buy

The downside of summer is that it can wreak havoc with your hair. Dry, frizzy locks are just not attractive, so it’s worth while investing a really good hair mask. And they don’t get much better than Fekkai’s shea ultra rich hair mask, £25. It’s super intensive and will leave you with model-esque glossy locks.

Click here to buy

May’s Beauty Wish List is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

So I’ve been thinking, if Kate Middleton were to call me up and say “I need your help, none of these fancy couture designers can help me find what I want, I want you to dress me head-to-toe in House of Fraser” what I would put the future Queen of England in? Then, that got me thinking, what if I were to dress the whole wedding party in House of Fraser brands… read on to see my favourite wedding looks which are fit for a queen…

Kate Middleton

I certainly don’t envy Kate having to pick the most iconic wedding dress of the decade, will she pick a colour and thwart tradition as Queen Victoria did before her? It seems unlikely but you never know, I quite fancy a neon pink lace confection by Christopher Kane but perhaps I’m alone in this. Now, back to business, if I were picking a House of Fraser wedding dress for the soon-to-be princess I would go for Biba’s gorgeous Zoe embellished gown, £725. It’s a wonderfully flattering shape that will show off her super-svelte figure and glossy mane, and the delicate train at the back will allow her to float down the aisle. The art deco inspired design is perfect for creating a modern vintage look, and rumour has it that Kate wants to wear flowers in her hair making this dress ideal. I would finish off the look with a glamorous feather capelet and a pair of vintage style shoes.

See all Bride’s dresses

Pippa Middleton

Now, bridesmaid dressing is particularly tricky, you want them to look nice but not so nice that they steal the limelight. A great way to keep the peace is to choose a muted tone, this makes the ivory of the wedding gown stand out and yet the bridesmaids get to wear a truly gorgeous dress. I would put Pippa in this stunning soft lilac Anoushka G gown, £136.50, which has a real Vera Wang feel. It’s an incredibly flattering shape but isn’t too attention grabbing. I’d team the dress with a pair of ivory shoes and some delicate jewellery.

See all bridesmaid dresses

The Queen

Now we can’t forget the Grandmother-of-the-Groom, and what do you dress the Queen in? Well obviously Hobbs! I’ve chosen this stunning silk dress, £149 which I’ve paired with a Hobbs cornflower blue jacket £179 and a striking fascinator from Linea, £30. The cornflower shade is perfect for a spring wedding, and the print is delicate yet sophisticated.

See all Mother-of-the-bride dresses

Zara Phillips

Our next royal bride will probably be quaking in her Manolo’s at having to follow such an event. But I’ve noticed that Zara has really started working her fashionable side and I have high hopes of her picking a gorgeous gown for her big day. For Kate and Will’s wedding, I’d like to see Zara pioneering the maxi trend. Maxi dresses are great spring/summer wedding guest attire, and they don’t come much more glamorous than this Karen Millen number, £295, I’m going to give her a high fashion look complete with skyscraper wedges.

See all guest dresses

Victoria Beckham

We can expect a star filled cathedral, and with the Beckhams amongst guests, it’s going to be one fashionable wedding. With Victoria being pregnant, she may need to rethink her favourite bodycon styles in favour of something more fluid. So I’ve picked this fabulous Phase Eight dress, £130. It will flatter Victoria’s figure, and will look striking paired with black courts and her trademark sunnies.

See all guest dresses

The Royal Wedding: A stylist’s dream is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Dresses: Lily, Amber, Chloe and Daisy

Biba relaunched last season with a bang. The covetable collection proved a massive hit with House of Fraser shoppers and the limited edition Bridal line is on its way to selected House of Fraser stores and houseoffraser.co.uk. Yes you heard us right, Biba is doing bridal, and that means rock star-worthy wedding dresses that are at once beautiful and utterly cool. The gowns are named after – and inspired by – stylish stars like Lily Allen and Biba poster girl Daisy Lowe. Only 100 will be made in each style, so you can be sure your Biba wedding gown won’t be popping up all over the summer wedding circuit.

Yesterday was the day of the Biba bridal shoot – and as a soon to be married HoF staffer, I couldn’t resist heading over there to get a first look at the collection. In a cloud of white and cream chiffon and silk, the model looked absolutely stunning in the bridal gowns that were styled up with cute vintage extras like little lace gloves and pretty head pieces. But how would they look on a civilian like me?

I couldn’t help but try a few on…

Lily was my first love. The gathered chiffon at the bust gave the frock a Grecian feel and gorgeous diamante embellishment lent a sense of occasion. Round neck and sleeveless are not features I would usually be drawn to with my DD+ chest but the softly corseted body was really supportive and the sheer panel at the top meant the gown had all the glamour of a strapless dress. It comes in floor length or just over the knee, for the modern bride. The short version may even be good for your bridesmaids – but there is a danger they could steal the show.

Amber was up next. Crepe silk, contrasted with classic shiny silk is a match made in wedding heaven. This dress has real goddess appeal and made me feel like Marilyn Monroe. It is slightly tricky on the bra front, as it has a low back with one bejewelled band going down the centre, but again there is some padding in the chest to help hold you in place. Crepe silk is so luxurious but does show off every lump and bump, so good suck-you-in knickers are recommended. This dress also has a beautiful train – perfect for swishing up the aisle.

The one-shoulder Chloe comes in a lovely soft cream tone – perfect if you want to veer away from bright white. This felt the most vintage of them all with its soft flowing chiffon layers and delicate bust detailing. Finally for brides that want plenty of fabric, the pleated Daisy dress is perfect. It cuts straight across the bust and could be worn with or without the spaghetti straps, it is so supportive. In fact, I was really impressed by the architecture of all the dresses. Real thought has gone into supportive bodices to make sure you are comfortable and poised for your big day.

Anyway – enough wedding bliss.

We will let you know when the Biba bridal collection arrives in store and online and can’t wait to hear what you think.

Dum dum da dum…

Here Comes The Biba Bride is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Christmas is almost upon us and if you’ve been wondering what to buy your loved one, or yourself then stop wondering right now! For the answer is simple… a delicious new handbag. No woman can resist the allure of a gorgeous new handbag, plus you don’t have to worry about whether it will fit or not, it is in fact the dream present. So if you’re now wondering which bag to buy, check out our guide below to make your handbag buying experience a doddle…

Lady in red

This is perfect for women who have quite a neutral wardrobe but enjoy a pop of colour, red handbags were a major feature on the AW10 catwalks and look great paired with a camel coat. Made for drama queens.

Left to right: Love Moschino, £170, Lulu Guinness, £325, Michael Michael Kors, £149

Berry Brights

If you’re worried that postbox red is a little too bright, then berry tones are far more subtle but equally fun. These shades are wonderful in winter paired with greys and teals. Made for eclectic stylistas.

Left to right: Biba, £125, Patrick Cox, £125, Hobbs, £199

Far from boring black

Every woman needs and desires the perfect black bag. But black doesn’t mean dull, opt for an unusual shape or eye-catching detailing to give the basic black an on trend update. Made for power dressers.

Left to right: Lulu Guinness, £225, Ted Baker, £169, Jaeger, £199

Mad for metallics

Gold, silver and bronze shouldn’t work on handbags but they really do. It’s a great way to dress up your look and add a touch of glamour to your everyday wardrobe. Made for glamour pusses.

Left to right: Aspinal of London, £295, DKNY, £230, Biba, £125

Nearly neutral

If black isn’t quite right, and colours don’t quite hit the mark, then neutral shades may be the key. Stone washes are perfect for the casual girl who loves her jeans and tees. Made for laidback chic lovers.

Left to right: Mango, £39, Stefanel, £295, Pied a Terre, £59.40

One for the rock chicks…

Studding, fringing, bucket bags… so hot it hurts, handbags have been getting a hardcore makeover. For a new statement bag make sure it’s got plenty of attitude. Made for fashionistas.

Left to right: Label Lab, £81, Aspinal of London, £675, Nine West, £85

Click here to shop handbags

All I want for Christmas… is a fabulous handbag is a post from: House of Fraser Blog