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

Your free styling service is now easier to access than ever before!

We now have the option to book a personal shopping appointment via our website. Pick from 4 top stores and experience this hassle free way of making and keeping up to date with your appointments.

Whether you’re looking for a smart outfit for an occasion or a whole new wardrobe, we will do everything we can to help you find something just right for you, whatever your budget.

So what are you waiting for? Book online today.

Personal shopping made easier! is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Searching for an edgy way to update your look? Well ladies, snakeskin is here to become your seasonal style savoir.

I will happily admit that I’m not a massive lover of patterns. You might discover the odd floral or two in my wardrobe, however it tends to be classic neutrals or bold block colours that really get me going.

Snakeskin is not only endlessly chic, but also ultra easy to wear – a must for those seeking a trend that will surpass the seasons.

FOR YOUR WARDROBE

An eye-catching printed cardigan looks fabulous over an understated LBD, while Vero Moda’s fluid skirt is the perfect partner to simple jersey staples. Making a entrance? Choose a dress in this statement pattern for style that will work for the office and for evening – simply team with a sharp tailored jacket when you require a little more coverage.

FINISH YOUR LOOK

Whether it’s a slouchy tote for everyday or a super-sleek clutch, snakeskin has been infused into an array of accessories this season, so take your pick. I love this oversized shopper by Warehouse – it’s the perfect size for all my essentials and looks great dressed up or down.

Sizzle in Snakeskin is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

As a child I was dragged around antique shops by my parents, an experience that has led me to develop a passion for quirky vintage pieces and a love of all things kitsch.

It’s always nice to see new collections that are inspired by a bygone era, and this season is no different. Forget the ultra-modern this summer, and instead opt for vintage-inspired designs for you and your home.

For Her

Fitted florals, feminine heels and feline sunglasses are the sophisticated way to work this story.

For Him

Nothing says retro like classic Fred Perry – stick to the brand’s iconic check for effortless style.

For the Makeup Bag

Add a little liner and a slick of cherry lipstick for a beauty look that’d make Marilyn proud.

For the Home

A few carefully-selected retro pieces will give any living space a new lease of life.

Inspired by Yesteryear is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

The festival season will soon be upon us; a time of music, madness and… mud. Whether you’re heading to Bestival or good ol’ Glasto, here’s a selection of faithful favourites that will ensure you look fabulous come rain or shine. 

Ladies, you can’t go wrong with a beautifully patterned all-in-one. Bolongaro Trevor’s pretty printed playsuit will brighten up those unexpected grey days and can be worn with reliable wellies or wraparound sandals.

Remember, festival dressing should require minimal effort; stick to pieces that will look chic whatever the weather. A statement tee paired with vintage-inspired denim shorts offers a failsafe solution – just add a pair of sumptuously soft knee highs and a waterproof cover-up for extra warmth when the temperature drops.

The fashion-forward gentleman is destined to love a retro printed tee; Label Lab and Scotch & Soda offer an array of styles that are perfect for a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. Add a vibrant accent by teaming with timeless chinos in a lively hue.

And finally, keep it clean. Be prepared for the worst – cramped showers and questionable loos come hand-in-hand with any festival ticket.

Make sure you have a small selection of delectable-smelling toiletries close by; multitasking face wipes and a set of bathroom miniatures will keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.

Festival Fever is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

If you love fashion, then you probably like everything around you to look as gorgeous as possible. Thankfully more and more fashion designers and fashion brands are turning their creative hands to interiors. That means you can have a home as beautiful as the contents of your wardrobe. From Cath Kidston, to Jigsaw bedlinen, from Pied a Terre to Monsoon china… Your home can be as well dressed as you are. To see our favourite fashion-home pieces check out our trend online.

Click here to shop designers head home

Can’t resist: Designer’s head home is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

We are both saddened and relieved that London Fashion Week has been and gone. Yes we get to see the fashion trends first, which of course we love, but we hate the running from one show to another, the aching feet that hurt so much that amputation sounds less painful, along with deciding what to wear each day.

But then there is the champagne, the (very) occasional goodie bag and the presence of the greatest design minds and editors the world has ever seen. Here is our rundown of what to look out for next season:

1. Candy colour: The shades are cute candy pastels with the occasional flashes of fluorescent shades. Everyone loved the ice blues, canary yellows, luscious lilacs, sexy corals and fluro greens. In contrast khaki and post box read made up the other end of the spectrum. But one thing’s for sure, Spring/Summer 2010 is certainly bright.

2. Shoulders: You may have noticed that shoulders are raised, they are being padded to perfection and Spring/Summer 2010 will be no exception. The trend for shoulder pads will continue along with embellished shoulder details. 2010 is the year of the shoulder.

3. Playsuits: We’ve had maxis, jumpsuits and super short shorts, well now it’s time for the playsuit to really come into its own. The look is short but opt for slightly oversized styles to be catwalk ready.

4. Sundresses: The length was at the knee, the fabric was chiffon and you will be wearing a sundress this summer. The designers have gone dress crazy and there was a multitude of shapes and cuts, but all ending around the knee area. So be prepared for the most wearable look yet.

5. Prints: Graphic, watercolours, polka dots, Spring/Summer 2010 is all about the print. Clash florals with stripes for geek chic or polka dots with oversized accessories for that every so cool cartoon feel.

Fashion Week: The round up is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Welcome to the House of Fraser blog. We felt it was time that we let you into the ever so fashionable world of your favourite department store.

We’ve got so much to tell you, and so many things to feature we can hardly contain ourselves. We’ll be keeping you up to date with fashion world goings on, new products and events in store, not to mention any celeb sightings.

And not only, that but we’ll be tracking down you stylish House of Fraser shoppers and taking a peak at our buyer’s top picks. We’ll be looking at womenswear, menswear, homewares and of course beauty and grooming.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick fashion fix, some inspiration, style tips or just something to read, the House of Fraser blog has it covered.

You’ll never need to read a fashion magazine again.

Welcome to the world of House of Fraser is a post from: House of Fraser Blog