Autumn Fashion Preview at House of Fraser

Posted on September 25, 2017 by fashion-mommy

It is been an exciting time for House of Fraser this September, especially when it comes to fashion. New collections have been coming in across the store, with some gorgeous pieces in the Iconic Biba range and the revamped Linea. But the brand that has drawn the most press and excitement has been the return to fashion of Danielle Heleyal, and her brand Issa. Issa became a household name after Kate Middleton wore their blue dress for her engagement to Prince William.

Now the brand is back with a classic range of dresses for House of Fraser. There is, not surprisingly, a Kate dress in the collection, although this is not a copy of the engagement dress (that is the Darcy dress, which comes in a range of colours including that royal blue.). The collection is fabulous in that it is stylish and totally wearable, but also classic and elegant. These are dresses that you will be wearing for years and they will still look as fresh and vibrant as the day you first got them.

Andrew Blanazs is the personal shopper at House of Fraser, Birmingham, and he kindly showed us lots of key pieces from the new Issa collection. as well as showing us key looks from my favourite range Biba, and Linea, which has definitely upped its game for Autumn 17.

Linea

I was totally loving the pops of bold colours, including this season’s red and mustard shades.

Linea Khloe Structured Jacket With Popper £55 Click to visit Linea

Linea Luna Knot Front Dress 375 Click to visit House of Fraser

Faux leather is still a big story, and this bikes style would work to toughen up a shift dress, or just worn casually with jeans and a t-shirt.

Linea Buffy Pu Biker Jacket £75 Click to visit House of Fraser

Another ‘pleather’ jacket. I just adore the fluted sleeves on this one, but, as Andy says, when that trend disappears, you can also take those off and have a three quarter regular sleeve instead.

A few more Linea picks

Linea Eden Floral Cold Shoulder Ruffle Dress £79 Click to visit House of Fraser

Linea Cora Tie Front Dress £69 Click to visit House of Fraser

Linea Farah Pleated Dress £85 Click to visit House of Fraser

Biba

New season Biba has that 1970s feel tied into the Art Deco trends that has always proved to be so iconic. Black and gold are dominating colours, but there are also the red and mustard shades that seem to be so prevalent this season.

My personal favourite piece is the stunning Oriental inspired fan and dragon print dress that has beautiful lace detailing and a tie neckline. This has a lovely 1970s feel and is frankly a bit of a showstopper.

New Biba Devore Fitted Midi Dress £79 Click to visit House of Fraser

Biba Tokyo Dragon Printed Pleated Dress £89 Click to visit House of Fraser

More picks from Biba

Biba Printed Frill Layered Dress £99 Click to visit Biba

Biba Leopard Print Pussybow Dress £49 Click to visit House of Fraser

Biba Printed Floral Fluted Sleeve Dress £89 Click to visit House of Fraser

Issa

Issa may just be your go-to brand for a special occasion dress this Christmas, whether you are looking for something classy for Christmas day, or something formal or sparkly for an evening occasion. The dresses embrace jewel colour and a range of styles, from knee length wrap styles, to full length gowns, and with lots of stretchy jersey, these are dresses that will be comfortable, as well as fabulous, this season.

ISSA Millie Ruffle Front High Neck Dress £99 Click to visit House of Fraser

ISSA Megan Printed Dress £109 Click to visit House of Fraser

ISSA Maddie Plain Side Detail Dress £99 Click to visit House of Fraser

A few more Issa picks

ISSA Hazel Knitted Frill Sleeve V Neck Dress £99 Click to visit House of Fraser

ISSA Isabella Satin Dip Hem Dress £129 Click to visit House of Fraser

ISSA Stella Wrap Front Tie Dress £89 Click to visit House of Fraser

A love for Biba Bags

Posted on October 14, 2015 by fashion-mommy

One of my main fashion obsessions is handbags. I have a huge collection that is stored literally everywhere in my house – in cupboards, under my bed, at the bottom of my wardrobe, in my office, basically anywhere I can find a little space. When it comes to a payday treat I will always be drawn to the handbag department, and in terms of brands, it is Biba that I love the most.

A couple of my Biba bags

Biba is a brand that was founded in the 1960s by the legendary Barbara Hulanicki. It was resurrected as a brand name by House of Fraser a few years ago, bringing the brand’s Art Deco style decadence and black and gold iconic colour scheme once again to the fore. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, with fashion and accessories, luggage, jewellery and homewares making up a range that impresses every season.

What I love about Biba bags is that there is a Biba bag for every occasion, from work to holidays. There are roomy totes and slinky clutch styles, ladylike vintage dolly bags and handbags that could take you from work to after shift drinks. Many of the bags are in classic black, but animal print is also a popular Biba print, and there are some colour options in Autumnal shades of plum and bottle green.

Biba bags are timeless and you will find yourself using them time and time again. I seem to reach for them on a regular basis.

A Biba for all occasions

Work

Biba Amanda tote bag now £69 click to visit House of Fraser

Afternoon tea

Biba Astella frame handbag now £67.50 click to visit House of Fraser

The work to bar clutch

Biba Denise studded clutch bag
£59 click to visit House of Fraser

For those who love Art Deco

Biba Mya beaded clutch bag
£115 click to visit House of Fraser

For a weekend away

Biba Logo emboss black 8 wheel cabin case
£115.50 click to visit House of Fraser

For dress down Friday

Biba Charlie double zip crossbody handbag £74 click to visit House of Fraser

The showstopper

Biba Bottle logo clutch bag
£89 click to visit House of Fraser

The Little black dress makes a triumphant return at Cannes

Posted on May 18, 2015 by fashion-mommy

The Cannes festival continues and I continue to be blown away by the beauty of many of the looks on display. Forget the excessive amounts of flesh that we seem to be bombarded with lately, the likes of Emma Stone, Sienna Miller, Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts and Lupita Nyong’u have decided to show us what a movie star really looks like, rather than opting for Cher’s Bob Mackie cast-offs. It is both a breathe of fresh air, and a visual treat. Glamour at its best in a beautiful setting.

One thing I have noticed is that classic, glamorous black gowns seem to be making a Cannes comeback. Yes, there have still been stunning looks that feature glitter and vibrant colour, but there have also been stunning black dresses that have both harked back to the golden age of Hollywood, and have been utterly modern in both style and sophistication (I’m thinking Miranda Kerr in David Koma). There have been wonderful and memorable Cannes looks that have featured black dresses, including looks worn by Cheryl Cole, Cara Delevingne and Blake Lively, but this year there seem to be a lot more of them, and I for one love this.

My personal favourite so far is the always elegant Naomi Watts in a strapless lace and tulle gown from Ralph Lauren. I think this is one of Naomi’s most beautiful red carpet looks ever.

I’m looking forward to seeing more fabulous red carpet looks from La Croissette as the festival progresses.

Do you have a favourite look so far?