Here in the capital the weather couldn’t be better, so I took a trip to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to make the most of the glorious sunshine.

I decided to head down for 8am and managed to beat the hustle and bustle that usually appears after the morning rush hour. The sun certainly had its hat on which seemed to brighten everybody’s spirits, as well as my own.

This year the theme was (rather unpredictably) the Diamond Jubilee, with the iconic Union Jack and its signature red, white and blue hues appearing throughout the show…

As I made my way down the leafy walkway, I browsed the eclectic stalls selling everything from wellington socks and birdfeeders to handmade jewellery and large painted canvases. I was tempted to purchase a few things, but then remembered that I didn’t have a garden and my teeny one bed flat offered little space for the huge sculptures on show.

I bumped into a few ladies as I made my way round the event, and it seemed that everybody was planning on sipping a glass of bubbly or two to celebrate the upcoming bank holiday. The majority of people had already bought their tickets for the celebrations at Battersea Park… something that I can’t believe I’ve missed out on!

I loved the atmosphere at the Chelsea Flower Show. It felt like even the most cynical Londoner would have been cheered up by the colourful palette of the tulips, roses and more exotic flowers.

The abstract, gallery-worthy exhibits stood out from the array of traditional displays, with water features and industrial details adding a touch of edge to the lush greenery. Quirky sculptures in the style of skeletons, buffalo and the female form revealed that the weird and wonderful were must-have items on the gardener’s shopping list.

Beautiful shapes and vivid colour add depth to plant and flower displays…

… while influences from around the world played a key part throughout the show.  

Very British features added a tongue-in-cheek finished touch to classic floral arrangements.

Oh, and I forget to say… I only went and bumped into Mr Titchmarsh himself!

rise & shine: a morning at the chelsea flower show is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Make the best of the sunny weekends to come with a picnic in the park and enjoy a simple but delicious meal with your family and friends in the sun.  Here are my tips on how to eat outdoors in style…

Tip 1: Food and drinks: Keep it simple!

Prepare in advance some sandwiches to go and some fresh summer salads and keep them in the Bento Lunch Box from Black + Blum. And to embrace the Diamond Jubilee Spirit, why not baking some separates Victoria sponges, the Queen’s favourites and bring a pack of Jamie Oliver Chocolate covered orange biscuits, kids will love it. To drink, I suggest a bottle of Bordeaux red wine from Cape Mentelle, but don’t forget to bring the glasses from the Linea Ella set of red wine glass and a corkscrew from Kitchen Craft.

Tip 2: A Britannia seat

Seat comfortably on the Shabby Chic Crown embroidered napkin and pack it in the glamourous Lurex sequin tote bag from Phase Eight.

Tip 3: The sun is your best friend

Remember to bring a pair of chic Bianca Undulating Arm sunglasses from Biba, a Linea pink floppy hat and a essential sun care milk lotion from Clarins if you don’t want to go back to the office all red on Monday morning…

Tip 4: Stay entertained!

Bring a portable radio from Roberts and turn up the music! If you’re with the kids, let them play around with the Booma outdoor boomerang from Hamleys or the Buitenspeel outdoor playing balls, they surely won’t get bored.

PACK A PICNIC is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

As we’re all gearing up for a summer of patriotic celebration don’t forget the finishing touches! We can’t help but shout about all the fab British beauty brands we carry here at House of Fraser.

Nails Inc

Pioneering, daring and innovative this successful British nail brand encompasses the contemporary style Britain, and more specifically London, is famed for. From crackle top coats, to magnetic polish to the more recent nail jewellery collection there’s no excuse to step out without perfectly manicured paws thanks to this brand.

Our favourite products

UTan

Developed by one of the UK’s top female entrepreneurs Michelle MoneOBE, creator of Ultimo lingerie, this tanning range does more than add a splash of colour. This range has been specifically developed with every woman in mind regardless, of shape or size and works to make you feel like you at your best by combining the best fake tan formula’s with body sculpting ingredients. And with names ranging from Miami Beach to Ibiza Extreme there really is something to suit everyone.

Our favourite products

DestinationSkin

DestinationSkin brings Harley Street to the high street with the widest range of cutting edge aesthetic beauty treatments. From laser hair removal and skin resurfacing to advanced anti-aging techniques and injectables, DestinationSkin’s expert consultants and medical practitioners can help tackle any skin imperfections.

Our favourite products

ESPA

Bring the spa home with ESPA. With expert spa knowledge and heritage married with natural ingredient intelligence makes ESPA unique business with equally unique products. No one understands the mind, body and soul synergies better than ESPA.

Our favourite products

Agent Provocateur

Agent Provocateur, London’s infamous lingerie company, has over the last ten years become a name synonymous with seduction, pleasure and provocation of the senses. No other brand understands the bond between scent and seduction quite like Agent Provocateur and no other woman embodies today’s femme fatale and strong sensuality like the Agent Provocateur woman. Their mysterious and intoxicating array of ingredients, all beautifully packaged in tactile vessels symbolize the very essence of femininity.

Our favourite products

Molton Brown

Probably the most quintessentially British brand on the list, Molton Brown is synonymous with a luxury bathing experience. Whether it’s indulging in fine hand creams, adding some luxury to the bath tub or traveling in style with their cult travel sets this brand is a true ambassador for understated British style.

Our favourite products

Discover all our British Brands and celebrate in style.

The Best of British: Celebrating our British Beauty brands is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

We don’t know if you’ve heard, but there’s a Diamond Jubilee happening this year. I’m teasing of course… it seems that you simply can’t escape the loud Union Jack prints and British-inspired offerings that are everywhere at the moment. Well, I’m certainly no party pooper, so I’ll be pouring a glass of bubbly and celebrating with the rest of them this bank holiday.

If you’re searching for a stylish outfit to wear, then there’s no need to fret. I’ve browsed houseoffraser.co.uk to bring you 4 looks you’ll love for the Diamond Jubilee… the only thing that’s missing is the Victoria sponge!

Nautical but Nice

 A simple sailor dress from Boutique by Jaeger is just the ticket when teamed with classic navy accessories.

English Country Garden

Liven up your look with a scarlet shade and soft pink details.

 Floral Fancy

Clean white and blue is perfect for celebrating, whilst a wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun.

 Queen of Hearts

Pastel pink and strawberry finishing touches make for an effortlessly feminine ensemble.

FEEL LIKE A DIAMOND: 4 JUBILEE LOOKS is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

The summer weather has hit the UK, which means it’s time to reveal my handpicked home selection for this season. From divine dinnerware for garden parties to chic suitcases for your getaways, here’s what’s hot at House of Fraser…

What with the Diamond Jubilee, Olympics Game and Euro Cup Football 2012, it looks as though this season is going to be a summer of celebrations,  so relax with your guests in the sun by the swimming pool with the Luxury Provence Sun Lounger Latte from Oceans.

Serve some delicious summer salads in the Shabby Chic Turquoise rose serving bowl and a fruity cocktail in the Cobalt jug from Linea by LSA.

Going on holiday? Stay glam and pack a Linea leopard jacquard beach towel in your Lips pink wheel case from Lulu Guiness.

And if the heat is just too unbearable whether you’re in the office or at home, get the Dyson Tower fan, it will cool and refresh instantly.

HOME MUST-HAVE FOR THIS SUMMER is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

The sun has finally got his hat on and we’re well and true feeling the summer vibes here at HoF HQ. And what better way to brighten up your look in the sunshine than with a new makeup collection!

This week sees the launch of the Emilio Pucci and Guerlain Terra Azzurra summer collection, exclusive to House of Fraser.

Inspired by the Italian Riviera, Emilio Pucci and Guerlain introduce a chic collection of vibrant colour and bronzing shades to liven up your summer palette.

The Collection.

Guerlain Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder Blush.

By far my favourite piece in the collection, this beautiful bronzing compact is an essential for any makeup addict. The packaging alone is exquisite, a heavy, carved, wooden case with magnetic closure adds real luxury to your summer makeup routine. Combining the cult Guerlain Terracotta bronzing powder with Emilio Pucci’s signature prints, this is a definite collectors item.

Guerlain Terra Azzurra Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow

Inspired by Emilio Pucci’s Winter capri pants this palette of velvety, soft shades compliments the collection with its sophisticated metallic case. Combine the four shades to create your perfect match.

Guerlain Terra Azzurra Meteorites Perles d`Azur Illuminating Powder

A gorgeous summer update to the Guerlain cult favourite, these Meteorites Pearls give a nod to the classic Pucci shades as well as adding a corrective blue pearl to even out and add radiance to the skin. Not to mention the beautiful packaging, a real show piece!

Guerlain Terra Azzurra Gloss

Set off a sunkissed glow with the new shades of Guerlain gloss all named after iconic Pucci scarves.

Guerlain Terra Azzurra Nail Lacquer

Add a pop of colour and make a statement with the new shades of Guerlain Nail Lacquer. The perfect compliment to a scene stealing swimsuit or classic cocktail dress.

Guerlain Terra Azzurra Kajal Eyeliner

Create some drama with a pop of intense blue khol along the lash line. This helps to widen and brighten eyes for an easy and simple  summer look.

Discover the rest of the exclusive Emilio Pucci for Guerlain Terra Azzurra collection and find your glam goddess.

New Collection: Emilio Pucci and Guerlain present Terra Azzurra is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Here’s to a “jubilant” Jubilee with our selection of essentials to create your own royal celebration. Get your family, friends and neighbours around the table and throw the best British party.

Go for a patriotically regressive tea party with the quirky Linea By Michelle Mason Two Tier Cakestand in porcelain and enjoy your delicious Victoria Sandwiches in the Cath Kidston Commemorative Plates in fine bone china with the Shabby Chic Hampton 7 piece Cake Set. And don’t forget to pop that champagne with the Pommery Pop!

In the living room, show off your Britishness pride in your living room with the Majesty Berry Stripe Cushion from Shabby Chic and the Linea Jubilee Armchair. Holidays booked ? Pack your suitcase in Britannia style with the Union Jack wheel case from Linea.

Shop our Jubilee selection.

IT’S JUBILEE PARTY TIME! is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Today Elizabeth Hurley launched her luxurious bed linen collection for House of Fraser in our Westfield London Store.  Joined by her husband Shane, she took pictures with the lucky customers and signed autographs.

Meanwhile, I took some time to browse the bed linen range myself and it’s absolutely exquisite. Just like Elizabeth Hurley herself, the collection is glamorous and sophisticated and with the chic paisley prints, these 100% cotton sheets will bring an exotic feel to any bedroom.

Here are some few snaps of her appearance…

Elizabeth Hurley posing for the photographers               The lucky customers waiting in line for an autograph

The star signing some autographs and taking some pictures,  her hurband Shane in the background.

Many thanks to House of Fraser Westfield Store and Elizabeth Hurley for her beautiful kindness today.

Shop Elizabeth Hurley Bed linen collection.

Elizabeth Hurley Bed Linen launch in our Westfield store is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

Now that the sun seems to be shining, albeit for a couple of days, it’s time to lighten up your fragrance choice in favour of fresh, floral scents. And if you still find an Eau De Toilette too much in the hazy summer months why not opt for a fresh body mist, or as more commonly known, a body spray.

We’re not talking dowsing yourself in Charlie Red or Exclamation like my former 15 year old self! Body sprays are back, but this time, they’ve taken on a more modern and chic approach to sit perfectly next to your most precious Eau de Parfum.

Here’s our summer favourites.

Rituals Eau d’ Orange Energising Body Mist – With notes of sweet orange and spicy cedarwood this body spray refreshes both body and mind. Perfect for that Summer afternoon slump after an Al Fresco lunch break.

Burberry Body Mist – Dive into a sensation of green freshness with the fruity accents of peach and the sensuality of freesia. This fragrance blooms with light floral notes of rose petals and iris, gently combined with the captivating signature of sandalwood. The cashmeran base blends with soothing vanilla, amber, and musk. The new way to experience Burberry Body.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose Body Mist – A lighter version of it’s popular counterpart the Flowerbomb La Vie En Rose Body Mist is the perfect summer spritz, both light and hydrating.

Lighten up your scent with our favourite body mists is a post from: House of Fraser Blog

You don’t have to spend a month’s salary to update your home. Here’s my handpicked sale selection of what’s hot in homeware…

Go for a spring makeover with the Linea coral floral bed linen from £33.

Opt for bright colours in the kitchen at a irresistible price with the Shabby Chic Jolie set of 3 mixing bowls in pastels – only £20. Keep your coffee fresh with the Linea red jars from £5 to £7, and update the classic chopping board with the Joseph Joseph Red Index Advance Chopping Board, now £30.

Searching for afeminine shower room? Add a touch of  pink and purple with our bathroom accessories: from Luxury Hotel Collection fushia towels, £7 to £14, to the Linea Chenille Striped Bathmat in purple for only £12, re-vamp your bathroom at a snipp of the price.

Shop now our Home Sale

Refresh your home with our home top sale selection is a post from: House of Fraser Blog