House of Fraser ‘Blackout Event’

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I was asked by House of Fraser Metrocentre to come in and pick some of my favourite pieces in the run up to their ‘Blackout Event’ where there are going to be some great discounts, including spotlight deals and secret sales. Starting today (Wednesday 25th April) from 5pm (online only) Thursday 26th April until Monday 30th April online and in-store. You don’t want to miss this!

(*not all brands included*)

When I arrived, I was treated to a full make over at NARS. Makeup artist Heba was so lovely and helpful, she talked me through everything she used and how I should use certain products.

Heba asked me what kind of look I preferred and then went away to pick the perfect products for my skin type. She returned with a tray full of colourful products (above) and began to talk me through them and swatch the colours on her hand to let me see if I was happy with what she had chosen.

I was blown away with the skincare products, they felt amazing on my skin. I was especially impressed with the luminous moisturizer.

The skin care products Heba used were..

Aqua-gel moisturiser £41 HOUSE OF FRASER

Optimal brightening concentrate (available in store) Total replenishing eye cream (available in store) Smooth and protect primer spf50 £28 House of Fraser

We then moved onto applying the make-up. I was in love with their eye palette which got me all excited about using a bit of sparkle again and the colours were just gorgeous.

Heba used the following products..

Radiant creamy concealer in Canelle £24 House of Fraser

Sheer glow foundation in Fiji £33 House of Fraser

Super orgasm illuminator £23 House of Fraser

Laguna Bronzer £30 House of Fraser

Wanted cheek palette 1 £45 House of Fraser

Velvet shadow stick in Corfu £21 House of Fraser

Velvet eyeliner in Kaliste £17.50 House of Fraser

Audacious mascara £22 House of Fraser

Lip liner in Cap d’ail £18 House of Fraser

Summer fire lip cover £21 House of Fraser

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My finished look was very natural with a bold eye (above)

My perfume pick of the day was Armani’s Prive. The two newest fragrances of the Prive range, Bleu Lazuli and Bleu Turquoise. If you would like to find out more about the Prive fragrances, pop in and ask to speak to Claudia Lawrence or click here

Described as ‘Mr Armani’s world in a drop’

A captivating fragrance inspired by spiritual journeys to exotic lands.

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Bleu Lazuli represents the infinite. The Lazuli stone contributes to elevate mental spirit, it is magnetic and has a strong spiritual intensity.

Captivating, sumptuous and radiant. House of Fraser

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Bleu Turquoise, where swirly blue waters meet. The Bleu Turquoise stone represents friendship and love. It is the oldest stone known to man.

Contrasted, distinctive and deep. House of Fraser

On we move to fashion and I couldn’t help but head straight for Tommy Hilfiger. Renowned for its preppy style, delivering premium fashion since 1985. Its womenswear collection forms the essence of the brand’s contemporary offerings, with ladies’ jackets, jumpers and tops influenced by classic Americana. Bold colourways and weekend staples delivered with a fresh twist.

I fell in love with the Kaylee stripe midi skirt which is such a flattering shape. I teamed it with the Brody H T-shirt This T-shirt also looks great with the Allegra Rome Jeans

Sticking with the jeans and going for bold colours, I picked this stripe comfort fit jumper. (available in store)

This gorgeous blouse is currently not online but available in store. Its a great blouse to dress up for a night out with jeans and heels or dressed down with trainers like my outfit above.

FOOTWEAR Michael Kors Irving lace up trainers £130

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Carvela Kath sliders £99 

kath slider

HANDBAG Michael Kors red crossbody bag (similar)

mk bbag

My next stop was Biba. Bold, beautiful prints. This iconic 60s brand has been reimagined exclusively for House of Fraser, interpreting elements of its Deco design heritage for the modern woman. Relaunched in 2008, the new collection harks back to its roots, bringing glamourous retro styling.

This gorgeous off the shoulder Biba dress is the perfect summer dress for me. Its colourful, floaty, lightweight and very flattering. True to size.

This palm print dress. Team with sandals and straw bag for on holiday or with heels and a bright clutch for a night out. True to size.

These palm print trousers are just fabulous. They have a bold pink stripe down the side and the fit is true to size. Palm print trousers £70  The peach foil paisley swing dress is an ideal holiday dress. Its lightweight and sits just on the knee. The perfect dress for those holiday metallic accessories. Foil print dress £80

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Biba printed and stud biker jacket £140 For those cooler summer nights.

Biba black Stevie jeans £59 Which I have to say are an amazing fit!

FOOTWEAR Carvela Kurt Geiger gold sandals £79

gold shoe

FOOTWEAR Nine West black caged heels £69

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BAGS Michael Kors Pink envelope clutch bag (similar)

Biba mini leather pouch in gold £30 (similar)

Last but not least I popped over to Issa London, known for its vibrancy and boldness of colour, Issa encapsulated elegant femininity with a playful edge. Now relaunched exclusively for House of Fraser, the new collection remains loyal to the brand’s design ethos and aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the Brazilian landscape of its heritage, Issa London creates striking occasion pieces that reimagine iconic styles and celebrated silhouettes.

This bold coloured Kate dress was one of my favourites. Its figure hugging and flattering at the same time. Its a great length, just over the knee and would be a great choice for a wedding, christening or a day at the races. For those colder nights, team it with the Lottie Marabou jacket in green. The black beaded clutch is also from Issa.

This yellow and black combo is so striking. The yellow Heidi dress has a lovely frill detail around the neckline and down the back of the dress. This was also teamed with the Marabou jacket in black. You can view the full range by clicking here.

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Moving onto shoes and handbags, my favourite part of the store! They have such a good collection and there is a lot of bling around for spring/summer.

I picked out a few styles below that caught my eye. All available in store and I’ve linked the ones available online.

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BIBA Frances crossbody handbags (various colours)

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Carvela stud crossbody

BIBA zip top chain leather clutch BIBA keyrings (various)

CARVELA banish snake print sandals Tote bag available in store, linked similar here

CARVELA red sliders 

MISS KG pearl detail sandals

BIBA poppy boxy leather bag CARVELA Lisa trainers

There will be loads of offers on throughout store and online, just click on any of the links above and it will take you straight to the House of Fraser website.

Most of my photos were taken in the Personal Shopper changing room (above) located upstairs. This is a free service that House of Fraser offer, so if you need any styling or fashion advice, click here for more information.

Also a big thank you to Olivia Smith on fashions who was so lovely and helpful.

Have a wonderful evening and happy shopping!

Joanna x

Holiday wardrobe ideas

Dress ASPIGA Necklace OLLY M JEWELLERY

Holidays are exciting aren’t they? I must admit I’m the worst packer. I want to take everything and every pair of shoes I own. But with luggage restrictions these days it’s not easy and it’s a fight for space with 3 other people!

I have got better over the years learning from my mistakes. For example, high heels, they never get worn. I literally live in flats or espadrilles that aren’t to high, ones that I can actually walk in and not need to lean up against my hubby after half an hour.

So below I have linked up a few pieces that have caught my eye over the last few days. Everything from the swimsuit to the shoes..

SHORTS

Tailored d-ring linen shorts £23 ASOS Various Colours

Button waist shorts £35.99 MANGO

Ruffled bermuda shorts £19.99 ZARA

Denim shorts £19.99 H&M

TOPS

Lua embroidered top £68 ASPIGA

Broderie anglaise top £9.99 H&M

Embroidered cotton blouse £70 ASPIGA

Lace sleeve blouse £25 NEXT

TUNICS/KAFTANS

Crochet trim tunic £67 FANTASIE AT NEXT

Tunic with contrasting details £25.99 ZARA

Embroidered kaftan £79 ASPIGA

Embroidered kaftan £40 ASOS

Tassel beach dress £12 NEXT

DRESSES

Striped dress £75 HUSH

Stripes and florals dress £29.99 ZARA

Maxi dress £34.99 H&M

Dori linen dress £80 ASPIGA ( the one im wearing)

Windsor dress £89 HUSH

Off the shoulder dress £38 NEXT

Shirt dress £17.99 H&M (various colours)

SWIMSUITS

Jump in swimsuit £60 BODEN

Twist front swimsuit £78 FANTASIE DEBENHAMS

Seafolly ruched side swimsuit £95 BEACHCAFE

Secret slimming pink swimsuit £29.50 M&S

FIGLEAVES bandeau bikini £28 NEXT

SKIRTS/TROUSERS

Gathered waist skirt £69.99 MANGO

Printed palazzo trousers £39.99 ZARA

Asymmetrical beach skirt £41 LASCANA

Paris harem trousers £40 ASPIGA

SHOES

Pink espadrilles £82 ESPADRILLE.CO.UK

Gold flats £17.99 NEWLOOK

Striped bow slides £29.99 ZARA

Metallic strap sandals £29.99 MANGO

Rose gold flip flops £28 ASOS

BEACH BAGS

Personalised made to order beach basket £40 SEATTHREADS

Beach shopper £22 ANNE HUDSON BOUTIQUE

Pineapple beach bag £27.99 NEWLOOK

Beach bag £50 BODEN

Hope you liked my picks tonight, have a lovely evening. Joanna x