House of Fraser - but not as you know it!

When I've shopped at House of Fraser in the past, I'm not entirely sure that I've thought of it as a shopping "experience". Generally it's more of a functional and box ticking experience - which is fine, that's what lots of department stores are about and in fairness, I wouldn't necessarily expect much more than that.  

So when I was asked to pop along to the newly refurbished Gracechurch store in Sutton Coldfield, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But, and I know that some might think that I'm bound to say this, I absolutely loved it. So I'll explain why - but obviously as many of you quite possibly don't live close to Sutton Coldfield, I've included images of some of my favourite pieces that I think might appeal, irrespective of where you live.  

Luckily I arrived just in time for "elevensies" or really "half-past ninesies" but let's not split hairs. As Caffe Botanico was situated on the ground floor (like your thinking there House of Fraser) I thought that it was a very good place to start. In my humble opinion you can always tell a lot about a place from its café - and if at the same time you can get interiors inspo, even better. I've definitely got a thing for herringbone at the moment, so I loved this area.  And if it's grey herringbone with a splash of bright yellow, even better.

And as well as the gorgeous cakes on offer, I loved the grey metro tiles, which is handy as we're having our bathroom re-done next year so that's two lots of tile ideas that I now have. 

Now this is one mighty cake display. I must admit to having a couple of Italian pastries but I kind of accidentally ate them before photographing them. You will obviously be pleased to hear that they were delicious though.

And although I am absolutely not a coffee fan, I do love a frothy milk - the frothier the better because actually I don't really like warm milk - just the froth. This one was spot on and the girl brought it over to me which I thought was a really nice touch, particularly for elderly customers or for those struggling with children and pushchairs. And the girl was lovely "You're having a cappuccino without the cappuccino aren't you?" 

What a great display courtesy of Dune!

In keeping with other House of Frasers stores the shoe department is  now situated on the ground floor along with bags and beauty which is refreshing for the staff as previously they were located in a dark corner upstairs.

I chatted to the staff in the shoe department and they explained how the store was so much better organised now with all womenswear together, rather than over two floors. The menswear is no longer on the same floor as womenswear and everything is just better organised. In fact the store was buzzing with excitement - everyone seemed to love the open plan feel of the store, the new wooden floor as opposed to the traditional carpet and also how light it is. And importantly, there were plenty of staff around.

Can you imagine my distress, albeit short lived, at Whistles being cordoned off with red and white tape whilst they set up? I was almost as distressed as if I'd witnessed a scene out of Casualty. It was fantastic to see Whistles in a smaller West Midlands town. Whilst it happens in the south of the country, our Whistles' are generally located in the major cities, so this is a real coup. 

It wasn't long before things were definitely starting to take shape in the Whistles department. Plus the store also stocks Joules, Mint Velvet, French Connection, Oasis, Warehouse, Phase Eight and Barbour along with their own house brands, which are really strong.

What I really liked about this store was the size and shape of it. It's very symmetrical and because it's now open plan, it's possible to see from one side to the other. Plus the modern styling of the concessions and the lovely pale grey wood flooring (more interiors inspo) make the womenswear department feel like a large boutique, as opposed to a department store.

There is also a menswear department stocking Hugo Boss and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as a children's department with brands such as Barbour, Ralph Lauren and Joules.

I love this jumper from Mint Velvet (above) and this sweatshirt (below) from Maison de Nimes (£39)

Below you can see a little bit of Joules. I always love Joules for some jolly wellies and their general bright and cheery colour palette is always welcoming on a dark wintery day.

Plus there's quite a lot of sparkle at Biba. I love a bit of Biba - you always know where you are with it and there's nothing shy and retiring about Biba.

Ooooh and with all things "floral maxi dress" being so big at the moment, I thought that I'd share this lovely one from French Connection.

After having a good look at womenswear, I headed up to the second floor, which houses another café and the interiors section. I've always rated the homewear at House of Fraser as it has such a great selection of well established brands. Plus Linea always has something exciting to offer.

I have a bit of a thing for coloured glasses and I thought that this set from LSA (£32) were just lovely for when friends come round for drinks - or even when they don't. I have some displayed on a shelf in the kitchen and they make me smile every time I look at them.

There was also a great selection of fake fur cushions and throws. I've been after a grey sheepskin rug for a long time now and they had just what I was after here, so I snapped that up with 20% off at £36.

And there's just something so lovely about new dinnerwear. Again Biba comes up trumps with this range of Biba Starburst Dinnerwear which would look fabulous on a Christmas lunch table.

And this was the other dinner set that I really thought was really rather special. It's the deco peacock range, again from Biba. I realise that my shots aren't quite as good as those on the site but I keep reading that life is all about celebrating the imperfect, so I'm going to run with that. And there was a danger that I may well have had a Calamity Jane moment and knocked everything over, had I moved things too much.

I was also really excited to come across this range which is a collaboration between Ellen de Generes and Royal Doulton. The assistant there was proudly dusting the range, which we had a good old chat about for quite a while.

This has to be my favourite mug...it's just all about the message really. We all love giving, and receiving, a bit of kindness don't we? (Kindness mug £10) but equally the "Joy" and "Be Amazing" mugs are stunning too.

And I can't help but love this "Love" range, also from Ellen DeGeneres and Royal Doulton (£35). The tablewear collection is "inspired by both Ellen and Royal Doulton's love for artisanal, yet simple designs." Hello Santa are you listening?

Now some of you may think that this is ever so slightly odd but before I left the store I went and checked out the bathroom. Now I have specifically used the word "bathroom" because, as I mentioned earlier, I am gathering bathroom inspiration. And it sounds better than saying that I decided to go and check out the loos. Anyway, that aside, they're lovely aren't they?

The official launch event takes place on Thursday 9th November and if you're anywhere near to Sutton Coldfield I would really encourage you to go along for a spot of retail therapy in the nicest possible setting.

Just so that everyone is aware, this post was written in conjunction with House of Fraser but all words and thoughts are my own. I wasn't given a brief as to what, or what not, to include. Which they may well be regretting now....

The one thing that we all need in the winter...

If there's one thing that keeps us warm in the Winter, adds interest to our outfits and lifts our spirits, it's a gorgeous Winter scarf. And that's where Cleverly Wrapped comes in. Set up by Harriet Cleverly in 2015, Harriet hand picks the best pieces from scarf designers around the world and brings them to Cleverly Wrapped. Harriet has always loved scarves and is known amongst her friends for rarely being seen without one.

As former Operations Director for the GAP UK and Head of Retail at the White Company, Harriet knows a thing or two about retail and customer service - and all of her scarves come beautifully wrapped, making them the perfect gift. Some of her designers have been with Harriet since Cleverly Wrapped's inception  but she also likes to include up and coming brands, plus she has recently launched a signature range of cashmere scarves.

A few weeks ago now I was invited down to Cleverly Wrapped's HQ in Hampshire for the launch of the new A/W collection. It was a lovely day out and I was treated to a tour of the premises plus the most delicious lunch. I was in great company meeting other bloggers and you know me - I always love a little bit of "behind the scenes."

As part of the event, we were invited by Harriet to choose a couple of pieces from her new collection that we particularly liked - which is an important disclosure point!

I immediately fell in love with this Rose & Rose leopard print wool scarf (£95) in Himalayan navy. It's a gorgeous piece because being made of wool it's really warm. It's also long but not too wide, meaning that there's not too much bulk - which can sometimes cause problems with winter scarves, slightly limiting their appeal to the outdoors only.

The blues in this scarf are lovely, along with the leopard print of course. The tassels around the edge stop it from being too full on "wintery". Which is of course a very well known fashion term.

I'm starting to wonder just how many pieces I can collect with the word  "LOVE" written on them. I think that I could quite potentially go on forever. In fact if ever I was going to have a tattoo, that would be what it would say as I know I will never tire of the word. But I'm not convinced that a tattoo is for me, so I don't think that it will be happening any time soon.

However, as an alternative having "LOVE" tattooed across my knuckles, these Quinton and Chadwick grey wool "LOVE" gloves (£35) mean that I can have the word emblazoned across the back of my hands for the entire winter instead.

I love the grey/coral combination and if I'm going to have to wear gloves in the winter, I want to LOVE them. They also come in this lovely, fiery red.

In this picture I'm wearing the lovely "LOVE" gloves as well as this brightly coloured Quinton and Chadwick scarf from Cleverly Wrapped (£73).

And along the same theme, there's this absolutely beautiful "LOVE" silk print scarf (£135). I adore the versatility of a scarf like this, whether it's worn at the neck, or tied to a bag, worn as a triangle with the point at the front, or the back and of course silk is perfect for those who can't wear wool.

"LOVE" silk print scarf (£135) - aren't the colours just stunning?

For anyone who would like to buy either themselves, or someone else a gift from Cleverly Wrapped, there's a 10% discount with the code Beth10% which is valid up until 24th December.

Even more so than a new coat or a new jumper, a new scarf can lift your winter wardrobe and add some print and texture to create interest. I really love writing about newer, niche brands on here, and I would love to hear what you think of the Cleverly Wrapped collection.

New Boots - and there's 30% off until 31st October

(Livy Love top Baukjen (£59 - gifted) Boots Jones (£112) Jeans Zara previous season)

Quite often if I'm doing a post about a particular item, I try and include at least a couple of alternatives but on this occasion I'm just sticking to these boots, as I really love them.  But you know me - the odd alternative is bound to creep in! 

Jones Nala boots, (£112 in the sale instead of £160) until 31st October

For a few years now I've been after some boots with a bit of detail on them. Of course the Chloe  Susanna's (£850) started it all off several years ago now and you know, if my legs looked like this in them then maybe I could be tempted (well, aside from the price tag that is) but they don't. So we need consider that particular issue no further.

An alternative shot of the Chloe boots...

The other problem that I have with these is that the heel slopes in a little too much and there are just a few too many buckles on them and they are slightly too bling. Lovely on others but I just feel a bit heavy legged and a bit like Adam Ant. "Stand and deliver oh, oh your money or your life....."

For those who like this style but who aren't in the market for an £850 pair of boots, there's the Alabama style from Office which come in at £90 (there's 20% off with the code TREAT.)

Or for similar, there's also the Hush Derby boot (£220)

OK, so having digressed and having gone off at a totally random tangent, I'm coming back to the style I was considering initially - and offering an alternative in the form of the Dune Queenie House of Fraser (£104 instead of £130). Now I tried these too - how handy is it that Jones and Dune are right next door? But for me, the Jones ones just pipped the Dune ones. To be honest it was all about where they finished on my legs (in relation to my veins). I kid you not!

Dune Queenie at House of Fraser (£104)

But coming back to the Jones Nala boots, here are two more shots. I don't think that I've really articulated what it is that I like about them so in a nutshell - firstly, they make me feel taller (that could well be the heel) second the block heel balances out my legs better, third they are a little pointy which feels quite elegant, fourth they make me feel much cooler than I actually am because they have studs and stuff and fifth, they are really soft leather with a soft leather lining. I'm sure that there are many similar ones out there but these just give an idea. 

Ooooh well that was all a bit of a crazy all over the post wasn't it? It must be something to do with Halloween.

Christmas Pop Up!

It's been a while. Well, all of two months. But I'm holding a Christmas Pop Up, at home, on Friday 24th November and I would so love it if you could come along. I really enjoy these events as it gives us a chance to get together, to have a chat and a cup of tea and an opportunity to browse. There is absolutely no pressure for anyone to buy anything. Small and growing brands love to visit new areas, to meet different people, to create brand awareness and to offer advice and words of wisdom too. It's very much a collaborative approach so if you would like to pop in, just email me at mail@bethgoodrham.com or DM me via Insta @bethgoodrham_stylist and I'll let you have my address. And of course to those who came last time....I would love to see you all again!

So, who's going to be popping along to the pop up this time?

I'm delighted that Miranda Dunn London designer of the "Happy Coat" will be here with her beautiful faux fur coats in all their soft, coloured, initialled and personalised glory.

This is the gorgeous Chloe, from Chloe Loves To Shop who models for Miranda. 

I seriously can't wait to try them on. They look amazing and no doubt they feel it too. Navy with a pink star? Now we're talking. Do come along for a try on - or a stroke!

When I went to a book signing in Birmingham a few months ago, there in the goody bag was the most delicious fudge made by The Fudgedit Kitchen. Dispel any thoughts of traditional fudge - this is amazing - zesty and fresh and not at all heavy and cloying. I absolutely couldn't wait to invite them along and I know that I will be buying some of their delicious fudge. Maybe for me, maybe for a Christmas present. Who knows? (Don't be ridiculous, we all know.)

Most of the Fudge is gluten free (now there's a good excuse if ever one was needed) and all of it is free from artificial colours and flavours PLUS the fudge can be delivered to wherever you are in the UK.

As you can see, this isn't just any old fudge!

Then we have Nat from the Norm who not only designed the great artwork for both of the Pop Ups but she also runs a lettering design business where she produces cards, prints and mugs which make gorgeous gifts. Nat's philosophy is to make pieces that are inspirational and motivational whilst promoting a message of kindness, with fun added into the mix. For those who came last time, you will probably remember Nat from Avie & Oak, as she was here with her husband.

Nat is able to make pieces to order and will be bring along her Christmas cards too, which I know for me will be super handy. 

We also have Kaaren Buchanan coming along with her wonderful jewellery. Kaaren has a really interesting back story in that for ten years she was a model, during which time she travelled all over the world, where she saw beautiful jewellery. When her modelling career finished, designing jewellery was the next logical step for her.

  

Razer Light Jewellery (£54)

Kaaren uses semi-precious stones such as lapis, zircon and opals along with silver and gold to keep her prices affordable whilst still offering a touch of luxury. 

Blue opal disc necklace (£68)

I don't think that Kaaren will mind too much if we ask her the odd model related question. Or the odd 5,000 in my case. I love a good back story. 

Petal Ring (£58)

And then for some lovely clothing and beautiful gifts, Travelling Bazaar will be editing their gorgeous boutique which you can read about here. I'm hoping that they still have some of their amazingly soft track pants, and maybe a pair of these Toms Sunglasses (£95)

Or this Munthe Minnie bag (£39) which has a lovely texture to it and would be perfect for Christmas parties.

Or these cool lip socks by Munthe (£15)

I hope that you like the look of what you see. I am so excited and can't wait to see you all for tea, cakes, chats and browsing. Just let me know if you'd like to pop along. Beth x

FrezyDerm Hydrating Cream for Mature Skin...

Way back in the summer I was contacted by a PR Company who look after a brand called FrezyDerm. What I gleaned from that initial email was that FrezyDerm is a Greek Company with a 30 year history. They specialise in skincare with products for acne, eczema and psoriasis as well as making sun protection products. 

I was asked whether I would like to try their "Moisturising Rich Cream" and I think that I was probably asked because I looked as if I would benefit from using some "intense hydrating mature cream". As our (soon to be) 16 year old son would say: "Fairs." 

Moisturising rich cream from the Frezy Derm site or from Amazon (£19.99)

All that I was asked for in return for the moisturiser was a 100% honest review of the product, whether it be after a few uses, a week or a month. And if there was anything negative that I had to say then they were interested in that too. I have to say, that kind of appealed to me.

When I first posted about the cream on Instagram, it seemed from the comments that I received that the sun protection had a bit of a cult following, particularly the Sun Screen Velvet Face SPF 50 + People seemed delighted that they could now get it in the UK rather than just in Greece.  Having read the reviews in the Times, and Sunday Times Style Magazine, I can see why it may be so popular.

As to my experience of the product?  Well the proof absolutely has to be in the fact that when the cream ran out, I bought one of my own as I really missed it.

So then I tried to work out what it was about it that was so good?

Well I first started using it when we went to Greece in the summer. Somehow given the brand's heritage, it seemed apt. At first I wasn't entirely sure. I'm not great with smells and it initially felt as though it may make me feel a bit funny but I very quickly got used to it - had I not, I would have had to return it.

I like that it's substantial but not thick and greasy, plus I can put my make up on pretty much straight after using it. And more to the point, I like how it makes my skin feel. At my age I'm never really going to be glowing and wrinkle free, so I'm happy to aim for smooth, non blotchy, non spotty and soft - and given that it seems to deliver on all of those fronts, I'm very happy. Oh and I like the fact that it has a dermatological leaning.

As to the price, it's not so crazy that I wonder whether all that I'm really paying for is some fancy packaging, a huge marketing campaign and the cost of renting a space in a high end department store.

Again as our son would say "Fairs."

Additional bits and bobs of information from the FrezyDerm website...

The product that I was asked to try was for mature and post menopausal skin (I'll take "mature" thank you!)

The product that I tried was free from parabens and the products aren't tested on animals. Here's a link to the active ingredients in the Hydrating Cream.

FrezyDerm's aim was to design, produce and market dermatological products which conform to strict pharmaceutical standards. Whilst initially they were to be marketed to dermatologists, in 2016 Frezy Derm created a sales department and the products are now stocked in more than 200 pharmacies across the UK.

On Feefo the hydrating cream has three reviews sand each of them are five stars. True, two of them just say the word "excellent" and one of them is, I think, written in Greek - but they are definitely positive.

"The words on the tin".....

"The rich face and neck cream provides intensive hydration to dry and dehydrated mature skin. Daily use strengthens and improves skin structure increasing the density and tone of thin, fragile skin and preventing wrinkles.

This fast working cream immediately provides deep and long-lasting hydration without residue. Its non-oily texture leaves the skin looking and feeling smooth, supple and ready for make-up. It is instantly absorbed."

The Awards and Certifications Page on the site makes for an interesting read and seems very impressive.

Obviously I am no skin care expert so I can only comment as I find. Everyone's experiences may well be different but I personally I found this to be a great product.

Some of my favourite Winter coats

A new Winter coat can create excitement like very little else - apart from perhaps a new pair of Winter boots. They can vary from the uber practical to the uber trendy, from work coats to workhorse coats. Coats that make you smile, that are bright, furry, leather, striped or printed are all there for the taking - and some come with a rather large price tag. Some that are less expensive can last for years or barely a week, before revealing their true bobbly selves. 

Coats are often a hot topic for discussion in the fashion press and it can get quite political and sometimes a little personal. Some insist that one should make one's selection in August and pay a hefty price tag for an "investment piece" that will last us a lifetime. I'm never totally convinced by this argument, on the basis that the following August the same debate will be had once again.

This season, Topshop has a great coat game. When I was in there the other day, wherever I turned, there was a coat that caught my eye. And here are a few of my favourites...

This colour block coat is a style that Topshop does quite regularly now. I have one from last winter that I really like and being a fan of check, but not in too full on a way, I really liked the checked colour block coat (£110). The navy and yellow just tempers the check down a little.

I kept coming back to this pink boucle cocoon coat (£75), which actually looks better in the flesh. It's a lovely shade of pink which is broken up with the marl effect. And it's just that little bit different. 

I may just have come away with this coat. First of all I adored the colour and honestly, if you want to make your waist look small, try this little number on. It's all to do with proportions and the width of the sleeves but it works - and it felt beautiful when it was on. It's lined, has a good weight to it and had I not known otherwise, I could have easily thought that it cost nearer to £300 than £100.  For those interested, this is the clean mutton sleeve coat (£75).

Now I didn't actually see this coat in the flesh but I do love a double faced coat (£95). The cheeky pink peeping through is fresh and modern and whilst the coat doesn't look oversized, it's not overly tailored either so it's a little less formal than some....whilst still being smart. Are you with me?!

But then for something more classic, there's the double breasted slouch coat (£75). It's slightly oversized and a little bit mannish but it works just as well with jeans and trainers as it does with a smarter work outfit.

So if you're in the market for a coat update but you don't want to break the bank - whilst of course still acknowledging that £100 is not an insignificant amount to spend on a coat - then it might be worth taking a stroll down to Topshop.

Also I couldn't resist including some shoes. These sooooo grabbed my attention. Blue, velvet, flat and with stars adorning the ankle straps. They're so pretty.

These are the Ariel chain pointed flats (£29) and they're a great alternative for a going out/Christmas Day shoe, if heels aren't for you.

And for something slightly crazy and a little fun, there are the Ali faux fur flats (£26). Whether you're someone who smiles at these, or rolls their eyes at them, they definitely bring about a reaction.