Archive for December, 2011

On behalf of everyone here at Freemans, we’d like to wish all of our readers and customers a very happy new year. Whether you’re heading out on the tiles or ringing in 2012 with family and friends, we hope your celebrations are as fashionable as they are fun-packed.

It’s hard to believe that a whole year has gone by since we first launched the Freemans fashion blog. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as …

It’s official – the weather may be rapidly approaching sub-zero, but knitwear has never been hotter. Partly thanks to the practicalities of winter casual-dressing, and partially due to millions of Britons getting hooked on gritty Danish detective drama The Killing – in which star Sofie Gråbøl goes through the entire 20-episode first series without ever changing her strangely jolly-looking white polo-neck jumper – fashion magazines and taste pundits are united in singing the praises of the woollen look. When a …

These days a look can go from on-trend to over so quickly that it’s hard to keep up – not to mention expensive. That’s why it’s comforting to know that there are some things that never go out of fashion. A well-chosen and accessorised little black dress will never let you down; it’s a classic look that’s very difficult to get wrong. To help you to make the right choices, here’s a guide to some of our favourites.

Style is all in the details; those finishing touches that turn an evening dress from functional to fabulous in fell swoop. Whether it’s an eye-catching extra feature or a subtle design detail, the little things can make a huge difference to your look. Here’s some of our favourites.

When it comes to above-the-knee dresses, a straight, no-nonsense hemline is the standard. However, if you want to really stand out, a cocktail dress with a frilled skirt can really soften up the look. This Mesh Tea Dress is a gorgeous party piece that strikes the perfect balance between sultry and celebratory. It also comes with another lovely feature in the ribbon detail beneath the bust. This is a dress that just cries out to be combined with a pair of killer party heels!

For those who want to make a really stylish impression with their winter wear, the contrast sleeve is a fast-emerging trend this season. As the name suggests, the idea is to wear sleeves that create a strong contrast with your top or dress. Some jackets come with contrast sleeves attached, but for a more versatile look, we prefer a sleeveless women’s top and a bit of creative colour blocking.

There’s just a few shopping days left until Christmas, so if you haven’t checked off your list yet it’s time to get serious! Whether you’re buying for a loved one, treating yourself – ‘tis the season after all – or gently encouraging your other half to get it right this year, nightwear and lingerie are evergreen seasonal gifts that will be much appreciated long after the mince pies have been polished off for another year.

The question for today’s dress:

This is the last of our 12 dresses of Christmas! For a chance to win, just tell us about your best ever Christmas present.

Answer this question by leaving a comment for a chance to win this dress. Find out more on the 12 Dresses Competition page.

Update: The 12 Dresses of Christmas competition is now closed. The winner of this stunning dress is Vanessa Cox.

For a full list of winners and …

The question for today’s dress:

This fabulous above-the-knee shoulder dress is crying out for some fancy footwear. What would you wear to complement this dress at a party?

Answer this question by leaving a comment for a chance to win this dress. Find out more on the 12 Dresses Competition page.

Update: The 12 Dresses of Christmas competition is now closed. The winner of this stunning dress is Julie Picton.

For a full list of winners and details …

The question for today’s dress:

This glittering sequin number is the perfect dress for New Years. But which celebrity would you most like to be standing under the mistletoe with when midnight comes?

Answer this question by leaving a comment for a chance to win this dress. Find out more on the 12 Dresses Competition page.

View today’s Laura Scott Sequin Shift Dress on our website, perfect for …

The question for today’s dress:

This dress comes with detachable straps. Are you in favour of the halter-neck look or do you prefer bare shoulders? Tell us why.

Answer this question by leaving a comment for a chance to win this dress. Find out more on the 12 Dresses Competition page.

Update: The 12 Dresses of Christmas competition is now closed. The winner of this stunning dress is Rachel Clark.

For a full list of winners and details …