Mary Portas & House of Fraser

Recently I have been hooked to Mary Queen of Frocks, which for those in the UK is a TV Documentary showing Mary Portas's journey on creating her own shop and fashion line for a well-known department store. Mary Portas is best known for being a Retail Expert and for setting up brand communication Agency: Yellow Door. 


Mary unveiled 'Pret a Portas' at Oxford Street House of Fraser last week as a new shopping experience.  She considers the over-40 age group under-catered for on the high street so has designed this range with this in mind. Mary has been involved in every aspect of the shop: from the fashion design, to the exceptional service, to the shop design and models. The essential 7 pieces is the classic items you need as part of a capsule wardrobe that will never date: the pencil skirt, the white shirt, the tailored jacket etc. 

Armery

There is also a range of reasonably priced accessories, shoes, hand bags and hosiery and even some home ware and food items. Although this range has been designed to target the over 40's - there are no rules to say that under 40's can't shop here! The range of Armery (£21) is a great idea - think of them as tights for your arms - for those who are a little self conscious of baring their arms and like to cover their shoulders. I also like the on-trend sheer Charnos Polka dot tights (£10). 

Polka Dot Tights

There are a few of my favourites from the collection:

No Brainer Dress part of the 7 Piece 'Capsule Wardrobe' Collection £135

Animal Print Shift Dress £150

Jersey Wrap Slinkly Drape Dress £220
(reminds me of a Victoria Beckham Style)

Slouch Animal Jacquard Knit £85

Tucker Retro Print Silk Dress £225

Look out for the Mary's shop (you can't miss it with the mannequins in statement bright orange wigs!) at the Oxford Street Store and Online. I can imagine that the shops will be popping up in stores nationwide in no time.