Fancy tailoring with a twist this season? Then this Bolero jacket by Episode at House of Fraser, currently flying off the rails of eBay Fashion Outlet, fits the bill perfectly.

We love the vintage-inspired design and neck detailing which adds a distinctly designer and is a breath of fresh air from the rails of boyfriend blazer cuts. Head to eBay Fashion Outlet to snap up yours quickly – they’re selling out fast!

Episode Bolero Jacket, £160 £38.40, available at eBay Fashion Outlet. BUY NOW!

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For autumn/winter 2010, major department store House of Fraser presented their clothes and accessories in different trend-led categories, mixing the labels to give a clearer vision of the kind of image we can expect from the store next season.

The ‘Twilight’ category – whilst appropriately acknowledging the popular teen phenomenon -showed off a gothic approach that will cater for the younger market but also featured some wearable separates that will appeal to many a buyer. Revealing a mainly dark palette, key pieces included a black lace halter-neck dress (reminiscent of Prada, fall 2008) from Pied a Terre and cobweb style pullovers from the store’s new house brand, Label Lab. Throw biker jackets and a particularly lovely bag from Ted Baker and you’ve got a strong, laid-back collection of differing textures to create that romantic, vampy look.

As we perused the ‘Wild Things’ rack we noticed a distinct nod to Topshop‘s brilliant autumn/winter 2010 catwalk, with heavy neutral knits, faux fur and a gorgeous shearling waterfall coat from Therapy. Fluid lines were broken up with a selection of skinny jeans from Linea Weekend and J Brand.

Clothing on the ‘Pantomime’ and ‘Vamp’ rails focussed on polished glamour and party-inspired pieces, achieving a more demure and grown up look. Linea’s navy blue shift and Episode’s vibrant red dress, suggest that velvet will be a continuing trend for next season while exquisite statement jewellery from the likes of Erickson Beamon, Mawi and newcomer Fiona Paxton, prove that bolder is better.

The ‘Utility’ section offered perhaps our favourite selection of clothes; most notably a heavy duty trench and a jumpsuit, both from Label Lab. There’s plenty of leather on show too. Not only in the shape of biker jackets and Burberry-style aviator coats but more sophisticated silhouettes. Linea have produced a leather skirt and Pied a Terre, a gorgeous knee-length, dress in the softest camel-coloured leather.

Handbags were also a highlight throughout, with Patrick Cox’s metallic gold shoulder bag being a particular standout whilst the Michael Michael Kors piece offered a luxurious, slouchy studded number for everyday use. Love Moschino’s chain strap bags hinted more than a little towards Chanel and Lulu Guinness (which House of Fraser also stocks), with its embroidered front being instantly comparable to Lulu Guinness’ shop-front handbags.

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In our opinion, House of Fraser is one of the UK’s top department stores for fashion. From designer brands to high street labels, House of Fraser has broad appeal, catering for all with younger brands like Therapy to house favourites such as Linea. Next season is set to bring us a number of label exclusives, so we couldn’t wait to pop down last week for a bit of breakfast and a sneaky peek…

Therapy has never really focussed on accessories. This season however, the label has developed, stretching its ideas to bright raffia and beaded clutches, bangles and studded belts. An ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme is prominent consisting of cutesty heart print, nautical stripes and statement blazers with a youthful take on the sharp shoulder.

House of Fraser exclusive – Stefanel – stood out with its bright palette alongside the neutral tones that are popular for spring 2010. The cobalt blue silk jumpsuit looks like it walked right off the Stella McCartney runway while the multi-coloured floral print silk shorts are perfect for luxurious summer daytime wear. Florals were also seen in dark, graphic print at Kenneth Cole and in floaty, knee-length dresses at Ralph Lauren.

Nudes were evident everywhere, from Pied a Terre – in an almost Josh Goot, sophisticated summer pastel print, as well as asymmetrical drapery – to embellishment at Vera Moda and new brands like Almost Famous, who kept the look romantic with ruffles and lace. Lipsy also surprised us with a gorgeous, grecian halter dress in dusky pink.

Episode focussed on monochrome for next season, keeping things smart with crisp A-line skirts, perfect for contemporary workwear.

The real treat however, came in the shape of the handbags. House of Fraser have a wide selection of neutral delights from the Mischa Barton range, to classic, miniature pieces like the Moschino chain bag and – our favourite – the brown mock-croc Badgley Mischka.

Reliable black numbers came in the shape of the exclusive Lulu Guinness tote, a black fringed hobo from Full Circle and the statement studded beauty from Anya Hindmarch.

But, it also wouldn’t be summer without a few beach brights now, would it? Take a look at these two from Anya Hindmarch and DKNY.

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