The Jacket you Need this Spring and Summer..

Style Theory: The Khaki/Camo jacket is such an easy jacket to wear, it covers all eventualities from the schoolrun to flinging over a dress on a night out. It is the perfect 'neutraliser' to your look, it goes with everything, can be layered under heavier coats on colder days or wear with shorts on warm summer evenings, it is an all rounder and a coat I firmly believe should be part of any Spring/ Summer wardrobe..

Pair with a grey tee, a victoriana blouse, a lace top or with logo sweat for a laid back look. Dress up in the evening with a silk blouse, cuffed boyfriend jeans and heels for a dressed up/dressed down look. The combinations are endless, such a hard working piece of clothing.

Here are the best on the high street now...

1. Topshop Lightweight Shackett £39

2. Topshop Camo Shackett £45 (also available in Tall  and Petite)

3. Topshop Authentic Washed Shackett £39

4. Net A Porter The Great Swing Jacket £350

5. Hush Military Jacket £65

6. Asos Pimkie Utility Jacket £49.99

7. H&M £39.99

8. River Island Sleeveless Military Jacket £50

So many choices and I am loving the River Island sleeveless version of the utility jacket, would look fab with a super pretty shirt underneath with blouson sleeves..Perfect.

Are you a utility coat fan, do you have one lurking at the back of your cupboard? I am lost without my camouflage jacket but definitely need to invest in a plain green one and the Topshop and Hush ones are on my hit list!

Thank you so much for reading, as always I love to hear all your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xx

Look Again...

Style Theory: It has been a while since I looked at Great Plains, so when they asked me to style up a few of their pieces, my selection - my way, it was the Skylark jumpsuit below that really caught my eye and made me take a closer look...

Jumpsuit - Great Plains Skylark Jumpsuit £75
Coat - Topshop (old season)
Boots - Russell & Bromley (old season)
Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650

The jumpsuit lived up to expectations, it is light, comfortable and flattering. It nips in perfectly at the waist and hangs beautifully. I love the culotte shape, it can worn both now and in the summer with a pair of tan heeled or flat sandals. Or tie a light, camoflage jacket around the waist and wear with a pair of Stan Smith trainers for a dress down look. I love a versatile piece in my wardrobe and this jumpsuit fits the bill from an evening out to a picnic with the kids.

Casual mixed with Tailoring..

Sweater - Great Plains Cassi Knits Drawcord Jumper £55
Trousers - Great Plains Club House D Ring Trousers £70
Trainers - Superga

Victoria Beckham's jumper, trousers and Stans combo at the end of her AW16 catwalk show really made me realise I needed a pair of tailored trousers in my life. The perfect alternative to jeans, these D Ring trousers are easy to wear, can be worn with heels or trainers and are a great ankle length. They are fairly heavily pleated at the front, with deep pockets and a high waist. Perfect for work with a silk blouse tucked in and a pair of this year's 'must haves' the granny shoe. If you are after a a flatter front trouser try the Marsie Textured Jacquard Trousers, these will be more flattering over a tummy. The grey sweatshirt is a good basic, the working tie detail at the bottom is great over a tummy.

The Throw on Light Spring Parka and Skinny Jean...

Parka - Great Plains Dixie Hooded Mac £115
Jeans - Great Plains Carly High Waisted Jeans £60
Bag - SWYC
Trainers - Golden Goose 

A perfect throw on parka for Spring days, this unlined mac is a cool, extra layer, oversized and easy to wear. Create a sports luxe look with trainers and a backpack. The jeans are soft and light, they fit high on the waist and are super stretchy, they are more like a jegging than a true jean, are super flattering, perfect for running around at the weekend.

There are some fab dress shapes in Great Plains new arrivals and sign up for style emails with their newsletter .

Are you fan of Great Plains have you shopped with them recently? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments..until next time Frances xxx

This post was written in collaboration with Great Plains, all styling, words and opinions are my own.

Beautiful Mothers Day Gifts for you....

Style Theory: Just a little treat for us Mums..nothing too extravagant but something we will treasure and find useful over the coming months/years...here is my wishlist...

Starting with a touch of gold and silver..

Love Ring - Alex Monroe £120

Arrow Necklace - Cabbage White England £55

Flower Ear Jacket Earrings - Z for Accessorize £15

Rose Gold Bracelet - Monica Vinader £185

These gifts will stand the test of time and we all deserve something a little special..

Next something a little indulgent.....

Lipstick - Charlotte Tilbury KISSING, Bitch Perfect £23

Eyeshadow - M&S £18

Nail Polish - Chanel Rouge Noir £17.50

Perfume - Jo Malone £42

Some little indulgent beauty treats us Mums may not treat ourselves to but we would be sure to use throughout the year..

Or how about something to wear...

Shirt - M&S Frill Striped Blouse £29.50

Dungarees - H&M £29.99

Pink Sweater - Hush £49.50

Customised Trainers - Stan Smith £70

Leather Clutch Bag - Topshop £35

Finally something for your home...

Candle - Diptyque Baies £40

Mug - Anthropologie £8

Lamp - Laura Ashley £75

Cushion - M&S £15

Throw - M&S £69

Jewellery Box - Zara Home £39.99

A few slightly different things for your home that will add a finishing touch..or a starting point..

So there are my ideas for fabulous Mothers Day gifts, oh and the Adele Cd (I forgot that one!) But to be honest sometimes it is just a special to get a lie in, breakfast in bed with a heap of your favourite magazines or a good book..that one or two hours of peace is pure heaven...

Wishing you a very Happy Mothers Day, would love to hear what is on your wishlist, until next time Frances xx

Boutique style..

Style Theory: I was asked by my favourite local boutique Quattro Rish, Reigate, to style up my favourite pieces from their new Spring/Summer collection and shoot a mini campaign. I adore the collection, the owner Ivy has impeccable taste and I cannot help but fall in love with most of the items in the shop. In fact, last time I shot a campaign for Quattro Rish I ended up buying half the outfits. We shot in possibly the coolest house I have ever been in, it was 70s in style and each interior piece had been hand picked, from purple velvet sofas to giant cactus' ...it was a real treat to shoot in such inspiring surroundings...

So here is my blog and the photos from the shoot...

Spring / Summer 2016 in Quattro Rish is shaping up to be be a strong season, with an emphasis on colour (brights win), a focus on outstanding fabrics (the softest cashmere and featherlight silks) and emerging new and super flattering denim shapes. Quattro Rish have Spring/ Summer covered, balanced with the fact that style also equals comfort and quality is paramount there is a piece in their collection (or two or three..) for everyone.

I had the pleasure of compiling my season must haves from Quattro Rish. There are so many looks to choose from I was spoilt for choice. My personal brief is always comfort, wearability, a flash of colour with a fashion twist. I need clothes to work hard for me, they need to pay they way in wearability and also need to work with my current wardrobe.

Here are my Spring Key Looks…

This Jumper1234 sweater is the ultimate in luxurious fabric, feels light as a feather and looks eye catching with it’s neon stripes. A casual take on this years Pink trend, this sweater would work beautifully over denim shorts and white pumps throughout the summer months, a capsule wardrobe must have. The MiH jeans are this year’s new shape ‘The Tomboy’, slightly high rise but not as high and unflattering as Mom jeans, they are super stretchy and the most beautiful colour. These will be your Summer ‘go to’ jeans, light but flattering, the perfect length and shape. Wear with trainers or flat sandals by day, in the evening dress up with heels and a silk shirt. The Rose Rankin trainers take this season’s pink and camouflage trend and blend them effortlessly creating a casual and cool look.

Jumper1234, 100% cashmere £169 | MiH Tomboy Jeans, £215 | Libeskind tan chain bag, £155 | Rose Rankin trainers, £169 - All available at Quattro Rish

This Twist & Tango jumpsuit maxes out on the 70s trend, the perfect, comfortable piece to wear to a wedding, summer party or for drinks at the beach. In the spring pop a black, tux style jacket over the top, add a pair of gold heels for a beautiful elegant look, or add a pair of tan flat sandals in the summer for cool, laid back, chic look. I layered some beautiful gold necklaces from Quattro Rish to add a boho vibe, flattering and comfortable the must have jumpsuit for the summer.

Twist & Tango Jumpsuit, £199 | Shoes  M&S

This season it is all about the oversize, slouchy cardigans, this Essential cream cardigan is a key look, it is super soft with beautiful gold edging details. Perfect for wearing over white silk camisoles or lace tops in the summer, add a pair of denim shorts and tan flats sandals to take this look seamlessly through to the high summer months. This stunning tan, leather, Liebeskind bag is subtly chic, a neutral colour and can be worn with every item in your wardrobe. For a day to day look wear over a grey tee, with the gorgeous MiH Tomboy jeans and trainers.

Essentiel Antwerp Cream Cardigan, £149 | MiH Tomboy Jean, £215 | Liebeskind soft pink Bag, £89 | Lace Top, &Other Stories

A stand out piece, the Lolly Laundry glitter jacket will add a ‘wow’ to your look. Lined with heavy jersey, it not only looks eye catching but will keep you warm on a spring/summer evening. It is supremely versatile, wear with these Current Elliott cool, comfortable khakis and heels for an evening out or sling on with a white tee, boyfriend jeans and white trainers..so many options, if you buy this jacket I promise you you will wear it non-stop. It is key to have a good white T-shirt in your wardrobe and this Twist & Tango tee is super flattering, a brilliant, clean white colour and will be such a useful piece in a Spring Summer capsule wardrobe.

Lollys Laundry Sequin Jacket, £125 | Current Elliott Industrial Pants, £239 | Twist & Tango Top, £69 | Shoes, Nine West

This is my MiH moment – head-to-ankle in this luxury British brand, these 70s style Marrakesh jeans and jumper are wardrobe staples and timeless, investment pieces.

MiH Marrakesh Jean, £215 | MiH Jumper, £190 | Essential Wedges, £85

All the pieces featured in this post are available to buy in store at Quattro Rish or through mail order – call 01737 235468.

So far I have ordered the cream cardigan, I have my eye on the wedges..they will look fab in the summer and I am also smitten with the MiH tomboy jeans as they are just so comfortable. If you are in the area pop in to Quattro Rish, Ivy and her team are brilliantly friendly, helpful but not in the least pushy and they have some gorgeous clothing and jewellery, I have been shopping there for years! 

Photography by http://thomasgilder.com/

This post was written in collaboration with Quattro Rish, all styling, views and opinions are my own, thank you for supporting the brands that support SchoolRunStyle 

March Must Haves...

Style Theory: After a couple of sunny days it feels decidedly Spring-like. New collections are starting to flood the high street, new colours, shapes, perfect pieces to refresh your winter wardrobe without breaking the bank. 

 Here are the pieces on my shopping list at the moment..

Zara Shiny Jacquard Top £29.99

The top on..I bought this as it will be fab for under denim dungarees (see below) I love the puff sleeve detail and the patterned fabric. I will be wearing this in the summer with boyfriend jeans and tan flat strappy sandals... It does come up a little small so this is a medium. 

Zara Pleated Collar Shirt £19.99

A fab little top, quite reasonable and again brilliant for under dungarees. It is quite short, I bought a large I think it comes up on the small side. I will be wearing it with high waist jeans and skirts in the summer.

Zara Lace Top £39.99

I love a cream lacy top, they are fab layered under a chunky slouchy cardigan now and in the summer great with ankle length jeans and white superga's.

Topshop Pink Top £42

I spotted this on Pixie Geldolf at the Topshop Unique LFW show, she is not normally my fashion inspiration but it just looked fab on her, she was wearing a shirt underneath and the pink tone looked beautiful. It is currently winging its way to me, my wardrobe so needs colour and this will brighten it up perfectly.

Topshop Clean Indigo Dungarees £45

Love the look of these dungarees, the clean lines make them look a little more grown up, wear with the pale blue top above and a pair of trainers for a cool look.

Topshop Black Slim Leg Dungarees £48

I have similar black dungarees and wear them non stop, they are sooo comfy and such a useful piece of denim to have in your wardrobe. They look as great with a T-shirt as with a blouse. In general I have found I have had to size up with dungarees and the Topshop reviews all suggest sizing up on this pair.

I fell for this Cos outfit today and will be saving up my pennies for it!

Cos 

This outfit looked better in real life, I love the length of the trousers, slightly ankle swinger-ish but made of thick material so they look quite striking. They are super high waisted so would look fab with a shirt or blouse tucked in.

Cos Ruched Detail rib-knit top £59

Cos Wide Leg Trousers £79

And finally my dream item, I tried these Gucci shoes on the other day...just out of interest hoping they would look horrible and my 'need' for them would disappear but unfortunately they looked amazing! I completely understand they are a love em or hate pair of shoes..I absolutely love them and they were ridiculously comfortable..a girl can dream!

Selfridges Gucci Marmont Loafers £520

Oooo they are sooo lovely!!

So there is a quick round up of what is on my shopping list, slightly eclectic but I feel I need a little shake up of my wardrobe, I need to inject new shapes and a whole lot of colour..I am so excited about the new Spring styles hitting the shops now...

Which items have caught your eye so far this Spring? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments until next time Frances xxx

Topshop - The Must Have Heels...

Style Theory: Elegant heels..a luxury item us girls all like to own. Topshop are on a shoes high at the moment and I wanted to share with you these stunning shoes I spotted on the Topshop Unique LFW FROW on Suki Waterhouse... they are beautiful and will be sure to sell out quick so go go go...

photos via Daily Mail

The shoes are elegant, a good heel height and have the most beautiful bow on the side..shoe perfection..

Bow Court Shoes Topshop Unique £115

Bow Court Shoes Topshop Unique £115

Bow Court Shoes by Topshop Unique £115

These are the kind of shoes that will go with everything, wear them with a jumper (I would pick out the colour of the bow and match my jumper to that) and a pair of slouchy jeans. Or for the Spring or summer if you are off to a wedding or an event, these would be the perfect pair of shoes to wear with a dress, match it up or clash with your dress, either way these shoes are show stoppers..

I am off to buy a pair although I cannot decide between black or white, the white will look amazing in the summer!....decisions....

Just a quick one from me tonight but I am currently working on a denim blog..so many nice denim pieces on the high street..Spring fashion is brilliant, I love a new season...

My Style

Layering up in comfy clothes...

Faux Fur Scarf: H&M (old season)
Jacket: Topshop £55
Bag: Aurora London £64.50
Jeans: H&M - similar here
Trainers: Golden Goose
Camo Jacket (around waist) - similar here 

I am feeling so inspired by fashion at the moment there is so much going on, so many different trends, loads of new ideas I look forward to searching out the best the high street has to offer..

I hope you all had a good half term, my little ones are off tomorrow too so back to normality on Tuesday with an exciting shoot for one of my fave boutiques, until next time, Frances xx

Spring Inspiration

Style Theory: Boredom begins to set in about this time of the season with my current wardrobe so I look to Pinterest to track down some new ways to wear existing items and which pieces I should look to buy that will brighten up and lift my looks..

This year expect jean hem lines to rise..ankle swingers are the only way. Necklaces to go long..pendants are back. Pink to continue it's colour reign, blouse and jumper arms to be voluminous, loafers and 'granny shoes' to flood the high street and camisoles with oversize cardigans to be the perfect summer evening style solutions... 

Images via Pinterest

On my wish list for Spring..some Gucci -esque loafers,  cropped kick flared black jeans, a cream oversize cardigan, a long pendant style necklace and a floaty blouse with balloon sleeves. All of these items I will track down on the high street and share with you this season, along with some other key items that are sure to pop up on the way.

Spring I am ready for you..just a shame it is baltic out at the moment!

MY STYLE

Half term madness this week, lots of days out with cousins and Jess and I visited the Unicorn Theatre in London Bridge along with a couple of her friends, educational and really enjoyable (win, win!). It was freezing by the river so I was well and truly wrapped up..Jess on the other hand was boiling and refused to wear a coat, I swear the child was born with a central heater inside her, she is always so hot!

Hat - Anthropologie
Coat - Maje
Bag - Saywhatyouc
Jeans - J Brand
Boots - Quattrorish

Lots more planned for the rest of the holiday with a sneaky little lunch at the La Gavroche booked for Friday - quite excited! 

What is catching your eye for the new season? As always I would love to hear you thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx