Christmas Snapshot

So far this Christmas I have been....

Christmas shopping on Kings Road with sisters and friends..

Strolling through SW1 wearing what has to be my best items of this season..my Topshop faux fur coat and Aldo boots...

Visiting Winterville in the East End, with Little J and my little sister... found out we could still roller skate at the roller disco!

Christmas Eve sparkles in my H&M leggings...

Christmas morning excitement and chaos..the best moment of the year. My outfit...wearing my summer maxi under a jumper and fur coat with Aldo boots..

Wrapping up warm for Ice skating, carousel riding and hot chocolate at the park...

And finally Santa left a few things for me too!...

&Other Stories Sadie Williams Skirt
Zara Sweater
Cos Navy Fine Wool Jersey Top
Topshop Khaki Sweater  (I have worn this non-stop)
Asos Baby Kick Flares
Miller Harris La Pluie (One of my fave perfumes along with No.5)
Mac Lady Danger Lipstick
A swallow bracelet from a super special friend.

Next on the list what to wear for New Year and planning for my 40th Birthday party at the end of January...eek!!

Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. Thank you so much for all your support in 2014..looking forward to what 2015 has in store...

Love Frances xxx

That 70s Show...in 2015

Style Theory: The Catwalks were awash with 70s influences when designers showcased their Spring/ Summer 2015 designs back in January and February this year. From Tom Ford to House of Holland 70s silhouettes, prints and fabrics dominated the catwalks. As always the highstreet is hot on their heels and 70s looks are starting to pepper the stores as the new season's stock hits. The Streetsylers have been workig this look for a while so maybe it is time to step away from the skinnies and oversize sweaters and welcome your new best friends..the skinny flare and tight poloneck...

Some inspiration first:

Images via Pinterest

Rules for creating the 70s look effectively:

For a day to day look keep to one or two pieces for a subtle approach.

Be mindful of your silhouette, when wearing skinny flares keep your top as close fitting and neat as you can (think skinny polonecks or close fitting tailored tops)

When wearing flares keep heels as high as possible to elongate the leg.

Wear your summer maxi dresses now with polonecks over the top (these do not need to be tight fitting) Again wear with high heeled boots (tan round toed boot look great) layer up with a pair of leggings or thick tight underneath for warmth.

Mix textures and fabrics, wear a fur coat with a floral jacquard top underneath..pair this with skinny jeans if you are not ready to dive head first into the trend.

Here are my 70s picks from the High Street:

Topshop High Neck Pleated Pussybow Blouse £45

Wear this blouse with a pair of skinny flares and heels for a 70s boho look. This blouse can also be found in store in peach and black.

Mango Paisley Print Blouse £34.99

Very retro, wear this shirt with a short A-line leather skirt and black opaques and shoe boots for a cool look.

Topshop Long Sleeve Ribbed Polo Neck £18

The skinny poloneck, wear with some skinny flares or layer underneath a tunic dress and knee high boots for a cute 70s look.

Free People First Kiss Dress £128

Perfect for Christmas day, I would pair with a pair of knee high tan, heeled boots.

Miss Selfridge Jacquard Collar Playsuit £45

A cute retro playsuit, love the collar and the print. Wear with opaques and black suede shoe boots.

Topshop Chunky Faux Fur Jacket £89

As you know I have this coat and have worn it so much, it is quite dramatic. It can be dressed down with skinny jeans and trainers or worn with skinny flares, heels and a pussy bow blouse for full 70s glamour.

Asos Baby Kick Flare £35

Gorgeous (very skinny) kick flares, taking the scariness out of the move from skinnies to flares!

My Style

I am a huge fan of the 70s look, here are a few of my retro outfits that I have worn this year..

Left: Culottes - M&S
Sweater: Mango
Bag: M&S
Boots: Russell and Bromely
Right: Sweater - H&M
Skirt - Topshop
Shoes - M&S
Coat - Zara

Left: Skirt - Cos
Shirt - H&M
Shoes - H&M
Coat - M&S
Right: Jumper - Topshop
Jeans - J Brand

Coat - Topshop
Sweater - Whistles
Jeans - J Brand Lovestory
Scarf - Accessorize

Dress - Topshop
Jumper - Topshop
Bag - H&M

Obviously I am smitten with the 70s..are you ready to take the plunge into 70s..or are you going to steer clear of it?

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxxx

The Ideal Black Ankle Boot

Style Theory: Ankles are starting to get a little cold so it is time to encase them in a stylish and practical pair of ankle boots. Ankle boots that can be warn both casually during the day and for a night out is the kind of boot I am after and I think I have found them..

First some ankle boot inspiration..

Wear with a long black maxi dress in the Spring

Black boots look fabulous with a flippy skirt and opaque tights.

The Chloe Susannas looking perfect with black skinny jeans and faux fur.

Love the look of black boots with sheer patterned tights 

Go volumious on your top and keep jeans skinny with ankle boots finishing off a flattering silhouette.

Perfect for a casual day look.

Wear with distressed jeans for a cool look.

In the winter, black boots look their best with black skinny jeans or skirts and opaque tights. Dress up your skinny jeans with a pussy-bow blouse for an 'on trend' night out look.

Here are my favourite Ankle Boots on the high street now..

 The Chelsea Boot:

Dune Petra Boots £89

The pointed toe add sophistication to this boot..

The Zip Detail Boot:

Dune Ladies Ninety Black Boots £115

Match the gold zip with gold, fine jewellery and an all black outfit, throw a camel coat over the top for a casual and chic look.

The Buckle Boot:

LK Bennet Betsy Ankle Boot now £195

These are the 'grown up' boot in the selection, beautiful leather in a classic shape. This is the boot that you will wear season after season.

The Classic Suede Ankle Boot:

Ash Jalouse Boots now £124

A modern classic shape, the deep V at the front of these boots means that they are supremely flattering on the legs. These are without a doubt the boots to wear with dresses and look just as good in the spring/summer as in the winter.

The Chain Detail Boot:

Marks and Spencer Chain Trim Ankle Boot £45 (not leather)

These are not leather but are super comfortable, I have tried them on. They are a good take on the chain detail trend and are so reasonable.

The Brogue Boot:

Carvela Boots at John Lewis £128 (on price match)

Love the brogue detailing on these, pair them with ankle length skinny jeans and an oversize grey sweater for a cool and cosy winter look.

The Studded Boot:

Aldo Bugiano Boot now £84.98

I have bought these boots and am so pleased with them. They are low enough at the front to wear with tights and skirts, they finish at a flattering part of the leg. I have been a huge fan of the Chloe Susanna boot for a few years and these are about as near to them as I will get (or afford) and have just been reduced from £110..

I am wearing them here with my faux leather leggings..

Jumper: H&M
Top: J Crew
Boot: Aldo Bugiano Boot £84.98
Leather Bag: Aurora Living Willow Bag £55

They have a fair amount of bling gold hardware on them but I really love them and they are comfortable too!

Have you got your winter ankle boots, do you have old faithfuls that you wear every year, how do you style yours?

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Her - Under £50

Style Theory: 10 luxurious and affordable gifts for her all under £50. Each and every one I would love to find under the Christmas tree..hope they provide you with some inspiration for the special women in your life..or to add to your Christmas list..

Aurora Living 'Willow Bag' £55

A smidgen over £50 this beautiful, soft, leather cross body bag is the perfect gift. It is super chic, with the same lines as the minimal Celine Trio bag (but a fraction of the price) and comes in five gorgeous colours (see Aurora Living Style for all the colours). It can been worn across the body for a day look, or remove the strap for a stunning evening clutch. For an extra £18 you can have initials engraved on it to make it that extra special. A truly luxurious and affordable gift that can be used day after day, without a doubt at the top of my list! 

Warehouse All Over Jewel Sweater £46

Sparkly, festive and chic, this sweater ticks all the boxes, can be dressed up with full midi skirt/ leather trousers and heels or wear to look chic on your Christmas Day walk in the woods with skinny jeans and Hunters. 

Zara Slouch Sweater - Navy £45.99

A fabulous basic sweater than can be teamed with a pair of silver sequin leggings (see H&M) and ankle boots on Christmas Day or cuddle upon Boxing day with a pair of slouchy jeans and trainers.

Accessorize Bright Blanket Scarf £19

This is a stunning scarf, looks fab with a camel coat and will brighten up Christmas morning.

Giant Pom Pom Hat (Olivia Hat)- Pom Pom Poodle £55

This hat looks seriously fabulous on. The fur pom pom is huge and looks amazing, a real statement, you need to be slightly gutsy to wear it but I can guarantee it will look striking! It comes in 5 gorgeous autumnal colours, use the code POM14 at the checkout and get 10% off - bringing it neatly down to under £50...(order by 22nd Dec for a pre-Christmas delivery)

 Z for Accessorize from £8 to £30

I am a huge fan of this range of fine gold jewellery from Accessorize.  Each piece is gold plated and hand-crafted with semi-precious stones, with prices from £8 these rings, necklaces and earrings make gorgeous and reasonable gift for friends.

Cos Underwear - Bra £19 Lace Knickers £15

A beautiful delicate lace underwear set with scalloped edges and a cool neon elastic trim. 

White Company Winter Candle £20

Always a Christmas favourite a warm, scented candle. The Winter candle from The White Company is one of my favourites, a spicy scent with cinnamon, clove and a touch of orange, Christmas in a candle...

Pineapple Jewellery Box at Urban Outfitters £25

Pineapples are having a moment this season, get the cool chick in your life this cute jewellery box, it will liven up any dressing table.

Carluccios Panettone el Ciocolato e Prosecco £25.95

A genius idea, who wouldn't want to enjoy a chilled, crisp glass of Prosecco with a slice of traditional or chocolate panettone. Order this to be sent to a love one or you can create your own Carluccios hamper full of delicious Italian foods. 

OR

Laduree Gift Box Incontournable £26.50

For those ladies with a sophisticated, sweet tooth. Select a gift set of beautiful macarons, choose which flavours to include and send to a love one. A delicious and chic present..

There ends my top 10 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Her under £50, I know I would adore any one of these gifts. I hope they have given you some inspiration. Happy Shopping..it definitely is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas..!

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances x