Outfit Post: The Everyday Little Black Dress

Style Theory: The Little Black Dress, endlessly useful, always chic and understated, one of my wardrobe staples. 

I was on the look out for one that was really comfortable and could be worn during the day as well as being dressed up for an evening out...step forward this fab little dress from Me+Em...The dress is an a-line, swing shape perfect for skimming over a tummy, with slit pockets at the front. The fabric is a medium weight crepe that hangs beautifully, skimming over any lumps and bumps. Today I added a pair of trainers for a comfy day outfit. 

Dress: Me+Em similar here in the sale
Trainers: Adidas Superstar £64.99
Backpack: Zara similar here

In the evening I will pair the dress with heels and an animal print, oversize clutch. This dress will work perfectly in the winter with opaque tights and a pair of tan knee high boots..or I will style it like this...

It is one of those dresses I know I will wear loads, I have been looking at it for ages on Me+Em website and decided to take the plunge and I am so glad I did.

Here are a few other LBD I have seen on the high street..

Clockwise from far left:
Topshop: Drape Front Tunic Dress £40
Zara: A Line Dress £39.99
Zara: Short Sleeve Dress £29.99
Warehouse: High Neck Babydoll Dress £48
Asos: Swing Dress £22
Whistles: Lola Dress £95

I just love a black dress and I not sure if it is because since I have got back from holiday and do not need to wear a bikini I have been eating ALOT but swing dresses are really appealing to me, the no waistband thing is just too good!

Are you a fan of the all day/evening little black dress. Do you have one you wear all the time or do you tend to keep it for special occasions?

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

Continuing to live the Boho Life..

Style Theory: Boho lives on for another season this Autumn/Winter thanks to Chloe, Lanvin and Burberry. On the high street Monsoon is waving the Boho flag with style, I popped in there yesterday for a quick browse and was soon armed with so many gorgeous tops and dresses to try on. Their designs have echoes of Ukranian designer of the moment Vita Kin, with the heavy embroidery and shapes but are a fraction of the price..

Here is my edit of my favourite pieces..

Clover Embroidery Top £45

This top has been designed by Jessica Simon the daughter of the Monsoon founder Peter Simon. It is one of those tops that is really easy to wear, I love the embroidery detail on this top and the coverage on my arms with fluted sleeves. This would be a great top for a late summer getaway, or wear under a biker jacket now to toughen up the look.

Loretta Embellished top £59

Another Jessica Simon top, this top comes up a little big so size down. This would look fab in the Autumn tucked into a pair of dark blue flared jeans, add a pair of tan heeled ankle boots and a trench to add some structure. Again this will see you through the seasons layered up and be perfect for next Spring Summer.

Tammi Jacquard Top £49

I would size up on this top, I am wearing a size 8 which I think is too small, as this is heavily embroidered it looks more luxurious being bigger, more blouson. Wear now with skinny, ankle length white jeans and white stan smiths and in the Autumn team with distressed, pale blue skinny jeans and tan ankle boots.

Mandoza Top £45

This top is so flattering if you have a bit of a tummy, it has a tie at the bottom to make the top blouson over and sits perfectly over your jeans or trousers. I would size down as this does come up a little big (this is a 10, I am normally a 10 but feel this is a little too big) I love a square neckline, they are so flattering on all shapes.

Marianne Print Dress £89

I first saw this on stunning Laura from WITblog's instagram and immediately fell in love with it, it is stunning on, this is a size 8 and was a little small over my (weirdly large) ribcage so I would say it is true to size and I am going to order a uk 10. This would be perfect for a September wedding styled with black strappy high sandals and an oversize black clutch for a cool boho look. For the winter style with tan knee high boots and a tan slouchy bag. Love, love this...

I tried this dress on, unfortunately I cannot see it in the website but it is available in store. Again I would size up on this one (this was uk8 and not quite generous enough) I love the square neck and embroidery detail on the arm. Style this in autumn with tan accessories for a cool boho look.

Rosario Dress £59

I did not spot this dress in store but it really caught my eye on the website, I love the embroidery detail at the top and the pocket detail, chic, sophisticated and beautiful.

Erin Lace Top £59

So not really boho, more Victoriana but I had to add this top into my Monsoon edit, as you may know I have a real soft spot for high necked tops and this is stunning, it has pearls sewn on to the lace, this top would look fab dressed down under dungarees (black or denim) or wear with skinny jeans or cigarette trousers and heels, add a leopard print clutch for an edge.

There is my round up of a few items that would be a fab addition to my Autumn/Winter wardrobe. This is not a sponsored post I just happened to stumble across Monsoon yesterday while out shopping for school uniforms (the joy!) and was pleasantly surprised!

Have you been into Monsoon lately, what do you think of the range. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, they really make my day! 

Shhh..It's my AW15 Hush Wishlist...

Style Theory: On this beautifully sunny day it seems strange writing about Autumn and Winter but I know as soon as the evenings draw in and there is a bite in the air I will be wanting to wrap myself in soft, comfortable, warm wool and cashmeres. Autumn and winter is all about layering, vest tops under sweaters with oversize cosy scarves draped across. In the evening snuggling up on the sofa in a sweatshirt and loose sweatpants while sipping a hot chocolate...

Hush, this season, have this look to perfection, it is full of beautifully cut jersey pieces to layer underneath boxy cashmere and their parka, for me, is the star piece it would help you survive the winter in style...

Here is my edit of the my favourite pieces..

The Winter Parka

Hush Fire Parka £170

Fairly expensive but if you are like me you would wear this coat almost every day throughout the winter so the cost per wear is pretty good and worth the investment. The thing that really makes this parka stand out is the fire red fur on the hood, it adds a cool style twist that makes this coat a little different than others. The hood and teddy fur lining are detachable so you can wear it in the early Autumn too. Pair with a grey Tee, ankle length blue skinny jeans or a denim dress and lo converse in the Autumn and with a pair of black skinny ankle length jeans and grey sweater and tan pointed ankle boots in the winter. Love these looks below..

via Pinterest

The Knit Dress

Willow Knit Dress £90

I love a comfy knitted dress in the Autumn and winter, the perfect layering piece, it looks great with thick tights and ankle boots or flat knee high boots (I would wear with my Stan Smiths and bare legs on the warmer Autumn days) Perfectly styled below:

images via Pinteres

The Sweater

Hush Stella Jumper £75

A Hush classic, the star jumper is cool, easy to wear and will add a little style twist to the most dressed down outfit. I love the grey/black colourway, would look fab with black skinny jeans and boots and add a pop of colour with a dark red bag ( I adore deep red and grey together). Or wear in the early autumn with white jeans and trainers. I love a grey on grey look so I would team with an oversized grey scarf as the image below

images via Pinterest

The Cardigan

Nina Cardigan £90

Yes the 90s are officially back and with this comes my absolute love of long cardigans. They are so useful and flattering, they cover up my bottom, slim down my thighs in skinny jeans and are deliciously warm..what is not to love? The colour of this cardigan is beautiful and the styling is perfection, autumn wrapped up in one outfit. Neutrals work so well layered up, camels, soft greys, pale pinks and whites, sometimes subtlety speaks volumes. I love these looks below,a breton and the Hush camel cardigan would work beautifully..

images via Pinterest

The Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit £75

The black jumpsuit can be such a hardworking piece in your wardrobe. Effortlessly chic, easy to style and wear, can be dressed up with heels or worn with a biker jacket, trainers and oversized scarf. I have a jumpsuit almost identical to this and have worn it non-stop over the past 5 years, it seems to fit every event.

image via Pinterest

The Indulgent Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater £185

Granted this is really pricey but if you were in need of a little indulgence this season this beautiful berry cashmere jumper would be the perfect item to be invest in. It looks beautiful with navy, camel, grey and this season's perfect mix of berry and pink. These images from the Chanel and Givenchy catwalk and also from VB show how versatile berry is..

Images via Pinterest

 The Accessories

Blanket Shawl £35

Adore this blanket shawl, it is a gorgeous colourway and would look stunning over a black, camel, pink, grey or navy coat. Or throw over a leather biker jacket for extra warmth, at £35 this is a fabulous buy.

Check out Hush' nightwear and brand new homewear too, their pyjamas are gorgeous as are their new range of candles, smell divine!

My Style

This is what I have been wearing over the last couple of days before the heavens opened and it started pouring with rain....

For lunch out with the family..

Top: Zara £22.99
Jacket: Primark old similar here
Trousers: Topshop similar here (better as they do not have the rips)
Bag: H&M old
Shoes: H&M sold out

For a heavenly shopping day in Wimbledon with the girls and then drinks in the village in the evening... I think these jeans have been my best buy this summer, I have worn them so much and as they get older the distressing looks better. They look as good with heels as with flats and trainers. I sized down two sizes as they do come up big...

Sunglasses: Spain
Top: Asos
Jeans: Levis 501CT @Very £95
Shoes: Isabel Marant (sold out)

 Yesterday for dinner with the family, going for the preppy look...

Shirt: Gap similar here
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Knitted Jacket: Henri Lloyd
Trainers: Platform Superga £50

And today I am wearing warm clothes and a cagoule..it just has not stopped raining!! But on the positive side I am getting in the mood for lounging in beautiful Autumnal layered clothes and sipping a hot chocolate in front of the fire (or in reality throwing back a cuppa whilst picking up the toys flung around the house, one day I will be serene and calm!) 

What are your Hush picks, what are you favourite items for Autumn?? ** Use the code AWXX15 for 10% off and free delivery and returns (valid until end of August) 

 As always I would love to hear you thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxxxx

Styling Editsecondhand

Style Theory: Editsecondhand is a beautiful boutique and online store specialising in preloved designer clothing and handbags. The team expertly edit each item to ensure they are of the highest quality and only buy items they would have in their own closets. I am a huge fan and have bought quite a few pieces so when I was asked to style one of their Pre-Fall shoots  I jumped at the chance...armed with a collection of my shoes and trainers I headed to the boutique and here are are a few shots images from the shoot...

I adored this maxi dress, it drapes perfectly and the print is in soft, muted colours. It would work beautifully with heels but I decided to style it with trainers to give it a more 'urban edge'..love it and the elegant Halston Heritage clutch.

Dress - contact EditSecondhand
Necklace - contact EditSecondhand
Clutch - Halston Heritage £40
Trainers - Adidas Superstar £64.99 @Office

It was such a joy to work with all the designer quality dresses as they are beautifully cut and fell perfectly at the shoulders and arms. Unfortunately the Masscob dress has since sold as has the Isabel Marant belt and necklace, it is worth checking the editsecondhand website often as they have new items coming in all the time and there are some amazing dresses for a fraction of their original price all in amazing condition.

Bag - contact editsecondhand
Sandals - Next sold out similar here

Me styling - note to self never get a photo of dungarees from behind ;-)

Top - Isabel Marant Etoile  - sold
Jeans - Victoria Beckham DVB £80
Clutch - Halston Heritage £40 - as above
Shoes -  Mascaro (size 40) £80

The DVB jeans are a waist 29 and are incredibly flattering, the ankle length is perfect and would look great in the winter with a pair of tan ankle boots.

Jacket - Isabel Marant - sold
Trousers - Paige - sold
T- shirt - J Brand £45
Trainers - as above
Bag - mine from Spain

The bomber jacket trend is sailing straight into AW15 so a denim bomber is ideal for this season. I am slightly obsessed with stripy trousers as I think they look amazing in the winter with an oversize black, chunky jumper and black ankle boots and a pair of sunglasses..adore these ones..ah-ma-zing

Tom Ford @editsecondhand £135

I find this shape of sunglasses (& my vision glasses are similar) really flattering on my square face as they seem to 'lift' it a little making it look a little less round/square a little more heart shaped. These Tom Ford sunglasses would look so sleek and stylish in the winter with an all black outfit.

Jacket - Iro £140
Top - Swildens £40
Bag - Anya Hindmarch £350
Sandals - H&M

This bomber jacket would look great in the summer over pale blue jeans and a white boho top and in the winter with a cream, pussybow blouse and dark blue flared jeans and tan heeled boots. Love the fact the Anya Hindmarch bag is tan and black so in the winter will look fabulous with an all black outfit, a stand out piece.

A similar Iro jacket worn by Kate Hudson - looks stunning on..

Image via Pinterest 

Here are a few other pieces that I am lusting over on editsecondhand:

From top left clockwise - Black Dress - See by Chloe £100 - Black Jacket - Chanel £900 
Black Bag - Chanel £900 - Leopard Print Shoes - Christian Louboutin £100 - Brogues -Church's £150
Khaki jeans - Balmain £100

Designer heaven for a fraction of the price..perfect. It is absolutely worth checking out the editsecondhand website and signing up to the newsletters which inform you of all the new stock that is arriving - and you can return items (within 7 days - see terms and conditions) if they do not fit.

I loved styling the Schoolrunstyle Edit, it was such fun and the team at editsecondhand are fab! 

Are you a fan of preloved items, do you, like me adore designer pieces for affordable prices? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxx

Follow me on Instagram @Schoolrunmum for daily outfit looks and key buys xxx

Holiday Evening Outfits..

Style Theory: Evening holiday outfits, for me, need to be unfussy, comfortable and flattering. Loose fitting dresses play a major part in my evening looks, they are so easy to throw on especially on hot mediterranean evenings and look chic with minimal effort.

Here are a selection of my favourite summer evening outfits I wore this year on holiday, where to buy or similar styles..

Dress - & Other Stories  similar here
Sandals - Mango similar here
Bracelets - Black and Sigi
Bag - Spain - check out Edit58 on Instagram for some fab pom pom basket bag

Javea Beach

Dress - &OtherStories similar here
Sandals - H&M I love these ones 

Most of my holiday wardrobe was monochrome, it made it so easy to get ready as everything matched. These black dresses from &Other Stories have been such great buys, they are both so easy to wear, cool and comfortable and great for going out to dinner as they hide a tummy! I bought the off the shoulder dress last year and the pom pom dress this year and I have worn them both countless times as they look as just a good with flat sandals as with heels.

Dress - Zara £25.99
Sandals - Palmairas £40

Probably my favourite dress of the holiday, I love it, it completely reminded me of floor tiles when I bought it (which is weird!) and then on holiday I found some to match in my favourite bar and restaurant La Siesta. The dress looks super short on the Zara website but as I am only 5ft3 it is a decent length. I will wear it in the winter with thick tights, boots and a cardigan over it. I am loving that all things 90s are coming back in so my long cardigans are getting resurrected from my old wardrobe and I am wearing them loads!

Dress - Topshop now £20

This dress can take you from beach to bar so easily, I love the colours and the fact it can be worn on or off the shoulders.

La Siesta Javea

Dress - Zara £29.99 (I think?!) available in-store 
For full length photo see this  post

Again this lace layered dress was one I wore for both day and evening, if felt luxurious without being too over the top. I wore it with my Pamairas sandals in the day and at night with black snakeskin mules, all very casual but perfect for holiday and a meal out with my sisters and husbands at a gorgeous restaurant Cala Bandida (recommended by a couple of Instagram friends - thank you so much xxx)

The kids stayed up late and slept in in the mornings, Javea holds a special place in my heart as I have been going with my family since I was 5 and it was so lovely to be back with everyone for my amazing Mum's 70th. 

It is a really relaxed place so I guess my evening attire reflects that and after years of going I know that heels are not necessary and that comfort wins every time (or maybe that is just my age!)

Have you had your summer holidays yet, what did you find you wore most? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. We are off to Glasgow this weekend to my Granda's 90th birthday with ALL the family, should be brilliant fun and I hope to get a chance to do a little shopping in Glasgow, any tips/hints places to visit in Glasgow with kids would be most appreciated!!

Have a great rest of week, and I hope everyone is surviving the school holidays, until next time Frances xxx