Showing posts with label #Londonlook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Londonlook. Show all posts

Monday, 14 December 2015

Christmas Partywear....the easy way

Style Theory: I have an admission, I suffer from #FOBO (Fear Of Being Overdressed) I am always happier a little dressed down, I love a party outfit but I like to add a casual edge to balance out my look, think sequin trousers and trainers, glittery tops and jeans. I am uncomfortable with the all singing, all dancing party look, I adore it on other people but on me it feels a little feel too much. 

So when La Redoute asked me to create a few party looks, I was initially slightly worried but when I looked at their gorgeous range online and added my own spin, I was delighted with the results. Comfortable, flattering and suitable for a party..here are my La Redoute Party looks and the good news is most of it is up to 50% off at La Redoute now...

The Velvet Jacket


Jeans - Gap (old season)
The sparkly, fine knit top is incredibly flattering, it adds Christmas sparkle and a touch of style with the open back detail. So soft and comfortable to wear, I wore my normal bra underneath but you may need to wear a backless bra/mulitway bra. The knit is an amazing price at £21, I chose the silver coloured black top but both colours are stunning...

The Velvet jacket is my hero partywear item, absolutely adore this item, it is so on trend this year but also such a classic piece. It fits beautifully, I ordered the size 10 and it fits perfectly, the velvet feels luxurious alongside the gold button details for a chic finish. Again a really affordable price from £38.

The Leather Dress


Shoes - Nine West (old Season) similar here 
Scarf - Burberry (nearly vintage it is so old!)


This camel coat is a beautiful wool and cashmere mix, it looks and feels so expensive and hangs beautifully on. A classic shape so worth investing and looks effortlessly chic. Without a doubt the best affordable camel coat I have found this year, I will be investing in it. It comes up a little big, I am wearing a uk 8.

To add a little spice to your look, this 'soft as butter' leather dress the ultimate LBD, it fits like a glove creating a flattering silhouette, it really is beautiful on and the length is perfection, hugs your curves but skims over lumps. The coat is the perfect neutraliser to the leather dress, add a pair of leopard print heels and a little black understated bag for a easy, chic look.

The Easy Wear Dress



Leather Trousers - Quattro Rish 
Coat - M&S (old season)
Shoes - M&S as above

This dress is so easy to wear, throw over jeans, leather leggings or opaque tights, add a pair of black courts to lengthen legs (especially when wearing black opaques) and add a touch of clashing pink and you have a comfortable, cool, flattering Christmas party look. This is the perfect outfit if you, like me, are a little out of shape and have been dodging the gym and indulging in mince pies, it covers over everything and I love the extra support of leather leggings to hold it all in and slim down my look and it is only £21.

Velvet, Glitter, Tutus and Trainers




So not necessarily understated but how often do you get to wear a tutu?! I adore the La Redoute velvet jacket and sparkly top with this look and the trainers bring it back down to earth. All in all a pretty comfortable but quite show stopping look and one of my favourites.

La Redoute have an amazing sale on at the moment so many of the pieces I have featured are heavily discounted making them the perfect Christmas party treat. 

Do you have #FOBO , or do you like going all out for the partywear? I would love to see your #FOBO Christmas looks on Instagram, please share them with me with the hashtag #FOBO. 

All photos by Jon Bacon

Created in collaboration with La Redoute. All words, styling and creative direction my own.

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Winter Berries

Style Theory: Berry, Wine, Burgundy, the beautiful rich, deep, red colour is AW14 must have. Whether worn as a coat, cosy jumper or shoes, this warm hue will add a touch of winter decadence to any outfit.
Berry trainers look fab with a camel coat
Clash berry with pink for a cool look.
Toughen up your berry coloured coat by layering up over a biker jacket
Just adore everything about this outfit





Berry is a truly versatile colour, it looks fabulous with camel, navy, khaki and of course black. However, if you are feeling a little bolder wear with pink (my favourite combination) or orange for a statement look.

Here are a selection of some stunning Berry items available on the high street now:
Warehouse Winter Coat £95
This is a beautiful coat on, looks great without the (detachable) fur collar also. I tried this on yesterday, not a great photo but this may give you an idea of how it looks.


It is a lovely shape and looks cute on. I would take off the fur and wear with a huge navy tartan scarf as in the Pinterest photo above..this one from Ebay is perfect..
Ebay £18.20
I have never bought from this seller on Ebay so just double check feedback before buying!

A sweater is a great way to add a contemporary colour to an outfit. These sweaters are cosy and would look fab with skinny jeans (love this colour with khaki jeans)
Baukjen Roll Neck Jumper £129
Gap Merino Sweater £39.95
Most people have a pair of jeans at home in this berry colour from a few years ago. Why not pull them out and update your look by wearing them with a pink jumper, a khaki parka and a pair of Stan Smith trainers, these colours look great mixed up and make a cool style statement. If you do not have them already try these from Topshop..

Topshop Leigh Jeans £38
Here is what I teamed my jeans with last week..
Sweater: River Island
Jeans: Topshop
Trainers: Stan Smith
Or wear with a berry T-shirt for a coordinated look..
Topshop Zip Back Tee £18
Zara Faux Leather Pleated Skirt £39.99
Pair this skirt with the Gap merino sweater above and a pair of pointed snakeskin flat pumps.
Next Strap Detail Point Heels £35
Super elegant shoes, would add a beautiful touch of colour to a black jumpsuit or dress.

I have featured this bag before and I do love it, it ticks the trend perfectly. I would team with a camel coat.
Aldo Bag £50
This is such a warm, comforting colour and definitely will be featured again and again in my A/W14 wardrobe.

My Style 
This was an outfit from from last year but the colours still work this year.. 
Coat: M&S
Gilet: Primark
Sweater: zara
Jeans: 7ForAll Mankind
Trainers: Adidas Superstars
For a night out with my fab university friends. The first outing for my black M&S culottes, they are so amazingly comfortable and easy to wear, I am a huge culotte convert! We realised it was 20 years since we started university together (argghhhh!!) 
Sweater: Cos
Culottes: M&S
Jacket: Asos
Bag: Topshop
Scarf: Becksondergaard
Trainers: Adidas StanSmith
 For a day out and about shopping..
Sweater: Whistles
Jeans: Topshop
Shoes: Russell and Bromley
Bag: M&S
Coat: M&S

There concludes my round out of my fave berry items and a few of my outfits from the last week! Will you be indulging in the Berry trend, do you have lots of items accumulated from the last couple of years that you can wear this year?

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

Monday, 19 May 2014

A little taste of J Crew

Last week I was delighted to attend the J Crew event, at J Crew Brompton Cross, hosted by Laura Fantacci the shopping editor of Red magazine and WIT blog. 
Me leaving J Crew....a happy shopper
It was a fabulous evening with lots of champagne flowing and a chance to look at the cream of J Crew's Spring Summer 2014 collection including the stunning range of Sophia Webster for J Crew's shoes.

What I Saw:
A rainbow array of J Crew 'Tippi' sweaters
A range of 'build your wardrobe' outfit ideas chosen by Laura Fantacci
Stunning jewellery in pastels and brights 
A fabulous array of beautiful and practical sandals
The highlight for me was the Sophia Webster collection for J Crew, so feminine yet quirky,  shoe perfection
Almost my favourites - Sophia Webster for J Crew Finn Pumps £460
My favourite shoes Sophia Webster for J Crew Riko Pumps £525 (eek!) ...adore.them. sadly none in the world in my size!
My Cinderella's ugly sister moment..my big feet were just too big!

What I Wore to the Event:


Blazer: Zara - similar here
Jeans: Gap - similar here
Breton Top: Petit Bateau £58
Shoes: H&M £39.99
(Shoes..for walking!...Russell and Bromley - similar here
Bag: H&M £19.99
Sunglasses; Marc Jacobs £125

My J Crew wishlist:

Sleeveless Drapey Top in Cove Coral £98
This would look fab dressed down with ankle skimming pale blue jeans and navy/tan strappy sandals
Or dress up for a special event with the matching skirt below
Surf Skirt in cove coral £128
This skirt is in a neoprene fabric and would look good dressed down with a grey t-shirt and strappy tan sandals, or worn for work with a navy silk puff sleeve blouse and navy heels or worn with matching top above.
Embroidered tassel top in Chambray £79.50
A great holiday staple top, wear with short denim cut offs or white skinny length jeans and flat gold sandals.

Embroidered Tunic in Chambray £118
Another classic boho top in beautiful fabric, look stunning on I have ordered this top.
Merino Tippi Sweater in Heather Dusk £69.50
A great basic will go with anything from slouchy distressed boyfriend jeans to a floral pencil skirt, a capsule wardrobe must have.
Vintage Denim jacket in Melrose wash £150
Alex from The Frugality bought this at the event and it looks fab on, would be so versatile, wear with maxis, shorts, white jeans and throw over cocktail dresses.
Vintage Straight jean in Abbot wash £128
Flower Fan Necklace £49.50

Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace £98
Sophie Small Body Crossbag £89

I have selected the items above as I see them as capsule collection pieces that will see you through a few seasons if not more,  J Crew is on the pricey side but the styling and details just make each piece a little different and a little bit special.

It was a fab evening and a great opportunity to catch up with lovely bloggers including Keri from Chronicles of Dolliedaydream, to talk all things fashion!

I love a little trip into town for a little inspiration, are you a J Crew fan, have you bought anything from there, if money were no object my wardrobe would be full of lots of lovely items but as that is not the case a girl can dream and maybe buy one or two pieces!!

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments as always, Frances xx