The Luxe Look for Less...

Style Theory: Every girl dreams of owning that Chanel bag, a Burberry trench, but unfortunately, for most of us, buying investments purchases like that is not a reality. However, all is not lost, you can still get the look for a fraction of the price on the high street..

Here are my some of my classic, high street purchases that have that designer look but without the price tag..

Trench: Topshop
Scarf: Zara
Bag: Jaeger
Scarf: Zara
Leather skirt (just seen): Zara
Boots: Aldo

Here are the best luxe looks and oh so classic items on the High Street now...

The Burberry Mac £1195

High Street Equivalent

Massimo Dutti Long Raincoat £125

OR Cheaper option..

Gap Trench £59.95

The Chanel Bag

The Chanel Bag £3075

DKNY Black Quilted bag @Harvey Nichols £190

OR more reasonable...

Asos Black quilted bag £20

The Louis Vuitton Stephen Spouse scarf..

Louis Vuitton Scarf £510

An affordable but still absolutely luxurious option..

Hush Cashmere Leopard Shawl £150

A cheaper option....

Asos Oversized Scarf  £18

The Classic Louboutins

Christian Louboutin £425

For a more reasonable but equally chic look..

LK Bennett Kid Leather Point Toe Shoe £195

This is a fabulous alternative, a little lower heel therefore easier to walk in and a great price for a leather shoe...

M&S Leather Pointed Toe Stiletto £45

The Chanel Ballet Pump

Chanel Ballet Pump from £385

The gorgeous alternatives..

Russell and Bromley Ballet Pump £155

I have had these pumps for a few years and they are the shoes that just keep giving! They a classic style that does not date, look fab in the summer with dresses (this year with a denim dress) and tanned legs. I would highly recommend..

Or for a less expensive option..

Office Ballet Pumps £56

There are so many pros and cons for both the cheaper options and investment buys. There is no doubt that the investment buys are made with superior quality materials and are cut to fit beautifully therefore they really do last the test of time. They do tend to increase in price each year (the Chanel bag being an example of this) however it is the name you are paying for, the quality is good but in no way equivalent to the price tag. In my mind the middle options are always a good way to go when you really do not have cash to splurge. The fabric is normally of a good standard and it made to last. 

Having said that I still have my goal set on a Chanel handbag, I have my name down on every dress agency there is for a second hand one (new is completely out if my price range) I did get the most stunning diamond ring from my Husband for my birthday that I just adore and lots of other gorgeous gifts..it turns out turning 40 is not so bad after all. Thank you all for your lovely birthday wishes xxxx

Next time translating the Spring/Summer 2015 trends....

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, I know that quite a few of you are already the proud owners of these gorgeous investment buys but now as Mums etc, where do you get your key classic buys? Until next time, Frances xxxxx

Thank you to one of my lovely Instagram followers for suggesting this post..good idea xx

Let's Get Started 2015!

Style Theory: The magazines are full of ideas of what to wear for the new season, the stores are trying to shift their winter stock at discount prices so what to buy now that will last you through Winter, Spring and Summer and onto next winter? I have a few ideas of things that have caught my eye and will be on my shopping list over the next few months...

Lets begin with a cool Winter/Spring look...

A chunky sweater, distressed black jeans, and pointed black boots are a winter staple.... switch up a black or grey sweater for forest green for a 2015 look. Wear this now with black jeans, wear in the evening with black skinny leather trousers and black /leopard print heels..

Jeans: Topshop Black Ripped Jamie Jeans £42
Jumper: Topshop £36
Boots: Urban Outfitters £85
Shoes:Topshop Mules £78

RING IN THE CHANGES IN RED AND PINK

Feeling the need to brighten up your wardrobe, these photos of Leandra Medine from Man Repeller and Atlantic Pacific inspired me and Mango came up with the highstreet clothing..

This outfit from the high street can be mixed and matched and will add some much needed colour to any winter wardrobe...

Jacket: Mango £59.99
Top: Mango £29.99
Jeans: Topshop Hayden Jean £42
Trainers: £65 Adidas Stan Smith
Shoes: Office £65
Bag: KG £49

I know my wardrobe needs a little colour after months of greys and beiges. Here are a few of my outfits from over the Christmas/ New Year holidays..

MY STYLE:

Adding a splash of colour with my &Others Stories Sadie Williams skirt..

Fine Wool Top: Cos
Skirt: &Other Stories X Sadie Williams
Boots: Russell and Bromley
Leopard Clutch: &Other Stories

Very similar to the outfit I have featured above..adore this Topshop jumper (link above), in fact, I think I wore it most of Christmas!...

Coat: Zara
Jumper: Topshop
Jeans: Oasis
Boots: Russell & Bromley
Bag: H&M

For ultimate comfort, my knitted suit, comfort level 10*......

Coat(in arm): Zara
Jumper and Trousers: Zara (in the sale now)
Bag: Aurora Living
Boots: Aldo

For a walk in woods...decided to add a bow to the neck of my dress with a piece of black jersey, this season for me it is all about bows...it was muddy so wellies were essential..

Coat: Zara
Dress: Asos
Wellies: Hunters

The Spring stock coming into the stores and online is looking pretty good this year, I am looking forward to a year full of new ideas, timeless classics and lots of inspiration all from the high street. I really hope you can join me for the ride....

Thank you again for your support throughout 2014 and here's to a stylish 2015..

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