Outfit Post: In the Navy...

Style Theory: Navy...understated, flattering on the skin, slightly Parisian in nature and all round easy colour to wear. It is the antithesis of streetstyle, it whispers rather than shouts, it is effortless and doesn't take an awful lot of styling to look good...

images via Pinterest

For driving around to meetings miles away I needed to feel comfortable but slightly business-like so I reached for a navy ensemble, practical, warm  and understated...

Jumper - Banana Republic £55

Name necklace - AnnaLou of London £58

Jeans - J Brand @Revolve £153.83* check shipping as I have a feeling these are US but do ship to UK

Coat - Maje £239.50

Boots - Topshop £79

Bag - Radley (old season) similar here

Hat - Anthropologie (sold out)

My J Brand jeans are my new, favourite smart/casual items of clothing, they are expensive but so far, so worth it. They fit like a glove, have perfect stretch, do not dig into my tummy (no undoing my jean button when I drive then forget to do it back up when I dash out for petrol!) They are definitely better with heels and the Topshop sock boots are the perfect partnering. 

I saw this jumper on Michelle from MyFashionable40s and had to buy one too (she has great style), it is from Banana Republic and is gorgeous, I love the ruffle detail and the fact it is just so wearable. Similar to my Cos jumper I have worn non-stop for the last year. It smartens up jeans but will also look great with my distressed boyfriend jeans and leopard print heels for an evening out.

My name necklace is a must incase anyone forgot my name (I like to make things easy for people) and my Maje coat, another huge investment (still sitting on credit card eek I will pay it off at some point!) but it is one of those coats that looks understated but classy.

So when in doubt reach for navy...it can make you look sophisticated and chic with minimal effort.

Are you a fan of Navy, is it the colour that dominates your wardrobe? I am planning a work wear blog - a caspule collection that will see your through this tricky winter/spring time..will be live soon. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

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The Perfect Christmas Gifts for Her under £100

Style Theory: The Perfect gift, chic, elegant and something that little bit special.. I have searched the high street for what would be my perfect gifts..I hope you agree..

Warehouse Black Embroidered High Neck top now £30

I have this top, it is the perfect and flattering Victoriana top, it looks great with jeans or with cigarette trousers and heels, the perfect Christmas Day or Christmas evening drinks top..

Boden Relaxed Crew Neck £130 but 30% off until 8th Dec

I love a cashmere sweater, it oozes luxury and is so soft and comfortable to wear. I always size up at least one size for a slouchy look, they look fab with skinny jeans, wellies and an oversize scarf on a Boxing Day country walk. Boden have 30% off until tonight but keep checking as they seem to have these offers more and more frequently so worth holding off to buy with a discount.

Jack Wills Blanket Scarf £49.50

I spotted this today in Jack Wills and it is perfectly oversized but not so chunky so that you are unable to wrap it around your neck. I love the tartan, would look fab with the cashmere sweater above, perfectly chic and cool.

Olivia Burton @John Lewis £80

I adore the soft pink and beautiful gold tones of this watch, it is simple, chic and would be a super special present.

American Vintage Cardigan £110 Quattro Rish

I am slightly obsessed with this cardigan ( I know it is £10 over £100 but I had to include it) It is on my Christmas list and is so comfy, cosy, flattering and a great length. I love it with a huge grey scarf (love this one from Travelling Bazaar £40) leather leggings and boots.. QuattroRish will send out to you if you give them a call on 01737 235468

River Island Grey Leather Pom Pom Gloves £25

Super cute, leather gloves with a gorgeous pom pom detail, they come in a huge range of colours from all black to animal print, I think any girl would be delighted with these.

Aurora London Willow Bag £64.50

This is a beautiful, compact bag that transforms from a cross body bag to a cool clutch. It is gorgeous soft, buttery leather in a deep wine colour with the option to engrave initials on the front in gold for that personal touch.

Gold Stan Smith Trainers £69.99 - FootLocker

Because is there anything better than a pair of Stan Smiths and now in Gold?! J'adore...completely and utterly. These would see you perfectly through the year, in the summer with tanned ankles, skinny jeans a white shirt, now with black skinny jeans and black pop neck..so so cool.

Missoma Gold Mini Fang Necklace £95

The Missoma range of fine gold jewellery is stunning this season, it has the perfect pieces to layer up. This necklaces sits high on your neck and would look equally stunning in the summer as with a crew neck sweater in the winter.

Missoma 18ct rose Gold Star £89

Love this one too..beautifully delicate, the star sits perfectly without twisting around.

AnnaLou Of London Alphabet Necklace £67.50

This is a beautiful personal present to give a loved one. I have the letter 'J' for my children (who luckily have the same initials!) My Nana had a J too and I always used to love it when I was little so this is really a special item of jewellery I will keep forever. These really thoughtful, keepsake gifts do not have to cost a fortune to be something super special. Me and my sisters normally all club together to get each other presents so we can buy something a little more substantial but still make sure we keep within an affordable budget.

Hush Superstar Sleep Gift Set £55

Possibly the best gift idea I have seen this year, you choose a set of (gorgeous) Hush PJs, a book from a selection and a chocolate bar for a truly luxurious and perfect gift. Love, love this idea, there is a movie gift set available too. In fact, check out all of Hush's gift sets - loving the Cashmere Gift Set £130 and Winter Star Gift Set £85 too.

Miller Harris La Pluie Perfume @Very £95

My favourite perfume, it is quite floral (some would say a little Granny-ish) but I just adore it, my husband bought it for me last Christmas, it smells divine, on my list again this year.

Bloom and Wild Six Month Letterbox Flower Subscription £100

Fresh flowers dropped through your letterbox once a month for six months..sounds like a pretty perfect present to me. They can arrange lily free bouquets (I am not a fan and now we have a kitten they are a no go anyway - you just have to specify at the online checkout) 

Vogue Magazine Yearly Subscription via WHSmiths £29.90

Vogue magazine to be is one of those indulgent magazines that I wouldnt buy myself (it adds a fair amount to the weekly food shop!) so as a gift it is perfect..

 Now I am officially in Christmas mode I could go one forever and no doubt will have a few more ideas coming your way on the blog (beauty/home gifts) ..next to look at the Perfect Gifts for Him...always a little tricky?!

Would love to hear your ideas, what is on your Christmas list? What have you bought the ladies in your life? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx