January Pay Day Treats

Style Theory: January is a lonnng month so what better way to make it a little better than a little payday treat. Here is a few items I have my eye on that will brighten up this rainy January and February..

Cici Clothing Top £52

This is top of my list and a top I will most definitely be treating myself to this. I love the peplum detail, the clash of the red and pink and the cute buttons on the collar. It is cotton polyester mix and hand wash (eek) but it feels super comfy on and hides a tummy perfectly. The top is also available at Topshop Oxford Street but unfortunately not online from Topshop just Cici Clothing (link above)

Cos - Knitted Top with Contrast Skirt £59

Another peplum top, this time it is a black knit with a cool skirt detail. This sweater looks fab with skinny ankle length jeans (either black or blue) and heeled boots or trainers. It is a beautiful twist on a plain black crewneck and just a little more stylish.

Self Portrait - Off the Shoulder top £170

A slightly more 'spendy' option, I have been stalking this top for a while and it has just come back into stock, no doubt will sell out again soon. It sits beautifully off the shoulders and is a truly decadent top made with lace and crepe de chine ( it will hang beautifully on) It would look amazing with black cropped kick flare jeans and heels for a stunning 'night out' look.

Self Portrait @Net a Porter £170

Another top I have had my eye on for a while, this is a beautiful lace top, a step above my other tops, beautifully finished around the neck with gorgeous details like the buttons on the cuffs. It looks beautiful on and will see you through the year, wear now with a chunky cardigan and jeans, in the summer wear with denim shorts and flat tan sandals.

Topshop Victoriana Lace Top £45

A slightly more affordable version of the top above, it looks gorgeous 'in real life' quite vintage looking and would be the perfect addition to a Spring wardrobe.

Baukjen - Bartley Leather Skirt £164 

I have this skirt and absolutely adore it, it is made of the softest leather I have ever felt, it is a great length (sits on my knees) and can be so easily dressed up with a blouse, opaques and heels or dressed down with trainers and a grey t shirt. I love mixing it with different tones of pinks for a cool spring look as I did for a meeting below..

Ph via Noholita

Since I saw this photo on Noholita's instagram I have been looking for a pair of grey trousers. I spotted the trousers below in Topshop but did not have a chance to try them on, I have ordered them so will let you know if they are slouchy enough to create the look above. If not, I tried on the Mango trousers below and they look pretty good so I will order these as well and compare the two..

Topshop - Mensey Trouser £40

Mango Pleat Trouser £49.99

Nike Cortez @Office £61.99

My current trainer obsession, cool, practical and very Spring 2016..

Asos Dolly Bow Trainers £25

A cheaper version of the Ports 1961 trainers below (they are super cool but at £300+ a huge investment for what is, essentially, a fashion look) 

Ports 1961

Now for the slightly random...

Mini Pyramid Terrarium @Urban Outfitters £25

I adore these terrariums, they look cool on a shelf/bedside table and the copper adds cool colour to your room. You plant hardy plants in them (cactus etc) so they are completely low maintenance and look fab, a little mini garden at your fingertips (they make a great present)

Lime and Bay candle The White Company £20

This smells utterly gorgeous, it will being a beautiful candle light and fragrance to your home through these cold, dark months..

Liz Earle Skincare Essentials Kit @John Lewis £45

If you are like me, your skin looks pretty dull at this time of year. I am pretty late to jump on the Liz Earle bandwagon but I cannot believe it took me so long. I was bought this Liz Earle set by a lovely friend for my birthday and I adore it. It makes my skin feel clean, refreshed and rejuvinated. It smells amazing, very natural and is super light on my skin. I am a Liz Earle convert..

So a little random list of things that I would love and have also brightened up my January (my birthday in the middle is a big bonus) Have you treated yourself to anything this January, have you got anything on your January payday treat list?

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

The Black Ankle Boot Edit

Style Theory: Every year the same dilemma, I look for a black ankle boot that has everything; comfortable, flattering, soft leather, the right heel height and will go with every outfit from skinny jeans to dresses and take my feet cosily through the winter months.

In short I look for the perfect ankle boot, the question is 'is it out there?!' well, you know what, this year the high street have given it their all and I am pretty sure there is the perfect ankle boot out there for you..(and me)

First a few looks that have re-kindled my love and renewed my 'need' for the elusive perfect ankle boot..

Photos via Pinterest

Now to my favourites on the high street..starting with the dream pair..

Net A Porter Acne Jensen Boots £400

These are my dream black boots but sadly wayyy out of my price range. They are the perfect height, beautiful leather and I love the shape of the toe..so  on to the more affordable high street ones.

Office Imply Point Chelsea Boots £85

Not a bad 'homage' , these boots are definitely on my 'to buy' list. They will look good with 3/4 length skinny jeans (I always chop one pair of skinny jeans short so they sit slightly above the boot..it works for warmer Autumn days..not so good for the winter, that is when I wear them with longer skinny jeans) This style of boots can also work with black opaque tights and a little swing dress.

&Other Stories' boot game is strong this season, I cannot decide which ones I want to buy, here is my edit of my favourites..

&Other Stories Low Cut Leather Boots £79

The low cut of these boots will be extremely flattering when wearing these with skirts or dresses they will elongate your legs.

&Other Stories Anaconda Boots £165

These are stunning boots, I love the snakeskin look and the pointed toe. These would be great for an additional 'going out' pair of boots, fab with black skinny jeans and a pussybow/silk blouse for a rock chic look.

&Other Stories Low Cut Boots £105

Buckle boots are on trend this winter and these ones tick the trend without looking too clumpy or masculine.

&Other Stories Lace up Boots £145

I spotted these and was immediately obsessed, they are a fab 'tribute' to the Chloe lace up boots which I adore but at a much more palatable price.

Wear the boots the Parisienne way..

The navy pea coat looks great too..another item to add to the wish list..

Geox @John Lewis £130

I have a few pairs of Geox shoes and trainers and can almost guarantee these boots will be unbelievably comfortable. They will be perfect for everyday and the pointed heel makes them look stylish and delicate, really like the buckle and zip detail too.

Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis £140

Do you see a theme here, I love a chelsea boot/pointed toe look in soft leather and this boot ticks all the boxes.

Somerset by Alice Temperley @John Lewis £150

These a little different but completely caught my eye, the mix and texture of the leather makes them look really expensive and again I really like the buckle detail.

Topshop Master Tortoiseshell Heels £85

The fashionista favourite, too high for me for all day but perfect for afternoon/evening out. They are tight on the ankle so perfect for under 3/4 length kick flare jeans..very 2015..

Sorel Major Low Boots @Travelling Bazaar £100

These are like wearing slippers, so comfortable and really flattering on your legs as they are low so sit on your ankle. I am wearing them in this photo below and I now have to invest in them, loving the leopard print detail at the back too.

They would be ideal for the schoolrun and everyday wear..they will go with all outfits..

Aigle @Travelling Bazaar £150

These are again super comfy and look delicate on. They are leather pony skin effect, so definitely not to be worn in the rain but kept for crisp, dry Autumn winter days.. I am wearing them in the photo below..

So there is my round up of the black ankle boots that have caught my eye so far this season, I will let you know which ones I buy!

My Style:

My outfits over the last few days..Sunday a day of running around after the kids, parties etc

Sweater: River Island
Jeans: Levis 501ct
Trainers: Stan Smith
Bag: M&S (old season)

Today for the schoolrun and a local meeting..

Sweater: Boden 
Coat: Zara (old Season)
Bag: Radley similar here
Jeans; Asos (old season)
Shoes; Russell & Bromley via ebayUk

Have you already bought your dream black ankle boots, would love to hear if you have found a comfortable, ideal pair, or do any of the boots above catch your eye?

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

Pom Pom Mania

Style Theory: Pom Poms, a micro trend that has been bubbling away on the high street since the summer with pom pom covered basket bags and gladiator sandals (these will be huge next year). In the Autumn, Pom Poms are  being added to shoes, hats and bags, they make every item of clothing look cute and fun..kind of Tinkerbell-ish, this trend will not be one of the most long running but for now I love it and am buying into it with gusto..

Images via Pinterest

SO lets start with Pom pom shoes, highly impractical but oh so cute but be warned not to be warn in the rain, nothing worse that soggy pom poms!...

Next Pom Pom Flats £28

As seen on Alex from The Frugality these are super cute, perfect for the Christmas party season, they would look fab with a ankle length blue jeans and a black, silk blouse for a chic, laid back Christmas look (wear with nude pop socks if too cold) Or with your little black/berry coloured dress and black opaque tights. Perfect for looking stylish but still being able to chase the kids around in.

New Look Pom Pom Shoes £17.99

These little shoes from New Look are almost identical to the Next ones but even cheaper so you can dip into the trend without worrying you have spent too much.

Next Pom Pom Court Shoes £36

A higher heeled Next version, these will be super flattering on your legs especially when worn with opaque tights in the winter and a little black swing dress. Or wear these with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans, a black/navy blouse and a tuxedo jacket for a chic evening look. The look below is what I am imagining but swap blogger Anouke's shoes for the pom pom ones above..stunning..

River Island @Asos Pink Pom Pom Shoes £70

So so gorgeous, so much fun, I love these shoes, again entirely impractical but just look at them...pink and fluffy what more could a girl ask for?! Wear with a black jumpsuit for a stunning Christmas party look ** these also come in black click here

Asos Truffle Collection Pom Pom Slipper Shoes now £17.50

Getting a little more back on track with practicality these shoes would lighten up a work suit, or wear with skinny black jeans and an oversized cream knitted sweater.

Asos Darrell Pom Pom Plimsolls £22

These and the slippers below are what started my pom pom mania. I have had these in my Asos basket and think I have to press order as they are adorable. Slightly clownish..actually they will be perfect to wear to the myriad of kids parties I have to go to through the year with Little J (although I may be mistaken for the entertainer..?!)

Boden Velvet Slippers £29

I am officially channelling Tinkerbell in these slippers, albeit an oversized, old Tinkerbell. They are so amazingly comfortable, super soft and cosy perfect for the winter..I LOVE THEM...I am getting old, slippers are an now an exciting addition to my wardrobe!! They come in 5 different colours and have Boden 20% off at the moment making them £25.23 go, go go!

Travelling Bazzaar Cashmere Bobble Hats £55

Apologies for the extreme close up of my face..a little scary on my desktop! but I have to tell you about these hats, it was love at first sight for me when I saw these. I adore a bobble hat and bought one from the Travelling Bazaar a couple of years ago and have worn it non stop every winter but now I think it is time to upgrade it with a red fur bobble hat. I love the oversize fur bobble and the red colour is gorgeous, so eye catching, it will cheer me up on the cold winters days. The hat itself is cashmere mix so soft and warm, perfect winter wardrobe addition...

Aurora London £19.50

Is there such thing as the perfect size, colour and fur texture of a pom pom keying? If there is the ladies at Aurora London will find and stock it,  they are sticklers for stocking the best of the best at affordable prices and this pom pom will look fab on my Aurora London Willow Bag (I use it non-stop) the question is which colour to order?!

What are your feelings on my Pom Pom madness, ridiculouso or kinda fun? My daughter just saw my blog and squealed with laughter at the Asos trainers and said that they  'look ab-so-lute-ly ridiculous' she is 8 and have obviously forgotten that she used to spend 95% of the time dressed like Tinkerbell! So this big Tinkerbell is signing off..as always I would adore to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Lots of love and fairydust Frances xxxx

It's In The Stars

Style Theory: All your need to add a little sparkle to your outfit is a healthy dose of stars. Timelessly cool having been given a rock star edge by Kate Moss, a star print will not date, can be so easily dressed up or dressed down and is a super versatile piece in your wardrobe. This season I have fallen for the star print big time...

images via pinterest

Here is my edit of the best online and on the high street..

Red Soul Star Dress @Travelling Bazaar £70

This is one of those 'wear anywhere' dresses, add a pair of spike heeled, black ankle boots and a black fur jacket for Kate Moss glamour (see image below) or dress down with a pair of black opaques and pointed flat shoes. A shirt and skirt in one, makes outfit decisions perfectly simple.

image via Pinterest

Red Soul @Travelling Bazaar £49

I had to buy this top when I tried it on, it is so versatile, I love it under dungarees or with distressed boyfriend jeans and trainers, In the winter I will be pairing it with black skinny jeans, black ankle boots and a tux jacket for a laid back day to evening look.

Realisation Par €172.44

The star dress that started off my star obsession as seen on Lucy Williams. This is a summer dress, but I am thinking with black opaque tights, black ankle boots and a maxi coat thrown over the top this dress would work all year through. It is available for pre-order delivery 20th October..I think it is worth the wait..

Atterley Road Galaxy Silk Maxi Dress £115

Ok, so not strictly stars...this is actually planets but it is along the theme. I love a maxi dress in the winter..a perfect look with knee high black/brown chunky heeled leather boots and throw a biker jacket over the top for a cool look.

Bella Freud @Net A Porter £260

The Bella Freud obsession continues with this gorgeous star jumper. The softest merino wool adorned with silver studs, super cute, super expensive..one for the wish list..

John Lewis Weekend Collection £49

The combination of grey and red is eye-catching, I would size up in this sweater for a slouchy look, wear with a pair of black skinny ankle length jeans and stan smith trainers and a red cross body bag for a perfect autumn outfit.

Hush £75

Almost a classic but one of those sweaters you will wear again and again.

Esprit @Asos Star Scarf £29

Becksondergaard @Asos was £69 now £34.50

I have a couple of Becksondergaard oversize scarves and wear them so much. They are a fabulous size, keep you really warm and look good on. I would wear this scarf with an all black outfit..

I can see my wardrobe being filled with stars this season...do you fall for a star print? Have you got any star print items in your wardrobe already? 

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