Switching to Autumn/Winter - Some Outfit Inspiration

Style Theory: The transition from one season to another can sometimes leave me a little lost...what to wear, what style to go for, what is cool this season? I always turn to Pinterest to the streetstylers for some inspiration, so here are a selection of my favourite, mainly classic looks, for this Autumn/Winter that will work for a few years to come...

For me this year it is all about over sized knitwear, skinny jeans, or leather/suede look trousers, trainers, slouchy boots, tailored coats or jackets and a healthy dose of lurex thrown in to add much needed Autumn sparkle. I am of to hunt down my key items from the high street, I will report back...

Images above via Pinterest

MY STYLE:

A couple of my winter looks so far...

Sweater: River Island Design Forum £65
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Boots: Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots via EbayUK
Bag: Topshop (old season)

Coat: Zara (old season) similar here
Dungarees: H&M similar here
Blouse: John Lewis similar here
Trainers: Adidas £79.99
Bag: Kipling UK

What is your Autumn/Winter dream look, where do you find your outfit inspiration? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

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

Fringe Benefits

Style Theory: This season fringed clothing is having a moment, whether it is boots, accessories or clothing wear something with a fringe and you immediately look very AW14.

This is one of those trends it is best to go light on. Just one piece of clothing with fringe detailing or one fringed accessory gives a nod to the trend without overkill. Here is how the fashionistas are styling their fringed clothing nd accessories...

I love details like this as they add an extra dimension and interest to an outfit. Here are the best fringed pieces on the High Street now...

Zara Fringe Dress: £59.99

Wear this dress over a pair of black skinny ankle length jeans and a pair of shoe boots for a casual, going out look.

Zara Fringe Jacket £129

Wear this jacket with a pair of blue skinny kick flare jeans (I like these Asos ones) pointed heels and a grey t-shirt.

Topshop Fringe Scallop Tee £24

This is such an easy to wear trend-led piece, throw on with a pair of skinny blue jeans and beige ankle boots, throw over a khaki parka and you are good to go!

Topshop fringe Shoulder Tee £26

Love these Topshop t-shirts for enabling you to wear the trend so reasonably. This would be great for a casual evening out.

Topshop Fringe Trim Skirt £36

This would look fab with a chunky black poloneck, black opaque tights and ankle boots.

Topshop Fringe Boots £20

These boots are so reasonable and a great, flattering height on your legs. Wear with skinny jeans in the winter and with dresses in the summer..a perfect all year round boot! (Also in black in store)

H&M Faux Leather Bag £19.99 (available in store)

I have this bag and it is without a doubt my favourite this season, great for slinging across you for the schoolrun and can fit loads in it (toy cars, planes, barbies & lots of half empty raisin packets eughh!) It is sold out online at the moment but I have seen loads in the stores around me so I am sure could be tracked down fairly easily!

Mint Velvet Naomi Pony Skin Bag £89

The mix of pony skin and leather is gorgeous.

Mango Kids £16.99

This is a kids jumper but I think I may be able to squeeze into the 13-14 year old size (Women size UK 8-10) It looks so Isabel Marant and would look fab on a winters day with a pair of skinny distressed blue jeans and sheepskin boots.

Zara Double Layered Scarf £19.99

This scarf would look fab over a berry coloured coat or tone in with greys and darker camels.

My Style:

Working the fringed look with my H&M bag (as above) and Fearne Cotton @Very jumper £25 (this has just sold out in size 8 & 10 available size 12 and up)

So are you are fan of fringe details? Is it something you will be dipping into this Autumn/Winter? 

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