Style Inspiration to keep you on track...

Style Theory: When the sales start it is tempting to buy random items of clothing just because they are half price. However, if you stay focussed and keep your style in mind for the next year ahead you can tailor your sales shopping accordingly and buy some key classic or on trend items that will 'lift' your existing wardrobe, giving you new, current look for less...

So with this in mind here are my favourite streetstyle looks I will be using as my inspiration when I hit the sales later on today.....

Cropped Flare Jean

The cropped flare is 'a thing' for 2016, expect to see a lot more of this look. I am planning to chop the bottom off my J Brand Love Story jeans for this effect..I will let you know how I get on.

Pink

Pink still has a big place in my heart and I will be searching out muted pink tones to add colour to my wardrobe. I adore the satin dress above and have my American Vintage cardigan from Quattro Rish as a starting point.

Stan Smiths

Still without doubt my most comfortable trainers ever and they make every outfit look cool..go for the 'Neo white' colour when buying them as they are slightly vintage looking.

The Classic but Modern Dress Shape

Pin from ~ The Yellow Dress Blog

I adore Anna Mason designs, she has such an eye for classic but at the same time contemporary looks. Her dresses and tops are so feminine and flattering and are made bespoke for each customer with a huge range of fabrics and colours to choose from for each design. An absolute investment piece (they are definitely not cheap but if you do want to buy a forever dress this is one for you) and if you choose the right fabric you can wear these pieces from the height of summer with strappy sandals and in the depth of winter with tan leather boots and a wool coat. 

The Gucci Mules

Mules are having a moment this year and these Gucci mules are leading the way. They look slightly weird but my love for comfort, practicality (well, kind of practical) makes these a winner for me. Love them worn dressed down with the muted colours above, so stylish, so cool, so 2016..

The Chanel Slingback

Another iconic shoe of 2015/16 no doubt the high street will be flooded with 'homages' to this design - normally Zara are quick off the mark and I will be on the lookout as I love this elegant shape and block heel but do not have the money to buy Chanel..the hunt is on. I will be wearing them with all black in the winter and pale ankle length blue jeans and frilled/pleated shirts in the summer.

Gorgeously Back to Basics..

Sometimes it is good to keep things simple, I love beautiful classic items, a soft, oversize grey scarf (love this one from Travelling Bazaar) A beautiful bag, a simple, navy cashmere jumper (&Other Stories have some gorgeous ones) Things like these additions to your wardrobe can elevate your look, making you look sophisticated without it looking fussy. 

For me my perfect wardrobe is all about balance, a few key investment pieces (bag, jumper, one piece jewellery) a few key, beautifully fitting basics (blue and black jeans, oversize scarf, camel/grey coat, cool pair of trainers) and some frivolous cheaper trend buys (colourful tops, a few pairs of crazy shoes, one slightly weird coat/jacket) et voila you have wardrobe happiness..it's easy!!

I hit the sales yesterday so will report back tomorrow on what I found, it was fairly manic so much busier than before Christmas but there were a few really fab bargains around.

Hope you are having a lovely Christmas and are managing to have a rest, ours has been fab, lots of time with the family, love spending lots of time with my sisters lots of laughter, drinking and food and more food! 

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

Christmas Sparkles..

Style Theory: At Christmas, sequins become the norm, day or night I feel slightly underdressed without a touch of sparkle. I love just one embellished item, particularly a sequin jacket, dressed down with jeans and trainers, it makes you feel festive without looking over the top..here is my Christmas sparkle look alongside a few other favourite pieces I have seen..

Sequin Jacket:Kate Moss for Topshop (old season) lots of similar styles below
Top: Zara (old season) similar here
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Ballet Shoes: Russell and Bromley £155

Earrings: Claudia Bradby Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings £294
Watch: Storm 

This sequin cardigan is from Kate Moss' range at Topshop a couple of years ago, it comes out every Christmas and for any special occasions as it it so easy to wear and has the added bonus of covering my untoned arms..

It is all about keeping things underneath your sequin jacket simple, it makes dressing for Christmas and New Year easy and fuss free..

Photos via Pinterest

Here are my favourite sequin jackets available on the high street now, perfect for Christmas and New Year...

Topshop Sequin Boyfriend Jacket £80

A slouchy, oversized jacket that will look cool over skinny jeans, a grey T shirt and heels. Add a skinny scarf for a Kate Moss rock chic look..

Sparkly Sequin Bomber Jacket £75

Love this bomber style sequin jacket, it is so this season. The shape of the jacket dresses down the sequins making them entirely daytime appropriate. For a chic evening look add a black velvet top, skinny jeans and heels..

Jaded @Asos Sequin Sweater £80

Fabulously cool, daytime to evening sweater. Perfect for day with boyfriend jeans and trainers, in the evening add a pair of heels for an eye-catching look.

Sequin cape Miss Selfridge @John Lewis £65

This would look fab over a grey T shirt, skinny blue jeans and trainers or ballet pumps, let the cape do all the talking!

Phase Eight @John Lewis reduced from £130 to £89

Only a uk10 and uk14 left in this style on the JL website but I just adore the shape and the satin sleeves, a truly luxe piece that can dress up any outfit in an instant.

Armani @House of Fraser reduced from £520 to £208

Hurry hurry with this one, only a couple left of this stunning Chanel-esque jacket with sparkles through it and beautiful 3.4 length sleeves. I have completely fallen for this, so chic and elegant, I would 'channel' Princess Diana with this one wearing a grey fine knit sweater underneath and a pair of skinny pale blue, ankle length jeans and chanel-esque two tone ballet shoes. So so gorgeous!

Sequin Jacket with Thermal lining Hotsquash @ House Of Fraser £89

Again a fabulous little sequin jacket that can be thrown over jeans and a T-shirt to add a touch of sparkle. This jacket a thin thermal lining that is super soft and cosy, the perfect Christmas jacket.

It is all about keeping things underneath your sequin jacket simple, it makes dressing for Christmas and New Year easy and fuss free..

I hope you are all organised for Christmas (hopefully more organised than me - lots of last minute running around!) I wanted to wish you all a fabulous Christmas, I hope you have a really wonderful, restful? (if that is at all possible at Christmas) time and send you all lots of love. Thank you all so much for your support this year, I appreciate it so much that you take time to pop over and read my blog, I love sharing ideas with you all and love all the feedback.

I will be around on Instagram with lots of festive outfits and sales ideas over Christmas, come visit me over there. In 2016 I have lots of exciting things and a big change planned for the blog, I hope you will like it!!

Wishing you all a very very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Lots and lots of Love Frances xxxxx

Ph via Pinterest

Diamonds and Pearls...

Style Theory: Pearls will never go out of fashion, they look chic, sophisticated and beautiful. Models on the AW15 catwalks were adorned with pearls, Givenchy, D&G, Stella McCartney and Chanel sent their models sashing down the catwalk accessorised with pearls..

Pearl accessories, thankfully are not only restricted to a designer purchase, they are affordable and look amazing dressed down...

I used to always wear pearl earrings but recently had been wearing plain gold studs, just due to laziness of not changing earrings to go with my outfits, so when Claudia Bradby asked me if I would like to choose a couple of items from her collection I jumped at the chance and as soon as I received the stunning pieces my love for pearls was re-ignited and I have worn them every day since..

All of Claudia Bradby pieces are made from freshwater cultured pearls and they are truly beautiful. The pearl reflects a flattering glow on your face, the earrings look understated and undeniably classy. I love to wear them with my sweater and jeans, they just add a sophisticated touch to my casual, everyday outfits.

Here are my favourite pieces from the range..

Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings £294

These are extra special earrings, they are made from freshwater pearls and diamonds set in stunning blades. These are truly eye-catching, they look quite 1950s in styling, so original, I have not seen this style before and adore it. The blades are removable so the pearls can be worn by themselves. A truly indulgent gift..

Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings (with Blade removed) £294
Eclipse Silver Ring Necklace £69

The pearls are the beautiful colour worn alone. The Eclipse necklace is subtle and stylish, the length for me is perfection (it has an extension chain so you can wear at the height that suits you, I love to wear my necklaces quite high) There are two tiny pearls on either side to add a touch of luxe. This would be the most beautiful christmas present...

I also adore these earrings..

Pearl Duo earrings £70.50

A little twist on the classic pearl earrings, a little more glamorous and edgy.

Audrey Pearl Stud Earrings £45

Classic pearl stud earrings, you cannot go wrong with these as a gift, each pearl is grown individually then put into pairs, completely unique and undeniably elegant.

Essential Pearl Necklace £57

This necklace is so subtle and beautiful, it can sit high on your neck and looks gorgeous on. One to add to the Christmas wish list..

From left: Lucia Pyrite and Pearl Bracelet £82.50
Santorini Bracelet £82.50
Mimi Pearl Bracelet £75
Essential Silver Bangle £82.50

Each one of these bangles is beautiful in it's own right but stacked up they look fabulous. 

I am officially back on board with Pearls, and thank Claudia Bradby for bringing them back into my life!

Are you a fan of pearls do you wear them or have they fallen off your radar too? As always I would love to hear your thoughts comments...Until next time Frances xx

I was gifted the earrings and necklace but was under no obligation to blog nor was I paid to do so, just really wanted to share them with you as I do think they are stunning! Thank you for supporting the brands that support my blog xx

Styling Editsecondhand

Style Theory: Editsecondhand is a beautiful boutique and online store specialising in preloved designer clothing and handbags. The team expertly edit each item to ensure they are of the highest quality and only buy items they would have in their own closets. I am a huge fan and have bought quite a few pieces so when I was asked to style one of their Pre-Fall shoots  I jumped at the chance...armed with a collection of my shoes and trainers I headed to the boutique and here are are a few shots images from the shoot...

I adored this maxi dress, it drapes perfectly and the print is in soft, muted colours. It would work beautifully with heels but I decided to style it with trainers to give it a more 'urban edge'..love it and the elegant Halston Heritage clutch.

Dress - contact EditSecondhand
Necklace - contact EditSecondhand
Clutch - Halston Heritage £40
Trainers - Adidas Superstar £64.99 @Office

It was such a joy to work with all the designer quality dresses as they are beautifully cut and fell perfectly at the shoulders and arms. Unfortunately the Masscob dress has since sold as has the Isabel Marant belt and necklace, it is worth checking the editsecondhand website often as they have new items coming in all the time and there are some amazing dresses for a fraction of their original price all in amazing condition.

Bag - contact editsecondhand
Sandals - Next sold out similar here

Me styling - note to self never get a photo of dungarees from behind ;-)

Top - Isabel Marant Etoile  - sold
Jeans - Victoria Beckham DVB £80
Clutch - Halston Heritage £40 - as above
Shoes -  Mascaro (size 40) £80

The DVB jeans are a waist 29 and are incredibly flattering, the ankle length is perfect and would look great in the winter with a pair of tan ankle boots.

Jacket - Isabel Marant - sold
Trousers - Paige - sold
T- shirt - J Brand £45
Trainers - as above
Bag - mine from Spain

The bomber jacket trend is sailing straight into AW15 so a denim bomber is ideal for this season. I am slightly obsessed with stripy trousers as I think they look amazing in the winter with an oversize black, chunky jumper and black ankle boots and a pair of sunglasses..adore these ones..ah-ma-zing

Tom Ford @editsecondhand £135

I find this shape of sunglasses (& my vision glasses are similar) really flattering on my square face as they seem to 'lift' it a little making it look a little less round/square a little more heart shaped. These Tom Ford sunglasses would look so sleek and stylish in the winter with an all black outfit.

Jacket - Iro £140
Top - Swildens £40
Bag - Anya Hindmarch £350
Sandals - H&M

This bomber jacket would look great in the summer over pale blue jeans and a white boho top and in the winter with a cream, pussybow blouse and dark blue flared jeans and tan heeled boots. Love the fact the Anya Hindmarch bag is tan and black so in the winter will look fabulous with an all black outfit, a stand out piece.

A similar Iro jacket worn by Kate Hudson - looks stunning on..

Image via Pinterest 

Here are a few other pieces that I am lusting over on editsecondhand:

From top left clockwise - Black Dress - See by Chloe £100 - Black Jacket - Chanel £900 
Black Bag - Chanel £900 - Leopard Print Shoes - Christian Louboutin £100 - Brogues -Church's £150
Khaki jeans - Balmain £100

Designer heaven for a fraction of the price..perfect. It is absolutely worth checking out the editsecondhand website and signing up to the newsletters which inform you of all the new stock that is arriving - and you can return items (within 7 days - see terms and conditions) if they do not fit.

I loved styling the Schoolrunstyle Edit, it was such fun and the team at editsecondhand are fab! 

Are you a fan of preloved items, do you, like me adore designer pieces for affordable prices? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxx

Follow me on Instagram @Schoolrunmum for daily outfit looks and key buys xxx

Pre-loved Designer Heaven...take a closer look..

Style Theory: Preloved designer clothes and accessories, expertly edited, authenticated and at affordable prices...sounds like heaven right?! EditSecondhand have it all wrapped up..

Editsecondhand, is a haven for all things designer, pre-owned but always in impeccable condition, each item expertly selected by the EditSecondhand team. I have always lusted after designer clothes but have never been able to afford them until now, I bought my Chloe culottes from EditSecondhand last year and wore them non-stop.

I have been avidly visiting the website and following them on Instagram (@Editsecondhand) to see what other designer treasures they have in stock. Last week, I was invited down to their beautiful shop in Cuckfield, West Sussex to have a browse. 

Editsecondhand Boutique Cuckfield, West Sussex

With a laid back, boutique vibe Editsecondhand is contemporary and cool. Rebekah, the owner, and her assistant are incredibly welcoming, they are experts in all things designer and let me look through all their new summer stock and style up my finds. They will only buy what they would be happy to have in their own wardrobe so the collection is stunning...here are a selection of my favourite pieces...

Blouse: DVF £60  (size 12)
Black Tailored Jacket: Ralph Lauren £165 (size 6 but fitted me size 8/10)
Bag: DVF £100
Shoes: Christian Louboutin £160 size UK6.5
(worn with my Topshop Baxter skinny jeans)

The Ralph Lauren jacket is beautiful on, tailored to perfection. It is longer at the back, creating a riding jacket look. The DVF bag is gorgeous, a fun statement bag at a really good price. 

Blouse: Alice Temperley £55 (online in a couple of weeks)
Trousers: J Brand Houlihans £60 (sold)
Clutch: Jil Sander £220
Sunglasses: Alexander Wang £160
(worn with my Next shoes £45)

This Alice Temperley blouse ticks the boho trend for this year and the Jil Sander clutch is classic and understated.

Blouse: Ralph Lauren (online soon)
Bag: Givenchy £850 (online next week)

We were all ooooo-ing and ahhh-ing over this bag, at £850 still a hefty investment but currently to buy this new it would cost £1350.00, it is a classic, timeless bag that you could keep forever..

Jacket: Mih £130
Bag: Anya Hindmarch £150

This jacket ticks the denim trend for this year, would look fab over a grey t-shirt with crop white/black jeans and trainers in the summer, the perfect throw on piece.

Sunglasses: The Row £160

The shape of the summer, these round sunglasses look amazing on, I am officially smitten with them.

This is only a selection of the beautiful pieces Editsecondhand had in their boutique and online, it is definitely worth having a look, see if there is something that catches your eye. As there is only one of each item you have to be quick... I could not resist the J Brand Houlihans, I have wanted a pair for years and when I tried them on they were so comfortable and flattering!

Let me know what you think, are you a designer fan, do you buy new or pre-loved items. As always I would love to hear your thought and comments..until next time, Frances xxxx

This post was written in collaboration with Editsecondhand, all opinions and views are entirely my own.