Spotlight on...Cos

Style Theory: Cos Stores, the older, more grown up sister of H&M is a Swedish master of modern, simple shapes, innovative fabrics and unexpected design details. It is the kind of shop at first glance can look quite 'samey' but delve deeper and you will be seduced by the flattering dresses, gorgeous tops and beautifully cut skirts. 

Cos states it is 'Modern, Functional, Considered design' It is perfect for women who like to show they have a shape without wearing something that is too clingy (ie. me) After two babies my figure is full of lumps and bumps and I find Cos pieces skim over these due to the way the garments are cut and also the fabrics that are used; heavy cottons and thick linens to cover any tummy bumps, a twist towards the base of a shirt, razor pleats started just at the most flattering point, all these details are cleverly thought out by the designers and technicians to create pretty fabulous items. Cos is one of these stores you have to (if you can) go in sans les enfants and when you have a time to try, try, try lots of different pieces until you find the right ones for you.

I had a little trying on session today and these are my favourite items..

The Comfortable Holiday Dress

Contrast Panel Dress £55

A flattering, T-shirt dress, the poplin contrast fabric around the bottom of the dress is thick and pulls the jersey fabric out,away from any lumps and bumps on your body resulting in a super comfortable, easy wear dress. Perfect for holiday, wear with strappy tan sandals.

The Tailored Dress

Pleated Poplin Dress £69

The knife pleats on this dress make it pretty and flattering, amp up this dress with contrast sandals (orange or turquoise or the sandals below..)

Metallic Sandals £135

The Statement Coat

Gathered Detail Coat £135

A real statement piece, this coat would be fabulous for a wedding. It would look great worn as a dress with heels and you could also dress it down with distressed jeans and heels and a denim shirt..I love this coat!

The White Top with a Twist

Top with Folded Sides £45

My sister has this top and it looks beautiful on, from the front it looks like a basic white (non clingy) top from the back it has a slight cape like appearance, very cool..

The Wedding Guest Outfit

Stretchy Rib Top £59

Technical Mesh Skirt £79

This would, again, make a fabulous wedding guest outfit or I am thinking of buying this to wear for my daughter's Holy Communion in May and a wedding in June. The skirt is a mesh-type, slightly padded fabric so again it does not cling, I really like it's futuristic look. (looked good with my Boden Alice heels)

The Statement Skirt

Textured A -Line Skirt £79

Add a pop of colour to your wardrobe with this barbie pink skirt, cut to skim the hips, would look perfect with a navy t-shirt and a pair of navy/pink heels, I like the clash with the yellow coat. 

I could go on forever, it is fair to say I am a Cos fan. The prices are a little on the more expensive side so I treat myself to one or two pieces a season then buy a couple more pieces in the sale (you have to look out for it as things sell out quick but it is normally really good 40% - 50% off)

Are you a Cos do you like minimal shapes with a twist or does this collection look too shapeless to you? Have you bought items from Cos before, have they lasted the test of time? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx

Dress to Impress..

Style Theory: It is coming up to the season of weddings, summer balls and summer holidays and it is so nice to own one gorgeous, slightly different dress to wear to these occasions. With the 70s trend gaining momentum I am loving all things maxi. I also love mixing fabrics, textures and colours to create a slightly statement look without looking over the top.

Some inspiration from Streetsylers..

Images via Pinterest

Best on the High Street now: 

I have selected my top maxi dress finds that would be perfect for a summer occasion and also can be dressed down for a summer holiday evening. I really prefer maxis with a sleeve, this mainly down to the fact that I am not too mad on my arms any more (getting old!) but also because they look more authentic 70s boho with sleeves....

Sister Jane at Asos Galaxy Dress £72

The star print on this layered maxi dress is eyecatching, it would be perfect for a summer wedding with high strappy black/tan sandals or add a pop of colour with orange strappy sandals. Wear a longline tux style jacket over the top and a sparkly clutch for a gorgeous look. Dress down with flat sandals (the Mango flats I have featured in previous posts) and a boho slouchy tan bag.

Free People @ Asos £128

The button through detail on this dress means you take the split as high as you dare. Again, a perfect dress for a wedding with strappy high/low sandals (love the ones on the model) and perfect for the those warm summer evenings on holiday.

BA&SH @Asos £195

A little pricey but I adore the print and shape of this dress, wear with tan accessories and let the dress do the talking. This is one to look out for when Asos has their summer sale..

Pepe Jeans Maxi Dress @Next £90

Love the slightly see through fabric with the underdress, wear this with metallic accessories and for a smart event with high strappy metallic sandals (see Cos for a gorgeous pair of silver high sandals) 

Mango Blond Gown £89

Completely left-field but I adore this dress, the colour of the season, 70s styling. Definitely one to try on but would make a real statement.

Mango Premium Striped Dress @John Lewis £34.99

More of a casual look, wear this with Stan Smith trainers and an oversize denim jacket for a cool summer look. It is ribbed jersey, would also look fab thrown over a swimsuit for the beach.

Free People Bonnie Dress £138

More of a midi dress but utterly boho cool, wear with strappy sandals to bring it into 2015 and give it an edge.

H&M Maxi Dress £29.99

I tried this on below and love it, I sized down to make it more fitted as I think this style needs to be fairly neatly cut to your figure to flatter. I am 5ft2 and found the length perfect (with heels) A gorgeous, reasonable dress, perfect for wedding, I would team with tan sandals and perhaps an orange large clutch.

I find maxi dresses really comfortable and easy to wear at parties as they are so elegant and also you don't have to worry about your legs being super toned and tanned...

Are you a fan of the maxi dress? Do you like the 70s boho look this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx

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

Shades of Green

Style Theory: Over the last few weeks I have been drawn to all different shades of green, from khakis to bottle greens. Green looks great worn with my two colours of the season navy and berry, add green into the mix for Autumn/Winter colour perfection..

This Mulberry ad made me realise this was the colour I was missing from my wardrobe. I have now have a berry bag and am now searching for a bottle green sweater to go with it. 

Green looks great with berry, navy, camel and greys, it is such a versatile colour, here are a few options available on the high street now which will make people 'green' with envy..

Me + Em Fine Stitch Box Jumper £88

A super fine sweater, this would look great with skinny jeans and a pair of berry, heeled red ankle boots and bag to match...

These boots would fit the bill.. 

River Island Boots £85

This Mulberry-esque bag from M&S is a cheaper alternative to the bag in the Mulberry above but is really gorgeous leather quality and would look lovely with a green poloneck.

M&S Across Body Bag £69

Some alternative sweaters and blouses..

Whistles Padded Neck Jumper £115

Zara Lace Collar Shirt £19.99

This is a beautiful dark green colour, I would tuck into a pair of skinny flares and wear with pointed heeled, berry boots.

H&M Knitted Jumper £19.99

This would suit my Autumn/Winter uniform perfectly, long jumper, leather leggings and trainers. Sling a berry bag across for a AW14 look.

Mango @John Lewis £19.99

I prefer a baggier poloneck than super tight as they are more flattering on me, I like the tight collar of this but the wider cut of the jumper. Sling this on with a pair of black skinnies and some slouchy beige boots.

H&M Frill Jumper £59.99

I know I have already featured this jumper but it is still an obsession and I am going to try to track this down in store with 20% off discount card (on December's Glamour magazine to be used in store only)

Zara Crepe Dress £39.99

Simple but stunning this crepe dress is an ideal alternative to the LBD, wear with black opaque tights, black pointed flat shoes and a deep berry coat for a stunning Autumn/Winter look.

Traffic People ALine Skirt £61

Wear this gorgeous A-line skirt with a navy poloneck and berry knee high boots.

Topshop Ripped Utility Trousers £36

I have been looking for an alternative to jeans for the schoolrun and I think these could fit the bill. Wear them with trainers for the schoolrun, then for an evening out pair with a navy cashmere sweater and a pair of leopard print heels.

Zara Hooded Checked Wool Cape £89

This check cape would add drama to any outfit.

Zara £29.99 - In store only

I found these in my local Zara this week, they are a fab khaki colour and look so gorgeous on. Unfortunately, these were a size too small..I am still searching!

MY STYLE:

For the schoolrun, a meeting them a quick run around the shops..

Sweater: H&M
Breton: Petite Bateau
Jeans: Topshop Baxter
Shoes: Zara
Bag: Coccinelle

This weekend involves lots of playdates, birthday parties and hopefully a quick trip to the shops for those cargo trousers that will make my weekend that bit more comfy..as weekend-wear should be!

Would love to hear your thoughts and comments on shades of green, do you have a need for a little emerald in your wardrobe?

Until next time Frances xxx