Brilliant Sparkles..

Style Theory: If you entered my Brilliant Inc Jewellery Instagram competition to win the beautiful ring below you may have had look at Brilliant Jewellery's range. Brilliant Inc are a jewellery company run by two sisters based in Duke of York Square just off Sloane Square and specialise in non mined diamonds (simulated diamonds) that look exactly like the real thing without the price tag. Heaven to all of us that yearn for that beautiful diamond ring but do not have the budget to buy, all hand set in solid gold or silver their jewellery really is quite spectacular...

Sabrina Champagne Ring £175

This was the prize from my Instagram competition (which has now closed and the winner  has been chosen by Brilliant Inc), it is my favourite piece in the collection. It is an amber stone surrounded by Brilliant non-mined fine diamonds set in gold vermeil. So sparkly and absolutely stunning, I completely adore it. 

The Brilliant diamonds look exactly like real diamonds, the ladies at Brilliant told me that only professional gemmologists with specialist equipment can tell the difference between these Brilliant stones and naturally mined diamononds.

The good news is I have a discount code for 15% off all the full priced jewellery in the range SCHOOLRUNMUM15 until 10th February  - a perfect Valentines gift or treat yourself to that piece of jewellery you have always longed for...

Tilly Ring £145

Brilliant Tilly claw set ring with emerald cut simulated diamond centre stone and simulated diamond trilliants set in Gold vermeil. Spectacular...

Halo Round Ring £185

Round brilliant cut centre stone in a halo setting with double band shoulder, 2ct centre stone set in sterling silver..this would make a beautiful engagement ring..

Tiny Brilliant Eternity Ring £125

Fine channel set band with brilliant cut stones set in sterling silver..a fabulous 'push' present?!

Trudy Ring £165

A triple layer of brilliant simulated diamonds, 1ct total diamond equivalent set in Rose Gold Vermeil - the perfect big birthday gift..

Aqua Oval and Brilliant Drops £245

Aqua Oval and Brilliant Drops Set in sterling silver with oval 2ct aqua drop and .25ct round brilliant stones, oval aqua 9x7mm and round brilliant 5mm. Glamorous and sophisticated.

Gala Lexi Pendant £125

Beautiful and chic necklace. I would wear on a fairly short chain so it sits quite high up.

Halo Hannah Pendant £145

Hannah Halo Pendant Gold Vermeil Centre stone 1.5ct 

Float Pendant £105

I have this in silver, it is beautiful and super sparkly. A classic, understated but stunning necklace.

Princess Bracelet £265

Princess cut stones in a channel setting. Set in sterling silver.

Love Bracelet £55

Because it is nearly Valentines Day..

Fabulous Bracelet £550

I am pushing the boat out for my last choice but this is truly stunning on, the cuff is set with clusters of marquise, round and pear shape non mined diamonds all set in gold vermeil, a 'wow' piece.. this was chosen by the 5 year old who is currently poorly off school and sitting next to me whilst I write this blog..it turns out he has expensive taste!

There are so many more beautiful pieces online, these photos just do not do the jewellery justice, if you ramp up the sparkle by a million percent you would be a little closer to what they look like in real life. If you are in the London, Chelsea area pop in, the girls are super friendly and would love you to have a browse. 

And don't forget the discount code SCHOOLRUNMUM15

Happy shopping, until next time Frances xx

**This is not a sponsored post I just think the jewellery is absolutely worth a mention if you are like me and have expensive taste without the bank balance to match!!

There's a new trainer in town...

Style Theory: In my mind there is no better trend than the trainer trend. It is possibly the most practical and comfortable trend in years (closely followed by the UGG boot trend from the 00s - I know you either loved or hated them but there was no doubt they were the ultimate in comfort) The humble trainer still reigns supreme, I have been wearing my Stan Smiths non stop for the last few years, I have dabbled in Adidas Superstars, indulged in Golden Goose and now I have a new obsession..... the Nike Cortez.

Images above via Pinterest & Chiara Ferragni Instagram 

Completely old school, I had a pair of Nike Cortez at university and, of course, Tom Hanks sported them as Forest Gump in 1994! (mmm I am really selling them to you?!) but...they are the trainers for Spring 2016 and do look pretty cool on.....

They will look fab with crop kick flares, boyfriend jeans or with a denim skirt or dress. The gold cortez would be perfect to wear to work (even just to look slightly edgy on a daily commute then change in to heels at work) 

I am slightly obsessed with both the white and the gold colourways below but I think the white may just have the edge for casual-wear, thinking forward to summer, with little summer dresses, or denim shorts. They look cool and fresh and I for one will be jumping on the bandwagon for this trend..

Nike Cotez @Office £61.99

Nike Classic Cortez Bronze @Office £71.99

Now looking at the bronze I think I like these equally as much. Anyway, suffice to say this style of trainer is gorgeous and will be the most fabulous addition to a Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Are you a trainer wearer, which styles are your favourites? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments until next time, Frances xxxx

Spotlight on River Island..with 25% off

Style Theory: River Island can be slightly intimidating to walk into as the clothing is targeted at the teens/twenty to early 30 year olds. But if you look past this, it has some real gems for us more 'mature' ladies. Gorgeous, intricately made lace tops, fab handbags and perfect denim pieces. I now always pop into River Island when I am in town for a browse and always see (and normally buy) a piece I love...

This week there is 25% off River Island with Grazia (online code GRAZIAJAN16, in store you have take actual voucher in Grazia magazine) so it is the best time to have a browse and see of anything catches your eye...

I have selected my favourite pieces from their SS16 collection, a winter-ish look, a Spring look and a summer beach look...

1. Gloves - £25
2. Black Victoriana top - £35
3. Dungarees - £48
4. Tan Faux Suede Bag - £20
5. Leopard Print shoes - £45
6. Cream Victoriana Top - £35
7. Raw hem jeans - £42
8. Pink Cat Eye Sunglasses - £16
9. Gold Beachbag - £30
10. Orange tie up espadrilles - £24
11. Red Stripe Shirt - £28
12. Swimsuit - £28
13. Tassel Sandals - £20

**All prices above before the 25% discount

I adore the River Island victoriana tops, I have a black one from River Island I bought last year..See photo below and I am going to buy the cream one above it looks great on, I tried it on in store the other day.. 

RI - Similar Black Victoriana Top here

RI - Cream Victoriana Blouse £35
Topshop - Black Baxter Jeans £40
Golden Goose Net a Porter - Trainers from £240

River Island bags (the gucci 'homage' bag above is great) and swimwear are fab, definitely worth a look. I love the swimsuit above, it has a designer-esque look and the back of it is gorgeous - it looks like a bikini from behind. Think I may 'need' the pom pom gloves too, they are so cute and perfect for now. River Island also have some great denim pieces, I always find the fit and stretch good, the dungarees are such an easy item to wear and the jeans above are ideal for the Spring, a great colour and cool, frayed hem..perfect.

There are so many lovely items, you just have to have a little time to have a search through, River Island's website is fab but I really like popping in and having a little try on...
Also if you fancy letting an expert do the hard work for you and are planning a trip to Oxford Street, arrange a complimentary appointment at the River Island style Studios (the River Island nearest Marble Arch) They have a great, really lovely stylist team there who will help you find a look that is very you!

Do you ever shop at River island, are there any pieces that have caught your eye? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

**This is not a sponsored post..I am a bit of a fan of RI at the mo and will be using the 25% offer!!

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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Happy Sweaters...

Style Theory: Slogan sweaters make me happy. I am a huge fan of the more subtle slogan sweater, a hint, a word, irrelevant/relevant it doesn't really matter, they are fun and they are perfect for slinging on at the weekend with a pair of jeans and trainers or putting on for the schoolrun. They look cool and make a statement without saying a word.

In saying that, this sweater caught my eye when I saw it on Boden's website, it is not necessarily cool but I just love it...

Boden Slogan Sweater - £59.50 

Not exactly rock 'n roll, but so cute. I love the gold glittery 'Tea' (I am a sucker for a touch of glitter) and the sweater is seriously just my cup of tea! I sized up two sizes, this is a size UK14 I am normally a UK10, I probably could have gone just one size up but I do like them super slouchy so I am happy with this size.

Here are a selection of my favourite slogan sweatshirts to brighten up January...

Starting with the ultimate in slogan sweaters..Bella Freud

Bella Freud 1970 @ Net a Porter -  £280

Bella Freud Ginsberg is God @Net A Porter £270

Bella Freud Star Studded Jumper now £170

These sweaters are iconic worn by Kate Moss, they look so cool in the winter with black skinny jeans and boots or a leather/suede skirt and opaque tights. In the summer over denim shorts or a floral skirt a la Alexa Chung. They do come up slightly on the small side so if you are investing size up. I am saving up for one of these, they are on my wish list!

photos via Pinterest

I love Zoe Karssen too, her sweaters always have a cool edge..

Zoe Karssen @Very reduced from £140 to £70

On me this would be a pretty ironic statement as I am sooo not rock and roll..but worth it for the conversation.. Again I would size up in Zoe Karssen, I have one of her sweaters from a few seasons ago and bought the small but could have really done with the Medium as it is a little snug.

Zoe Karssen @Very Exclusive £100

Cute, understated, cool..

Whistles 'Bonjour' sweater £75

Simple and chic..

Whistles Le Marais £75

This is my favourite part of part of Paris so maybe kind of stating the obvious?! But it is a gorgeous sweater, neat and grown up, it would look fab with tailored, ankle length, black trousers and trainers or with black leather shorts and opaque tights. In the summer pair with pale blue skinny ankle length jeans and white supergas for a simple stylish look.

Topshop NYPD hoodie by Tee and Cakes £35

I saw this in store yesterday and love it. Buy big and wear under a bomber jacket with skinny jeans and trainers for a comfy and cool 90s look. Or sling over your gym gear..either way this hoodie will look fab.

Mango 1976 - £29.99

A good choice for the ladies turning 40 this year, a cool birthday present perhaps?

BDG Fairfax Sweatshirt Urban Outfitters £42

Love this pale blue, will look gorgeous in the summer with sunkissed skin and shorts. For now wrap a mid grey oversize scarf around the neck and wear with blue jeans and adidas superstar trainers.

Hush Sweater £50

Loving the look of this sweatshirt, Hush SS16 range has just launched and this is my favourite piece.

Sista sweatshirt - Selfish Mother £45

Selfish Mother have the most fabulous range of sweaters from 'Mother' to 'Sista' to 'Human' and the best thing is £15 from the sale of every sweater goes towards Women for Women International - an amazing charity that helps women in 8 war torn countries to rebuild their lives. They are, also fab sweaters really warm, thick and look great on (again size up, sloppy is good!)

So as you can probably tell I do prefer the more subtle slogans, I don't like them to be too 'in your face' or obvious. They are the most useful sweaters, clash them up with midi skirts, pair them down with jeans, any which way goes!!

Do you have any slogan sweaters, if so which are your favourite, are you a loud and proud slogan wearing or do you prefer subtlety? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

Outfit Post - The Ultimate Kick Flare Jean

Style Theory: There is a new 'hot' jean on the block, well, not completely new it has been knocking around since last year but this year the 'crop kick flare' will come into it's own. Frequently worn by Alexa Chung, the crop kick flare is a move on from the 70s slightly flappy crop flare we saw dominating the high street last summer. This flare is like a shrunken bell bottom jean, it is tight on the thigh and knee and kicks out gently mid calf. The jean ideally finishes just above your ankle bone and looks fabulous with every footwear from trainers to ankle strap shoes to heeled ankle boots. 

Images via Pinterest

Due to the skinny jean shape and the kick flare, this style is super flattering on the width of the leg but does not lengthen so if you are a shorty like me, heels are best (although I will be wearing these with my trainers in the summer even if my legs do look short!) Wear them tight and they will flatter.

I have found my ideal pair J Brand Selena, crop boot leg jeans. They are super expensive but as soon as I put them on they fitted perfectly, had the most fabulous stretch and were the perfect length, I knew I would get my money's worth out of them..

Blouse - &Other Stories £65 (available in store - sold out online) or similar here

Jumper - Mango (old season) similar here

Jeans - J Brand @ House Of Fraser £220

Boots - Topshop Boots £79

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650

Coat - Maje now £239.50

They really are comfy jeans and will look fab with white trainers (stan smiths/Golden goose/Adidas superstars/ Superga platform) in the spring and summer. The kick flare at the bottom makes my ankles look a little thinner and I love the high waist, it holds in my mum tum. I sized down one size smaller than my normal jeans as these look better tight and jeans do always give a little. They also come in black but the dark blue will take me from winter to summer, they will look great with off the shoulder tops (I have my eye on lots of Russian style tops) and flip flop or slides. 

J Brand Selena Jeans @House Of Fraser £220

There are lots of brands of kick flare jeans on the high street if you fancy just 'dipping your toe in the water' of this trend..here are a few options..

Topshop Crop Kick Flare £36

Warehouse Cropped Kick Flare £15

River Island now £12

River Island now £12

So it is definitely worth bagging yourself a pair now when they are in the sale, if you have time try on a few pairs so you get the right, flattering length and fit. Jeans are always so hard to get right so when you find a good pair that fit and flatter go for it.

The Hotel my sister stayed in above was the St Ermins, Marriott Hotel, London. It was gorgeous, lovely, quite bijou room, the hotel was beautiful inside with fab staff. Me and my husband went home (nothing can beat my own bed - I am such a homebody, although I must admit Marriott beds do come a close second!) 

Are you a fan of this style of jean, did you buy a pair last year. I kinda love my J Brand ones and will be wearing them non stop this year..

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