Breton Brilliance...

Style Theory: The Breton Dress, a wardrobe staple, classic, simple and versatile. A new but much longed for addition to my summer wardrobe...

And with lace detail and exposed zip detail at the back to add a little twist...

Ex Crew Clothing Breton Dress c/o Highstreetoutlet.com £16.75
Denim Jacket:Warehouse similar here
Shoes: H&M £39.99
Bag: TK Maxx similar here

The dress has filled a huge gap in my Summer capsule wardrobe and only for £16.75! 

I was sent this Ex Crew Clothing Co. dress by a website called Highstreet Outlet which buys surplus clothing from labels such as Topshop, Crew Clothing Co.and Boden, snips out the labels and pops the items online for less than half price...it really makes sense...I know as an ex-byer for John Lewis, stock is frequently cancelled when buying budgets are cut so it is all out there and is perfectly good, well made stock.  Everyone likes a good, familiar brand for a bargain price, especially when buying classic pieces.

They also stock kids clothes little J was delighted with her Ex Mini Boden play suit:

Jess: Boden Playsuit c/o Highstreet outlet £8.99
Converse @John Lewis £25 

I love a bargain and will be visiting the Highstreet Outlet website regularly to see what fab stock they have hitting over the summer, autumn and winter!

Are you a fan of a bargain highstreet label , do you have any hidden gem websites you know about? I would love to hear about them x

If you do fancy ordering the Breton dress I would size down as this definitely comes up on the larger side.

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

My Style - The Preppy Look

Style Theory: The Preppy look, timeless and sophisticated but with a 2014 twist. Think blazers, cricket jumpers brought up to date with distressed jeans and heels.

I have been a fan of the Preppy look for years, dipping in and out of it throughout the year. It is a style that makes me feel a little more 'put together', smarter than my usual casual, schoolrun uniform. When Henri Lloyd, the original British sailing brand, sent me this gorgeous Caralyn Knit Blazer and Beverley Cable V-neck cricket style jumper I was sold. My love for all things Preppy was re-ignited but to make it 2014 I paired it with my distressed 7 for all Mankind jeans and tan sandals.

I have had a small obsession with cricket jumpers since Kate Moss wore one in early 2012 and after buying a few over the last few years this Henri Lloyd is my favourite more affordable than the Rag and Bone cricket 'Talia' jumper and it fits beautifully.

The Details:

Jumper: c/o Henri Lloyd Cable V Neck Knit £75

Knitted Blazer: c/o Caralyn Knit Blazer £95

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind similar here (my jeans are naturally distressed due to wear!)

Sandals: H&M £39.99

The knit blazer has been so useful, it is a fabulous for layering underneath heavier jackets or a trench on colder days or by to smarten up a pair of jeans.

Trench: H&M similar here
Blazer: c/o Henri Loyd Caralyn Knit Blazer £95
Shirt: H&M similar here
Jeans: Oasis £40
Shoes: Zara similar here

Appropriate for the schoolrun and trotting up Kings Road, I do love a touch of the preppy look and think I will be indulging in it for the next few years to come, that mixed in with a bit of boho this summer!

Are you a fan of the preppy look, what are your 'must haves' you bring out year after year?

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