Showing posts with label #schoolrun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #schoolrun. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

School Run Style - The Basics to get you through Autumn

Style Theory: For the Schoolrun I need practical, normally warm, rainproof clothes that are presentable. At this point in my children's school life, added to the fact we walk to school every morning, practicality rules over everything. So here is my run down of my most worn items, the additional pieces I will be buying for AW a dream item thrown in along with a few streetstyle images to show you how to style..

The JACKET:
I have long been a fan of a khaki/Camo jacket as a quick throw over when it is not raining. It keeps you warm but not baking you and looks a little edgy.
The best on the high street:
Topshop Tencel Jacket £45
This is a super lightweight jacket that can be thrown over a T-shirt or fine knit sweater in the Autumn, and layer underneath your parka in the winter. It also look pretty good over a dressed up evening look, black top, boyfriend jeans and heels..add an edge.
New Look Camo Jacket £32.99
I live in my camo jacket I bought a few years ago, it has been one of my most worn jackets. I wear it with everything from flared to skinny jeans (black, blue or white) I wear it over dresses when I am going out for the evening (I have an aversion to being too dressed up) You can clash it up with patterned tops, stripes/spots work really well. Just one of those hardworking, useful items to have in your wardrobe.

The COAT

The parka....I know this coat had been around for years but to be honest it is just so practical, warm, long and normally at least showerproof if not waterproof with a huge hood - essential when pushing a buggy/pulling a child on a scooter up to school, whilst carrying schoolbags/lunchboxes and homemade cardboard fish tanks?!

The best on the high street..
Hush Parka £170
I have featured this before, I love it.. a note of caution this is not waterproof (cotton outer) but how gorgeous anyway...
Zara Fleece Lined Parka £89.99
A good long length, like the waist details to give some shape and a generous amount of fur on the hood. Also some in black which is gorgeous..
Zara Parka £79.99
I bought one like this a couple of years ago from Zara and still wear it every winter. This is a short length so good for petite ladies as the length will not drown you.

The (Dream) Sweater
Net a Porter Bella Freud 1970 Sweater £280
Net a Porter Bella Freud Ginsberg Sweater £270
So these Bella Freud sweaters are the dream and one day I will have one! They are supersoft,  utterly cool (although they have been around for a while), look fab with denim shorts on cooler days in the summer and in the winter wear like Kate Moss with skinny black/leather jeans and boots..just gorgeous.
Boden Crew Neck Cashmere £139
Still on the pricey side but wearing a little bit of cashmere makes your outfit feel and look so much more luxurious and this is machine washable. I always buy sweaters at least a size bigger to add an extra slouchy look. 
Uniqlo Cashmere £69.90
This is 100% cashmere sweater and amazing value. Uniqlo cashmere always wears well, it says to dry clean only (eek) but I am sure I have cold washed mine (do not quote me on that!)

Topshop zip back sweater £38
This sweater has a zip detail running down the back and a real slouchy look. It looks more expensive than £38, wear layered over a longline vest top with boyfriend jeans and trainers.

The Top

The Breton top, again an absolute classic, wear it with a camo jacket, denim shorts and trainers on warmer days, on colder days use it as a layering piece under a sweater..this style never looks tired
Petite Bateau Breton £58
I invested in a Petite Bateau breton a couple of years ago and I am so glad I did. The fabric is thick so doesn't cling to my tummy, the shape is quite boxy and sits well over the waistband of my jeans and it washes really well with no colour bleeding.
Boden Envelope Neck Breton £39
I really like an envelope neck, it really sits nice at the front, doesn't slouch off your shoulders and is flattering. I also have a Boden breton and again this has washed really well.

H&M £12.99
Amazing price and great for an additional 'schoolrun' top, this would look fab under black dungarees with trainers and a camo for an understated, cool look.

The Jeans

Jeans are a godsend..at the moment I prefer my boyfriend jeans this mainly due to the fact that I have gorged this summer and am finding my skinny jeans a little.bit.tight... however I hope to bring back the skinnies in the Autumn along with my waistline and new love of exercise (well I can try?!) 

First the Boyfriends


The best on the high street..

Levis 501ct @ Very £95
I have these jeans and love them, they come up fairly big so size down. The distressing just gets better over time and I wear mine dressed up with heels if I am going out. So comfortable, such a useful pair of jeans. 
River Island £42
River Island is always a good 'go to' shop for jeans, the pale colour of these jeans is perfect for this season and the ankle length so flattering and cool.

Black Skinny Jeans
Topshop Baxter Jeans £40
Topshop Baxters are still my favourite affordable skinny jeans, for Autumn team these with a pair of trainers (love these with lo black converse) and an oversize cozy sweater (the cashmere sweaters above or an oversize forest green sweater - Topshop has a fab one)

Dungarees

Topshop Dungarees £48
Once you try dungarees you will realise how incredibly comfortable they are, I bought mine from H&M last year (they have since sold out) and I have worn them loads, yes I do still get a few smart comments from the Husband but for the comfort factor I happily ignore..

The Trainers

All Streetstyle photos above via Pinterest
Golden Goose @Matches £250
These trainers are so expensive but to me perfect in every way, love the worn look (crazy eh?) and the leopard detail at the back. I have been admiring these for years, again one for my wishlist.

Adidas Stan Smith Original (Neo White) £67
A classic style, incredibly comfortable. Make sure you order the Neo white (off white - kind of yellowing colour) they look a little more worn less glowing than the white ones.

Nike Thea @Office £84.99
These look fab with black skinny jeans or dungarees (see image above) or white jeans in the Spring. They are the ultimate in comfort and will make the walking part of the schoolrun a breeze..
Converse @John Lewis £45
These are for non rainy days, they will look fab with dresses in the Summer, in the Autumn pair with ankle length skinny jeans and an oversize sweater. Admittedly they are to cold to wear in the winter..my feet freeze in them but you can bing them out again in the Spring..

My Schoolrunstyle

As you can see I do practice what I preach, for me the schoolrun is all about denim, trainers, stripes and camo, a pretty simple, basic combination but simple is what I need at 7am!

Nothing very groundbreaking in my style formula..everything is for ease and comfort but I hope you have found this rather mega edition useful. Next time my two minute make-up in the morning that takes me from looking super rough to kind of acceptable (from a distance!) 

What is your schoolrun formula, do you wear your gym stuff (I would if I actually got my butt into gear and did some exercise) or do you go straight to work? I would love to hear your thoughts. I know Schoolrunstyle can sometimes be a strange subject because really, I genuinely do not care what people wear, we are all just trying to get our kids to school. Personally I like to get dressed (ie not do the schoolrun in my pjs) because I work from home and if I do not get myself sorted first thing in the morning I would never do it and I would never get out of pyjamas..ever..!
Would love to know your thoughts and comments and Mums from my school, I know I fail miserably loads of mornings to look presentable but lets just keep that between us!! ;-) 

Until next time, Frances xx

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Spring's Perfect Flat Shoe....

Style Theory: It started with Aquazzura, then Isabel Marant and now the high street is awash with the lace up, delicate shoe that flatters and looks fabulous with dresses and jeans alike...

Aquazzura @Harvey Nichols £425
The Aquazzura are really expensive so I am so glad to report I have found some stunning 'homages' on the high street for as little as £22.99.... perfect for a Spring wardrobe update...
First here are some ideas of how to style:
These are the Isabel Marant shoes, the lace up style looks fabulous styled with an oversize sweater and ankle length skinny jeans, laid back perfection. 
Wear with your boyfriend jeans and cargo to up the style on a casual look.
Stunning with black distressed jeans.
Great with cut off shorts and a tee for holiday chic.
Go for Parisian look with a black/navy blazer and skinny jeans. 
A subtle and stylish look with all black 
The lovely Alex from The Frugality wears her Next shoes with a beautiful maxi dress for a wedding, the perfect dress up/dress down shoes.

As you can see these are such useful, elegant shoes that go with such a range of outfits and are completely easy to walk in..perfect..

So here are the best, affordable options on the high street, starting with the more expensive down to super reasonable. I have chosen all flat version of these shoes as I find them easier to walk in and therefore get more wear out of them. These will look fab in the Spring with a pair of skinny black or blue jeans and a sweater and in the summer wear with denim cut off jean shorts and a white boho top with black/white embroidery detail and a black or leopard print bag.

Russell and Bromley Logo Lace Shoes £255
Free People Jeffrey Campbell Shay Lace Up  £100
Boden Lille Lace-up Point Shoes £89
Office Vibrant Multi Strap Shoes £55
Next Black Ghille Point Shoes £45
A word of caution with these shoes, they are narrow so better on narrow feet due to the lack of support on the outside. If you have wider feet the New Look or Office will be a better, reasonable option.
New Look Lace Up Point Shoes £22.99

Such a useful little pair of shoes, if you can try on a few different styles to check which ones flatter and fit you the best, I guarantee if you find a really comfortable pair you will wear them all the time.

MY STYLE

Breton: Petit Bateau
Jacket: Topshop
Jeans: Topshop Baxter Jeans
Bag: Aurora Living Willow Bag
Shoes: Next (link above)
I have worn mine for nights out, days shopping and meetings and they are really comfortable, looking forward to the weather warming up so my feet do not freeze as much though!

Do you have these shoes, are you into the lace up look? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

The Chic Spring Trainer..Superga

Style Theory: Superga has so far alluded my trainer love-in. For years I have been wearing trainers but due to never trying on Superga in the right size I have never had a pair. However, as from yesterday that all changed, I was invited to visit the new stand alone Superga store in Guildford, Surrey and instantly fell in love with the entire range...it seems the celebrities have been fans for a while... 


Chic, stylish and oh so Italian, this footwear can be worn with skirts, jeans, shorts or dresses. As they are less 'clumpy' than other trainers they are so much more flattering on the leg and are gorgeously comfortable. 

SupergaUK 3 Market St, Guildford (it is on a hill, just off the high street hence the wonky photo)
The new Superga store in Guildford is a treasure trove, filled with every style, colour and size. From gorgeous pinks to berry to khakis and greys and, of course, my favourites whites and metallics.
Superga Classic 2750 - £45
Superga Classic 2750 - £45
From the palest baby pink to dark berry, the perfect colours for this Spring and Summer, entirely on trend and can be beautifully blended with this season's denims, whites and pinks.
Superga Classic 2750 - White £45, Silver and Leopard print £50
These are my three favourite styles, very classic, wearable, understated and chic. I chose the silver as it will look great with a summer tan and the white dresses I have earmarked for my summer wardrobe.


Superga Flatforms 2790 - White £50/ Green £55

I love the flatform style, I bought the white flatforms as they will be flattering on my legs, elongating them (much needed!) - I am imaging wearing them with a button through denim skirt and they will also work under a pair of flared jeans. 

The green spotted style are a beautiful colour with a blue sheen creating a mermaid-like appearance would look fabulous with (fake) tanned legs and a denim, fitted shirt dress.

They also have an amazing array of kids Superga, utterly gorgeous, I bought my son a pair of the green velcro trainers...perfect for summer with little red and blue checked shorts and a navy polo shirt.
Bottom: Superga Baby Velcro £25
The Manager of the branch Tors and sales assistant Hannah were both incredibly helpful and have wealth of knowledge about the brand and fit. Whilst I was in there I spoke to customers, mostly my age who were Superga superfans, it seems once you are a Superga wearer it is hard to change and they were after more  colours to add to their collection. I must admit I am quite smitten with my silver ones and Tors kindly offered to post my white flatforms to me when they get stock next week of my size...I am officially a convert.

If you live in the Guildford, Surrey area it is definitely worth visiting the branch as they have such an extensive range and stock. Full and half sizes (perfect for me being a UK6.5) are available, these sizes aren't stocked in the concessions and Tors and Hannah can guide you on the new styles, colours, the most popular and the style to suit your foot. A really lovely shopping experience.

MY STYLE
I styled up my silver Supergas today in a classic way, with breton, blues and distressed jeans, perfect for the schoolrun or a stylish lunch with friends (it was cold so camisole vest and pop socks were worn too..attractive!)
Coat: M&S
Bag: Spain
Breton: Petit Bateau
Jeans: Topshop Baxter
Trainers: Superga


Are you a Superga fan which colours do you own? Do you have other trainers that are your Spring summer must haves? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, until next time, Frances xxx

I was gifted the silver trainers and green junior trainers by SupergaUK (I bought the flatforms, I may buy the baby pink too!) all opinions and views are my own, I only review products I would and do buy myself.