Grown Up Denim Dungarees

Style Theory: Dungarees are slowly (slowly) becoming an acceptable garment for a 'grown up' to wear and since I have worn my black H&M non stop I thought I would dive into it a little further with blue denim dungarees..

Denim dungarees can be tricky, they are slightly harder to wear than the black tailored version as they can veer towards the Huckleberry Finn look fairly easily. I wanted to style these Asos ones with a grown up twist to hopefully avoid the overgrown baby look, so I paired them with a denim shirt, my trusty navy Zara blazer and sandals. They are, I agree, a complete love them or hate them item, I kinda love them as they are so comfortable (I love having no waistband digging in to my stomach) and pretty versatile. They look just as good with trainers as with heels. The wide leg look ticks this season 70s trend but does need to be worn with heels so as to elongate my legs.

These are from Asos and have a rather large (really bad on me) rip across the thigh. In my opinion it is completely unneccassary and will be patched up when I have a second to no.1) read SusieSoSo's guide to patching up jeans (Sue is seriously amazing at tips and tricks and finding fab high street finds) and then secondly getting my needle and thread out and do it.

Shirt: H&M
Blazer: Zara
Bag: H&M
Sandals: H&M

These are a most definitely a "flash trend', they have been bubbling around for the last few years with the trend really coming to the fore this year but I do not see it having much longevity so I would buy non-expensive and wear lots now.

Here are my favourites from the high street now:

Moto Boyfriend Dungarees £48

A fairly baggy slouchy dungaree, would look fab with a tailored shirt and heels.

LA Redoute Boyfriend Dungarees £59

These are a really soft, comfortable, light denim with a little stretch. Perfect for summer holidays, wear with a vest top and sliders for a cool, laid back look.

Asos Denim Full Length Dungaree £45

The description of these state that they are 'full length' but they look ankle length to me. These will be a flattering dungaree as they are a neat fit with a slim leg.

Mango Denim Dungarees via Asos £54.99

The plain styling at the front of these dungarees will flatter, as with all clothing it is a matter of trying on different styles of dungarees to see which ones are cut right for your body shape.

Asos Denim Dungaree with thigh rip £45

These are my dungarees in the photos above, at 5ft2 these are the perfect length with heels for me (if a teeny bit long) They fit true to size and are super comfy, just need to patch up that rip!

Are you in the love them or hate them camp? Have you divulged in the dungaree trend as yet? I must admit I have tried on so many pairs to find a pair that fit me properly, some are too long on the body, too tight, too loose on the leg so if you are wanting some try, try and try again with different styles you will find your perfect pair!

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, I read everyone and really love hearing your opinions. Until next time Frances xx

Mellow Yellow

Style Theory: On the Spring/Summer 2015 catwalks, Burberry Prorsum, Acne and Michael Kors to name but a few championed this sunny hue. From amber to saffron to gold to lemon, there is a shade to suit everyone and every skin tone, it is just a matter of trying on and you will find your perfect piece of sunshine clothing.

I love a touch of mustardy yellow, it does not necessarily complement my skin tone but with a little help from some fake tan I can just about get away with it. This Zara yellow coat has brightened up the last few cold, rainy months and now fits perfectly with sunny days...

Coat - Zara similar here
Dungarees - H&M similar here
Scarf - Uniqlo similar here
Trainers - Stan Smith £67 
Bag - H&M £19.99

My newest yellow purchase is this yellow top from H&M I featured in my last post. I spotted it on the utterly cool Pandora Sykes, she styled it with some little denim shorts and Chloe sandals, as I am probably double her age and no where near as cool, I styled it with my jeans and new mango sandals with a little touch of leopard thrown in...

Top - H&M £29.99
Jeans - Asos £35 (I have chopped the bottom off these to make them ankle kick flares)
Sandals - Mango £19.99
Bag - &Other Stories similar here

A big, blouson-y sunshine top to match the sunny day (although in these photos it doesn't look it!) I could sail away with the arms on it, but it is the kind of top that is fabulous to throw on on holidays in the evening with a pair of shorts for a stroll down to dinner. Super easy to wear, non clingy and a gorgeous colour.. 

*In this month's Elle (May 2015) they have a 20% off H&M card (to be used in store only) they have some fab summer pieces in their this season so it worth having a look..

Are you a fan of yellow or do you steer clear? Have you been seduced by all the gorgeous mustard and lemony colours available on the high street this season?

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

Dungarees...really?!

Style Theory: Dungarees....denim, tailored or shorts have been back 'in' for a few years now,  a marmite item of clothing you either love or hate them.  I am in the 'love them' camp and have been further convinced of their coolness by bloggers such as Atlantic Pacific, The Frugality and Musings of London Mum who all style them beautifully. I tentatively dipped my toe in the dungaree water a couple of years ago (a bit wary as I am a bit in the old side for them!) with a grey, summer pair but got such stick from the husband I retired them to the back of the wardrobe never to be worn again. Well, I am trying again, completely inspired by Alex from The Frugality who was wearing these dungarees on Instagram. They looked fab and when I walked past them in my local H&M I couldn't resist...

Dungarees: H&M £29.99
Leather Biker Jacket: Asos similar here
Blouse: Zara £29.99
Clutch: &Other Stories
Trainers: Stan Smith Adidas £67

I can report back these dungarees are incredibly comfortable made with a soft, elastane denim. They are stretchy but keep their shape and as Alex rightly said they are a 'grown up' dungaree. I really think I may be pushing it age wise with these but I just thought I would go for it anyway as they are such a good fit and will look fab with heels.

I also bought this top from Zara, this is the perfect blouse to add a little 'fashion edge' to your wardrobe.

Top: Zara £29.99

It was pretty reasonable and will look fab with kick flares and skinny jeans in the Spring. It comes in a few different fabrics I tried on them all apart from the gingham..

Top: Zara £29.99

Top: Zara £29.99

Top: Zara £29.99 (as above)

A useful little top, a word of warning, it is quite short, ok for us vertically challenged but not so good for you supermodels out there! 

So there is a round up of my little birthday money spending spree, along with my Zara yellow coat which I have a feeling I will be wearing a lot. I am a huge fan of buying a couple of items at the beginning of the season which give my current wardrobe staples a little fashion lift and I think the dungarees, blouse and yellow coat with refresh a few looks.

Where do you stand with dungarees..for toddlers only? What are your fashion lift pieces this season? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxxx

To the Max....

Style Theory: The Maxi...no longer just a dress..it has morphed into a 'gown' and is looking like it will play a large part not only in your summer '14 wardrobe but Autumn/Winter too. Luxuriously floaty and extremely comfortable, an elegant addition to your holiday wardrobe. Wear dressed up with heels and fine gold necklaces in the evening, or during the day dress down with sandals.

For Summer 2014 Maxi dresses are patterned or textured with different fabrics. For a chic look add a slouchy tan bag and matching tan sandals. For colder days throw a biker jacket over your gown...a few years on this look still works...

All images above from Pinterest

For the best on the High Street now:

Mango Cherry Maxi Dress £69.99

Michael Kors @Net a Porter  now £161

See by Chloe @theoutnet £157

Red is going to be one of 'the' colours for AW14, so why not start the trend early and invest in a red maxi dress now and in the winter layer up with a cute puffed sleeved black jumper and black shoe boots.

Free People Lonesome Dress Now £88

Love Struck Maxi Dress now £25

It is all in the details with maxi dresses this year, the lace and sheer fabric of the two maxi dresses make them summer 2014 must haves.

Grevlin Diana Halter Maxi Dress now £88

Mango Bow Dress £99

Mango Satin Paisley Dress £99.99

Mango Paisley Dress now £66

Mango Baroque Dress now £49.99

New Look Maxi Dress £22.99

Go bold with pattern, the 60s and 70s prints and shapes were all over the AW14 catwalks, it is time to be brave and work those paisley fabrics....

Mango Necklace Gown £89.99

Warehouse Maxi Dress £30

Of course black and navy maxi dresses still look the height of elegance and will last you year after year after year.

MY STYLE:

I bought this patterned Maxi dress from Topshop:

Topshop Band of Gypsies Dress £55

I styled it with my leather biker jacket as it was a little breezy and some tan sandals and I must admit, I am a maxi gown convert!

The dress will be so cool on warm, holiday evenings and I will  wear it in the winter with a black poloneck over the top and some black or tan ankle boots...Ooooo the possibilities!!

Are you are Maxi gown convert or have you been into them for years? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances x

Sports Luxe

Style Theory: Sports Luxe, one of the biggest looks for Spring/Summer 2014, think sports clothing shapes in luxe fabrics worn with heels, or mixed with sharp tailoring. This is not an 80s shell suit look, this is grown up, glamorous sportwear with a luxurious elegant twist.

Here is how the designers introduced Sportsluxe on SS14 catwalk:

Balenciaga SS14

Gucci SS14

Gucci SS14

Marni SS14

DKNY SS14

Now for some sports luxe streetstyle:

All images above via Pinterest

The rules to follow whilst wearing Sports Luxe clothing are as follows:

Luxe fabrics are key, sporty jogging bottoms look great in silk or crepe fabric.

Wear luxe slouchy jogging bottoms with heels.

Mix up sporty tops with midi skirts and heels.

The key is to not wear the sporty look head to toe.

Wear trainers with pleated skirts and denim shirts.

Keep fabric luxe but simple, plain block colour fabric looks best, I prefer neutral, soft tones worn together for an elegant look.

Now for the best on the high street:

Jigsaw @JL Quilted Bomber Jacket £69

Mint Velvet Georgette Jacket £89

Layer a t-shirt and denim jacket under a bomber jacket for a warm,stylish look. Wear with skinny jeans and metallic sandals or low heeled pointed court shoes. 

Warehouse Silk Cropped Shirt £50

Zara Sweater with Sheer Stripes £45.99

Sheer panels create a sporty look, this Zara top would look great with a lux bomber jacket, distressed boyfriend jeans and pointy flat metallic shoes.

Oasis Burnout T-Shirt £20

Mango Broderie Anglais Top £29.99

H&M Jersey Slub Top with Print Detail £14.99

Topshop LA Patch Sweatshirt £30

Cos Silk and Wool Mix Jumper £49

Grey fine wool jumpers look lovely paired with lux jogging bottoms and heels, a chic and super stylish look.

Cos Pocket Detail Shirt Dress £59

Zara Knee Length Fine Pleat Skirt £45.99

H&M Leather Look Culottes £14.99

H&M Dressed Sweatpants £29.

Topshop Cupro Relaxed Joggers £30

Topshop Leather Peg Leg Trousers now reduced to £100

Topshop Luxe Woven Joggers £38

Topshop Premium Leather Backpack £80

Topshop Clean Pocket Backpack £34

New Look Beige Leather Look Backpack £17.99

River island Leather Look Backpack £30

Sportluxe is easy to wear, all thoughts of 80s tracksuits are banished, instead it is chic and grown up and perfect for every occasion from the schoolrun to an evening out. For the best trainers on the high street have a look at my earlier posts for Skater Shoes or trainers

MY STYLE:

Last week I was delighted to be asked, as the Fashion Columnist of the Local Guardian and blogger, to open the re-furbished Shapers Gym.

I was really impressed by Shapers gyms, they have an incredibly positive, energetic vibe and are full of caring, attentive staff who are focused on the members enjoying fitness whilst getting incredible results. The fact it is a women's only gym means that the members feel relaxed and comfortable in what can sometimes be a daunting environment. It was a fun morning, meeting lots of fantastic ladies and drinking champagne, admittedly I didn't have sportswear on so couldn't try out the machines...but have signed up so I will be attempting to shape up a little for my holiday!

Shapers have 5 gyms in the South East and prices memberships are about £30 - if you live in the area and fancy some motivation for the summer click here for more info.

Are you into the sports luxe trend or do you think sports clothing should be just for the gym? I have just ordered the Topshop leather trousers above so I will let you know what they are like 'in the flesh'
As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, till next time Frances x