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

Summer Inspiration....Let's go!

Style Theory: It is important that you get as much wear out of your clothes as possible, I like to start thinking about my summer style early so I can buy items that I can layer up and then start to shed the layers as the summer arrives. With this in mind, here are a few images that are inspiring me this Spring and a few ideas of how to create the look and start building your summer wardrobe...

The inspiration... in the summer I love a pop of neon, a sweater is a perfect choice when buying something bright, the colour reflects on your face giving you a glow. Wear now with skinny jeans, white trainers (H&M have some great ones) and a khaki jacket thrown over the top.

In the summer wear like this...

Sincerely Jules

Buy from the high street now to recreate the look.....

Boden Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper £69.30

OR

Zara Oversized Sweater £12.99

These bright sweaters are so useful, the cashmere sweater will keep your warm on cold summer evenings and the Zara knit is lightweight, perfect for taking on holiday.

Hush Denim Short £45

The wash of these Hush shorts is perfect, a fabulous pale, authentic colour and with a touch of distressing, they are a really good summer buy. You will be able to wear with everything with these from boho tops, to bretons to shirts, the choices are endless.

Topshop The Izzy Bag Marc B £49

A neutral bag that looks far more expensive than it's price tag. It is not leather but still looks super stylish, it will look as good with bright colours as with pastels.

Office Olivier Low Wedge Sandal £45

The gladiator is most definitely making a come back (again) due to the low straps this will be flattering on your leg. I love the tan straps with a touch of gold detail at the back.

Summer Inspiration no.2 - the logo tee with khaki shorts and aviators...a classic look..

Sincerely Jules

Here are some gorgeous items that you can buy now to layer up then recreate the whole look when it is warmer...

Mango Sequinned T-Shirt £14.99

New Look Khaki Shorts with belt £14.99

Topshop Alice Aviators £10

All classic items, all will last you for a few seasons. With the 70s having a moment aviators are back with a vengeance, so if you do not have a pair already these will tick the trend for £10.

Summer Inspiration no.3...A perfect Spring look below, for those days when there is a slight chill in the air, warm enough to bare your toes but cool enough to pull a sweater over the top...

Sincerely Jules

The key items I have found on the high street to recreate this laid back, look...

Zara Printed Sweater £35.99

Topshop Black Ripped Jamie Jeans £42

Dune Jolene Mules £49

Warehouse Leather Bag £35

How gorgeous is this bag? It is leather and for £35, love the simplicity of the design and the fringing on the zip..

Summer Inspiration no.4...the everlasting power of breton...

Sincerely Jules

This year I am after a new, red and white breton and this one looks like it will be perfect, I like a boxy breton that I can partly tuck in to my jeans.

Hobbs Haley Top £35

Levis CT @House Of Fraser £95

I have these jeans and love them, as I said in a previous post these do come up a little short so get a longer length if taller that 5ft 2. They are so flattering on your bottom, since having these I have remembered how much I used to love Levis 501s!

Palmairas Gold Leather £42

I have a pair of these sandals in neon orange. They are made from beautiful, buttery soft leather and come in fabulous colours, prints and stud details, and are unbelievable comfortable. Typically Spanish and so useful for the summer, the perfect holiday shoe.

Topshop Tapestry Poppins Tote Bag £28

A cute tapestry tote wear with your breton for a stylish twist, I love a pattern mix up and this is perfect!

Summer Inspiration no.3..the perfect white top...

Happily Grey 

I do love a touch of white in the summer and this top is so unusual, a mix of knitwear, broderie anglaise and cotton. Looks so beautiful with distressed jeans now and in the summer with denim shorts and tan sandals.

French Connection Effie Knits Dot Jumper £85

This is the top seen in the photo above.

Levis CT @House Of Fraser £95

DKNY Quilted Nappa Bag £88

I have been looking at this bag in my local House of Fraser for a while, it is a beautiful beige/cream colour and can be worn as a cross body or shorter double handled bag. Would look fabulous worn with white or with a beige trench coat in the spring.

There is my summer inspiration so far...I will most definitely be mixing these looks with boho vibes inspired by Chloe's SS15 range but all strictly from the high street at affordable prices..stay tuned for these looks...

MY STYLE

On the left: wearing my new Levis 501 ct for a meeting, mixing it up with a touch of leopard print.

On the right: on the schoolrun in monochrome and Stan Smiths.

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, have you thought about your summer wardrobe, or do you leave it (probably wisely) until there may be some chance of some sun?! Next time some utterly delicious designer goodies at a fraction of the original price...pure heaven. 
Frances xx

Key Spring Trend..White on White

Style Theory: The SS15 catwalks were full of layers of white on white, from little white dresses to VBs military inspired white collection and white sporty mesh fabrics from Donna Karen. The fashionistas have been boldly wearing white top to toe this season...

However, for us mere mortals, white strikes fear into our hearts especially those of us with children as it seems an impossible colour to wear and keep clean. So I suggest adding a little white into your wardrobe this Spring with a pair of cream/white jeans or a beautiful white sweater and wait for that moment when you are out, child free, guaranteed sun and no where near any signs of mud to wear the full on white on white looks...

Here are the best white and cream clothing I found on the high street this weekend..

French Connection £89

The frill detail on this sweater brings it straight into 2015, frills, embellishments on all white were key looks on the SS15 catwalks. Wear this now with blue skinny jeans and white stan smiths and in the summer throw on with denim cut off shorts and white pumps.

Zara Wool Coat £69.99

A fabulous white wool coat, perfect to wear over a dress or jumpsuit for a spring wedding.

Mango Ethnic Blouse £39.99

Boho blouses are a continuing trend this year, but keep it all cream for a chic, sophisticated look.

Topshop Cutwork Embroidered Frill top £48

Delicate and a little Isabel Marant, this top can be dressed up with skinny jeans and heels or wear with boyfriend jeans and trainers for a laid back look.

3D Crochet Floral Shell Top £36

This is a beautiful summer top, the lace is stunning for the price but do beware, the top is short (I am small and it is slightly crop on me) Would look fab with a pair of high waisted flares and heels for a true boho summer look.

Topshop Bell Sleeve Lace Dress £65

Here it is on, it is slightly short so would look fab now with black opaque tights and black pointed flat shoes. Wear in high summer with tan, flat strappy sandals for a stunning summer holiday evening look..stay away from sticky kids ice-cream hands though (eek)

Topshop Nautical Stripe Shift Dress £50

Again this is a little short (as Topshop dresses tend to be) but I love the colour of the stripes, they break up the entire white look and you can use the navys and pinks to match your accessories to.

Topshop High Next Victorian Dress £46

This has been featured in lots of magazines and blogs so I was keen to try it on. I would size up on this dress, this is me in a size 10 and it looks a little bundled up, on reflection I should have tried the 12 as this is supposed to be worn a little looser. I like the way it covers my arms and I am always a fan of a victoriana neckline. Perfect for a summer holiday, again I would keep footwear low key and strappy with tan flat sandals.

Topshop Mesh Layered Embroidered Skirt £55

Apologies for the blurred photos, but seriously this skirt is gorgeous. It is so floaty with stunning embroidery detail and layers of net. I would wear now with a roll neck and heels and in the summer with a grey tee and heeled sandals.

Topshop Moto Ecru Ripped Hayden Jeans £42

These are my type of white jeans, they are baggy and distressed and will look just as good with heeled sandals as they do with trainers. I will be buying these for the Spring.

HM Dungarees £14.99

I have a feeling these will be appearing in my wardrobe soon. I will wear with blouses and shirts underneath to avoid a painter/decorator look, my H&M dungarees are so incredibly comfortable that I think for the summer these will be hard to resist.

Now my children are no longer teeny, tiny babies (7 and 4) I feel I may be able to indulge in wearing white this season, I just have to watch my own clumsiness (especially with chocolate) that I do not drop anything on myself!

My Style:

I was lucky to spend a few days at London Fashion Weekend Somerset House seeing the catwalk shows, beautiful fashion and listening to some fab industry talks...this is what I wore.. 

Yellow Coat: Zara
Bouse: Somerset John Lewis
Dungarees: H&M
Shoes: Zara
Bag: Marc Jacobs

Blue Coat: M&S
Scarf: H&M
Bag:H&M
Dungarees: H&M

Pink Coat: H&M
Sweater: Cos
Jeans: Oasis
Trainers: Stan Smith

Are you a fan of all white, as you can see from above I am a colour person, I love a pop of brightness but I have a feeling as it gets closer to summer I will jumping on the all white bandwagon.

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