Spotlight on Hush

Style Theory: Sometimes a brochure drops through your letterbox and it inspires you and encapsulates many of your dream pieces of the season. Yesterday the Hush Top Summer 40 mini magazine arrived on my doorstep and I fell for almost every item!

Here are my top 10 pieces from Hush 

Pinstripe Shirt Dress £55

Perfect for throwing over a bikini to take you from beach to bar. 100% cotton so will be so cool for hotter weather. Add a wide brimmed black straw hat (this one) and flat black leather strappy sandals (these) and an oversize basket bag for a glamorous look..

Halter Bikini Top £35
Fold Over Bikini Bottom £30

I love the aqua shade of this bikini, it would look fabulous against sunkissed skin with fine gold jewellery. The halter neck top has removeable pads which are always useful and suit any bust. The fold over bikini bottoms are the type I always buy, they allow you to wear the bottoms as high or low on your tummy as is flattering for your shape, I wear them a little higher to keep my out of shape tummy a little hidden! 

Palm Beach top £40
Denim Shorts £45

Adoring all of this look. I simply live in black camisole tops and denim shorts on holiday. Easy to stick on whilst dashing out the house with the kids to the beach after spending hours getting them ready, slathering them in suntan lotion and finding their hats, buckets, spades change of pants etc always leaves me with exactly 2 minutes so thank goodness for outfits like this and Piz Buin Once suntan lotion my summer saviours! The shorts are the perfect pale blue color, with just the right amount of distressing. And I love the black swing cami with crochet detail, practical and flattering, would look fab with blue skinny ankle length jeans and Next flat tan strappy sandals too.

Star Jumper £69.50

This is a super lightweight sweater in a bamboo knit. Perfect for wearing on holiday in the evenings or wear over the aqua bikini top with denim shorts for a cool look.

Bondi Beach Dress £55

This dress is perfectly boho, again I would pair with my Next tan strappy sandals and a large basket bag (here) for a cool beachy look. On the schoolrun I would wear this dress over my pale blue skinny jeans with sandals.

3 Star Stud Earrings £39.95

These will trend up your jewellery collection, slightly edgy these star earrings are perfect for bringing your look into summer 2015. Gold plated silver or sterling silver these are beautiful.

Pom Pom Clutch Bag £50

This clutch bag is perfectly oversized so you can actually fit your purse, make up keys etc in it. The monochrome with orange pom pom and zip would look fab with Hush denim shorts and black top above or with a black summer dress (see my last post for ideas) 

Pomegranate and Peppercorn Candle £12

I always take a little candle away with me when I go on holiday as I love having a glass of wine in the evening on the terrace with a lovely smelling candle burning, a little bit of holiday heaven! This one has great reviews and I have been assured the smell is divine. Hush you have pretty much got my dream summer wardrobe all wrapped up in one brochure, thanks for the inspiration with free delivery and returns (code: HOLIDAY15)..now what to order first *scrambles upstairs to look for old summer clothes to ebay*!! 

What has been inspiring you this summer, which brand has caught your eye. Have you bought any Hush items, which are your favourites? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, have a great weekend, until next time, Frances xx

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

2015..Your Denim Must Haves..

Style Theory: In 2015 denim is taking over, from the re-emergence of the 70s flares, to tailoring (with the most flattering shirt dresses and skirts) to embellishment and luxury trims. No longer is denim just about jeans and traditional denim jackets, it's time to fill your wardrobe with this cool, robust, child-friendly fabric..

The SS15 Catwalks were awash with denim in all forms...

Gucci SS2015

Left: Sonia Rykiel SS15 Right: Burberry SS15

Left: SS15 Chloe, Right: SS15 Fendi

My favourite denim looks from the Streetstylers..

The 70s and military influence permeates all high street denim designs along with the huge influence of Alexa Chung's collaboration with AG jeans (I would buy each and every item in this range if it were a little cheaper) denim is taking the lead this year so jump on board...

In this blogpost I will look at denim in it's tailored form, dresses, skirts and jackets, I will look at the best jeans on the high street in a later post. Here is the best on the high street now..

Whistles Silka Jumpsuit £295

This jumpsuit is utterly stunning, ticks so many Spring Summer 2015 trends: jumpsuit, raw edges, denim, tailored. Unfortunately it is also hugely expensive, this is going to be one of those items I will stalk until the sale!

Alexa Chung for AG Jeans @Net A Porter £245

Again, very pricey but such a stunning dress, the design details are perfect, the high neck, the pin tucks and the sleeves, I will be looking out for the high street 'homage' of this dress..Zara is normally pretty quick at producing similar designs, I'll let you know when I spot one!

Miss Selfridges Patch Pocket Denim Dress £39

A boat neck is really flattering and I love the shape of this dress, wear it over skinny jeans or leather leggings and flat pointed shoes now and in summer with white Superga style trainers.

Topshop Zip Through Pinny Dress £36

This is a key colour for SS15 very 70s, wear now with skinny black roll neck under, black opaques and a ankle boots. Or wear as a skirt with a chunky cream knit over the top. In summer wear with a white vest top under and white superga trainers. 

Levis Long Sleeve Dress £85

A fabulous, basic shirt dress can be dressed up with a trench thrown over and a pair of leopard print heels, in the summer pair it down with tan, flat strappy sandals.

Zara Denim Bib Front Dungaree dress £39.99

Another dungaree style dress, there is no getting away from them this year and they honestly are so comfortable, especially if you are like me and after having two kids I really cannot bear wearing tight waistbands! Wear with a breton top and some 70s style knee high tan boots. In the summer throw this over your bikini for a cool beach look.

Asos Girlfriend Shirt in Tencel now £21

A perfectly slouchy, grown up shirt, ideal to layer under a chunky cardigan now or wear with white jeans (as image) looks stunning!

Asos Denim Skirt £28

The skirt style of the year, Alexa Chung for AG jeans is the huge influence on this style. Look out for a similar style in Miss Selfridge and also a fab button through Alexa style dress, both are out of stock at the moment but due in end March.

M&S Button Through Skirt £25

A fabulous, basic skirt. Make sure you keep styling sharp with a trend edge to avoid this looking frumpy. Would look fab with a chambray/denim shirt tucked in and pointed strappy heels, or wear with a roll neck (slightly tucked in at the front) and heels with a long trench (see the streetstyle image above) 

Asos Denim Lab coat £38

Wear this over your little black dress with heels for a dressed up/dressed down look. This would work hard in your wardrobe, would look fab with leather leggings, a chunky sweater and trainers.

My Style:

The key denim pieces that will be playing a huge part in my Spring Summer wardrobe again this year!

Left: Denim Skirt - Topshop, Sweater- H&M, Coat-Zara, Bag & Shoes - M&S
Middle: Dress- Levis, Boots- Seven Boot Lane
Right: Jacket-Asos, Dungarees-H&M, Bag-&OtherStories, Top-Zara, Trainers- Stan Smith

Left: Sweater-Topshop, Top-Zara, Jeans-J Brand, Shoes-Nine West
Middle; Culottes-Chloe, top-H&M, Bag-Accessorize, Shoes-Acessorise
Right: Jacket-Zara, Jeans-Gap, Sandals-H&M

I hope this has inspired you a little, you may already have these denim pieces in your wardrobe this year so you can put a new spin on them. I love denim as it survives children's sticky hands, doesn't crease and it so comfortable!

What are your key denim pieces, how will you style them? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xx