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

The Long and Short of it...

Style Theory: Shorts..incredibly practical, a key item in any Summer wardrobe and when styled right they can look pretty cool....

ph via Pinterest

Here are a selection of the best shorts from the high street that will be endlessly useful throughout the summer..

The Khaki Short

Hush Marseille Shorts £40

H&M £14.99

Khaki is a neutral that you can throw on with any colour top. I particularly like khaki with bright oranges and denim. These shorts would look stunning with a lightweight denim shirt and a pair of tan strappy sandals.

The Denim Short

Levis 501 Cut Off Shorts £45

Fat Face Short £38

Denim shorts, year after year these are the perfect item to wear on hot sunny days, perfect for walking down to the beach with a boho top and a pair of black sliders. I have the Fat Face shorts, they are a supersoft denim and actually slightly longer on than in the image (see photo in My Style below) so they are perfect for wearing day to day in the UK, I tend to feel more comfortable in the shorter shorts on holiday!

The Patterned Short

Zara High Waisted Print Shorts £29.99

H&M £14.99

A dressed up version of the short, taking you seamlessly through from day to night. During the day pair them with a neutral grey t-shirt, in the evening wear with a loose, soft cream blouse tucked in and again I would pair with flat tan strappy sandals.

The Skort

Topshop Textured Wrap Skort £36

Topshop PU Asymmetric Wrap Skorts £36

These are really flattering as the front section hits further down the leg and the points elongate the legs. These are great when chasing after the kids in the evening on holiday, they create the effect of a skirt without the exposure when bending down to pick up a child!

The Longer City/Boyfriend Short

Asos Linen City Shorts £18

Gap Boyfriend Short £24.99

I have long been a fan of the long short (see streetstyle Pinterest photo above top middle of Pandora Sykes) the styling is perfect. I love these with an oversize striped shirt and flat black pointed shoes. I wore these when I was in my 20s constantly and I really feel the need to bring back this styling as it is super flattering and such a cool look.

Shorts are definitely worth their weight in gold for me in the summer, so easy to throw on, so comfortable and look good. My advice, as usual, is to try, try lots of different styles on, length is really important so they hit your leg at the correct, most flattering point. To flatten a tummy avoid pleated fronts and go for a flat fronted short. 

MY STYLE 

Coat: H&M similar here
Top: Zara similar here
Shorts: c/o Fat Face £38
Bag: Spain Boutique
Sandals: Mango £19.95

Are you a fan of shorts, do you wear them constantly in the summer, or am I just getting older and loving the idea of them?! 

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

The Perfect Shirt Dress

Style Theory: I have just seen this most perfectly, perfect shirt dress and had to share it with you...First spotted it on Sincerely Jules..

My immediate thoughts that it was gorgeous and must be very, very designer..oh the excitement when I found it was from Anthropologie then eek at the price but if I make sure I don't buy anything else until summer holidays (yeah right) then maybe I can add this to my summer holiday clothes??..

 Anthropologie Marina Chambray Dress £128

Style with these accessories for evening....

1. Sunglasses - Next £15
2. Pom Pom Keyring - Poppy London £27
3. Willow Leather Bag - Aurora Living £59.50
4. Espadrille - Mint Velvet £99
5. Earrings - Accessorize £15

For day swap heels for comfy flats....

1. Sunglasses - Topshop £16
2. Leather Satchel Topshop £65
3. Sandals - Palmairas £40
4.Earrings - Accessorize £6

A chic little summer holiday outfit that can work for day or night, or wear over your swimsuit for a super stylish (if a little expensive) cover up..well, a girl can dream..!

Next time the very best beautiful, crisp white tops on the high street..with arm coverage..now I am getting a little older I feel more comfortable with the upper arms being under wraps.

Thanks so much for reading as always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxx

Thanks to Donna at I Won't Wear Sludge Brown for bringing those fab Mint Velvet espadrilles to my attention xx

Schoolrunstyle & GEOX Invites you to a Shopping Event at Peter Jones, London on 1st April 2015

SchoolRunStyle readers, you are invited by GEOX shoes and I to Peter Jones, Sloane Square, London on Wednesday 1st April for an Exclusive Shopping Event.

There will be Pink Bubbles and Macarons on arrival, with Fashion workshops, makeovers, gifts with purchases and free giveaways.

Come visit me in the ladies shoe department on 1st Floor with GEOX, I will be on hand to give styling advice and fashion tips. I will also be giving away two pairs of fabulous GEOX shoes, one pair to the first SchoolRunStyle reader there with the answer to the question 'What makes GEOX shoes unique?' (Clue: Check out the title on their website)Come and find me to in the Ladies Shoe Department to win.

The second pair will be drawn out of a hat at 7pm, again come find me to get a ticket!

I would absolutely love you to join us, it will be an evening of fun and Fashion!

I look forward to meeting you, Frances xxxx

25% Off Boden This Weekend..The Best Bits

Style Theory: 25% off Boden until Monday 30th with free delivery and returns (with code EGGS) always a great time to get a few key items that will work as excellent basics for your summer wardrobe, also a few extra special accessories that will add a wow factor to an outfit.

So first the items that have caught my eye this season and ideas of how to style them...

The Chic, Useful Cardigan

Boden Favourite Cardigan £36.75 (25% off)

A versatile piece, can be thrown over a white t-shirt, denim shorts and strappy tan sandals. With a maxi dress or in the summer with white top and jeans. Here are a few ideas...

The Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere Crew Neck Navy £74.25 (25% off)

I have a navy cashmere sweater and it is one of the most luxurious, most worn items in my wardrobe. Boden cashmere is fabulously soft and machine washable. I wear mine with distressed jeans and heels (with my Boden Alice heels as they have navy in them- great for a dressed down/dressed up look) and a bright coat. I also like to wear with t-shirt underneath and denim shorts and sandals, keeps me just the right temperature on warmer UK days.

The Grey Merino Sweater

Merino Wool Sweater £17.70

Was tipped off by Natalie from GlamRosie about this jumper and what a bargain, in fact I was so excited I have just ordered myself one to fill a little gap in my wardrobe. This is again, such a useful hardworking piece in your wardrobe, from wearing it with jeans to denim skirts to full on patterned midi skirts this is a must have item.

The Breton

Long Sleeve Breton £18.75 (25% off)

I have had two of these Boden bretons for a few years, they wash well and keep their shape and colour. A wardrobe staple, can be worn year after year after year..

The Denim/Chambray Dress

April Tunic Dress £55.30

A really useful price, wear with black opaque tights and black shoes boots in the colder, spring days. In the summer pair with white/silver Superga's for a laid back, comfortable look.

The Summer Event Dress

Long Sleeve Selina Dress £104.25 (25% off)

I love the print of this dress, it reminds me a little of the D&G dress Keira Knightley wore (see below). I would add some a little colour to this with a pair of pale (or even bright) pink shoes and some matching lipstick for a fabulous wedding guest outfit.

The Killer Accessories

Alice Mid Heels £89.25 (25% Off)

The heel of the season, bright, fun chic and really wearable. I have worn mine loads, they can be matched and clashed with so many outfits. Dress them up, dress them down you will wear them non-stop.

Lille Lace-Ups £66.75

The lace up shoe is a key look for Spring Summer 15, these are stunning versions and with 25% off more affordable.

Definitely worth having a little browse if you are in summer clothes shopping mode. The Alice shoes have a couple of weeks wait for delivery but they will still be the 25% off price if bought today or tomorrow. Right I am off to order a few items..

Are you a Boden basics fan, how do you find their clothing? I have got to admit I always have to have a bit of a search through as lots of it is not my style but I do love the styles above and I always buy my kids a few items (on the 25% off days) for each season as I do find the kids clothes really last and my two wear their Boden outfits loads.

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

*this was not a sponsored post I just thought the 25% off made the items I have been looking at over the last few months a little more affordable!
Streetstyle photos via Pinterest

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