Happy Sweaters...

Style Theory: Slogan sweaters make me happy. I am a huge fan of the more subtle slogan sweater, a hint, a word, irrelevant/relevant it doesn't really matter, they are fun and they are perfect for slinging on at the weekend with a pair of jeans and trainers or putting on for the schoolrun. They look cool and make a statement without saying a word.

In saying that, this sweater caught my eye when I saw it on Boden's website, it is not necessarily cool but I just love it...

Boden Slogan Sweater - £59.50 

Not exactly rock 'n roll, but so cute. I love the gold glittery 'Tea' (I am a sucker for a touch of glitter) and the sweater is seriously just my cup of tea! I sized up two sizes, this is a size UK14 I am normally a UK10, I probably could have gone just one size up but I do like them super slouchy so I am happy with this size.

Here are a selection of my favourite slogan sweatshirts to brighten up January...

Starting with the ultimate in slogan sweaters..Bella Freud

Bella Freud 1970 @ Net a Porter -  £280

Bella Freud Ginsberg is God @Net A Porter £270

Bella Freud Star Studded Jumper now £170

These sweaters are iconic worn by Kate Moss, they look so cool in the winter with black skinny jeans and boots or a leather/suede skirt and opaque tights. In the summer over denim shorts or a floral skirt a la Alexa Chung. They do come up slightly on the small side so if you are investing size up. I am saving up for one of these, they are on my wish list!

photos via Pinterest

I love Zoe Karssen too, her sweaters always have a cool edge..

Zoe Karssen @Very reduced from £140 to £70

On me this would be a pretty ironic statement as I am sooo not rock and roll..but worth it for the conversation.. Again I would size up in Zoe Karssen, I have one of her sweaters from a few seasons ago and bought the small but could have really done with the Medium as it is a little snug.

Zoe Karssen @Very Exclusive £100

Cute, understated, cool..

Whistles 'Bonjour' sweater £75

Simple and chic..

Whistles Le Marais £75

This is my favourite part of part of Paris so maybe kind of stating the obvious?! But it is a gorgeous sweater, neat and grown up, it would look fab with tailored, ankle length, black trousers and trainers or with black leather shorts and opaque tights. In the summer pair with pale blue skinny ankle length jeans and white supergas for a simple stylish look.

Topshop NYPD hoodie by Tee and Cakes £35

I saw this in store yesterday and love it. Buy big and wear under a bomber jacket with skinny jeans and trainers for a comfy and cool 90s look. Or sling over your gym gear..either way this hoodie will look fab.

Mango 1976 - £29.99

A good choice for the ladies turning 40 this year, a cool birthday present perhaps?

BDG Fairfax Sweatshirt Urban Outfitters £42

Love this pale blue, will look gorgeous in the summer with sunkissed skin and shorts. For now wrap a mid grey oversize scarf around the neck and wear with blue jeans and adidas superstar trainers.

Hush Sweater £50

Loving the look of this sweatshirt, Hush SS16 range has just launched and this is my favourite piece.

Sista sweatshirt - Selfish Mother £45

Selfish Mother have the most fabulous range of sweaters from 'Mother' to 'Sista' to 'Human' and the best thing is £15 from the sale of every sweater goes towards Women for Women International - an amazing charity that helps women in 8 war torn countries to rebuild their lives. They are, also fab sweaters really warm, thick and look great on (again size up, sloppy is good!)

So as you can probably tell I do prefer the more subtle slogans, I don't like them to be too 'in your face' or obvious. They are the most useful sweaters, clash them up with midi skirts, pair them down with jeans, any which way goes!!

Do you have any slogan sweaters, if so which are your favourite, are you a loud and proud slogan wearing or do you prefer subtlety? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

This Week's Fashion Fixes

Style Theory: Every week I will bring you a few ideas of items that have caught my eye and will bring your look up to date and see you through the next few seasons...

First Finery: I am slightly obsessed with this online store at the moment, their vision is 'to make modern, inspiring, sophisticated styling accessible, without compromise on quality' They keep to their promise, their range is beautifully tailored with a cool edge. Their prices are affordable and as this is not a hugely well-known brand at the moment (although I have no doubt it will be soon) you can be safe in the knowledge you will be the only one wearing it to an event. 

Here are my Finery top selection:

Carter Stripe Mixdaxi Dress £85

This is a beautiful, statement dress, perfect to wear to a wedding or summer event. The detailing is stunning and the peplum layer adds interest and also would detract from a mum tum. For a wedding I would wear with high black or nude shoes or for a more comfortable option wear with gold, flat, strappy gladiator style sandals. I have ordered this dress for my Brother in laws wedding this month.

I love these Whistles shoes

Tilla Point Mulle £150

These are the style of shoes you buy and can wear year after year with any type and colour of dress, jumpsuit, skirt or trousers, endlessly useful and so flattering on as they elongate your legs. My idea of high heel perfection.

Waveley Linear Scrawl Tie Waist Jumpsuit £65

Jumpsuits are now a must have in every womans wardrobe. Incredibly comfortable, practical and flattering, the midi length of this jumpsuit is perfect for 2015, the print is eye-catching and culotte style skirt has pockets.. I would style with my mango black strappy flat sandals (£18)..

Mango Strap Sandals £17.99

This dress looks extremely designer-esque. A timeless shirt dress style with edgy floral monochrome fabric. Wear with high strappy sandals or nude shoes for a chic wedding guest/ summer party look..

Wear with:

M&S Gillie Lace Up Stilletos £35 

These shoes are incredibly comfortable, leather and so on trend right now.

Finery Accessories

Clockwise from top left: Cheval Leather Ankle Strap Sandals £45
Bostall frame Handbag £99
Leyton Leather Spat Sandals £49
Lotus Leather High Heel Shoes £119

So different. all leather and neutral/metallic colours that can be worn day and night. These accessories will add that something different to your summer wardrobe, a 2015 update that will refresh your look.

The Blouse

French Connection Blouse £125

This is an investment piece for next season as 'bohemian, pretty romantic' blouses are going to be a key trend in AW15. Wear now with denim shorts and mango strappy sandals (above) wear in the winter with black skinny jeans/flares and knee high boots.

The Topshop Dress 

Topshop Ottoline Silk Dress £225 

This is a pricey dress but utterly beautiful. Perfectly styled by Alexa Chung with black pointed shoes, no accessories needed the dress does all the talking. Wear with black opaques and knee high boots in the winter. A dream dress and as I am about a foot smaller than Alexa it woud be a decent length on me! Out of stock at the moment online but I have been assured there is more stock coming in soon.

These are a few of the items that have caught my eye in the last couple of weeks and are on my shopping list that resides in my head and slowly I can make my way through it! What pieces have caught our eye this week, what are your fashion fixes this season? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

Every Girl Wants to be a Ballerina....

Style Theory: There are times when you just want to feel feminine and pretty, with all the androgynous looks in fashion at the moment why not add a floaty, pleated skirt to your wardrobe to add some girliness..

These skirts have been around for a few years so you may already have one in your wardrobe here are some ideas of how to style the pleated skirt:

Team your pleated skirt with a slouchy denim shirt 

For a daytime look wear with trainers, slightly shorter pleated skirts look good with trainers.

Make your skirt Autumn appropriate by wearing it with a tonal jumper.

Wear your grey pleated skirt with snakeskin shoes and a white shirt for a chic look.

Wear a floor length pleated skirt with a slouchy shirt for a dressed up/dressed down look. 

Leather or faux leather skirts look chic and sophisticated, wear with heels for a flattering look.

All images above via Pinterest

These skirts are great for transitional dressing, they can be worn in the height of summer with bare legs, a t-shirt and a pair of pointed heels or flats and in Autumn/Winter with a fine wool sweater and a pair of knee high boots or trainers.

I have finally got my hands on a pleated skirt (after years of wanting one) This one is from Whistles, I used the 25% off from last week's Grazia to buy it. It is a great length and weight so it hangs beautifully. You cannot help but feel very feminine in it, the crystal-pink hue would look fabulous with such an array of colours..tan, turquoise, blues and black. 

Jumper: Topshop similar here
Skirt: Whistles £115
Shoes: Zara similar here

Another outfit idea...

Coat: Zara similar here
Sweater: Whistles £85 (this is gorgeous, I love it)
Watch: Storm 'Rizzy' £115
Skirt: Whistles As above
Bracelet: Alex Monroe £120

I know I will wear my skirt over and over again, here are a few other options available now on the highstreet:

Reiss June Pleated Skirt £135

Asos Premium Pleated Skirt £60

Asos Pleated Skirt in Leather look £60

Asos Pink Pleated Skirt £30

Zara Leather Effect Olive Skirt £39.99

Asos Pleat Front Bonded Skirt £40

Do you already have a pleated skirt in your wardrobe, do you team yours with trainers or heels, are you finding it a useful item for this warm Autumn?

 

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

Phs by LasCallesdeBarcelona