The Ideal Black Ankle Boot

Style Theory: Ankles are starting to get a little cold so it is time to encase them in a stylish and practical pair of ankle boots. Ankle boots that can be warn both casually during the day and for a night out is the kind of boot I am after and I think I have found them..

First some ankle boot inspiration..

Wear with a long black maxi dress in the Spring

Black boots look fabulous with a flippy skirt and opaque tights.

The Chloe Susannas looking perfect with black skinny jeans and faux fur.

Love the look of black boots with sheer patterned tights 

Go volumious on your top and keep jeans skinny with ankle boots finishing off a flattering silhouette.

Perfect for a casual day look.

Wear with distressed jeans for a cool look.

In the winter, black boots look their best with black skinny jeans or skirts and opaque tights. Dress up your skinny jeans with a pussy-bow blouse for an 'on trend' night out look.

Here are my favourite Ankle Boots on the high street now..

 The Chelsea Boot:

Dune Petra Boots £89

The pointed toe add sophistication to this boot..

The Zip Detail Boot:

Dune Ladies Ninety Black Boots £115

Match the gold zip with gold, fine jewellery and an all black outfit, throw a camel coat over the top for a casual and chic look.

The Buckle Boot:

LK Bennet Betsy Ankle Boot now £195

These are the 'grown up' boot in the selection, beautiful leather in a classic shape. This is the boot that you will wear season after season.

The Classic Suede Ankle Boot:

Ash Jalouse Boots now £124

A modern classic shape, the deep V at the front of these boots means that they are supremely flattering on the legs. These are without a doubt the boots to wear with dresses and look just as good in the spring/summer as in the winter.

The Chain Detail Boot:

Marks and Spencer Chain Trim Ankle Boot £45 (not leather)

These are not leather but are super comfortable, I have tried them on. They are a good take on the chain detail trend and are so reasonable.

The Brogue Boot:

Carvela Boots at John Lewis £128 (on price match)

Love the brogue detailing on these, pair them with ankle length skinny jeans and an oversize grey sweater for a cool and cosy winter look.

The Studded Boot:

Aldo Bugiano Boot now £84.98

I have bought these boots and am so pleased with them. They are low enough at the front to wear with tights and skirts, they finish at a flattering part of the leg. I have been a huge fan of the Chloe Susanna boot for a few years and these are about as near to them as I will get (or afford) and have just been reduced from £110..

I am wearing them here with my faux leather leggings..

Jumper: H&M
Top: J Crew
Boot: Aldo Bugiano Boot £84.98
Leather Bag: Aurora Living Willow Bag £55

They have a fair amount of bling gold hardware on them but I really love them and they are comfortable too!

Have you got your winter ankle boots, do you have old faithfuls that you wear every year, how do you style yours?

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

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Her - Under £50

Style Theory: 10 luxurious and affordable gifts for her all under £50. Each and every one I would love to find under the Christmas tree..hope they provide you with some inspiration for the special women in your life..or to add to your Christmas list..

Aurora Living 'Willow Bag' £55

A smidgen over £50 this beautiful, soft, leather cross body bag is the perfect gift. It is super chic, with the same lines as the minimal Celine Trio bag (but a fraction of the price) and comes in five gorgeous colours (see Aurora Living Style for all the colours). It can been worn across the body for a day look, or remove the strap for a stunning evening clutch. For an extra £18 you can have initials engraved on it to make it that extra special. A truly luxurious and affordable gift that can be used day after day, without a doubt at the top of my list! 

Warehouse All Over Jewel Sweater £46

Sparkly, festive and chic, this sweater ticks all the boxes, can be dressed up with full midi skirt/ leather trousers and heels or wear to look chic on your Christmas Day walk in the woods with skinny jeans and Hunters. 

Zara Slouch Sweater - Navy £45.99

A fabulous basic sweater than can be teamed with a pair of silver sequin leggings (see H&M) and ankle boots on Christmas Day or cuddle upon Boxing day with a pair of slouchy jeans and trainers.

Accessorize Bright Blanket Scarf £19

This is a stunning scarf, looks fab with a camel coat and will brighten up Christmas morning.

Giant Pom Pom Hat (Olivia Hat)- Pom Pom Poodle £55

This hat looks seriously fabulous on. The fur pom pom is huge and looks amazing, a real statement, you need to be slightly gutsy to wear it but I can guarantee it will look striking! It comes in 5 gorgeous autumnal colours, use the code POM14 at the checkout and get 10% off - bringing it neatly down to under £50...(order by 22nd Dec for a pre-Christmas delivery)

 Z for Accessorize from £8 to £30

I am a huge fan of this range of fine gold jewellery from Accessorize.  Each piece is gold plated and hand-crafted with semi-precious stones, with prices from £8 these rings, necklaces and earrings make gorgeous and reasonable gift for friends.

Cos Underwear - Bra £19 Lace Knickers £15

A beautiful delicate lace underwear set with scalloped edges and a cool neon elastic trim. 

White Company Winter Candle £20

Always a Christmas favourite a warm, scented candle. The Winter candle from The White Company is one of my favourites, a spicy scent with cinnamon, clove and a touch of orange, Christmas in a candle...

Pineapple Jewellery Box at Urban Outfitters £25

Pineapples are having a moment this season, get the cool chick in your life this cute jewellery box, it will liven up any dressing table.

Carluccios Panettone el Ciocolato e Prosecco £25.95

A genius idea, who wouldn't want to enjoy a chilled, crisp glass of Prosecco with a slice of traditional or chocolate panettone. Order this to be sent to a love one or you can create your own Carluccios hamper full of delicious Italian foods. 

OR

Laduree Gift Box Incontournable £26.50

For those ladies with a sophisticated, sweet tooth. Select a gift set of beautiful macarons, choose which flavours to include and send to a love one. A delicious and chic present..

There ends my top 10 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Her under £50, I know I would adore any one of these gifts. I hope they have given you some inspiration. Happy Shopping..it definitely is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas..!

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

Christmas Party - Outfit Post

Style Theory: My aim...A Christmas party outfit that was comfortable and a little different, involving lots of clashing textures and colours and this was the result. 

Chunky Fur Coat - Topshop £89.99
Dress - H&M £29.99 (available in-store) or similar here
Leopard Print clutch - &Other Stories £19
Shoes - Dune Breanna £89 (via Debenhams)

I tried this dress on in H&M a few months ago and loved the deep teal colour and for £29.99 it was really reasonable. The pink Dune shoes are the nearest I will get to Manolo Blahniks and look elegant on. 

The Topshop faux fur coat is quite grand but I think if I am going to wear faux fur I may as well go for full drama. It is the kind of coat that looks just a good with trainers as is does with an evening dress.

The leopard print clutch from &OtherStories was a great size and I liked the authentic (faux) leopard print fur on it. Leopard print is now in the realms of a neutral, I consider it the same as black when pairing it with outfits so I know I will get plenty of use out of this.

With the husband in the lift...he is not a fan of photos! 

The party was at The Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall, we stayed there too. It was stunning, extremely luxurious and a fabulous location, so central, 2 minutes from Covent Garden, across the river from the London Eye. It has one of the best Spas in London, unfortunately due to our not so good time management and a poorly little son we didn't get a chance to use it...maybe next time! 

Corinthia Hotel, London

Corinthia Hotel, London

Espa Life at Corinthia London

Photos via Pinterest 

With a few more Christmas parties to go to and of course Christmas Day (although it will be not full partywear) I have a few more outfits to put together and will share them with you..

Have you had your Christmas party, what did you wear? Are you a fan of clashing up your outfits? I would love to hear your ideas, thoughts and comments, until next time Frances x

Chanel Inspired Victoriana Look

Style Theory: Chanel's Metiers d'Art show that took place this week in Salzburg was a flurry of Austrian traditional dress with frills, feathers, lederhosen and bows. It re-ignited my love of the Victorian look that has been bubbling as an undercurrent through trends. I am a huge fan of lace, high necks, bows and adore the intricate mix of florals appliques, net and leather.

Images via Pinterest

Now perhaps the Victoriana look was not necessarily the look Mr Lagerfield was looking to emmulate when to creating his semi-couture collection. However, it did bring the look back to my conscience and reminded me how fabulous it looks..

Here are few Victorian inspired items available on the highstreet now..

Maje blouse @Net a Porter £160

As seen on Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, not normally a huge fan of her style but I love this blouse..this is selling out fast..

Cheryl Fenandez Versini

A cheaper option from Zara..

Zara Contrast Tie Blouse £59.99

Zara Bowed Blouse £39.99

Slightly more dramatic in a red, wear the bow done up or loose for different looks.

Topshop High Neck Pleated Blouse £45

I am a huge fan of this blouse, the high collars are so flattering. This blouse would look fab tucked into skinny flares and heels for a Christmas night out and wear in the summer with denim shorts and gold flat sandals. It is very sheer so a vest top is required underneath, also available in black and red.

Topshop Chiffon Lace Blouse £38

Very Downton, wear with a pencil leather skirt and leopard print pumps for a chic look, or dress down with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and animal print heels for a laid back evening outfit.

Oasis Lace High Neck Tee £35

Very basic but looks good in 'real life'. Throw over a longline cardigan and wear with black skinny jeans and flat ballet pumps

Zara Lace Blouse £39.99

Wear with black jeans for a cool, all black look.

Asos Lace Victoriana Floral top £12

Cheap and cheerful, not sure about the quality of this but I like the twist with the floral fabric underneath.

Asos Top with High Neck £32

I would have to pile on the fake tan with this top but those of you with more olive skins this is beautiful (I would add a nude vest top underneath)

Asos Cynthia Vincent top was £265 now £79

A beautiful, lightweight chiffon blouse, an amazing reduction and all sizes available. Also in white.

My Style..

For a spot of shopping, my old Zara Victoriana lace top with my new Topshop fur coat and of course my trusty Stan Smiths..

So there is my round up based loosely on the Victoriana trend. It is a look that has been around for a while and has stood the test of time. It still looks chic and elegant and can be worn casually or for a night out.

Are you fan, do you have any Victoriana style tops hanging in your wardrobe or do any of the tops above catch your eye?

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

Luxurious and Classic Christmas Gifts for Her - under £100

Style Theory: An edit of gorgeously, indulgent Christmas gifts for the 'classic lady'..for you, your sisters, your Mum or close friends. This is the first of my Christmas present posts and features a selection of luxurious gifts us girls would not buy ourselves but we would love to find under the Christmas tree....

J Crew Tilly Sweater £75

This lightweight, merino wool sweater will be one of the most hardworking items in your wardrobe. Wear with jeans or tucked into an opulent midi skirt, with embellished ankle length trouser or with a leopard print a-line skirt...it is so versatile. Add a statement necklace for extra sparkle. 

Boden Jewelled Pumps now £77.40

These have reached almost iconic status this year, they will add a touch of sparkle to any everyday outfit and will make a Christmas Day 'look' that little bit special. They are flat so are practical and now have been reduced to £77.40...a real Christmas treat..

&Other Stories Leopard Mini Bag £65

Leopard print is now regarded as a neutral in fashion terms. This bag can be teamed with any outfit, any colour coat adding a chic and fashionable twist.

Beckondergaard Supersize Scarf £69 @Atterley Road

A beautiful wool and silk mix, oversize scarf in a neutral colour, I have this scarf in light brown and black and it is without a doubt my most worn scarf. It is a great investment and will look fabulous with all colours of coat...it is worth it!

Anna Lou of London Initial Disc Necklace £67.50

Classic, beautiful initial necklaces, chose the initials of your loved one's children, a gorgeous gift to treasure forever.

Bobbi Brown Lip and Palette Set @John Lewis £59

A beautiful array of colours that will enhance you eyes, and add a touch of glamour to your make up collection.

Creme De La Mer @John Lewis £105 (30ml)

The ultimate in face indulgence, claims to have 'transformational (is that even a word?) and efficacious results'...worth a try...

Chanel No 5 @John Lewis £61.20 for 50ml - price match today

You cannot get a more chic, classic perfume, the original Chanel no. 5...an enduring signature perfume. 

Yawn Pyjama Set £95

These are gorgeous, 100 % cotton sateen, oversize pyjamas in quirky prints. They are super comfortable, so much so you will want to wear them all day.. Perfect and luxurious sleepwear.

The White Company Large 3 Wick Pomegranate Candle £55

A warm, inviting fragrance, comforting for the cold winter months,

Laura Ashley Throw £63

I imagine this blanket thrown over the back of an antique brown leather sofa, gorgeously cosy with an open fire burning and the Christmas lights twinkling..

Filofax @John Lewis £55

So old skool but I do love a leather Filofax, it is so useful and you do not have to rely on charging it up in order to remember what is happening in your life (yes, I am old!)

NutriBullet £99

The NutriBullet will make the January detox so much easier, or help overindulgence over the Christmas period. It makes the most delicious and super healthy smoothies, easy and absolutely no fuss.. I have one and can confirm it is so easy to use and clean...

That is my round up of slightly luxurious gifts for under £100, will any of these be on your Christmas list..I know they may be a few on mine..what is your dream luxurious gift? 

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, next time Gifts for Her £50 and then gifts for him...(always tricky!) Frances xx