Thursday, 8 January 2015

The Luxe Edit

Style Theory: Turning 40 in a couple of days has made me re-think my wardrobe. I am most definitely an impulse buyer, driven by trends more than saving for that all important investment piece. I really wish I could tell my 20 year old self not to buy so many cheap items but while I had some money hold out and invest in a few key pieces that I would still be wearing 15-20 years on and more. So here is my dream investment item list with a little outfit inspiration thrown in...
Chanel Classic Flap Bag £3075
So expensive, so timeless, so elegant, I am so never going to own one of these but a girl can have it on her dream list.
It looks good on..

Next the iconic Burberry Mac..
Burberry Classic Westminster Trench Coat £1195
My sister was bought a Burberry trench this Christmas by her lovely husband, so I had a trying on session.. It is just gorgeous, a real classic, timeless coat. She bought it in the stone colour and a slightly shorter version as we are all a little small in our family and the shorter version suited her petite frame. It is so beautifully made, the cut is outstanding and fabric sits perfectly...
Next  a Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Leopard print scarf. Leopard print is now a neutral in the fashion world, this scarf would go with any coat, wear in the winter or in the summer as a sarong. It is oversized and a gorgeous mix of cashmere and silk...
Louis Vuitton Leopard Stole £510

These scarves have been around since 2006 and are a classic. Of course you can find fabulous tributes on the high street and I think, for me, a tribute of this is good enough..

Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps, slick, stylish and forever cool. These shoes, as long as you take care of them, will see you through season after season...
Christian Louboutin at Net A Porter £425

These are so flattering on your leg and look as good with an evening dress as with distressed boyfriend jeans.

Chanel pumps, a timeless, elegant item of footwear that will not date..
Chanel Ballet Flats from £385


Wear summer or winter (dry days only) wear with dresses or jeans, always chic!

That little turquoise box from Tiffany's always excites and contains little treasures..I love this gold bracelet, understated but elegant..
Tiffany T Narrow Wire Bracelet £895
Or look for something vintage, I am looking for a beautiful vintage ring, I adore large, cocktail style rings that will stand the test of time. Try independent jewellers or John Lewis has a fabulous range of vintage jewellery (normally better in store than online)
John Lewis Vintage Brooch £105
 Finally Chanel costume jewellery..this is my favourite and utterly timeless range..
Chanel Diamante Signature Jewellery from £255
I had a pair of these earrings when I was younger, I lost them as I do with all my earrings..so now I have one.. 

Of course I could go on with my list, Max Mara camel coat, Celine coat, Isabel Marant trainers, Chanel Jacket, Chloe bag etc etc it is quite endless but the items above are my top buys if could I turn back the clock to my working days when I just had myself and my rent to pay for..however there is still time to reign in the impulse buys and focus on the classics!

Do you have any investment items you adore, what would be your top 5 classic buys?

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

Monday, 5 January 2015

Let's Get Started 2015!

Style Theory: The magazines are full of ideas of what to wear for the new season, the stores are trying to shift their winter stock at discount prices so what to buy now that will last you through Winter, Spring and Summer and onto next winter? I have a few ideas of things that have caught my eye and will be on my shopping list over the next few months...

Lets begin with a cool Winter/Spring look...

A chunky sweater, distressed black jeans, and pointed black boots are a winter staple.... switch up a black or grey sweater for forest green for a 2015 look. Wear this now with black jeans, wear in the evening with black skinny leather trousers and black /leopard print heels..
Jeans: Topshop Black Ripped Jamie Jeans £42
Jumper: Topshop £36
Boots: Urban Outfitters £85
Shoes:Topshop Mules £78


RING IN THE CHANGES IN RED AND PINK

Feeling the need to brighten up your wardrobe, these photos of Leandra Medine from Man Repeller and Atlantic Pacific inspired me and Mango came up with the highstreet clothing..

This outfit from the high street can be mixed and matched and will add some much needed colour to any winter wardrobe...

Jacket: Mango £59.99
Top: Mango £29.99
Jeans: Topshop Hayden Jean £42
Trainers: £65 Adidas Stan Smith
Shoes: Office £65
Bag: KG £49
I know my wardrobe needs a little colour after months of greys and beiges. Here are a few of my outfits from over the Christmas/ New Year holidays..

MY STYLE:
Adding a splash of colour with my &Others Stories Sadie Williams skirt..
Fine Wool Top: Cos
Skirt: &Other Stories X Sadie Williams
Boots: Russell and Bromley
Leopard Clutch: &Other Stories
Very similar to the outfit I have featured above..adore this Topshop jumper (link above), in fact, I think I wore it most of Christmas!...
Coat: Zara
Jumper: Topshop
Jeans: Oasis
Boots: Russell & Bromley
Bag: H&M
For ultimate comfort, my knitted suit, comfort level 10*......
Coat(in arm): Zara
Jumper and Trousers: Zara (in the sale now)
Bag: Aurora Living
Boots: Aldo
For a walk in woods...decided to add a bow to the neck of my dress with a piece of black jersey, this season for me it is all about bows...it was muddy so wellies were essential..
Coat: Zara
Dress: Asos
Wellies: Hunters
The Spring stock coming into the stores and online is looking pretty good this year, I am looking forward to a year full of new ideas, timeless classics and lots of inspiration all from the high street. I really hope you can join me for the ride....

Thank you again for your support throughout 2014 and here's to a stylish 2015..

Until next time, Frances xxxx

Saturday, 27 December 2014

Christmas Snapshot

So far this Christmas I have been....
Christmas shopping on Kings Road with sisters and friends..
Strolling through SW1 wearing what has to be my best items of this season..my Topshop faux fur coat and Aldo boots...


Visiting Winterville in the East End, with Little J and my little sister... found out we could still roller skate at the roller disco!
Christmas Eve sparkles in my H&M leggings...
Christmas morning excitement and chaos..the best moment of the year. My outfit...wearing my summer maxi under a jumper and fur coat with Aldo boots..

Wrapping up warm for Ice skating, carousel riding and hot chocolate at the park...
And finally Santa left a few things for me too!...
&Other Stories Sadie Williams Skirt
Zara Sweater
Cos Navy Fine Wool Jersey Top
Topshop Khaki Sweater  (I have worn this non-stop)
Asos Baby Kick Flares
Miller Harris La Pluie (One of my fave perfumes along with No.5)
Mac Lady Danger Lipstick
A swallow bracelet from a super special friend.
Next on the list what to wear for New Year and planning for my 40th Birthday party at the end of January...eek!!

Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. Thank you so much for all your support in 2014..looking forward to what 2015 has in store...

Love Frances xxx

Thursday, 18 December 2014

That 70s Show...in 2015

Style Theory: The Catwalks were awash with 70s influences when designers showcased their Spring/ Summer 2015 designs back in January and February this year. From Tom Ford to House of Holland 70s silhouettes, prints and fabrics dominated the catwalks. As always the highstreet is hot on their heels and 70s looks are starting to pepper the stores as the new season's stock hits. The Streetsylers have been workig this look for a while so maybe it is time to step away from the skinnies and oversize sweaters and welcome your new best friends..the skinny flare and tight poloneck...

Some inspiration first:











Images via Pinterest
Rules for creating the 70s look effectively:
For a day to day look keep to one or two pieces for a subtle approach.
Be mindful of your silhouette, when wearing skinny flares keep your top as close fitting and neat as you can (think skinny polonecks or close fitting tailored tops)
When wearing flares keep heels as high as possible to elongate the leg.
Wear your summer maxi dresses now with polonecks over the top (these do not need to be tight fitting) Again wear with high heeled boots (tan round toed boot look great) layer up with a pair of leggings or thick tight underneath for warmth.
Mix textures and fabrics, wear a fur coat with a floral jacquard top underneath..pair this with skinny jeans if you are not ready to dive head first into the trend.

Here are my 70s picks from the High Street:

Topshop High Neck Pleated Pussybow Blouse £45
Wear this blouse with a pair of skinny flares and heels for a 70s boho look. This blouse can also be found in store in peach and black.
Mango Paisley Print Blouse £34.99
Very retro, wear this shirt with a short A-line leather skirt and black opaques and shoe boots for a cool look.
Topshop Long Sleeve Ribbed Polo Neck £18
The skinny poloneck, wear with some skinny flares or layer underneath a tunic dress and knee high boots for a cute 70s look.
Free People First Kiss Dress £128
Perfect for Christmas day, I would pair with a pair of knee high tan, heeled boots.
Miss Selfridge Jacquard Collar Playsuit £45
A cute retro playsuit, love the collar and the print. Wear with opaques and black suede shoe boots.
Topshop Chunky Faux Fur Jacket £89
As you know I have this coat and have worn it so much, it is quite dramatic. It can be dressed down with skinny jeans and trainers or worn with skinny flares, heels and a pussy bow blouse for full 70s glamour.
Asos Baby Kick Flare £35
Gorgeous (very skinny) kick flares, taking the scariness out of the move from skinnies to flares!

My Style
I am a huge fan of the 70s look, here are a few of my retro outfits that I have worn this year..
Left: Culottes - M&S
Sweater: Mango
Bag: M&S
Boots: Russell and Bromely
Right: Sweater - H&M
Skirt - Topshop
Shoes - M&S
Coat - Zara
Left: Skirt - Cos
Shirt - H&M
Shoes - H&M
Coat - M&S
Right: Jumper - Topshop
Jeans - J Brand
Coat - Topshop
Sweater - Whistles
Jeans - J Brand Lovestory
Scarf - Accessorize
Dress - Topshop
Jumper - Topshop
Bag - H&M
Obviously I am smitten with the 70s..are you ready to take the plunge into 70s..or are you going to steer clear of it?

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