January 'Pick me ups..'

Style Theory: It is cold, in January all you want to be is cosy and comfy,  here are a few gorgeous items that will brighten up your wardrobe and make you feel super snug and stylish at the same time..

1. Striped Jumper £70 Topshop Boutique

2. Pink Leather Embroidered Clutch £75 SayWhatYouC

3. Gold Plated Name Necklace £58 AnnaLou Of London

4. Versailles Sweater £26 Topshop

5. Cashmere Sweater £79.60 Boden

6. Ugg Boots £150 Office 

7. Lime and Bay Candle  £20 The White Company

8. Super Soft Large Scarf £16 Topshop 

9. Marl Pleated Skirt £30 Topshop

10. Gold Plated Love Bangle £25 SayWhatYouC

11. Golden Goose Low Top Trainers £280 Matches Fashion 

I am slightly obsessed with pink at the moment and feel a few items in a soft pink lifts my current wardrobe staples and makes my outfits softer but also slightly more appealing and spring-like. The cashmere Boden sweater is a real luxury buy and has 20% off at the moment. The pink leather clutch is beautiful from a new brand I have recently found called SWYC, they have some stunning pieces (love these totes) so unusual. The pink clutch will look as good in the summer as it will in the winter to brighten up an outfit.

I am a sucker for a stripe jumper, I saw this one in store (and on Stylonylon) it is gorgeous, super snuggly, it will look fab with with skinny jeans and Uggs for the schoolrun or a comfy weekend outfit. I know people are either fans or hate Ugg boots (my little sister refuses to walk with me if I am wearing them) but there is no doubt they are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. I love mine and often pull them on for the schoolrun (I cannot bear my feet being cold) if you are a fan it is worth investing in them as you will get your money's worth. I am currently wearing my old ones (complete with holes) as slippers... perfect for cold mornings.

I love the thought of when it gets a little warmer wearing the pleated skirt above with the grey sweater and pink Golden Goose trainers, a very 2016 look. In the meantime it will look fab with brown 70s style boots and a black poloneck. Cool but also super practical.

My Style

I have been living in my pink American Vintage cardigan..love it!

Blouse - Warehouse (in store)
Cardigan - American Vintage £110
Clutch - SWYC £75 (gifted)
Faux Leather Trousers - QuattroRish
Boots - QuattroRish

Slowly, slowly introducing colour back into my wardrobe so by Summer my wardrobe will be looking more alive again!

Hope you are keeping warm in this cold January, there are some gorgeous trends coming through on the high street so this season's fashion is looking fab, I will be updating on all the new, exciting things I have spotted. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

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Outfit Post - The Ultimate Kick Flare Jean

Style Theory: There is a new 'hot' jean on the block, well, not completely new it has been knocking around since last year but this year the 'crop kick flare' will come into it's own. Frequently worn by Alexa Chung, the crop kick flare is a move on from the 70s slightly flappy crop flare we saw dominating the high street last summer. This flare is like a shrunken bell bottom jean, it is tight on the thigh and knee and kicks out gently mid calf. The jean ideally finishes just above your ankle bone and looks fabulous with every footwear from trainers to ankle strap shoes to heeled ankle boots. 

Images via Pinterest

Due to the skinny jean shape and the kick flare, this style is super flattering on the width of the leg but does not lengthen so if you are a shorty like me, heels are best (although I will be wearing these with my trainers in the summer even if my legs do look short!) Wear them tight and they will flatter.

I have found my ideal pair J Brand Selena, crop boot leg jeans. They are super expensive but as soon as I put them on they fitted perfectly, had the most fabulous stretch and were the perfect length, I knew I would get my money's worth out of them..

Blouse - &Other Stories £65 (available in store - sold out online) or similar here

Jumper - Mango (old season) similar here

Jeans - J Brand @ House Of Fraser £220

Boots - Topshop Boots £79

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650

Coat - Maje now £239.50

They really are comfy jeans and will look fab with white trainers (stan smiths/Golden goose/Adidas superstars/ Superga platform) in the spring and summer. The kick flare at the bottom makes my ankles look a little thinner and I love the high waist, it holds in my mum tum. I sized down one size smaller than my normal jeans as these look better tight and jeans do always give a little. They also come in black but the dark blue will take me from winter to summer, they will look great with off the shoulder tops (I have my eye on lots of Russian style tops) and flip flop or slides. 

J Brand Selena Jeans @House Of Fraser £220

There are lots of brands of kick flare jeans on the high street if you fancy just 'dipping your toe in the water' of this trend..here are a few options..

Topshop Crop Kick Flare £36

Warehouse Cropped Kick Flare £15

River Island now £12

River Island now £12

So it is definitely worth bagging yourself a pair now when they are in the sale, if you have time try on a few pairs so you get the right, flattering length and fit. Jeans are always so hard to get right so when you find a good pair that fit and flatter go for it.

The Hotel my sister stayed in above was the St Ermins, Marriott Hotel, London. It was gorgeous, lovely, quite bijou room, the hotel was beautiful inside with fab staff. Me and my husband went home (nothing can beat my own bed - I am such a homebody, although I must admit Marriott beds do come a close second!) 

Are you a fan of this style of jean, did you buy a pair last year. I kinda love my J Brand ones and will be wearing them non stop this year..

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

Pretty in Pink

Style Theory: The grey winter days always draw me towards a soft, pink palette, it seems to make your skin glow and will add a little, subtle touch for colour to your winter/spring and summer 2016 wardrobe. 

The SS16 catwalks were full with differing shades of pinks, from pale pink organzas to soft tulles to pleated fuschias mixed with golds (Isabel Marant) and reds (Chanel)...

Chanel, Chloe, Carolina Herrera, Tibi

Stella McCartney, Delpozo, Erdem, Alexander McQueen

Chanel, Isabel Marant, Gucci, Rochas

All images above via Pinterest

As you can see above pink featured in so many designer's SS16 collections and it will therefore follow suit on the high street. The fashionistas on the street were quick to pick up on this colour trend wearing pink with aplomb..

Ph via Pinterest

So how does this translate down to the high street? The colour is coming through in knitwear, dresses and accessories. Mix with neutrals (greys, camels, denim and black) or clash up with merlot and red to create eyecatching, feminine looks...

Whistles @House of Fraser £160

A beautiful shade of pink and a fabulous shape of sweater. Slightly expensive but it is 100% cashmere (hand wash) Wear with skinny blue jeans, white trainers and an oversize pale grey scarf for Spring perfection.

Mango @John Lewis £39.99

Style this jumper as above or wear with a silver pleated midi skirt and merlot coloured heels for a cool look.

French Connection @John Lewis £75

A beautiful, soft pink, I would size up on this sweater and wear with slouchy grey tracksuit pants and stan smith trainers, add a contrasting grey scarf and biker jacket for a chic, laid back look.

&Other Stories £69

This silk shirt is a classic shape brought up to date with a neck tie. This would look stunning tucked into a pair of boyfriend jeans with black heels or wear with tailored ankle length trousers and Chanel-esque pumps.

H&M Crepe Blouse £14.99

A budget, wardrobe basic, this crepe blouse will look great unbuttoned slightly with fine gold necklaces layered, tucked into a pair of ankle length skinny jeans.

Cos Drape Detail Top £59

To balance out this floaty top I would pair it with skinny jeans or tailored trousers, add a pair of pointed kitten heels for added glamour.

Finery Satin Trapeze Dress £45

This dress is gorgeous, wear it now with black opaques and black heels (it has black bonded fabric on the inside so would look fab with black accessories) wear in the summer with flat, tan, strappy sandals.

Finery Mallow Tunic Dress £49

A stunning dress, buy now wear in the summer with strappy sandals or with white trainers.

&Other Stories Cap £35

I am slightly obsessed with caps at the moment, this would look fab with a grey oversize coat and skinny leather leggings and trainers.

&Other Stories £12

Love these, I will have to buy them.. gorgeous with pale pinks, greys and beiges.

Burberry Fuschia Pink Scark £335

I know, ridiculously expensive for a scarf but this is pretty gorgeous and a nice addition to any wardrobe should you be able to afford it.

&Other Stories Cashmere Scarf £65

Super soft and in a beautiful colour, a real luxury item, perfect for travelling (use as a pillow) indulgence at its best.

My Style

Last days of Christmas holidays, I have worn this cardigan non stop (a Christmas present from my Mum and Dad) love love it!

Cardigan - American Vintage @Quattrorish £110
Dungarees - H&M Old
Sweater - Boden 
Bag - Gucci @Selfridges £650
Bangle - Black and Sigi 
Shoes - Topshop £12 (sold out)

So I, for one, adore pink and will be buying a few pieces this season to add colour to my wardrobe. I will still be sizing up on all sweaters so they are slouchy and baggy and will be keeping trousers and jeans neat and skinny (although current Christmas excess weight makes this slightly tricky!)

Are you a fan of pink, will you be indulging in this colour trend this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx

Sales Talk....

Style Theory: My top sales picks for Aw15. Keeping a mix of classic adding some key trend items and some little extra special items that I cannot resist..

Boden Mia Jumper in Charcoal now £41.30

A great basic jumper with a slight 'Tibi' style neckline. This jumper will look great with a pale grey oversize wool scarf and skinny jeans and boots or pair with leather shorts, opaques and wedge loafers for a smarter look.

Boden Cordelia Heel now £41.70

These are the most stunning shoes I have tried on this year, they look amazing on and will be your Spring Summer shoe with any type of dress. As leopard is now considered a neutral these can be paired with plain colours, stripes, boyfriend jeans, culottes, the list is endless..I am definitely ordering them!

Topshop Long Sleeves Lace Top now £28

This top has a real designer look to it, wear with blue jeans and trainers for a cool going out look from the winter through to the summer. I love the high neck and the sheer arms, so flattering and chic. It has been reduced from £52, so a good buy.

Topshop Fluroescent Lace Pencil Skirt now £20

A fairly inexpensive skirt to wear with a grey T shirt and heels or grey fine knit jumper and heels to a smart event or a wedding.

Topshop Premium Fur Lined Parka now £50

This is a beautiful sumptuous parka, it looks amazing on. It would look just as good thrown over skinny jeans and trainers as it would over an evening dress for a cool look. It was £98 so again, a good discount.

Somerset by Alice Temperley Jumper £29.50

This really jumper caught my eye in John Lewis, it is soft merino wool, a slightly fitted shape and has the most beautiful gold buttons on the sleeves adding a luxurious finish. I tried on the UK 14 or 16 and I preferred it on the more generous side. It is one of those jumpers that would look good with leather skirt, opaque tights and heels and a parka thrown over. Another sweater I think I cannot live without..

Mango Flowy Shirt @HoF now £19.99

I bought this blouse for my sister for Christmas (before the sale!) and it looks gorgeous on. It can be worn buttoned up with the neck tie or unbuttoned with the necktie loose around your neck like a skinny scarf. The fabric hangs beautifully and it is one of those really useful additions to your wardrobe, in the summer it will look fab with ankle length skinny jeans and white supergas.

MiH Denim dungarees @Net a Porter now £118

I am slightly obsessed with these dungarees, they are perfect. I wore my black dungarees non stop last year and these are a step up. They are a gorgeous shape with the button detail adding interest. They have been reduced from £295 and could be worn all year through (especially in the UK where summers are really not hot!) 

Chinti and Parker top @Net a Porter now £90

This is a great winter to summer top. I adore a peplum, it covers my mum tum, gives the (much needed) illusion of a waist and flatters my hips and legs. This top would be great with skinny jeans and an oversize cardigan in the winter and in the summer with skinny pale blue ankle length jeans and trainers.

Finery Hemming Satin Trapeze Dress £45

A 'wow' dress for a small price. This dress would be perfect for any upcoming weddings/summer events or just to wear on holiday out for dinner. The shade would look fabulous against sunkissed skin and I would wear with tan or red strappy sandals. For now add a chunky grey cardigan over the top and black opaques and ankle boots for a cool look.

Topshop Festive Strappy Shoes now £12

Just because I could not resist these for £12, they are winging their way to me, I have no idea what they will be like quality-wise but I love the red velvet and cute shape and for £12?!

So there is my round up of some of the best sales pieces on the high street, I have had to soo hold back not to order them all as I really think they are key pieces and all have a place in my wardrobe but unfortunately finance do not allow it! 

My Style

I bought the skirt in the photos below from my local Topshop but it seems to be a one off as I cannot find it anywhere online. The brand is Navy but I cannot find this brand online so I think it may be super old stock dragged out for the sale or a brand only found in Oxford Street, if I find out I will let you know. Anyway, it is a fab little skirt, it has an elasticated waistband (phew) and is a flattering length. I wore it on New Years Eve with my grey Boden jumper and leopard print heels...

Skirt - Topshop (random in sale)
Jumper - Boden
Necklace - Chambers and Beau £110 
Earrings - Travelling Bazaar £27
Bag - Primark £9
Shoes - Nine West (old)

I hope you all had a fab New Year and wish you and family health and happiness for 2016. Thank you for taking the time to stop off and read my blog, I appreciate it so much and do love all your comments and emails, it makes it all worth while! 

Have a good weekend and I'll be back next week with some gorgeous new season looks..already excited about SS16!!

Until then, Frances xxxx