Add a touch of colour to your look...

Style Theory: In these cold winter months it is so nice to add a little colour to look, a touch of blue or pink to brighten up a grey outfit. Coloured, quirky jewellery gives your look a lift and makes you stand out for the crowd. 

Spring Rose Bangle - Black and Sigi £35

Carnation Bangle - Black and Sigi £35

Spring Rose Ring - Black and Sigi £20

Lace Blouse - &Other Stories (sold out) similar here

Pink Cardigan - American Vintage (sold out) similar here 

Jeans - Gap (old season) similar here 

Bag - Say What you C 

Shoes - Nine West (old season) similar here 

These beautiful pink bangles and ring are from Black and Sigi's new season SS16 Floralia Collection. They are a taste of pure Spring in these winter months, made from semi precious stones, rose quartz crystals entwined in Black and Sigi's signature wrap style, these bracelets add a much needed lift to my outfit. As you know I am huge fan of pink and these pieces reflect the perfect on trend colours this summer. I will be wearing them non stop, whether with my sweaters, jeans and trainers or in the summer with my white tops and denim shorts, I will be slinging them on to brighten up my outfits. 

I also love these stronger coloured pieces, stunning if you have dark hair, clash up the blues and yellows for a show stopping look...

Narcissus Bangle - Black and Sigi £37

A vibrant crystal blue quartz, all these bracelets are made to order and are available in gold or silver wire setting.

Anemone Bangle - Black and Sigi £35

A beautiful deep orange, would look perfect with the Narcissus bracelet above.

The Juno Bangle £33

The perfect layering bangle, stack them up for a cool spring look.

Narcissus Earrings £40

To add a touch of edgy glamour these unusual earrings, they hang beautifully, the blue quartz glistens whilst the twisted metal and beads add interest...

If you have followed me for a while you will know that I wore my Black and Sigi green and metal bracelets non stop last summer, below...

Sun, G&Ts, sunkissed skin...seems a long time ago but I am so looking forward to wearing my new pink looks (which I will be layering with last years green stone bangle) 

Are you a fan of coloured stone jewellery? Are you in need of a little lift to your current looks..I so am, roll on Spring!

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

This blog post was in collaboration with Black and Sigi. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Schoolrunstyle xx

Seeing Spots...

Style Theory: Leopard Print, now regarded as a neutral, a classic, no longer confined to be worn with black, leopard rules when you want to add interest to your look. A leopard print coat can create a rock chick vibe or a chic look..

images via Pinterest

Kate, Sienna et al looking pretty amazing in their leopard print coats but it was actually the photo below of Meredith Hepner-Chapman on Instagram that made me decide I really 'needed' one..she looks utterly cool (yes, she is just popping to the gym but love this look) I adore the leopard coat completely dressed down, it looks nonchalantly cool...

Meredith Hepner-Chapman

So the search begins, admittedly I am a little late to the party on this one...Here are the best on the high street now...

Mango was £89.99 now £39.99

I tried this one on and it is a main contender, I would like it a touch longer but it would be a fab Spring coat as it is not super thick.

Mango was £79.99 now £39.99

I tried this on today, it is pretty cool, chunkier than the coat above another contender..

Carven @The Outnet £342

The dream coat, I adore Carven and this would elevate your look, super chic and beautifully cool.

Asos Brave Soul £50

A longer option..

Jane Normal @House of Fraser now £45

Super classic, dramatic collar and a great price.

Miss Selfridge @House of Fraser now £25

What is not to love, dabble in the leopard print coat for look for £25 this coat was £89 originally. Only available in small, but snap it up if it is your size..

Now for a cool sweater to wear underneath the coat..wear big and baggy..

Wildfox @Very Exclusive £90

The ultimate cool sweater, oversized and slouchy (the same brand as Meredith is wearing above, unfortunately her 'Hell no cardio' sweater has sold out) but I do love this one..

Wildfox @Very Exclusive £90

Add a pop of colour under your leopard print coat with this fab pink sweater (perfect for Valentines day too)

Mother Sweatshirt £45

Aren't we all just winging it?! Love this sweater from The Mother Shop. £15 of each sweater sold goes to KIDS CHARITY UK who do amazing work with disabled children and their families.

Topshop £26

Topshop £26

Topshop £30

This is the tall version of the sweater but I quite like wearing my jumpers long at the moment.

This is a look I will be trying, fab for this time of the year and perfect for the weekend..

My Style

A few looks from my wardrobe this week, loving my bronze boots from QuattroRish, my Ikki Boots and my new (sadly now sold out) shirt..

Shirt - H&M
Jeans - J Brand
Boots - Topshop

Coat - M&S (old season)
Sweater - Travelling Bazaar
Bag - Village England
Shorts - Zara similar here
Boots - Ikkii 

Boots - QuattroRish
Jeans - J Brand
Coat - Maje
Bag - Gucci

I am off to try to try to get my leopard print coat look right...

Have you already indulged in the leopard print coat trend, how do you wear yours? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

Brilliant Sparkles..

Style Theory: If you entered my Brilliant Inc Jewellery Instagram competition to win the beautiful ring below you may have had look at Brilliant Jewellery's range. Brilliant Inc are a jewellery company run by two sisters based in Duke of York Square just off Sloane Square and specialise in non mined diamonds (simulated diamonds) that look exactly like the real thing without the price tag. Heaven to all of us that yearn for that beautiful diamond ring but do not have the budget to buy, all hand set in solid gold or silver their jewellery really is quite spectacular...

Sabrina Champagne Ring £175

This was the prize from my Instagram competition (which has now closed and the winner  has been chosen by Brilliant Inc), it is my favourite piece in the collection. It is an amber stone surrounded by Brilliant non-mined fine diamonds set in gold vermeil. So sparkly and absolutely stunning, I completely adore it. 

The Brilliant diamonds look exactly like real diamonds, the ladies at Brilliant told me that only professional gemmologists with specialist equipment can tell the difference between these Brilliant stones and naturally mined diamononds.

The good news is I have a discount code for 15% off all the full priced jewellery in the range SCHOOLRUNMUM15 until 10th February  - a perfect Valentines gift or treat yourself to that piece of jewellery you have always longed for...

Tilly Ring £145

Brilliant Tilly claw set ring with emerald cut simulated diamond centre stone and simulated diamond trilliants set in Gold vermeil. Spectacular...

Halo Round Ring £185

Round brilliant cut centre stone in a halo setting with double band shoulder, 2ct centre stone set in sterling silver..this would make a beautiful engagement ring..

Tiny Brilliant Eternity Ring £125

Fine channel set band with brilliant cut stones set in sterling silver..a fabulous 'push' present?!

Trudy Ring £165

A triple layer of brilliant simulated diamonds, 1ct total diamond equivalent set in Rose Gold Vermeil - the perfect big birthday gift..

Aqua Oval and Brilliant Drops £245

Aqua Oval and Brilliant Drops Set in sterling silver with oval 2ct aqua drop and .25ct round brilliant stones, oval aqua 9x7mm and round brilliant 5mm. Glamorous and sophisticated.

Gala Lexi Pendant £125

Beautiful and chic necklace. I would wear on a fairly short chain so it sits quite high up.

Halo Hannah Pendant £145

Hannah Halo Pendant Gold Vermeil Centre stone 1.5ct 

Float Pendant £105

I have this in silver, it is beautiful and super sparkly. A classic, understated but stunning necklace.

Princess Bracelet £265

Princess cut stones in a channel setting. Set in sterling silver.

Love Bracelet £55

Because it is nearly Valentines Day..

Fabulous Bracelet £550

I am pushing the boat out for my last choice but this is truly stunning on, the cuff is set with clusters of marquise, round and pear shape non mined diamonds all set in gold vermeil, a 'wow' piece.. this was chosen by the 5 year old who is currently poorly off school and sitting next to me whilst I write this blog..it turns out he has expensive taste!

There are so many more beautiful pieces online, these photos just do not do the jewellery justice, if you ramp up the sparkle by a million percent you would be a little closer to what they look like in real life. If you are in the London, Chelsea area pop in, the girls are super friendly and would love you to have a browse. 

And don't forget the discount code SCHOOLRUNMUM15

Happy shopping, until next time Frances xx

**This is not a sponsored post I just think the jewellery is absolutely worth a mention if you are like me and have expensive taste without the bank balance to match!!

January Pay Day Treats

Style Theory: January is a lonnng month so what better way to make it a little better than a little payday treat. Here is a few items I have my eye on that will brighten up this rainy January and February..

Cici Clothing Top £52

This is top of my list and a top I will most definitely be treating myself to this. I love the peplum detail, the clash of the red and pink and the cute buttons on the collar. It is cotton polyester mix and hand wash (eek) but it feels super comfy on and hides a tummy perfectly. The top is also available at Topshop Oxford Street but unfortunately not online from Topshop just Cici Clothing (link above)

Cos - Knitted Top with Contrast Skirt £59

Another peplum top, this time it is a black knit with a cool skirt detail. This sweater looks fab with skinny ankle length jeans (either black or blue) and heeled boots or trainers. It is a beautiful twist on a plain black crewneck and just a little more stylish.

Self Portrait - Off the Shoulder top £170

A slightly more 'spendy' option, I have been stalking this top for a while and it has just come back into stock, no doubt will sell out again soon. It sits beautifully off the shoulders and is a truly decadent top made with lace and crepe de chine ( it will hang beautifully on) It would look amazing with black cropped kick flare jeans and heels for a stunning 'night out' look.

Self Portrait @Net a Porter £170

Another top I have had my eye on for a while, this is a beautiful lace top, a step above my other tops, beautifully finished around the neck with gorgeous details like the buttons on the cuffs. It looks beautiful on and will see you through the year, wear now with a chunky cardigan and jeans, in the summer wear with denim shorts and flat tan sandals.

Topshop Victoriana Lace Top £45

A slightly more affordable version of the top above, it looks gorgeous 'in real life' quite vintage looking and would be the perfect addition to a Spring wardrobe.

Baukjen - Bartley Leather Skirt £164 

I have this skirt and absolutely adore it, it is made of the softest leather I have ever felt, it is a great length (sits on my knees) and can be so easily dressed up with a blouse, opaques and heels or dressed down with trainers and a grey t shirt. I love mixing it with different tones of pinks for a cool spring look as I did for a meeting below..

Ph via Noholita

Since I saw this photo on Noholita's instagram I have been looking for a pair of grey trousers. I spotted the trousers below in Topshop but did not have a chance to try them on, I have ordered them so will let you know if they are slouchy enough to create the look above. If not, I tried on the Mango trousers below and they look pretty good so I will order these as well and compare the two..

Topshop - Mensey Trouser £40

Mango Pleat Trouser £49.99

Nike Cortez @Office £61.99

My current trainer obsession, cool, practical and very Spring 2016..

Asos Dolly Bow Trainers £25

A cheaper version of the Ports 1961 trainers below (they are super cool but at £300+ a huge investment for what is, essentially, a fashion look) 

Ports 1961

Now for the slightly random...

Mini Pyramid Terrarium @Urban Outfitters £25

I adore these terrariums, they look cool on a shelf/bedside table and the copper adds cool colour to your room. You plant hardy plants in them (cactus etc) so they are completely low maintenance and look fab, a little mini garden at your fingertips (they make a great present)

Lime and Bay candle The White Company £20

This smells utterly gorgeous, it will being a beautiful candle light and fragrance to your home through these cold, dark months..

Liz Earle Skincare Essentials Kit @John Lewis £45

If you are like me, your skin looks pretty dull at this time of year. I am pretty late to jump on the Liz Earle bandwagon but I cannot believe it took me so long. I was bought this Liz Earle set by a lovely friend for my birthday and I adore it. It makes my skin feel clean, refreshed and rejuvinated. It smells amazing, very natural and is super light on my skin. I am a Liz Earle convert..

So a little random list of things that I would love and have also brightened up my January (my birthday in the middle is a big bonus) Have you treated yourself to anything this January, have you got anything on your January payday treat list?

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