The Jacket you Need this Spring Summer...

Style Theory: The Khaki/Camo jacket is such an easy jacket to wear, it covers all eventualities from the schoolrun to flinging over a dress on a night out. It is the perfect 'neutraliser' to your look, it goes with everything, can be layered under heavier coats on colder days or wear with shorts on warm summer evenings, it is an all rounder and a coat I firmly believe should be part of any Spring/ Summer wardrobe..

Pair with a grey tee, a victoriana blouse, a lace top or with logo sweat for a laid back look. Dress up in the evening with a silk blouse, cuffed boyfriend jeans and heels for a dressed up/dressed down look. The combinations are endless, such a hard working piece of clothing.

Here are the best on the high street now...

1. Topshop Lightweight Shackett £39

2. Topshop Camo Shackett £45 (also available in Tall  and Petite)

3. Topshop Authentic Washed Shackett £39

4. Net A Porter The Great Swing Jacket £350

5. Hush Military Jacket £65

6. Asos Pimkie Utility Jacket £49.99

7. H&M £39.99

8. River Island Sleeveless Military Jacket £50

So many choices and I am loving the River Island sleeveless version of the utility jacket, would look fab with a super pretty shirt underneath with blouson sleeves..Perfect.

Are you a utility coat fan, do you have one lurking at the back of your cupboard? I am lost without my camouflage jacket but definitely need to invest in a plain green one and the Topshop and Hush ones are on my hit list!

Thank you so much for reading, as always I love to hear all your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xx

A Healthy Dose of Outfit Inspiration....

Style Theory: From cosy oversized cardigans paired with camisole tops to luxe bomber jackets. With splashes of metallic and generous mixes of pink and khakis, Spring style is looking sumptuous but subtle, classic with a twist. 

Be bold with golds and silvers, they are not only restricted to Christmas, experiment with Gucci-esque ankle strap shoes, be comfortable in block heels and the perennial Mum-friendly trainer and relax in dungarees, no longer a statement trend. 

Spring is a time to embrace colour but look at muted pinks and khakis, with a zing of mustard (but not all together) Your jean hems are ankle length and an oval buckled belt is a must-have. Your knitwear is oversized, balance out proportions and add frills and peplums for drama. 

Sportswear can be worn dressed up or dressed down. And my one big tip that stays the same year to year is always make sure two items you are wearing match (this can be accessories and clothing), you can wear the craziest mix of colours but as long as two items are matching it the outfit looks pulled together and well thought out.

These are the looks that are inspiring me this Spring.....

Over the next few months I will help you track down all the items you need to bring your Spring wardrobe up to date and give it a 2016 'lift'. Best high street finds to outfit ideas, all we need now is the sun to come out, a some point..soon!!

I look forward to finding some exciting High Street gems with you, which trend do you like the look of this year are you going to embrace the 90s look or do you veer towards a more classic twist? As always I would love love to hear your thoughts and comments, I hope you have had a wonderful Easter Weekend, until next time Fran xxxx

Luxe, Affordable Building Blocks for your Spring/Summer Wardrobe..

Style Theory: Luxe basics elevate your day to day look. These pieces of clothing are pricey as they are beautifully cut, made out of good quality fabrics that fall perfectly, flattering every curve and are, usually, completely priced out of my league. That is until I found EditSecondHand who sell an edited collection of pre-loved designer and high end clothes, from day to day basics like JBrand/Mother jeans to super luxe Chanel bags at affordable prices. As I get older I yearn to be able to mix designer with my high street splurges, I know for a fact designer jeans flatter me more than high street ones and the moment I put on an expensive tee it shows, so Edit SecondHand is the answer to this conundrum I can (and do) buy their preloved pieces that flatter me and make my outfits look that little more 'put together'.

Earn Your Stripes....

Top - M&S £45
Skirt - Navy London (love this one)
Bag - Village England
Trainers - Golden Goose (similar here) 

Style Theory: With the emergence of all things 90s comes the re-emergence of the tracksuit in all it's All Saints glory. 'Never ever' did I think I would be wearing this look again but as a fan of all things comfortable this trend slots perfectly in my wardrobe.

There are a few key ways to work this trend to make it 2016 relevant, here are a few styling ideas..

• Take one item, for instance the stripe track trouser and wear with a tailored top, add a victoriana blouse, a pussybow shirt or silk blouse to juxtapose against the relaxed look of the trousers. Add a pair of trainers (Stan Smiths still rule for me, they look so laid back cool and are unbelievably comfortable) or for an evening out wear pair of mary jane heels (keep footwear low-key)
• When wearing a sports/training jacket wear with distressed boyfriend jeans and add a pair of heels for a night out, leopard print always works well.
• Try mixing a sports jacket with an overly girly skirt, they look great with full length boho style skirts or with a tulle skirt, be brave go for it, it's fun when you wear something a little different. See below the Chloe look..adore this..

Now for the best on the high street..

Topshop Stripe Detail Top

Love the electric blue colour, it will look fab with skinny jeans and trainers for a laid back look. Throw over a boho dress for a SS16 look. 

Topshop Rib Detailed Track Top

A super cool 90s look I love the dark red with the orange tape on the arms. A retro jacket that will be incredibly useful this spring and summer and will add colour to your wardrobe.

M&S Zipped Sports Jacket 

This is the jacket I have, it is quite a subtle take on the track top and I have worn it loads already. Perfect popped over denim dungarees with trainers or layer underneath a navy/black or red coat for a cool look.

Asos Adidas Original Track Top

Going back to the real 90s original, I had this is the 90s at university and wore it all the time. I am tempted to buy again, it looks fab worn quite neat with boyfriend jeans and heels.

Me+Em Luxe Crepe trousers

For me, Me+Em are leading the way this season for side stripe trousers. They are not cheap but tailored beautifully, are super flattering and made with high quality fabric so they fall perfectly. Track bottoms can be fairly unforgiving so I am loving a nod to the trend but in a luxe way. These crepe trousers will look fab with Gucci-esque loafers or with a pair of heels.

Me+Em Side Stripe Trouser

Completely understated, these trousers look fab with trainers, add a victoriana style blouse and a pair of tan sandals for a super cool and slightly edgy going out look. 

Topshop Contrast Piping Jogger

A good basic jogger, I think I would stick with trainers with these joggers and a fine knit, contrast with a pale pink knit for a girly take on this look or with a navy J Crew Tippi style sweater.

Asos Adidas Originals Track Pant

Ok so I obviously would not wear these with a crop top..eek or not sure about the heels with this style. I would stick to trainers and a fine poloneck knit with these now.

Asos Luxe Contrast Side Stripe Jogger

These are a fab, well priced luxe jogger, they will look gorgeous with a blouse and tan sandals, or in the summer loving the look with sliders and an off the shoulder top.

Who knew the 90s would come around again so quickly, I must admit the 90s trend is my comfort zone, so easy to wear and style. I am loving the idea of caps again..or maybe with my 41 year old face maybe I should give them a miss?

Are you a fan of the track top/pant look, will you be dabbling in this trend or do you still have your tops and trousers from the 90s? As always I would love love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxxx 

Something Special for Easter..AND a brilliant discount code!

Gold Bow Bangle £70

Style Theory: Beautiful, delicate, hand made, jewellery in gold and silver at affordable prices...Cabbage White England are all of this and more..

I was delighted to be invited by Kelly Smithson, founder of Cabbage White England to her studio to find out a little more about the jewellery making process, what inspires her designs and the Cabbage White England ethos along with lots of coffee and generally good old chat! Kelly is an accomplished silversmith with a real passion for beautiful jewellery and a fabulous eye for design. Each piece of jewellery is handmade in the UK, Kelly and her team (the lovely Karen), design each piece, finding inspiration from nature. They also scour antique shops and vintage markets for charms which they use as inspiration and handcast in the UK to make each and every piece of jewellery unique. 

Kelly hand-making a beautiful silver bangle

Me firing a million questions, I loved seeing the jewellery being made..

Each piece is handmade from gold vermeil (high quality gold plated silver) or solid silver, the designs are intricate and delicate. I have been given a 25% off discount code to share with you, just type in fashionlift25 into the code box as you check out online. The jewellery makes the most fabulous Easter gifts, birthday presents or just a little something for yourself as we all deserve a treat every now and again! All jewellery is beautifully packaged in white Cabbage White England boxes, the most precious gift..

Here is my edit of my favourite pieces from the collections..

Double Hoop Necklace £96 (with discount £72)

I have this and completely adore it, it has two lengths you can fasten it with (most of the necklaces do which is fab) wear it by itself or layer it with other fine necklaces, 

Gold Flower Double Hoop Earrings £77 (with discount £57.75)

Completely obsessed with these hoop earrings, Kelly was wearing them when I visited and they look amazing on! I have asked my husband for these for Easter (I don't normally get a present, or an an egg or anything actually but I thought I may ask..you never know!? and I have a code..may appeal?!) 

Gold and Silver Pineapple Necklace £70 (with discount £52.50)

Love a pineapple, this will look amazing in the summer layers with other shorter gold necklaces with a camisole top, a pair of pale blue levis and tan sandals, summer perfection.

Gold Double Farthing Necklace £68 (with discount £51)

This is similar to a necklace Holly Willlougby always wears, I love it, it is the perfect length (has two lengths, I wear the shortest) and was cast from vintage farthing coins. 

Gold Sea Urchin Bangle £88 (with discount £66)

Such a beautiful summer bangle, this was the urchin Kelly's son found on a beach in Greece, they handcast it in the UK, so unusual, a really beautiful bangle.

Gold Love Bird Bangle £125 (with discount £93.75)

This would make the most beautiful anniversary gift, birthday gift. It comes in a thicker bangle (this one or a skinny bangle) Layer with gold bangles for an eyecatching look.

Gold Star Link Bracelet £47 (with discount £35.25)

A beautiful gift for any stars in your life. The open gold star design is stunning and again I would layer this up with lots of gold and silver bangles and bracelets for the summer.

Teapot Skinny Bangle £88 (with discount £66)

So cute and the perfect stacking bangle..

So so many gorgeous pieces and don't forget to use the discount code fashionlift25 to get the discounted prices (I hope my maths is right?!) The code is valid until Easter Sunday.

Thank you to the lovely Kelly and Karen for inviting me to their workshop, I had the most fab, sunny morning, until next time Fran xxxx

*I was gifted the necklaces but under no obligation to write about them, I just love the jewellery and wanted to share it with you and R if you are actually reading this down to the small print..the earrings would be lovely for Easter ;-)