Searching for (Chloe) Susannas - Get the look for less..

10.26.2016










Style Theory: Every so often there is a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, a handbag I think would make my wardrobe sing..would elevate my looks and go with everything I own. Step forward Chloe Susanna boots, these studded beauties have been around for years, I have looked but dismissed in the past as not only are they entirely out of my price range but they have not been a necessity, well not until now....
Chloe Susanna Boots @FarFetch
ph via Pinterest
They seem to be everywhere at the moment, I know,  but I love the styling of them. The soft leather, the wide opening at the ankle that makes your legs look thinner, the heel height. They look great with bare legs and midi dresses, leather leggings or ankle length kick flare skinny jeans. The Susanna's look pretty cool on but are completely out of my price range so I thought I would check out for similar available on the high street but without the insane price tag....
Office £85
These Office boots are the closest to the Chloe Susanna boots I could find on the high street..would love them to have gold hardware though. They also come in a fab red colour - these look amazing on they look great with denim or grey jeans (see Sienna Miller in the streetstyle photos above) They have sold out online in the red but I have seen them in store. Also liking the tan version, they look expensive..
Office £85
I really like the gold hardware on these tan boots, they look authentic and cool.
River Island £45
I have tried these on they look great, more cowboy-esque, they are real leather and have a nice height heel that lifts your foot and leg up enough for a flattering look with dresses.
River Island £45
A little less fussy but still leather and a great price..
Dune @JohnLewis £185
These are a little higher and less cowboy bootish, but will look fab with dress and ankle length trousers and jeans. More ladylike but still with the studded details.
Topshop £82
So nothing like the Chloe boots, I have completely gone off on a tangent, but these would be my second style choice, very AW16, great (walkable) heel, look fab under jeans etc and with dresses. I love the deep red version of these but for practicality and an every day boot, these are pretty cool.
&Other Stories £125
A ladylike take on the Susannas, these are delicate and beautiful..
H&M £29.99
Reasonable, studded detail and a good height heel, not leather but at that price they are a good buy..
Senso @Veryexclusiveuk £225
Senso boots are always beautifully made and incredibly comfortable, these also come in black suede and look beautifully classic with an edge thanks to the stud details.

My Style

I have mainly been living in my Hush short eskimo parka - honestly if you are looking for a coat this one is beautiful, so warm and cosy and I love the blue faux fur, super sumptuous.

Yesterday we headed to Hampton Court (it is pretty close to us and I love it there, we spent too much time in the magic garden as it was about to shut for the winter so the kids wanted to play in there for extra long! Then a cold autumn picnic and a mad run through the maze! Then Pizza Express and I popped to the cimema later to see Bridget Jones' Baby. I wore my dungers..no waistband is working for me at the moment (eating out of control!) and my Monsoon lace top and my fave American Vintage cardi..


Are you a fan of the Chloe Susanna boots, have you seen/bought any similar, if so I would love to hear I am forever searching for similar!! Thanks for reading, I hope half term (if you are on it) is treating you well...Until next time Fran xxx 

Topshop Autumn Winter - the perfect 'Fashion Lift' for your wardrobe...

10.24.2016


Style Theory: I am a huge fan of Topshop, it is a shop I go into and never fail to find at least 5 things I would love to buy. It is such a good place to find trend driven prices,  perfect for adding to my wardrobe basics each year. The clothes do not last a lifetime but are the perfect 'fashion lift' to my existing looks, easily updating my outfits and making me look at little more 'on trend'

I went a little crazy recently and ordered quite a few pieces to brighten up my outfits, every item was a winner. You know how I love a bit of gold and metallics, well these are all fairly sparkly but are not only resigned to Christmas time, they can be worn most of the year around, I love to make my clothes work hard for me, investment pieces or not and these items I will be wearing a lot!

The Ultimate Skirt..

A pleated skirt is a must have this season and this one is velvet ticking two trends at once. It is a heavy fabric that hangs beautifully and it so flattering on. It looks just as good worn with trainers as it does with heels or ankle boots, I bought the petite version which was weirdly the same length as the normal version (I measured them in store).


The jumper is a complete failsafe piece, I love a turtleneck, perfect in the winter and the sleeves make it evening appropriate. This is a top I will again and again over this season, under dungarees or with boyfriend jeans and heels on an evening out and of course with this skirt..

The Hint of Gold Top...




This top is not restricted to party season, it can worn day to day with jeans and trainers or to work with tailored trousers and flats for a Parisienne look. I lovethe gold flecks (metallics make me happy!) and the lace is beautiful down the middle of the top and at the end of the sleeves. The perfect day to night time top. Naturally, the high neck sealed the deal for me, a super easy top to wear, I sized up a size for comfort.

The Sparkly Shoes..



Jeans - Gap (old season)

I just could not resist these sparkly shoes, it was love at first sight. They are like Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) shoes, I wore with my oldest boyfriend jeans and lacy Monsoon top and they received so many compliments on my night out! They are comfy thanks to the block heel and a great height for me, not only perfect for Christmas parties but pretty good for any going out occasion..they are gorgeous!! They have sold out online but it worth checking in your local store - I have put a couple of alternatives below..
Topshop -  £69 
If I didnt have the glitter shoes above these would be my choice, real leather, a fab shape and a block heel, wear with bare legs of you can or mix it up with black fishnet tights under a midi dress.
Topshop £50
These are so 70s disco and the most beautiful colour, my friend has them and says they are unbelievably comfortable..comfy and stylish - win win..

A few more Topshop pieces I have my eye on..
Topshop Boutique £90
I always look in the "Boutique' section of Topshop online (or if I am on Oxford St branch) The clothes are more expensive but they really have a designer-esque edge. This blouse is stunning, I adore the big bow, I would wear with my boyfriend jeans and brown high heeled boots for the perfect dressed down/dressed up look.

Topshop Boutique £90
If you are more of a statement trouser girl, these are the best I have seen. Again, the big bow looks great and they are a fab carrot shape so will look good with a black cashmere sweater and black heels.
Topshop £79
If you are looking for a fur jacket, this is a great shape, I bought the same last year and wore it loads. It is warm and snuggly and perfect for over an evening dress or over a jumper, jeans, trainer combo for the schoolrun.
Topshop £36
The perfect neutral jumper to pair with your gold items, the breton jumper is an Autumn Winter must have. I have linked to the 'Tall' version of this jumper above as I like my jumpers to be a little longer and am happy to roll up the sleeves, I do this on nearly all my jumpers anyway as I am a shortie!
Topshop £36
This does the lace/ jumper thing for you, pair with black skinny jeans and black heeled ankle boots for a feminine but slightly grungy look.
Topshop £65
A beautiful embroidered top, it is on a animal print style mesh, looks very D&G. Again I would wear this with boyfriend jeans and black heels for a night out just sling a tux jacket over the top. 
Topshop Boutique £225
I couldn't resist this beautiful pink coat, it is a car coat so this signifies that it is not the warmest coat in the world but can be layered with a thin puffer gilet (I like a dark red with pink) It will lift any wardrobe, pink is such a versatile colour and can be worn with so many colours in any wardrobe. The colour is stunning, I think I need this in my life!


Are you a fan of Topshop? Do you indulge in a few seasons updates every year? I know I will wear these things above non stop over the season. 

So now half term officially begins and we are off to play tennis them to see Trolls..not sure I can take the pace, Jack woke up this morning and proclaimed he had planned the whole week! We are off to catch up with friends in Edinburgh at the end of the week so any suggestions of fun things to do in Edinburgh with kids would be great and also kid friendly places to eat would be sooo appreciated- thanks xx

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

Spotlight on Luxe Wardrobe Staples that will last you forever...

10.20.2016


Style Theory: Every so often you come across a brand that not only fits but flatters and makes you look slimmer than you actually are. Step forward Me+Em,  honestly I would not say this if I didn't truly mean it, but the way they expertly cut their clothes, the high quality fabric they use and the flattering designs all result in the most the beautiful collection of clothes.

They are more expensive than the likes of Zara etc, but the quality is absolutely worth it, if you are working on cost per wear Me+Em would win every time. If you are smaller, like me, the cropped trousers fit on the ankle perfectly and the longer ones need to be taken up or worn with heels but either way they look pretty amazing!

Me+Em have just opened a pop up shop in Elizabeth Street, literally 5 mins away from Victoria Station, so I popped in today to check out their latest collection and fell in love with so many pieces..

Firstly, sports luxe the grown up, flattering way..


These trousers are incredibly comfortable on, they have an elasticated waistband (high five!) and just skim the floor when I wear them with heels. They are made from a heavy pointe fabric which hangs beautifully resulting in a flattering silhouette (I sized down one size). I love them smartened up with this pussybow swing top, currently in the sale, it would look just as good with skinny jeans and trainers for a day time look. I will also wear the trousers with a cashmere sweater and heels for a laid back, 'going out to the pub look'..

The dream 'forever' coat....



This coat is definitely a 'forever' coat, the military style transcends trends, it is a classic and can be worn year after year. As soon as I put it on it felt amazing, structured but not stiff, expensive fabric that flatters and falls perfectly. I sized down one size as it was a little big across the shoulders, it really is a fabulous coat, tailored to perfection. It would take an everyday look of a sweater, jeans and trainers up a notch and would look just perfect over an evening dress for a Christmas night out. 
The Button hem slim crop trouser are a fab fit, skimming over lumps and bumps with a flat front that covers a tummy. Just as good with Stan Smiths as with heels, these trousers are classics that will last.

The Slouchy but chic Sunday Jumper..


Slouchy Stripe Turtleneck - Me+Em £149
Half Leather legging - Me+Em £399
Shoes - Zara (old season - similar here)
Ps - I was talking when taking this photo, not pouting!! ha!
The ultimate in breton luxury, this merino, cashmere mix sweater is slouchy, sweater heaven, quite long so perfect for skimming over my bottom and thighs and great paired with leather leggings. I would wear with trainers or slouchy ankle boots with this look. The leggings are incredibly flattering, they are a huge investment but if you are looking to invest these are the best of the bunch...

The Sophisticated Tux..

Shoes - Gucci Marmont 

The most chic Tux that would last literally forever.. all pieces can be worn separately and are beautiful in their own right but together they make a dream evening out combination.

A few other items I have my eye on..
Me+Em - Cable Weekend Jumper £149
Because a winter white jumper always looks amazing with skinny jeans and trainers, chic, minimal and super classy.
Pleated Collar Layering Shirt - Me+Em £99
A great top to wear by itself - also comes in black which I find a little more flattering than white,but this would be great under jumpers and jackets..
Swing Lace Dress Me+Em £135
The perfect Christmas Day dress, eat as much as you like, no one would know, it is heavy fabric that hangs beautifully annddd it has pockets.. I bought a Me+Em swing dress a couple of years ago and still wear it every Christmas.

Have you invested in any luxe staples, where do you shop? Have you bought from Me+Em before what do you think? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxxx

Comforting, affordable Cashmere..

10.14.2016








All images above via Pinterest
Style Theory: Everyone deserves a little cashmere in their Autumn wardrobe, it was once an unaffordable luxury but has now become a piece of clothing that we can own thanks to the high street producing it at less eye-watering prices.

My autumn/winter fail safe uniform is a jumper, jeans and trainers, simple, classic and practical. In the last few years I have started buying a (high street) cashmere jumper each season to make my, quite basic look, feel a little more luxurious. A cashmere jumper whispers elegance and feels amazing on. They look just as great with a pair of jeans as with a pleated skirt and boots..

You have to look after cashmere more than most day to day fabrics, all cashmere pieces will bobble if worn with bag (I am guilty of this) make sure you dry flat, and do not over wear in between washes as even the best cashmere does pil a little. And finally watch out for those moths..they love it and are quite happy to put holes in sweaters in a instant! It is the kind of fabric you need to be gentle with and if you are it will last you season after season (I love a cashmere sweater on cooler summer evenings slung over denim shorts)

Here are the best pieces on the high street now..
Boden £99.50
Boden cashmere is worth investing in, firstly it feels amazing, a dense cashmere and is machine washable. I am loving deep green this season, it such a classic, rich colour that is soft and flattering against skin. It looks amazing with metallics (gold or silver metallic pleated skirt) or camel, pink and navy, so many options.
Uniqlo £69.90
A grey cashmere sweater is such a useful item to own, grey is a neutral and can be paired with everything from tulle skirts to smart navy work trousers to jeans. This jumper will work hard for you and Uniqlo cashmere is renowned for being one of the best.
Asos £95
I adore everything about this sweater, the colour, the shape, the slouchy fit. It will add a beautiful pop of colour to your winter wardrobe.
Wyse London £180
More expensive but I can vouch for the quality of this sweater as I have it, it is beautiful, soft cashmere and the leather star patches give it an extra style twist, I wear mine all the time dressed down or dressed up with my Topshop gold pleated skirt and black boots. A real luxurious item.
M&S £75
One of the first high street stores to introduce affordable cashmere, M&S does the luxury knit well, not the thickest of jumpers but it does look great under a jacket for work or to tuck in a skirt as it is a fitted look. Loving red this season, it is a surprisingly versatile colour and looks stunning with blue denim crop kick flares and heeled boots.
H&M £69.99
H&M are producing amazing styles of cashmere jumpers this season, this soft powder pink is top of my list.
H&M £69.99
Loving the frill detail on this sweater, utterly luxurious with an on trend frill twist..perfect.
H&M £49.99
This is a more relaxed sweatshirt style, the perfect weekend jumper, also comes in a beautiful powder pink colour..love.
&Other Stories £95
The most beautiful buttery cream colour, this jumper oozes class and sophistication, perfect styled with winter whites..
Uniqlo £69.90
Because a black polo neck is a wardrobe staple, where with a kilt style skirt (Zara has a beautiful one) and ankle length boots - and bare legs if you can stand the cold!
Jigsaw £169
The ultimate in cashmere luxury, this breton style poloneck is 100% cashmere and looks stunning on, a big investment piece but again timeless so you can wear season after season.
Who in your opinion does the best high street cashmere, do you have a fail safe go to store/brand, as always I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, until next time Fran xxx