The Backless Loafer..Save vs Splurge

All images via Pinterest 

Style Theory: The backless loafer has been seeping into footwear trends for a couple of years but is really gaining momentum this Spring/summer. In different colours, embellished or not, they are chic and comfortable and look great with ankle length jeans and a cashmere jumper, blouse or simple tee. They finish off an outfit perfectly and are the ideal style solution if you struggle for shoes that are on trend but also comfortable and cool for the spring.

So the next decision is whether to invest in this style (ie.Splurge) or opt for a high street option..here is my edit of the best..

Gucci Princetown Backless Loafers £430

The original and one of the best but a big investment. These look great with jeans and a sweater and I love them in the street style photo above with the black crochet skirt and black sweater - super chic..

Gucci Princetown Shearling lined loafers £715

So, more 'out there' and a little weird looking at first but once your mind and taste has adjusted to them they look pretty cool on and feel like you are wearing slippers outside!

Gucci Princetown Shearling lined loafers £715

Loving the pink too..

Gucci £480

I have these in the fur version and adore them. They look gorgeous on and I love the rose detail, if you have big feel like me they look less long that the plain ones and are so flattering on. You can match them with almost all colours..definitely ones to splurge on if you are going to splurge and they are cheaper than the classics! 

*On all Gucci shoes size down at least half a size they come up big!

Gucci Princetown Velvet Sipper £530

Now if money was no object these I would buy these too, they are stunning, so eyecatching and look amazing with the purple velvet Gucci bag in the photo above.

Now let's look at the high street versions which are also pretty gorgeous..

River Island £30

Faux leather, but looking every inch super stylish and very Gucci-esque.

River Island £30

I love the (faux) leather and suede look of these loafers, they would look fab in the summer with pale blue ankle length jeans and a white blouse/boho top.

River Island £30

Slightly more 'out there' but these silver leopard print loafers look amazing on, wear with jeans and a simple black boho blouse and let the shoes do the talking.

Boden £98

These look so so designer and very Gucci-esque and have 20% off today with the code 2C2V (making them £78.40) All you need to do is match them with a navy back or navy blazer then mix up the rest of the your outfit, a pair of ankle length jeans, a pick shirt and a navy blazer would look fabulous.

Boden £98

Love these so much too (and don't forget 20% off with code 2C2V)

Dune £75

A fabulous 'tribute' to the Gucci loafers, these are beautifully soft leather and tick the box for a fraction of the price.

Dune £75

Loving the gold too, they would look fab on tanned feet with dresses or jeans.

Office £62

Super cosy and look gorgeous on, these Office loafers will be useful in the spring and cooler summer days.

I would highly recommend dabbling in the backless loafer trend, I absolutely adore mine and cannot wait until this crazy weather ends and I can wear them more..here is how I have styled mine..

Are you a fab of the backless loafer, have you bought a pair yet or did you wear them the first time around (like I did) and are not sure you want to revisit the trend?

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

Spring is in the air and Hush summer season has landed

Hush Cara Crop Knit Jacket

Style Theory: Hush has become one of my go to brands for not only brilliant basics but also some key items to add interest to my wardrobe. They have just launched their new Summer 2017 range and it is looking gorgeous, from bright tangerine jackets to easy wear knitwear to the most stunning jumpsuits. They are all laid back pieces that will effortlessly blend into your existing Spring/Summer wardrobe but add a little extra interest and splash of colour.

Here is my edit of my favourite pieces - I have seen them 'in real life' and can confirm they are stunning. Be quick though, Hush sells out of key pieces so quickly and once they are gone they are normally gone for good..

Hush Summer Stella Jumper £79

Classic Hush jumper, still one of my favourites this is a jumper you can not help but get wear out of, perfect for everything from the schoolrun to summer nights out with friends, just pair with boyfriend jeans and tan heeled sandals add a tan leather bag and you have laid back, chic style perfection. I do love a grey base sweater as they do go with all bottoms from jeans to skirts to shorts and looks flattering against skinkissed skin.

Hush Reversible Stella Jumper £75

This is also on my shopping list, it has a slightly higher neck and is reversible so two jumpers in one..perfect!

Hush Aloha V Neck Jumper £79

Slogan jumpers rule for me, I wear them all the time they are so easy to sling on with jeans or shorts. I love the vibrant raspberry colour of this sweater, it will brighten up my looks and reflect on my skin adding a glow to my dull winter pallor. 

Hush Stripe Boat Neck £65

This is the perfect update to the basic breton top, it is finer knit in a fluffy fabric that looks incredibly chic and elegant. The ideal top to wear under a navy blazer, add a pair of ankle length jeans or denim dungarees and a pair of silver supergas for a cool, understated but super stylish look.

Hush £65

Love the breton in the red too..

Hush Tipped Jumper £59

This is a great sweater if you love a breton but are a little conscious of your tummy. This is a loose, oversize fit and ticks the breton box without being too figure hugging. The red tipping details just makes it that extra bit special.

Hush Neon Sloppy Joe Tee £35

I just love the thought of this top with a tan in the summer, just add shorts and Palmaira sandals for a stunning but really easy to wear look.

Hush Vivienne Shirt £59

The perfect fashion twist to the plain white shirt, this lightning bolt shirt looks great with the lightening bolt necklace, just add ankle length, black jeans and a pair of slip on loafers (red ones would look fab)

Hush Lightning Bolt Necklace £19

Such a good value necklace that sits high up on your neck for a flattering and cool look.

Hush Piper Dress £59

The perfect throw on dress for the beach or for just running around after the kids, cool, stylish and selling out fast..

Hush Amalfi Jumpsuit £85

One of the items that I fell in love with the most in the Hush Spring Summer collection, this jumpsuit the epitome of comfortable sophistication. It would be the perfect summer evening wear, I would love to wear this down to the beach for dinner with the family. For now I would wear with my sequin gold bomber jacket and pointed heels.

Hush Dungarees £95

As you know I love dungarees and these look fab 'in the flesh' a great wash, styling is perfect. Great with a pretty white top underneath and trainers for the schoolrun, or chilled weekends.

Hush Denim Shorts £45

Once you find a great pair of denim shorts you can live in them in the summer, these are a great length not too short or not too long in a great light wash. 

I am also a huge fan of the Hush boyfriend jeans they look fab on,(worn below with the knit jacket) I like wearing them with a huge turn up, heels and a sweater.

Hush Cara Crop Knit Jacket £80

This is my hero piece, this knitted jacket will perk up any wardrobe, style simply with a breton, boyfriend jeans and stan smith trainers for a chic, laid back look. It is a super stylish structured cardigan and in my shopping basket now!

Majestic Star Trainers £165

Finally these trainers are gorgeous, they are a cross between YSL and Golden Goose trainers but a little less expensive (although still an investment piece) I wear trainers almost every day so they are an item I definitely get price per wear out of! I love the stars, the silver and the muted colours..trainer perfection.

Has anything caught your eye in the Hush summer collection, what are your style plans for Spring summer 2017? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxxx

The one thing I wear the most....The Hoody...

Style Theory: I was thinking today as I shoved on my hoody for the millionth time, that it was the item I wear most in my wardrobe. From taking the kids to school, to meetings, to as soon as I get back from London on goes my hoody and pjs bottoms. Hoodies are comfy, cosy and thanks to the freezing conditions at New York fashion week this year are deemed pretty cool. 

I love a hoody styled with straight or ankle length kick flare jeans, heels (block heels work best) and a tailored coat, add a cross body bag and you have a laid back, cool and practical outfit. I promise you the hoody will be your 'go to' piece of clothing from deepest darkest winter to cool summer evenings..

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

Topshop Longline Hoody £29

This hoody is a gorgeous colour it would look great under a khaki, camel or navy tailored coat. As it is longline it is the perfect sweater to wear with leather leggings, will hit your legs in a flattering place just add a pair of stan smith trainers, a coat and a short cross body bag in a contrasting colour (red would look great) or go for a neutral and you have a cool look.

Topshop Oversized Super Soft Hoodie £26

I am a huge fan of green at the moment and this hoody would look fab under a black leather biker or shearling jacket with ankle length jeans and stan smith trainers (especially if they have the green logo at the back)

Topshop Basic Oversize Hoody £26

Adore this vibrant pink, it looks gorgeous under a tailored camel coat with jeans and gold shoes or boots, add a black cross body bag with gold hardware..perfect.

Topshop £38

This is similar to the NYPD one I am wearing below that I live in. I think I will have to buy this one too, love it, the quality is fab, I would wear it with my faux fur coat, a red cross body bag, jeans and my gold gucci shoes (although I would love some gold stiletto boots - a new obsession I will blog about tomorrow!)

Topshop £38

The hoody I spend my life in, I love wearing it with my pink coat, jeans and heels - see below..

Or with faux fur and 'my never off my feet but I agree they are quite naff' Uggs! 

My basic uniform..
Faux Fur Jacket  - Topshop
Jumper - Topshop
Jeans - J Brand @The Outnet
Uggs - John Lewis

Asos Oversized Hoody £25

A brilliant buy, a black hoody is just a useful basic, wear under a tailored check or camel coat or under a coloured faux fur for a cool street style look without the effort!

Jack Wills £59.95

There is no doubt Jack Wills produce a good hoody, I have a few that have stood the test of time, well worth the investment. This berry colour will work beautifully with a pink coat or bag, clashing is good, the bigger the clash the better.

Hush Cashmere Hoody £200

The most beautiful cashmere hoody, completely and utterly indulgent but gorgeous under a biker jacket with cropped kick flared or straight jeans and heels.

Do you indulge in hoody wearing, I love the fact that it is now acceptable and even regarded as cool by the fashion set! I shall continue wearing my hoody with pride and not just with my pjs bottoms (although that is exactly what I am wearing as I sit here writing!) 

Thanks so much for reading, until the next time Fran x