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9.30.2017

The Surprise 'Go With Everything' Boots



Style Theory: Black boots sometimes look too heavy, red boots sometimes too bright, tan too neutral...step forward the burgundy suede boot, the perfect footwear for Autumn/Winter 17. These Jones Bootmakers dark red boots are my new go to boot, they arrived on Wednesday and I have already worn them with three different outfits. I had ordered them to wear with my pink cord trousers as I love the pink/burgundy mix but they look great paired with my navy/grey sweaters and ankle length jeans and add a new autumnal twist to my dresses.


For a slightly Parisian look, wear them with crop cords, a navy cashmere sweater and a sailor cap....



The boots are luxurious and sumptuous looking, made from buttery soft suede leather with a leather inside so you can walk around town in them all day (I did!) and the heel is the perfect height to make me feel a little taller but still be easy to walk in. I love the round toe, it makes them look subtler than a pointed ankle boot, the perfect day to evening boots.

Here are a few other Jones the Bootmaker shoes and boots that I would love to have in my wardrobe..
Jones Ruby Boot £180

I have always wanted an over the knee boot but they have always been wayyy too expensive, these boots are more affordable and look great on. Wear with leather leggings and big oversized knits in the winter for a cosy, cool look. Or pair with dresses for a seamless dress/boot look. The soft grey make these boots look expensive and sophisticated.

Jones Tabitha Boot £160

These boots are perfect for this season, they have a real 70s vibe. Made of soft burgundy leather with a  block heel, they have a slight slouch to them which was seen on all the catwalks for Autumn/Winter 17 and for Spring/Summer 18, practical and on trend..perfect.

Jones Thea Boot £160

A fabulous classic boot that would take you from year to year. Soft black leather with a stacked heel..gorgeous


Jones Blanche Shoe £140

I am a sucker for a red shoe and this court shoe is beautiful, again made of suede leather with a deep v front that is super elongating and flattering on the legs, this is a classic with a twist.
Jones Cepheus Bag £80

The bag I use most is my red tote bag and this would be a beautiful update for me. Soft leather and suede with three inside pockets (I do love a sectioned off bag..I am so disorganised I need it) with both shoulder straps and handles I think I need this bag in my life..


To be honest Jones the Bootmaker had fallen off my radar a little and I had forgotten how good it was to wear such well made boots. Who knew dark red boots would be my most worn so far this Autumn?! No doubt you will see them cropping up again and again in my photos, they just go with every colour in my wardrobe and give my summer dresses an Autumnal relevance. 

Until next time Fran xx


This blog post was written in collaboration with Jones Bootmakers but all styling, opinions and thoughts are my own and I have genuinely worn these boots loads!!

9.27.2017

Timeless Moments with Links of London




Style Theory: Those special pieces of jewellery given to you by loved ones can hold such warm memories, they seem to contain the love and happiness inside them, the sentimental value of them; priceless. Taking time out once in a while to have a coffee, a minute of peace amongst the craziness of life is one of my favourite things to do, it gives me a little time to reflect. A glance at a ring my children chose for me for Mother's day, a bracelet given to me by my husband for Christmas or a friendship bracelet as a birthday present from those people who have been with me through thick and thin brings happy and special memories flooding back.

The Timeless Collection by Links of London is all these things, inspired by the iconic face of Big Ben, the pieces are elegant and chic, stylish but subtle. The Timeless 18k Rose Gold Vermeil Domed Ring was the piece that I fell in love with. It is a statement ring with a twist, intricate and beautifully designed and noticeable without being showy, a really beautiful piece to keep forever..


I felt like it was a piece of jewellery that was meant to be sitting on my hand, that I had always had, a classic but at the same time modern.. The Timeless 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Small Necklace is another piece that looks stunning on, it sits beautifully and it eyecatching but like all the other pieces in the Timeless Collection not shouty or showy..the kind of jewellery I love..

Timeless 18k Rose Gold Vermeil Domed Ring
Sweetheart 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Bracelet
18kt Rose Gold Vermeil Taupe and Copper Cord Friendship Bracelet
Signature 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil and Sapphire Ring

I layered up a few other Links of London collections, the Sweetheart 18kt Gold Vermeil Bracelet, a beautiful, refined update of the Links of London signature Sweetie Bracelet. A beautiful 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil, Taupe and Copper Cord Friendship Bracelet  - such a beautiful modern take on a 'keep forever' bracelet. And as I am a fan of rings I added the Serpentine 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil and Blue Lace Agate Gemstone Ring  and the Signature 18kt Rose Gold Vermeil and Sapphire Ring


That moment of calm and quiet always goes by too quickly but I know, now the kids are back at school, I can steal another 30 mins later in the week for time out..just maybe not too many of those sublime Peggy Porschen cupcakes...they are just heaven!! Until next time Fran xx

This blogpost was written in collaboration with Links of London, all styling, thoughts and opinions are my own

9.26.2017

The Dream Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat and Lot, lots More...


Style Theory: Hush's new October collection has landed online and I was given a little sneak preview and the opportunity to style up a couple of my favourite pieces in the beautiful surroundings of Middleton Lodge an idyllic, Georgian country retreat in the middle of the North Yorkshire countryside.

The Rock Chic Look with a Softer Edge...

This leopard print coat is the dream, the faux fur is rich and luxurious, the cut really flattering. It comes up slightly large so size down at least one size, it is the kind of coat you put on and immediately fall in love with and will last from season to season due to it's classic cut, I promise you it is one of those coats that looks even better 'in the flesh', pure luxury....


I paired it with a lightening bolt sweater, I sized up on this one as I do love a slouchy fit. The perfect schoolrun, weekend sweater, light, cosy and comfortable. Pair with jeans or dress up with a maxi skirt and heels boots, it will be one of those hard working pieces in your wardrobe, a jumper you will pull out and wear again and again.


The leather leggings are amazing on, the most buttery soft leather, a great fit, they sit high up over a tummy and are incredibly comfortable. They have stretch but do keep their shape and can be cut (I think!) to sit on the ankle..the perfect length for leather leggings. They are a big investment but you could team them with everything from oversize knits to dresses to t-shirts, so useful and so so chic.

The Day to Evening Dress..


The Yasmin dress is the perfect dress to take you seamlessly from day to evening. Super flattering, the shirt top sits beautifully and the splits give the dress a seductive edge. Wear with trainers and a biker jacket in the daytime (if you are my height 5ft3ish it would need to be taken up a little - but not if you are only wearing it with heels ) it is light and comfortable to wear, for a colder daytime look add a pair of leather leggings underneath and a pair of studded boots. On this dress I sized down to a size 8 (I am normally a 10, so I would say it comes up a little big)..




For evening, swap your trainers for a pair of heels, these shoe boots give the dress a slight edge, a rock chic attitude. They are comfy, perfect for Autumn/Winter parties but will look equally good with a pair of boyfriends jeans and blouse.

Middleton Lodge really was the most beautiful, tastefully designed hotel and restaurant, a little piece of heaven, if you do get a chance to visit I would highly recommend it. Alongside getting to try on the new Hush collection and hanging out with the most fab group of people it was a gorgeous couple of days..

You can see all of the Hush new October collection here, I also have my eye on the new items below..



This post was written in collaboration with Hush, they are a brand I love, all styling, clothing selection and opinions are my own.




9.22.2017

Beautiful Knits, Floral Skirts, Trench Coats and Jeans..The Building Blocks to a Perfect Autumn/Winter Wardrobe


Style Theory: This Autumn/Winter for me is all about beautiful jumpers, floral skirts mixed with cool outerwear, denim and a healthy dose of practical footwear. I love to be comfortable but at the same time look like I have made a little effort and these looks, all head to toe Marks and Spencer, are all those things I can move around in but also look like I have spent longer than 2 mins getting ready (genuinely for these photos I had taken 2 mins getting ready..nothing a slick of red lipstick can't fix!)

If you follow me on Instagram you will know I have worn this skirt loads. I love the print and the length, it feels elegant but is also really easy to wear and can be mixed and matched with so many tops, I have worn it with the red jumper (as in these photos) a navy jumper, with a grey hoody and trainers and with a navy blouse and heels for a 'grown up' smarter look. It has an elasticated waist so is super forgiving at dinner, I am wearing a size 10 but could possibly have gone down to a size 8.
Jumper - M&S Cashmere Jumper £75
Skirt - M&S Per Una £39.50
Shoes - M&S £39.50
Bag - M&S Pure Leather Bag £79
The shoes are incredibly comfy, they look great with ankle length jeans and a red blouse or with a simple tee. The cashmere jumper is the ultimate in luxury, a beautiful shade of red and so so soft, I am wearing a size 12 here as I like my sweaters to be generous. I fell in love with this bag as soon as I spotted it, it is looks designer-esque, is the softest leather and stays on your shoulder without immediately slipping off (my bugbear!) I love walking around in this outfit, it is practical but you can really feel quite ladylike in it..

A trench is a 'must have' for Autumn, this M&S Trench looks great on, it is cut beautifully (fits good on the shoulders..important for a trench) and is the perfect length (I am wearing a size 8 - size down for a neater fit).
Trench Coat - M&S £45
Belt - M&S £15
Jeans - M&S £29.50
Trainers - M&S £49.50
Leather Bag - M&S £79
I added a belt to make the trench look expensive and tailored and the deep red leather bag is beautiful, a really useful chic bag, it will look great with a navy, red, khaki or black coat. The trainers are great, the zebra print rings the changes to my trainer collection and as they are leather they are comfy and not too hot..

My perfect dressed up/dressed down outfit. I am a sucker for stripes and this cashmere striped breton is the dream, incredibly versatile wear with jeans and trainers or clash up with a floral skirt and heels. I am wearing a size 8 jumper as I decided I wanted this to be slightly more fitted than the rest of my jumpers but for a slouchier fit size up.
Cashmere jumper - M&S £85
Denim Culottes - M&S £29.50
Boots - M&S £39.50
Culottes are just the best, so practical, easy to wear and look great with heels, due to my height I have to wear heels with culottes to avoid my legs looking incredibly short! (I am wearing a size 8) These velvet sock boots are great, they look super luxe for a decent price, if you do get a chance to try they on instore try on a few different pairs (in your size) as the zips are a little hit and miss, some zips sit well others stick out a little.

Finally the 'event dress' which again can be dressed down pretty easily. I wore it for an evening out in a lovely restaurant but it would look equally good with a tight navy poloneck underneath and a pair of tan, chunky 70s style knee high boots for a cool, boho daytime look..
Dress - M&S £45
Boots - M&S £39.50
It is quite Princess Diana in the 80s (which completely drew me to the dress) I love the gold sparkle and find navy a really flattering and forgiving colour against my skin. It is a great length and the velvet boots give it an edge, Winter events I am ready for you!!

I loved shooting these M&S pieces, I am a huge fan of M&S and always find some real gems in there at affordable prices, ideal pieces to pad out your Autumn/Winter wardrobe and add a touch of luxe. I am so excited to be featured on Style and Living here..



What are your fave Autumn items so far this season, as always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx

This blog post was written in collaboration with M&S, all clothing choices, styling, photography and opinions are my own.

9.17.2017

The Perfect Cosy and Soft Jumper and lots more....



Style Theory: Hush have pretty much got comfortable, loungewear nailed. They are my go to brand for comfortable, cosy jumpers, the BEST jumpsuits, their dresses and trainers are cool too. The pieces are just so easy to wear, to mix and match with every wardrobe, they can just slot in and always prove to be my most worn pieces..

Jumper - Hush £130
Jeans - J Brand (similar here) - size down at least one size on these
Boots - Chloe Susannah  - cheaper alternative here
When I saw this Love jumper on the website I knew it would be one of those sweaters I would reach for time and time again, perfect for the school run with jeans and trainers, ideal for weekend walks with skinny jeans and wellies. It is so soft, sits beautifully at the hips blousing over to hide my tummy ( I really dislike jumpers that are tight across my middle, this is not) I am wearing a size small, I would say it is generous but I would not size down as I like my knitwear to be quite oversized.

Also loving the two other colourways..
Hush £130
Hush £130
This Autumn I am also loving floral dresses and trainers, worn with my biker jacket as it is not too cold yet but as soon as the weather is colder I'll be wearing my dresses with ankle boots and a full length coat..preferably a red coat to add a pop of colour to the winter months. 
Dress - Hush £99
Trainers - Hush £145
Jacket - Old Season - Love this one
This Hush dress is the new addition to my wardrobe, again really easy to throw on and go, it definitely comes up big so size down at least one size (I sized down two sizes to a size 6 - I am usually a size 10) The print with the subtle leopard detail is cool and worn with trainers (love the Hush ones I am wearing with gold stars on them ) or edgy boots is a really practical but smart daytime option, just rings the changes to wearing jeans every day..





Easy wear clothes are great, they make getting dressed in the morning a breeze and look like you have made an effort when really you haven't!

Here are a few more of favourite Hush items so far this season, they are all easy pieces to add to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe that are so wearable but will breathe some new life into your outfits...
Hush Stella Jumper £79
This is a classic Hush jumper, every year this star style sells out as it looks fab on, the jumper to wear with jeans or slouchy trousers and trainers.
Love Jumper £85
I had this style of jumper last year and wore it non-stop. I love the idea of wearing it with jeans and red heeled sock boots for an comfy 'going out' look. Equally it will look fab dressed down with jeans and trainers.
Breton Jumper £79
A breton is a wardrobe staple and this one looks great on, effortlessly chic.
Lightning Bolt Tee £35
This tee would look great with jeans and a tux style black jacket and gold heels.
Helen Jumper - £69
A pink jumper will brighten up every Autumn/Winter wardrobe, it looks beautiful with dark red accessories for a very Autumn/Winter 2017 look.
Long Harem Trousers £55
Another Hush classic, these slouchy harem trousers are what weekends are made for, loungewear at it's most stylish..
Mallory Jumpsuit £85
I am officially obsessed with these Hush jumpsuits, they are amazingly comfortable, look great on (size down) I would wear this with high gold heels for a perfect Autumn out out look...
Short Parka £150
I lived in my Hush parka last year and cannot recommend them enough. The removable faux fur lining is so warm and the coat is a great length. Love the black version, it looks sleek and minimal.

All these pieces will make the ideal weekend/schoolrun outfits, comfy, practical and cool...

Are you a fan of Hush, which are your favourite pieces? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx