Coat - M&S £49.50
Jumper - M&S £109
Jeans - M&S £25
Shoes - M&S £45

Style Theory: This has been a loong month, I don't normally struggle with January because my birthday is in the middle of it but this year I have, not sure why but when I am feeling a bit blue I treat myself to a pair of shoes (and the fact that it rhymes add to the charm..ha!)

I have been obsessed with gold brogues for a while after seeing gold Chanel brogues 3 years ago (they are amazing) granted these are not gold, they are silver, but they are made of beautifully soft leather, are super flattering on my feet and most importantly really comfy as soon as I put them on. They have the look of the soft leather of the Chanels and finish at the right point on the feet, not too high therefore they do make ankles look thick- a big problem I have with brogues and also the soles are too chunky..

Shoes - M&S £45
Jeans - M&S £25

I have worn them over the last few days and they are so so comfy, definitely - size down they come up at least half a size big..

I adore Marks and Spencer cashmere jumpers, they are honestly fab, they look great on and (hand) wash well, keep their shape, I have a red and black one and have just added this grey with white stars on it. I ordered a size 12 but it is actually a little big so I would go with your normal size.

Coat - M&S £49.50
Jumper - M&S £109
Jeans - M&S £25
Shoes - M&S £45

The pink coat adds a pop of colour, it is lightweight, the perfect Spring jacket, I love it styled with a hoody too it  gives it a more edgy look. Size down at least one or two sizes it comes up big! 

The jeans are great, they are the Mid Rise Relaxed Jean - £25, I chopped the bottom off them (I cut off the turn up as it made my legs look too short) I also sized down two sizes, I am wearing a size 6 regular (I am normally a size 10), I'll admit they were very tight when I put them on but over the day they do give - they are a great light blue and are quite high so hold in my tummy.

Just one of those super easy outfits to wear and the perfect pick me up for a grey January, the bag was in the sale it was £7 I think but is no longer available online.

A few other pieces that have caught my eye..

M&S Navy Autograph Cashmere Jumper £75

I do love a navy cashmere jumper, it is so flattering against skin and goes with almost every colour, a really hardworking piece in any wardrobe.

M&S Asymmetric Skirt £39.50

I love the idea of this beautiful olive skirt with a the navy jumper above and a pair of tan 70s knee high boots - the perfect winter look. In the summer swap for a white logo tee and white trainers and a denim jacket.

M&S £35

How Joseph-esque is this jumper? Wear with boyfriend jeans and heels for a chic going out look.

M&S Cashmere Turtle Neck £139

Pure luxury a cashmere breton, amazing with jeans and trainers or dress up with jeans and red sock boots.

M&S £29.50

Love a pink shoe, love a bow, these would look fab with the cashmere jumper above and boyfriend jeans - *they are wide fit.

M&S £65

Love these, edgy for M&S and gorgeous with the olive skirt above or jeans and a white tee and blazer.

M&S £89

The perfect slouchy, black leather handbag - a really good size to throw everything in.

So many beautiful pieces and I really really love my new silver brogues, they will go with so much this year. How is January treating you, are feeling it the longest month every too!! Roll on Spring, thanks for reading until next time Fran xx

This blog post was written in collaboration with M&S all styling, words, product choice and opinions are my own.

New Season Gorgeousness....

Top - Topshop £29
Name Necklace - AnnalouofLondon £65
Star Necklace - Cabbage White England from £35
Jeans - J Brand Selena now £120

Style Theory: A new season brings with it much needed newness, colours and designs onto the high street. The new Spring ranges are dropping into the shops now, they bring a breath of new fashion fresh air, bright prints, injections of much needed colour and the good news is they can easily be added to your winter wardrobe to wear now...just pop Spring tops under warm, faux furs or long, wool coats with jeans and boots. In the summer swap winter looks for denim shorts, maxi dresses, denim jackets and sandals...

Here are the items I have bought or are on my shopping list now...

Topshop £32

Love this top, it will look fab now under a chunky pink cardigan (see the &OtherStories one below) with ankle length jeans and trainers and in the summer wear with pale blue jeans and tan sandals, one of those tops you can wear loads.

Topshop £36

Love this top, it looks amazing 'in real life'. It is a complete eyecatcher, the wrap detail across the front will be excellent to cover over a tummy, again I would wear this with boyfriend jeans and red sock boots - super cool. In the summer wear with a denim skirt and white supergas.

Topshop £28

I have this top, it is such a beautiful soft colour, really flattering against my skin. It looks great worn with fine gold jewellery, boyfriend/ankle length jeans and a pair of tan/red heels. (I am wearing it below) 

Top - Topshop £36
Name Necklace - AnnalouofLondon £65
Star Necklace - Cabbage White England from £35
Jeans - J Brand Selena now £120
Shoes - Dorothy Perkins (sold out)

J Brand Selena Jeans - were £275 now £120

These are the jeans I live in, I absolutely love them, they are the perfect length for me (I am 5ft3) but do size down - I take a size 27 (I am a size 10) honestly they are gorgeous, they look great with boots, heels, sandals and trainers - they are brilliant (and I paid full price for them- arghhh!)

Topshop £29 

Love this Rixo-esque top, it looks great on, it is quite short so I wear a black bodysuit underneath like the one below.. I bought a size 10 so I would say true to size.

Top - Topshop £29
Leather Leggings - Me+Em
Bag - The Alex Edit 
Boots - Chloe Susanna 
Name Necklace - AnnalouofLondon £65

Topshop £12

This is a good basic body, these are a lifesaver under tops (stops me flashing my tummy!)

Can't wait to wear this top with jeans and white supergas in the summer!!

Rixo £175

This is really expensive but I just wanted to show you this beautiful Rixo top, it is 80s 'tastic, it will look amazing with light blue jeans and trainers/heels, just such a fab shape. I would wear it with some simple gold jewellery, I think the scarf is a little fussy. If you are looking for any Rixo pieces check out Studio B they have a fab range and some fab new Scandi brands, I am hoping they will soon be stocking this top.

Topshop £130

A little random but this dress is gorgeous, if you are looking for something a little extra special for going out this would look great with a black biker thrown over the top and a huge oversized, blue scarf (love it with the white boots too!)

H&M £34.99

I have been stalking this jumper for a while, I spotted it on Instagram and love it, be quick though it will sell out fasssttt!

Me+Em £169

I have just ordered these, they are sooo expensive but Me+Em trousers are worth the big investment. I order a size down as I find they come up a little big and I will have to take them up (a shame as I will lose the split!) but they are just gorge. I had my eye on some Isabel Marant red tracksuit bottoms but they were too expensive. These have more of a trouser cut so will be more flattering and good for wearing out out. I will wear them with a tee and pink heels for a night out, throw my faux fur over the top to keep me warm. In the summer these will be fab with a breton tee and trainers..

H&M £24.99

Because a fresh new boho, broderie anglaise top is always a good idea!

&Other Stories £89

Feeling the love for the cardi again this season and this one is fab, the colours mean it will go with everything - go matchy matchy over a blue/pink/red top or clash up over a floral dress, this will be such a useful item all year through..

&Other Stories £89

Also gorgeous in this pinky/peach colour. I bought a cardigan like this years ago from Quattro Rish and have worn it soo much..

Pink Blouse - &Other Stories £59

Such a cute blouse, my sister sent me a photo of this saying I think you might like this, she was right I love it...now on the shopping list..it will look great with the Me+Em red trousers and white boots (more on white boots in my next blog post)

Quite the mix but things I have been stalking online or have bought to add a little interest to my winter wardrobe! Next on the agenda are white boots, admittedly I am a little late to the party on these but I think will add something to my outfits and then navy or blue bags..I have realised I need one of these for the Spring and summer it will look great with all the pinks in my wardrobe and clash perfectly with the reds...

In the meantime c'mon Spring!!

Until next time Fran xxx

All the Exercise Gear....

FandF Active Top - £10
FandF Active Gilet - £22

Style Theory: ..and no idea. This used to be my nightmare, turn up at an exercise class with all the gear but no idea, I had visions of really embarrassing myself by looking like I should know what I am doing but failing miserably at anything fitness related. Well, I have had a little turn around of late especially as I have slowly but surely started to move a little more and realised that wearing a great pair of leggings and a top specifically designed for exercise actually helps and no one laughs!

The fact is that even before I start exercise and as a little bit of motivation having the gear makes me feel ready, great leggings help me move, a good vest top keeps everything held in and a throw over top makes me feel comfortable and the right temperature. Annnd these things do not cost a fortune, especially F&F activewear - it feels and looks pretty amazing on and doesn't break the bank..

With Katie - MummyDaddyMe (how much are we enjoying running..ha!)
Me - FandF Active Top - £18
FandF Active Gilet - £22
FandF Active Tropical Leggings (two pack) £14
FandF Trainers £12

Katie - FandF Active Range 

It has taken me 42 years to find an exercise I like, to free up the time and for my kids to be at an age when it is manageable for me to take that time out. I know everyone says you should make time for exercise but sometimes it is just hard, for me I needed everything to align and then I was able to do regular exercise and actually keep it up. I have been doing pilates three times a week for 6 months (upped it from twice a week) I love it, I have the most amazing teacher, it makes me feel energised and positive and has pulled my knackered, out of shape body in again. I do it two evenings a week when Russ gets back from work and every Saturday morning at 8am - which is a struggle as I do like a little lie in at the weekends, but it works for everyone and sets me up in a positive mood on a Saturday morning. I have tried running, outdoor exercise groups, circuits, youtube, pretty much everything but have done them in fits and starts and never kept them up, this is the first thing that I have kept up and I am determined to keep going. I guess the thing is that it isn't as easy as just to 'get out there', life gets in the way.. kids, work, running around after everyone, trying to keep on top of everything..its tricky and only you know when you can fit things in. I spent my whole time when the kids were young thinking I should be doing this or that but actually I couldn't and now they are older I do have that time so it just works..

FandF Active Hoody - £10
FandF Active Leggings - £12 

After 42 years of pretty inactiveness sport-wise I don't have a great backlog of exercise to pull out when needed so I love the fact FandF activewear is so affordable, it looks great on and stretches but doesn't bag..win, win. I was lucky enough to try it all on a shoot with Davina McCall and some other lovely influencers and models. It was a fab day we did a work out with Davina's Trainer, climbed rocks, ran through woods and the FandF activewear was amazing. I love the camo range and the trainers were so comfy! The reflective wear is great for early evening runs, it is all tastefully designed with low key colours and is flattering..and will not break the bank....

Here are a few of my fave pieces..

FandF Active Sports Bra and Vest top £14

FandF Active 2 Pack of Palm and Plain Print Leggings £20

FandF Active Camo Racer Back top £14

Love the fact that this is reflective too, perfect for summer evening runs..

FandF Active Camo Waterproof Walking Jacket £35

FandF Active Mesh T-Shirt £10

FandF Light Reflecting Camo Quick Dry Leggings £18

FandF Active Hoody £10

FandF Active Reflective Leggings £16

Such amazing buys, you can look the part even if you really don't feel it! But the gear might just be the final push to make you get out and start moving..it has helped me!

When did you find your exercise mojo? Have you found anything you can stick too? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xx

FandF Active Campaign

This blogpost was written in collaboration with FandF Activewear all thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Easy Everyday 5 minute make up routine...

Style Theory: I did a little make up tutorial on Instastories and have been asked to do a quick recap of the products I used.. so here it is, my very basic and easy 5 minute make up routine and all my favourite tried and tested products....

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash £12.80

My daughter Jess (10) and I both use this facewash. I am a fan of Balance Me products and love the fact they are 99% natural. This is a really gentle facewash and leaves my face feeling clean but not stripped of all goodness.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant £48

This is a product I have rediscovered thanks to my John Lewis beauty advent calendar. I used to use this exfoliator all the time a few years ago then I forgot about it so I was so glad when I refoundit. I use it in the shower after the facewash above pouring a small amount on my hand, mixing it with warm water and massaging it on my face. It leaves my face feeling super clean, glowing and smooth. 

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil £24

This face oil is a new find and I love it, it gives my winter skin the boost it needs. I just use two drops warmed up in my hands then massaged (quickly) into my skin, my skin drinks it up and it makes it feel softer and a little plumper.

Lancome Genifique Day Cream £56.70

I find Lancome moisturisers great for my skin, light, I cannot bare a heavy moisturiser and this one leaves my skin non-greasy but with a glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow £35

My favourite Charlotte Tilbury product, this is my make up saviour. It has little glowing particles in it, I use it over my moisturiser (not sure if you need to as it is a tinted moisturiser but I like to!) it makes my skin glow, look a little tanned but in a non-orange way. I do not use loads but a small amount over my face and neck, honestly it takes me from looking pasty and grey to slightly more glowing.

Collection Gorgeous Glow £4.19

Super cheapy bronzer but it is soo good, I use a large bronzing brush and brush all over my face, neck and decolletage , it gives me a sparkly glow that is not too dark. I also use it for eyeshadow (using my finger - all the class!) but saves time!

Guerlain Terracotta Summer Bronzing Powder £36.50

I use this bronzer on top of the Collection bronzer, using the same bronzer brush and just around the edges of my face (I have a square face so always say edges!) I guess in a loose way I use it to contour, so along the outside of my face, sweep it in towards my face at my cheekbones and a quick dust down my nose. It gives a matt finish that I love.

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Liner £3.70

This is the eyeliner I have been using forever..I use it on my eyelid to create a catsflick, I always use it fairly thinly then take the flick up just before I get to the outer edge of my eye to make my eyes look bigger and I take the flick out quite far (within reason) again this makes eyes look bigger.

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara £7.99

Another product I have been using forever!! My fave mascara, never smudges, stays on all day, gives me thick black eyelashes, no clogging!

Mac Cosmetics Beet £13

This lip liner is the perfect match for the lipstick I wear. I always use lipliner, it makes my lips look bigger, keeps my lipstick on longer and stops it bleeding. 

Mac Matte Lipstick All Fired Up £16.50

This is a beautiful shade of pink, for me it suits my colouring and makes my lips look fuller. It is quite dry so I sometimes mix it with a cheaper Rimmel lipstick to make it a little creamier. I always put at least two coats on blotting in between each coat.

Lipcote £4.09

An oldie but a goodie, I love this lipstick sealer and have been using it since I was 16. It keeps my lipstick on all day and ensures it does not end up all over my face!!

So there is my quick 5 minute daily face and make up routine, pretty basic but all my favourite products at the moment. I would love to hear about your favourites products so you have any make items you swear by?! I am always up to try new things, hear about recommendations.

Thanks so much for reading, until next time Fran xx