Last Minute Gift Guide

12.18.2018


Style Theory: Last minute gifts for the females in your life. Here are a few of the items I have discovered through working with brands over the last few years (and I have since re-bought myself or bought for friends for Christmas presents) or products that I buy time and time again and will make the most fabulous (last minute) Christmas presents..
Tula Purifying Cleanser @QVC £20
A light gel cleanser that purifies and cleans my skin, I use it in the shower and it makes my skin feel soft, smooth, clean and does not dry it out.
Tula Hydrating Day and Night Cream @QVC £40
Again another light, nourishing product, this moisturiser I was introduced to via QVC and have bought and used two pots since. I love it, it absorbs into my skin really well leaving it feeling soft and looking hydrated (and does not give me spots like many moisturisers)
Vitamin C Repair Serum £30
This product was recommended by Chloe and I absolutely love it, it is a skin saviour in the colder months. The serum intensely hydrates and leaves skin with a healthy glow, I use a couple of drops every day after cleansing and before moisturising.
Willowberry Treatment Oil £22.50
A small bottle of natural, luxurious goodness. I use this oil to give my face a glow, I pop a little on my cheekbones, it makes me look a little brighter and healthier - a great tip from Caroline Barnes who introduced me to Willowberry (their natural Cleansers and moisturisers are also fab)
Balance Me Congested Skin Serum £16
This is like a little tube of magic for spots, you just apply it to the spot and it works (naturally) by calming the inflammation and stops spots them in their tracks..
ST Tropez Bronzing Mousse £20.33
This is the bronzer I love to use, I always apply it using a bronzing mitt and it gives me a light, natural, even tan. 
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15 £30
I have never worn foundation every day before but this Bobbi Brown foundation has changed that. I only use a little over my nose, under my eyes, a little on my cheeks and chin and with this foundation it is so easy to do, it blends in seamlessly and looks natural on the skin (I use natural colourway)
Bamford Geranium Hand and Body Lotion £26
I was given a mini bottle of this in a goody bag (from WyseLondon) and it is just the most beautiful smelling, velvety body lotion. I have asked for this from my sister for Christmas, a real indulgent treat.
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara £5.70
The mascara I have used for years and years, it does not smudge, gives me thick dark lashes without any clumps, I find Max Factor consistently good at mascaras - a great stocking gift.
Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Liner £5.29
Another one of my all time favourite make up items, this is super easy to use, gives a great upper lid eyeliner line without smudging.
Nails Inc Porchester Square Collection @QVC £29
A great set of nailpolishes - one of QVC's best selling nails inc colours, Porchester Square is a beautiful nude/mink colour and the addition of the shimmer adds some Christmas sparkle. The perfect teenager present.
Name Necklace AnnaLou of London £70
I have had my name necklace for about 4 years and it is one of my fave pieces of jewellery. It is gold plated and has never tarnished (I never take mine off) and sits just at the right height on me, I have the 16" chain.
Diamonique @QVC £57
These earrings I have worn so many times, the perfect size hoop and the stones in them give them a little colourful twist on the classic hoop. They are gold plated on sterling silver and are fairly light so can be worn all day.
Lisa Snowdon @qvcuk Multi gemstone ring £40
This gold plated vermeil ring, dotted with semi precious stones is a super special gift that will be worn, kept and treasured for years.
Ophia Stargazing Set of two stack up rings @QVC £36
These rings I put on as soon as they arrived and have not taken them off. They are polished, plated sterling silver with cubic zirconia stones and look fab on.
Diamonique Cluster Star Ring £27
A blingtastic ring for those that love a lot of sparkle, dramatic and eyecatching this is a fab statement ring.
Gucci Belt £320
If you are looking for a super special present for yourself, my Gucci belt is my most worn luxury item. I bought the 4cm wide mens version of the belt as it was the only one in stock at the time - the one I have linked to above is the women's. I have the 90cm long one but to be honest for me (I am a size 10) it is a little big so I should have got either 80am or 85cm length one. Having said that I wear it almost every day on my jeans and love it, it elevates a basic jumper and jeans outfit and looks just as good in the summer as in the winter.

A few ideas of the items I have loved and would make fabulous Christmas presents, I know with QVC you can order most things up until 20th December if you are like me and are a bit behind on Christmas shopping. Good luck for the last few days and have the most wonderful, restful Christmas and a very Happy New Year xxx 

Hiking into Christmas....

11.30.2018

Cashmere Jumper - M&S £89
Skirt - M&S £35
Boots - M&S £45
Style Theory: Holly Willoughby, powered by her fab stylist Angie Smith has single handedly made the trend of hiking boots mainstream. I am on board with this fabulously practical trend, easy to wear, they look as great with skirts and dresses as with skinny jeans and leather leggings paired with oversized jumpers. 







Images via Pinterest
As usual M&S are hot on this trend and have some great, non super expensive options to wear...
M&S Lace up Hiker boots £45
These are the boots I have and am wearing above, they are really comfortable, great with dresses and jeans, and with a faux fur lining keep my feet warm.
M&S Lace Up Ankle Hiking Boots £45
Slightly higher than the boots above, these are a little more hardy as they are made from faux leather so maybe more suitable for all weather conditions (although they are not waterproof)
M&S Fur Lined Lace Up Boots £49.50
These boots have designer vibes and look incredibly comfortable..
M&S Fur Lined Boots £49.50
Also come in black...
M&S Faux Fur Hiker Ankle Boots £45
Super chunky, super comfy and ticks all the trends..

As usual M&S always get their footwear spot on.. I am embracing this trend, what are your thoughts, have you gone with the hiking boot trend?

Thanks for reading, until next time Fran xx

Laid back Partywear...

11.26.2018

Jumpsuit - Hush £145
Clutch - Hush £99
Shoes - Hush £129

Style Theory: For me partywear has to be laid back, easy to wear but look super chic. Hush are the masters of this look, season after season they create great looks that make dressing up for a fancy do a breeze, maximum impact with minimum fuss..

I am always drawn to black for partywear, it looks classy, it is so easy to match with accessories and never dates so can be worn year after year..
Jumpsuit - Hush £145
Clutch - Hush £99
Shoes - Hush £129
This Hush Devore Jumpsuit is the perfect all in one party piece. Flattering across shoulders, it is cut beautifully and the trousers perfectly skim over the hips and make legs look long... I sized down to a size 8..

Top - Hush £69
Jeans - Hush £79
Bag - Hush £110
Shoes - Hush £129
I am a huge fan of coated jeans, they give the 'leather look' without the price tag, I took these up so they are ankle length (my preferred length of trousers and jeans) they are definitely a snug fit, these are a size 10 and just about fit..so take your normal size for a tight look.

The off the shoulder jumper with frill adds interest to an all black look and will look look great with blue jeans and trainers too for a dressed down look (will also be great in the cooler summer evenings with denim shorts!) And the red fur is possibly the cosiest jacket ever, super glam but practical at the same time..
Top - Hush £69
Jeans - Hush £79
Bag - Hush £110
Shoes - Hush £129
Coat - Hush £135
Throw on a pair of chic court shoes that literally go with everything and you have an easy but cool party look..
Jumper - Hush £149
Leather Leggings - Hush £345
Boots - Hush £185
Bag - Hush £79
This is a daytime look with a Christmas twist, the ideal outfit for boxing day, cosy, comfy with a splash of colour. The roll neck is super soft and the perfect length to wear with these endlessly useful (and flattering) leather leggings. 
Jumper - Hush £149
Leather Leggings - Hush £345
Boots - Hush £185
Bag - Hush £79

Photos by Victoria Metaxas
The boots are seriously eyecatching, made of the softest leather they can turn every outfit into something special..and are comfortable to walk in...

I know black is not the most imaginative for Christmas but for me it just works every time, it looks chic, stylish and never ever dates....

A few fab Hush cyber Monday deals to buy now...
Hush - was £110 now £82.50 (cyber Monday only)
An easy dress to wear, perfectly covers a tum, looks super chic, team with black opaques and heels for a great going out look. Wear with opaques and knee high boots for a stylish daytime outfit.
Hush - was £129 now £96.75
The perfect weekend jumper with jeans and trainers.
Hush - was £85v now £63.75
The classic Hush sweater, a classic year after year.
Hush was £130 now £97.50
The ideal Christmas jumper...
Hush was £139 now £104.25
I cannot tell you how much I love this bag, I use it everyday it is the perfect size, fits so much in but isn't too big and bulky. It sits across the body at the right height and is without a doubt my fave bag in a long time!



This blog post was written in collaboration with Hush, all opinions, styling are my own.

Winter Outfit Inspiration

11.25.2018


Style Theory: Every so often I need to take a step back and be inspired. My favourite way is to scroll through Instagram, although during cyber week and black friday it has frazzled my brains so I turned to my second favourite thing, Pinterest. I love looking at street style looks over the last few years they always give me so many outfits ideas and realigns my true style.....

So here are my favourite looks, hopefully they will inspire you to have a look in your wardrobe and rework the things you have in there..
@Bat_gio
Sincerely Jules 
@StyleduMonde

Image via pinterest
@Thefashionguitar 
@Mikutas
@Fashionmenow
@CamilleCharriere
@Pacificcoastnews





@StyleduMonde





@Collagevintage
All images above via Pinterest 
Hopefully that will give you some ideas of looks to rock over the coming months..looks like it is all about trainers, boots, jeans and a heavy dose of leather leggings for me...