Style Theory: To be honest, it has taken me until my 40s to be able to save and buy myself anything designer, before I never had enough money and there was always something more important than my clothes to spend any money I had on, there still is but with a mixture of gift vouchers for my 'big (40th) birthday' and buying (slightly) less fast fashion I have treated myself to some amazing items that I absolutely adore, love wearing and as I want to get my money's worth I absolutely do not keep for best, I love them..I wear them..
I get asked daily for the exact details of my Gucci belt on Instagram, it really is a beauty and one thing that I did debate about buying for 6 months and finally bit the bullet and have worn it non stop since. It just makes a pretty basic outfit of blazer, t shirt jeans and trainers look a little more dressed up. I bought the medium width belt, I tried all three sizes and found this to be the best to wear with jeans as it just the right width. The 'GG' is not too big or blingy but is noticable enough. The black leather is so versatile, I loved wearing it the summer with jeans and black strappy flat sandals and in the winter it looks great with jumpers (side tucked) into jeans and boots.
**The one I have linked to is the man's version (ie. buckle buckles the opposite way to normal) this is the one I have as the woman's version was always sold out. It is a bit of a pain at first but them you get used to it and no one has noticed so far!! I bought the 105cm size but it is a little too big I wear it on the smallest hole so definitely could have gone for the 100cm or 95cm - I am average size 10 with not exactly a cinched in waist!
I was bought the Gucci Soho Disco bag for my 40th by my collective family and friends and it was my first proper designer bag. I have used it to death and still love it as much. It is amazing how much I can fit in there, a book, purse and phone and small make up bag, it is like a little tardis. Perfect for day to day wear and is compact enough not to weigh a ton..would recommend although I do dream of owning a red one too..
These are my 'happy shoes' every time I wear them they make me happy (yes, I am deep!) Possibly slightly (very) frivolous, but they are just gorgeous, insanely comfortable and look fab with ankle length jeans, trousers or dresses..basically everything. Size down at least one whole size, I sized down half a size and they are too big now as the leather is so soft it does stretch, so buy slightly tighter rather than bigger..
Every year I look for a pair of 70s inspired boots, boots you can wear with skinny jeans or dresses and skirts and ones that you can walk in. This year these have caught my eye, they look amazing on, they have a real slouch and are made of the softest leather. They are completely timeless and will, if I splurge, last me the rest of my life!!
Ok so not such a huge price item but in my eyes a real luxury. I wear this necklace every day, never take it off and it never dulls or tarnishes. It looks great as the base of a layered gold necklace look but also looks just as lovely in the summer with a swimsuit on the beach. A really beautiful piece of jewellery.
This is the best cashmere jumper I have worn and washed successfully! It is the softest cashmere, so perfectly cut and looks fab on, I have a medium as I like to wear sweaters quite loose. I was sent this by Scout Cashmere but I will definitely invest in another one, I think a black one next as they are well worth the money and I have worn it non-stop..
These again required lots of saving, I had been looking at them for 6 years since their relaunch and love how they look on others. To be honest, it has taken me a while to like them on me, I found them slightly too chunky and super loud when I walked in them, but after wearing them quite a few times this Autumn I love them. I think the trend of chunky boots this season has made these look quite dainty and so they are looking, in my eyes, better with dresses and I love them with leather leggings and knits.. Size down on these at least half a size, they come up big.
Sometimes, if you can, it is worth investing in one hero piece, when friends and family ask you what you fancy for your birthday or Christmas ask for vouchers and treat Yo'self!! You will feel like a million dollars and love mixing and matching your item with your existing wardrobe and new high street pieces. Are you a designer fan, what have you invested in and which pieces are on your wish list..?
Style Theory: The perfect in-between shoe, the loafer. When you want to cast off your boots but it is not warm enough for sandals the loafer will be your style go to. Gucci loafers have been flooding the streetstyle scene and look amazing on, but you don't have to fork out the £500 for this style as there are plenty of beautiful loafers on the highstreet for a fraction of the price. For now lets just start at the top with a pair of delicious Guccis then I will move on to the completely affordable, beautiful, high street versions. Remember these loafer 'style rules' and you will never get it wrong, they look fabulous with dresses and shorts but when wearing with trousers/jeans/dungarees make sure your trousers are cropped to ankle length and you are showing a bit of ankle, they make them look less masculine and far more stylish...
The original, buttery soft leather, super sleek. Seen on almost every blogger these loafers hit the fashion shoe world hard last year and have now filtered down to the high street. They look fab with ankle length jeans skinny jeans and slouchy/ silk tops.
These are the dream, classic, chic and after seeing the image below on Pinterest last year I have been searching for this exact pair. Time to ebay my life away to save up to get a pair..
I have these bow loafers and absolutely adore them, they are designed in London, handmade in Portugal and are beautiful. They are the perfect mix of chic and on trend and are super flattering on, the leather takes a little wearing in but when you have you will wear these shoes for years and years to come. Wear them with all black below or like I did (also below) with bright coat and monochrome top...
Topshop have jumped on the bandwagon and have come up trumps with some stunning loafers, the ones I have selected below have leather uppers (I really do prefer leather shoes if I can afford them, they wear so much better and are better when not wearing socks) and are a decent price.
Love these, they are so Nicolas Kirkwood, are leather and such a good price, the perfect summer work shoe. They would add a hint of artistic flair to the most plain outfits. The look below is a fabulous work look with an edge..
Naturally I am obsessed with these loafers, not the faint hearted but I have ordered. I love the bright pink colour, they will look amazing with a denim dress, add a punch of colour to a black and white outfit or just wear with a pair of jeans and plain t-shirt.
A real classic, Spanish style loafer, these light tan loafers will flatter especially when worn with ankle length jeans, dresses or shorts, the nude colour elongates your legs. Made of leather these are for the classically, chic lady.
A fabulous alternative the full mule, these will be easy to slip on and go and look glamorous as you walk around in them. Wear them low key with jeans and tee or ramp up the metallic look and wear with a metallic skirt for a real statement outfit..
For some true red loafers, these Office shoes are the perfect colour and shape. Let them do the talking keep your outfit simple.
I love the look of red shoes with a pair of jeans and white shorts, easy, chic and stylish.
Another trend that is both practical and cool, I love these easy to wear looks, so much better than stilletos being 'in'. The more I am looking at the pink Topshop loafers the more I think I need to order them, they look so much fun and I really believe fashion is about fun, taking little risks with your style and stepping a little out of your comfort zone, it always is worth it. Loafers are the perfect 'Fashion Lift' to add to your wardrobe.
Have you bought any loafers so far this year? Have you invested in the trend or are you going for the less expensive high street option. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxxx
