Style Theory: Navy...understated, flattering on the skin, slightly Parisian in nature and all round easy colour to wear. It is the antithesis of streetstyle, it whispers rather than shouts, it is effortless and doesn't take an awful lot of styling to look good...

images via Pinterest

For driving around to meetings miles away I needed to feel comfortable but slightly business-like so I reached for a navy ensemble, practical, warm  and understated...

Jumper - Banana Republic £55

Name necklace - AnnaLou of London £58

Jeans - J Brand @Revolve £153.83* check shipping as I have a feeling these are US but do ship to UK

Coat - Maje £239.50

Boots - Topshop £79

Bag - Radley (old season) similar here

Hat - Anthropologie (sold out)

My J Brand jeans are my new, favourite smart/casual items of clothing, they are expensive but so far, so worth it. They fit like a glove, have perfect stretch, do not dig into my tummy (no undoing my jean button when I drive then forget to do it back up when I dash out for petrol!) They are definitely better with heels and the Topshop sock boots are the perfect partnering. 

I saw this jumper on Michelle from MyFashionable40s and had to buy one too (she has great style), it is from Banana Republic and is gorgeous, I love the ruffle detail and the fact it is just so wearable. Similar to my Cos jumper I have worn non-stop for the last year. It smartens up jeans but will also look great with my distressed boyfriend jeans and leopard print heels for an evening out.

My name necklace is a must incase anyone forgot my name (I like to make things easy for people) and my Maje coat, another huge investment (still sitting on credit card eek I will pay it off at some point!) but it is one of those coats that looks understated but classy.

So when in doubt reach for navy...it can make you look sophisticated and chic with minimal effort.

Are you a fan of Navy, is it the colour that dominates your wardrobe? I am planning a work wear blog - a caspule collection that will see your through this tricky winter/spring time..will be live soon. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

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Styling Editsecondhand

Style Theory: Editsecondhand is a beautiful boutique and online store specialising in preloved designer clothing and handbags. The team expertly edit each item to ensure they are of the highest quality and only buy items they would have in their own closets. I am a huge fan and have bought quite a few pieces so when I was asked to style one of their Pre-Fall shoots  I jumped at the chance...armed with a collection of my shoes and trainers I headed to the boutique and here are are a few shots images from the shoot...

I adored this maxi dress, it drapes perfectly and the print is in soft, muted colours. It would work beautifully with heels but I decided to style it with trainers to give it a more 'urban edge'..love it and the elegant Halston Heritage clutch.

Dress - contact EditSecondhand
Necklace - contact EditSecondhand
Clutch - Halston Heritage £40
Trainers - Adidas Superstar £64.99 @Office

It was such a joy to work with all the designer quality dresses as they are beautifully cut and fell perfectly at the shoulders and arms. Unfortunately the Masscob dress has since sold as has the Isabel Marant belt and necklace, it is worth checking the editsecondhand website often as they have new items coming in all the time and there are some amazing dresses for a fraction of their original price all in amazing condition.

Bag - contact editsecondhand
Sandals - Next sold out similar here

Me styling - note to self never get a photo of dungarees from behind ;-)

Top - Isabel Marant Etoile  - sold
Jeans - Victoria Beckham DVB £80
Clutch - Halston Heritage £40 - as above
Shoes -  Mascaro (size 40) £80

The DVB jeans are a waist 29 and are incredibly flattering, the ankle length is perfect and would look great in the winter with a pair of tan ankle boots.

Jacket - Isabel Marant - sold
Trousers - Paige - sold
T- shirt - J Brand £45
Trainers - as above
Bag - mine from Spain

The bomber jacket trend is sailing straight into AW15 so a denim bomber is ideal for this season. I am slightly obsessed with stripy trousers as I think they look amazing in the winter with an oversize black, chunky jumper and black ankle boots and a pair of sunglasses..adore these ones..ah-ma-zing

Tom Ford @editsecondhand £135

I find this shape of sunglasses (& my vision glasses are similar) really flattering on my square face as they seem to 'lift' it a little making it look a little less round/square a little more heart shaped. These Tom Ford sunglasses would look so sleek and stylish in the winter with an all black outfit.

Jacket - Iro £140
Top - Swildens £40
Bag - Anya Hindmarch £350
Sandals - H&M

This bomber jacket would look great in the summer over pale blue jeans and a white boho top and in the winter with a cream, pussybow blouse and dark blue flared jeans and tan heeled boots. Love the fact the Anya Hindmarch bag is tan and black so in the winter will look fabulous with an all black outfit, a stand out piece.

A similar Iro jacket worn by Kate Hudson - looks stunning on..

Image via Pinterest 

Here are a few other pieces that I am lusting over on editsecondhand:

From top left clockwise - Black Dress - See by Chloe £100 - Black Jacket - Chanel £900 
Black Bag - Chanel £900 - Leopard Print Shoes - Christian Louboutin £100 - Brogues -Church's £150
Khaki jeans - Balmain £100

Designer heaven for a fraction of the price..perfect. It is absolutely worth checking out the editsecondhand website and signing up to the newsletters which inform you of all the new stock that is arriving - and you can return items (within 7 days - see terms and conditions) if they do not fit.

I loved styling the Schoolrunstyle Edit, it was such fun and the team at editsecondhand are fab! 

Are you a fan of preloved items, do you, like me adore designer pieces for affordable prices? I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxx

Follow me on Instagram @Schoolrunmum for daily outfit looks and key buys xxx