The Fashion Lift: #breton

Showing posts with label #breton. Show all posts

It's Going to be a Colourful Spring

3.09.2015

Labels: #2015fashion, #aliceshoe, #boden, #breton, #fashionblog, #fashionblogger, #fashionmom, #H&M, #highstreetfashion, #mummystyle, #schoolrunstyle, #statementshoe, #zara

Outfit Post: I love a splash of colour, especially if the colours clash. I find colour flatters and can 'lift' an outfit, as long as I can dress the look down with a pair of distressed jeans or trainers to balance the overall effect and avoid the outfit looking too shouty. My yellow Zara coat, orange H&M bag and new Boden shoes on paper shouldn't work..but I think they kind of do, especially on a beautiful Spring, sunny day...

Yellow coat - Zara
Jeans - Gap similar here
Bag - H&M (old)
Top - Cos
Shoes - Boden £119

For the last few seasons Boden has had a stand out pair of shoes that encapsulates the mood and colours of the season. For Autumn/winter 2014 it was the beautiful encrusted, crystal flat pumps and this Spring it is these beautiful 'Alice' shoes. Mine were part of a gift from my sisters for my birthday (thanks girls xx) and I love the colourway. The shoes come in two heel heights and five different colourways, mine above and these..

Boden Alice Shoes High Heel £119
Boden Alice Shoes Mid Heel £119

The high heels are 8.5cms, the mid heels are a very walkable 6cms, perfect for a spring or summer wedding guest outfit.

However, as I have only one wedding this year and any exciting events are few and far between, I have been looking for ways to dress down my shoes to make them more wearable for family lunches at the pub and evenings out at local restaurants with friends (not the schoolrun, trainers only for me chasing after the kids on their scooters acting like BMX bandits!)

Here are a few ideas of how I will be wearing my Boden Alice heels..

Blouse - Zara £39.99
Dungarees - H&M £29.99
Cardigan - Boden £49
Shoes - Boden £119

Breton top - Petit Bateau £58
Blazer - Zara £49.99
Jeans - Levis 501 CT at House Of Fraser now £75
Shoes - Boden £119

Comfort with style is my fashion mantra, I would always rather be slightly dressed down as I do not work in an office everyday therefore I feel more comfortable this way.

How about you, do embrace the opportunity to dress smartly, are you a statement shoe fan? Are you a shoe or bag person..which shoes are catching your eye this season? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, thanks so much for reading, until next time, Frances xxx

The Chic Spring Trainer..Superga

3.04.2015

Labels: #breton, #fashion, #fashionblog, #mumfashion, #schoolrun, #SupergaUK, #trainers

Style Theory: Superga has so far alluded my trainer love-in. For years I have been wearing trainers but due to never trying on Superga in the right size I have never had a pair. However, as from yesterday that all changed, I was invited to visit the new stand alone Superga store in Guildford, Surrey and instantly fell in love with the entire range...it seems the celebrities have been fans for a while...

Chic, stylish and oh so Italian, this footwear can be worn with skirts, jeans, shorts or dresses. As they are less 'clumpy' than other trainers they are so much more flattering on the leg and are gorgeously comfortable.

SupergaUK 3 Market St, Guildford (it is on a hill, just off the high street hence the wonky photo)

The new Superga store in Guildford is a treasure trove, filled with every style, colour and size. From gorgeous pinks to berry to khakis and greys and, of course, my favourites whites and metallics.

Superga Classic 2750 - £45

From the palest baby pink to dark berry, the perfect colours for this Spring and Summer, entirely on trend and can be beautifully blended with this season's denims, whites and pinks.

Superga Classic 2750 - White £45, Silver and Leopard print £50

These are my three favourite styles, very classic, wearable, understated and chic. I chose the silver as it will look great with a summer tan and the white dresses I have earmarked for my summer wardrobe.

Superga Flatforms 2790 - White £50/ Green £55

I love the flatform style, I bought the white flatforms as they will be flattering on my legs, elongating them (much needed!) - I am imaging wearing them with a button through denim skirt and they will also work under a pair of flared jeans.

The green spotted style are a beautiful colour with a blue sheen creating a mermaid-like appearance would look fabulous with (fake) tanned legs and a denim, fitted shirt dress.

They also have an amazing array of kids Superga, utterly gorgeous, I bought my son a pair of the green velcro trainers...perfect for summer with little red and blue checked shorts and a navy polo shirt.

From top: Superga Junior Velcro 2750 £30Superga Junior Cotton 2750 £30Superga Junior Cotton Boot £35

Bottom: Superga Baby Velcro £25

The Manager of the branch Tors and sales assistant Hannah were both incredibly helpful and have wealth of knowledge about the brand and fit. Whilst I was in there I spoke to customers, mostly my age who were Superga superfans, it seems once you are a Superga wearer it is hard to change and they were after more colours to add to their collection. I must admit I am quite smitten with my silver ones and Tors kindly offered to post my white flatforms to me when they get stock next week of my size...I am officially a convert.

If you live in the Guildford, Surrey area it is definitely worth visiting the branch as they have such an extensive range and stock. Full and half sizes (perfect for me being a UK6.5) are available, these sizes aren't stocked in the concessions and Tors and Hannah can guide you on the new styles, colours, the most popular and the style to suit your foot. A really lovely shopping experience.

MY STYLE

I styled up my silver Supergas today in a classic way, with breton, blues and distressed jeans, perfect for the schoolrun or a stylish lunch with friends (it was cold so camisole vest and pop socks were worn too..attractive!)

Coat: M&S
Bag: Spain
Breton: Petit Bateau
Jeans: Topshop Baxter
Trainers: Superga

Are you a Superga fan which colours do you own? Do you have other trainers that are your Spring summer must haves? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, until next time, Frances xxx

I was gifted the silver trainers and green junior trainers by SupergaUK (I bought the flatforms, I may buy the baby pink too!) all opinions and views are my own, I only review products I would and do buy myself.

Breton Brilliance...

6.17.2014

Labels: #bargainclothing, #beachwear, #boden, #breton, #capsulewardrobe, #denimjacket, #dress, #fashion, #fashionblogger, #highstreetoutlet, #momfashionblogger, #preppy, #sandals, #stylishmum, #summerdress

Style Theory: The Breton Dress, a wardrobe staple, classic, simple and versatile. A new but much longed for addition to my summer wardrobe...

And with lace detail and exposed zip detail at the back to add a little twist...

Ex Crew Clothing Breton Dress c/o Highstreetoutlet.com £16.75
Denim Jacket:Warehouse similar here
Shoes: H&M £39.99
Bag: TK Maxx similar here

The dress has filled a huge gap in my Summer capsule wardrobe and only for £16.75!

I was sent this Ex Crew Clothing Co. dress by a website called Highstreet Outlet which buys surplus clothing from labels such as Topshop, Crew Clothing Co.and Boden, snips out the labels and pops the items online for less than half price...it really makes sense...I know as an ex-byer for John Lewis, stock is frequently cancelled when buying budgets are cut so it is all out there and is perfectly good, well made stock. Everyone likes a good, familiar brand for a bargain price, especially when buying classic pieces.

They also stock kids clothes little J was delighted with her Ex Mini Boden play suit:

Jess: Boden Playsuit c/o Highstreet outlet £8.99
Converse @John Lewis £25

I love a bargain and will be visiting the Highstreet Outlet website regularly to see what fab stock they have hitting over the summer, autumn and winter!

Are you a fan of a bargain highstreet label , do you have any hidden gem websites you know about? I would love to hear about them x

If you do fancy ordering the Breton dress I would size down as this definitely comes up on the larger side.

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxxx

My Made in Chelsea

6.11.2014

Labels: #blazer, #breton, #cosstores, #kingsroad, #madeinchelsea, #momblogger, #momfashionblogger, #mumblogger, #mumstyle, #petitbateau, #stylishmum, #thebotanist, #thephene

Style Theory: My favourite little area of London, shops, cafés, bars, restaurants galore and never too busy.

Sloane Square

Years ago I used to work in Chelsea and love popping back for a wander when I have a chance. When my sister came over for the weekend we decided to hit Chelsea rather than tackle Oxford Street as it is a little quieter.

First stop The Botanist for coffee and warm scones...much needed energy for shopping..

The Botanist

Then a stroll up Kings Road

A gorgeous food market in the Duke of York Square, then a meander along to have lunch siting outside The Builders Arms

The Builders Arms

Then onto The Phene to meet up with old friends for drinks....heaven

The Phene Garden

My Style:

A last minute change of outfit as the day started off stormy so my dress and heeled sandals were replaced by my trusty breton and jeans..

Top: Petit Bateau

Jacket: Zara

Jeans: Gap similar here

Trainers: John Lewis Collection similar here

Bag: H&M

I bought: hoping to wear this to watch the tennis at Wimbledon in a couple of weeks (weather permitting) with my heeled tan sandals or Stan Smith trainers:

Cos Melange Jumper - now £29

Cos Skirt with Draped Pockets now £41

I tried on and loved....

Cos Sleeveless Dress £115

but unfortuately am lacking occasions when I can wear this!

It was lovely spending the day with my little sister, Mum and some lovely friends. Thank you Las Calles De Barcelona for all the images..xx

Where is your favourite place in London, do you know any hidden gems, cafes restaurants, bars..I need to be recommended more!

I would love to hear all your comments and ideas, thank you for reading, Frances xxx

A Touch of Daytime Lace

5.27.2014

Labels: #asos, #birkenstock, #boden, #breton, #capsulewardrobe, #fashion, #fashionblogger, #laceskirt, #mumstyle, #oasis, #warehouse

Style Theory: Lace is now a fashion staple and can look just as fabulous dressed down in the daytime as it does dressed up in the evening. A lace skirt can be easily inserted into your capsule wardrobe and worn with casual tops and flat sandals. Here's how:

This is my favourite lace skirt from H&M, I love wearing it with a breton, denim shirt or grey sweater as I think it looks better dressed down, somehow it makes it look more expensive.

Here is some more inspiration from Pinterest:

Wear your lace skirt with a grey jumper

Lace looks great with a chunky jumper

Such a luxurious look with muted khaki silk blouse and tan clutch.

Laura Fantacci of WIT blog wears hers with a J Crew grey sweater.

Add a grey tee for an easy and classic look

Love the structured crop top with the lace skirt.

White tee, denim shirt and a lace skirt an easy and stunning combination.

Images above from Pinterest
The key is to dress down your top half to balance out the intricate detail of the skirt. If possible wear with a small heel as this is always more flattering on your legs, but if it is hot then I think a gold pair of strappy flat sandals would look just as good. Add some fine gold jewellery and keep accessories simple, a pop of colour looks great, you can add a block colour handbag/clutch in orange or red.

The best lace skirts on the high street: