Style Theory: At Christmas, sequins become the norm, day or night I feel slightly underdressed without a touch of sparkle. I love just one embellished item, particularly a sequin jacket, dressed down with jeans and trainers, it makes you feel festive without looking over the top..here is my Christmas sparkle look alongside a few other favourite pieces I have seen..

Sequin Jacket:Kate Moss for Topshop (old season) lots of similar styles below
Top: Zara (old season) similar here
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Ballet Shoes: Russell and Bromley £155

Earrings: Claudia Bradby Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Earrings £294
Watch: Storm 

This sequin cardigan is from Kate Moss' range at Topshop a couple of years ago, it comes out every Christmas and for any special occasions as it it so easy to wear and has the added bonus of covering my untoned arms..

It is all about keeping things underneath your sequin jacket simple, it makes dressing for Christmas and New Year easy and fuss free..

Photos via Pinterest

Here are my favourite sequin jackets available on the high street now, perfect for Christmas and New Year...

Topshop Sequin Boyfriend Jacket £80

A slouchy, oversized jacket that will look cool over skinny jeans, a grey T shirt and heels. Add a skinny scarf for a Kate Moss rock chic look..

Sparkly Sequin Bomber Jacket £75

Love this bomber style sequin jacket, it is so this season. The shape of the jacket dresses down the sequins making them entirely daytime appropriate. For a chic evening look add a black velvet top, skinny jeans and heels..

Jaded @Asos Sequin Sweater £80

Fabulously cool, daytime to evening sweater. Perfect for day with boyfriend jeans and trainers, in the evening add a pair of heels for an eye-catching look.

Sequin cape Miss Selfridge @John Lewis £65

This would look fab over a grey T shirt, skinny blue jeans and trainers or ballet pumps, let the cape do all the talking!

Phase Eight @John Lewis reduced from £130 to £89

Only a uk10 and uk14 left in this style on the JL website but I just adore the shape and the satin sleeves, a truly luxe piece that can dress up any outfit in an instant.

Armani @House of Fraser reduced from £520 to £208

Hurry hurry with this one, only a couple left of this stunning Chanel-esque jacket with sparkles through it and beautiful 3.4 length sleeves. I have completely fallen for this, so chic and elegant, I would 'channel' Princess Diana with this one wearing a grey fine knit sweater underneath and a pair of skinny pale blue, ankle length jeans and chanel-esque two tone ballet shoes. So so gorgeous!

Sequin Jacket with Thermal lining Hotsquash @ House Of Fraser £89

Again a fabulous little sequin jacket that can be thrown over jeans and a T-shirt to add a touch of sparkle. This jacket a thin thermal lining that is super soft and cosy, the perfect Christmas jacket.

It is all about keeping things underneath your sequin jacket simple, it makes dressing for Christmas and New Year easy and fuss free..

I hope you are all organised for Christmas (hopefully more organised than me - lots of last minute running around!) I wanted to wish you all a fabulous Christmas, I hope you have a really wonderful, restful? (if that is at all possible at Christmas) time and send you all lots of love. Thank you all so much for your support this year, I appreciate it so much that you take time to pop over and read my blog, I love sharing ideas with you all and love all the feedback.

I will be around on Instagram with lots of festive outfits and sales ideas over Christmas, come visit me over there. In 2016 I have lots of exciting things and a big change planned for the blog, I hope you will like it!!

Wishing you all a very very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Lots and lots of Love Frances xxxxx

Ph via Pinterest

Christmas Partywear....the easy way

Style Theory: I have an admission, I suffer from #FOBO (Fear Of Being Overdressed) I am always happier a little dressed down, I love a party outfit but I like to add a casual edge to balance out my look, think sequin trousers and trainers, glittery tops and jeans. I am uncomfortable with the all singing, all dancing party look, I adore it on other people but on me it feels a little feel too much. 

So when La Redoute asked me to create a few party looks, I was initially slightly worried but when I looked at their gorgeous range online and added my own spin, I was delighted with the results. Comfortable, flattering and suitable for a party..here are my La Redoute Party looks and the good news is most of it is up to 50% off at La Redoute now...

The Velvet Jacket

Jacket - La Redoute from £38

Top - La Redoute now £21

Jeans - Gap (old season)

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco £650

Shoes - M&S (similar here £25)

The sparkly, fine knit top is incredibly flattering, it adds Christmas sparkle and a touch of style with the open back detail. So soft and comfortable to wear, I wore my normal bra underneath but you may need to wear a backless bra/mulitway bra. The knit is an amazing price at £21, I chose the silver coloured black top but both colours are stunning...

The Velvet jacket is my hero partywear item, absolutely adore this item, it is so on trend this year but also such a classic piece. It fits beautifully, I ordered the size 10 and it fits perfectly, the velvet feels luxurious alongside the gold button details for a chic finish. Again a really affordable price from £38.

The Leather Dress

Coat - La Redoute £139.30

Leather Dress - La Redoute £165

Shoes - Nine West (old Season) similar here 

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650

Scarf - Burberry (nearly vintage it is so old!)

This camel coat is a beautiful wool and cashmere mix, it looks and feels so expensive and hangs beautifully on. A classic shape so worth investing and looks effortlessly chic. Without a doubt the best affordable camel coat I have found this year, I will be investing in it. It comes up a little big, I am wearing a uk 8.

To add a little spice to your look, this 'soft as butter' leather dress the ultimate LBD, it fits like a glove creating a flattering silhouette, it really is beautiful on and the length is perfection, hugs your curves but skims over lumps. The coat is the perfect neutraliser to the leather dress, add a pair of leopard print heels and a little black understated bag for a easy, chic look.

The Easy Wear Dress

Tunic Dress - La Redoute now £21

Bag - La Redoute Leather Bag  now £59.50

Leather Trousers - Quattro Rish 

Coat - M&S (old season)

Shoes - M&S as above

This dress is so easy to wear, throw over jeans, leather leggings or opaque tights, add a pair of black courts to lengthen legs (especially when wearing black opaques) and add a touch of clashing pink and you have a comfortable, cool, flattering Christmas party look. This is the perfect outfit if you, like me, are a little out of shape and have been dodging the gym and indulging in mince pies, it covers over everything and I love the extra support of leather leggings to hold it all in and slim down my look and it is only £21.

Velvet, Glitter, Tutus and Trainers

Velvet Blazer - La Redoute £38

Glittery Top - La Redoute now £21

Skirt - Space 46 Boutique

Trainers - Adidas Superstar @Office £69.99 

So not necessarily understated but how often do you get to wear a tutu?! I adore the La Redoute velvet jacket and sparkly top with this look and the trainers bring it back down to earth. All in all a pretty comfortable but quite show stopping look and one of my favourites.

La Redoute have an amazing sale on at the moment so many of the pieces I have featured are heavily discounted making them the perfect Christmas party treat. 

Do you have #FOBO , or do you like going all out for the partywear? I would love to see your #FOBO Christmas looks on Instagram, please share them with me with the hashtag #FOBO. 

All photos by Jon Bacon

Created in collaboration with La Redoute. All words, styling and creative direction my own.

Top 10 Christmas Dresses

Style Theory: A dress, your partywear in one garment. Add a pair of animal print heels and a faux fur and you are ready to party..simple and effective!

Here are my top 10 Party dresses available on the high street now. I have chosen ones that are not too sparkly, I like to wear sequin embellishment on casual clothes (sweaters, shirts etc) and like to use accessories to add sparkle to a Christmas dress....however, no doubt as it gets nearer and nearer to Christmas my need for over the top sparkly dresses will grow and more will be featured....here are my favourite dresses so far....

Oasis Leila Lace Dress £85

I would pair this dress with some leopard print heels and a sparkly or black Chanel-esque quilted clutch. A black drapey, long trench would look spectacular over this dress.

Asos Black Scuba Dress £95

Scuba fabric is all forgiving, the peplum hem will be really flattering on your legs. I love the deep plum colour, I would pair with black opaques and black heeled courts for an extra leg-lengthening look.

Me & Em Pleat Front Swing Dress in Deep Peacock £148 (fur snood separate)

A heavy fabric that hangs beautifully. This dress can be easily worn casually or dressed up with a sparkly, statement necklace and heels.

Whistles In Smoke Dress £195

A beautiful, floaty midi dress, this again I would wear in the winter with opaques and black heels and in the summer with bare legs and strappy gold sandals, beautiful for year round wear.

Topshop Brocade Paisley Shift Dress £65

Not everyone's cup of tea but I really like the 60s vibe going on with this dress, it is a great layering piece and would look cool for a Christmas lunch with a fine black polo neck underneath, black opaque tight and some flat, black, pointed shoes. Or add grey ribbed tights and silver shoes for a cool, quirky look.

Zara Studio Dress £69.99

A beautiful, whimsical dress, perfect sheer coverage on the arms, I haven't seen it in store so not sure of the length and whether it would be a little too short, but with opaques you can definitely get away with taking hemlines up a little. 

Zara Cape Sleeve Dress £45.99

I was looking for a cape dress everywhere last year and here we have one at a reasonable price. Simple and chic, just add extra sparkly shoes and clutch.

Comptoir des Cotonniers £170

A sweater and sparkly skirt combination in a dress..perfect! 

& Other Stories £79

These structured dresses are always flattering, pick one of the colours in the print to match to an oversize slouchy, suede/leather clutch to (bright pink or electric blue would look striking)

Miss Selfridges Black and Lace £55

Very elegant, lace and a hint of sparkle and shine...no accessories necessary for this dress...

MY STYLE:

Over the last few days, a trip down to Winchester with my very best friends for champagne, mulled wine and Christmas Markets...

Coat: M&S
Gilet: Primark
Scarf: Becksondergaard
Jeans: Topshop
Trainers: Adidas Stan Smith

 For a dinner out with friends..my summer maxi dress layered with a jumper over the top and worn with my knee high tan boots

Dress: Topshop
Jumper: Topshop
Bag: H&M
Boots: Russell and Bromley 

This week so far has not been a roaring success I am currently in with the little one on the third day of two ear infections and super high temperature...still the good news is he still wants to play every minute of the day (arghhhh)..so far this morning we have completed a 150 pce puzzle, built 20 different combinations of a marble run, built three lego sets, plus a train track whilst watching Planes...ahh the joys! Starting to panic about the very smart Christmas do I have next week, three days in eating mini mince pies and a family selection of Waitrose Christmas biscuits is not helping my ever-expanding waistline..still there is always spanx!

I would to hear your thoughts on your perfect Christmas dress, are you a low key or spangly kind of girl? 

Next time perfect Christmas jumpsuits and separates..

Frances x

Top 10 Frugal Buys to Brighten up your Weekend

Style Theory: It is that time of the year when Christmas shopping truly begins but in amongst the present shopping why not sneak in a little something to brighten up your weekend? We all deserve a little treat now and then so here are a few ideas you can pop into your Christmas shopping quietly and enjoy wearing on the run up to Christmas or add to your Christmas list...

TOP 10 BUYS THIS WEEKEND

Accessorize Fedora Hat £29

This beautiful dark berry fedora will look chic with a camel, pink, pale blue or navy coat. It can take a normal outfit up a notch and make you look super stylish with an air inner confidence.

*** 25% off all Monsoon and Accessorize full price items with this week's Grazia..

Z for Accessorize
Gold Plated Cut Out Triangle Ring: £10 (£7.50 with Grazia reduction)

Delicate Arrow Earrings £10 (£7.50 with Grazia reduction)

I adore this Z for Accessorize collection, it is stunning and incredibly reasonable. I am a huge fan of fine jewellery especially when it is gold plated as this entire range is, try layering up rings or necklaces for a cool, boho vibe.

Next Leather Leopard Print Clutch £22

Going out for drinks..add a little interest to a chic, all black outfit with this cute leopard print, leather clutch.

Topshop Gingham Print Scarf £18

Wrap this cosy, soft scarf around your coat to look chic on a winter walk. It is oversized so looks far more luxurious than the price tag suggests and such a neutral colour will go with any colour coat..

Jigsaw Wrist Warmer £19

I tried these on when I was wearing my pink coat last week and loved them, they are fairly impractical but look great on, are so soft and would add a cool edge to your winter jacket, I think I 'need' them.

Jigsaw Pom Pom Keyring £19

Pointless...a little, cute...very! All those in the 'know' have one of these faux fur pom poms hanging of their bags (yes, Susie So So and Fashion40ish..thats you!) , coordinate or clash with your leather bag, it is kinda like having a little pet without the hassle..

Topshop Glitter Mary Jane Shoes £30 Black

Topshop Glitter Mary Jane Shoes £30 Gold (also come in silver)

Super cute little dancing shoes for when your Christmas heels feel too uncomfortable, these are the perfect little party shoe. Or wear to Christmas drinks with ankle length skinny jeans and a chunky knit..cold ankle mandatory (and maybe splash a little fake tan on them ;-))

Adidas Stan Smith £67

Ok, these are officially not cheap but if you were to buy one thing that would take you seamlessly through winter (extreme weather permitting) to the summer and further these are your guys..They are undeniably comfortable and look great, pair them with skinny jeans, culottes, wide legged trousers and midi skirts, they are without a doubt my 2014 wardrobe saviour..

M&S Letter Mug £8

For your first cup of coffee in the morning, your own letter mug. Savour those couple of moments of peace before the manic weekend dashing around starts..

These are the little treats I would like to buy this weekend..I have a feeling some may pop into my Christmas shopping tomorrow, along with a pink Mac lipstick I have my eye on...any little shopping treats your are hankering after?

As always I would love to hear your thought and comments, have a great weekend, Frances xxx

Tasteful Christmas Jumpers....

Style Theory: Christmas jumpers can go from the sublime to the ridiculous. If you want a slightly more subtle, cool, 'nod' to the Christmas jumper rather than an all singing, light up Christmas snow scene sweater (see Primark one below and I do strangely like this too!!) then here are a few gorgeous, snuggly winter sweaters and styling ideas that will see you through the Christmas period and beyond...

How to style the fairisle look...

Looks fab with boyfriend jeans and shoe boots for a laid back going out look

Add a touch of colour to a monochrome fairisle with a bright scarf

Slightly obsessed with this sweater..love it but cannot find similar..yet

A fabulous look on the ski slopes

I am a fan of the subtle Christmas jumper look, I love a touch of fair isle in the winter and also want to be able to wear my sweaters more than once or twice. 70s trends are becoming more prevalent this season with skinny flares having a moment so there is no better time to go for it with a retro sweater and rock the 70s ski holiday look....

Here is my take on the look...

Sweater: Topshop £36
Jeans: J Brand Lovestory £175
Shoeboots: Marks and Spencer £29.50

Here are my selection of the best 'tasteful' Christmas sweaters available on the high Street now:

Plumo Samsoe Sweater £98

I am a huge fan of the online store Plumo, this is on the pricey side but can be worn year after year. The colours are beautiful would look lovely with skinny jeans and shoe boots for a stunning Christmas look.

Topshop Brushed Fairisle Jumper £48

Zara Jacquard Sweater £45.99

Fat Face @John Lewis £45

Mango Jacquard Sweater £44.99

Gap Fair Isle Stripe Wool Sweater £39.95

Gap has matching scarf for a really cute, coordinated look. 

Topshop Fairisle Yoke Jumper £36

This is the jumper I bought I sized up one size as I prefer sweaters a little on the bigger side. It is quite a short sweater, I wore with my J Brand jeans which are a little higher waisted that my skinnies so I would recommend higher waisted jeans for a sleeker look.

M&S Retro Jumper £29.50

I spotted this in my local store, it is a stunning sweater and great for the price (20% off with M&S vouchers at the mo) It is low stock online but worth trying in stores.

Primark £14 (In store only)

Cheap and cheerful and subtle from Primark!

I saw this jumper in Primark and couldn't resist taking a photo..it has flashing lights!! Not so tasteful but good fun..

And of course the kids love a Christmas jumper..here are my two childrens off to school on Christmas Jumper day..too cute!!

Primark: £8- £12

Are you a fan of the subtle Christmas jumper or do you like the all-singing, all-dancing version? Will you be wearing yours on Christmas Day? I must admit I am loving my Topshop one and will also be wearing it with black skinny jeans and my Emu boots for a cosy Sunday look!

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