Style Theory: Possibly one of my worst jobs...packing. I tend to put it off until the last minute as I never know what to take on summer holidays and always, always overpack (for me and the kids..the Husband takes near to nothing!) I am always worried that I will not include that one top or one pair of shoes that I 'need', that would be perfect and just make my summer wardrobe 'work'. Well, times have had to change (mainly due to Easyjet's..we fly cheap...teeny case weight allowance) and the fact we take 2 cases between the four of us (plus two trunki's..possibly the worst idea we have ever had) so now I have to pack smarter, less clothes, less shoes and leave all those things that I just 'might' wear.

So here it is, my entire holiday outfits for two weeks...

SWIMWEAR

This is my most important item/s of clothing to get right as we spend most of the holiday by the pool or on the beach running after the kids, dipping in and out of the sea or pool (looking more Godzilla than Halle Berry) so comfort, support and most of all swimwear that is as flattering as possible is a must. I will be taking one swimsuit and two (maybe three bikinis) this year. These are from CocoBay and after trying on hundreds of bikini and swimsuits these are stunning pieces and were actually flattering (a miracle!!):

Swimsuit c/o - CocoBay Seafolly Mod Swimsuit £66.50

Bikini c/o - CocoBay Aquaclara top £95 Pant £68 *
Lace Cover Up Top - Spain
Shorts - See below
Sandals - Mango (still avail in some stores)
Bracelets - Black and Sigi Hemmingway Bangle £29

T-Shirt Top - Mango £9.99
Vest Tops - H&M
Bikini c/o - Coco Bay Bandwave Bikini Top £56 Bottoms £39 *
Sandals: As above
Sunglasses - Asos 

*20% off all full priced CocoBay swimwear with the code SCHOOLRUN20 this will be valid until the end of August

DAYTIME

I would love to say I have a magic formula to packing, but unfortunately I don't. For daytime I like my shorts and tops to work with the swimwear underneath, some slight coordination there ..with daytime dresses this is not so important as the swimwear is covered. After years and years of having a patterned beach bag I now always keep it quite plain, an oversize straw basket bag fits the bill perfectly and is also used as my airport bag...

Tops from top:
Black - Mango (last year)
White - Mango (last year)
Pattern  - Mango (last year)
Cold Shoulder top: Vila (last year)
Vest top - Next

Shorts: Gap darker wash here £17.99
Levis 501 - Urban Outfitters £36
Short denim shorts - River Island similar here
Beige linen shorts - Topshop similar here
Black Strappy Sandals - Mango £19 (in store)
Sandals - Palmairas £42

 DAYTIME - SIGHTSEEING 

Stripe Top - Asos £14
Top: Zara £22.99
Skorts: Zara (old season)
Shorts: As above
Shoes: H&M (sold out)

Sunglasses: Rayban Wayfarers £125
Bangle : Black and Sigi  £33
Ring: Black and Sigi £19

DAYTIME BEACH DRESSES

These are easy to fling over a bikini in a flash, useful when a child announces they are desperate for the toilet on the beach and can't wait. They also take you from the beach straight to a restaurant for dinner without looking too underdressed.

Dress Left - Topshop (past season)
Dress Right - Topshop (avail in store)
Left sandals - Next £24

EVENING DRESSES

For me, this year it is all about the dress (plus I have just slipped in one black jumpsuit..just incase!) Dresses mean minimal fuss, I always buy them fairly loose fitting so they are comfortable, not too hot and can be dressed up with heels or if I am walking far they look fab with flats.

Lace Dress - Zara £29.99 (currently in store)
Bag: Aurora London Willow Bag £59.50
Bracelet - Gold Meridian Bangle £35
Shoes - As above

Dress: &Other Stories now £27
Rest: As above

Dress: &Other Stories last year
Sandals: H&M last year

Dress - Zara £25.99
Accessories - As above

I love this dress, it is a real stand out piece in my case, the fabric is a little thick and I have been warned by my sister it is incredibly hot in Spain at the moment but I am going to take it anyway as I love it!

So there is my packing list in photos...hopefully it all works together, so far the cases look ok still beach towels and toiletries to go in (eek) follow me on Instagram @Schoolrunmum to see my daily outfit updates and other holiday snaps...

I am hoping to pick up a bright large clutch or bag in Spain to brighten up my black dresses, but if not I am happy to go all black, I quite like it when I have a light tan (in the last two days!) 

How do you pack, do you have tried and tested methods, I would love love to hear them, would love any tips...

I will not be blogging over the next couple of weeks so I'll catch up with you in a few weeks, in the meantime come join me on Insta (@Schoolrunmum)

Happy holidays, Frances xxxx 

A Healthy Dose of Summer Inspiration

Style Theory: On rainy days like today I need to be cheered up with summer clothing inspiration..step forward Pinterest.. Here are my favourite looks for summer, these  cool outfits will shape my Summer wardrobe this year..

My mind is re-focused, whites, denims, stripes and black with the summer must have strappy sandals and beachy blond waves..now all we need is for the sun to shine and stick around for a while..

Next time the best spring jackets...

Who is your favourite summer dresser, where do you get your summer inspiration from? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, Frances xxx

The Crisp, Endlessly Useful and Chic White Summer top

Style theory: From bright to chalky to creams..a white top is the perfect piece to have in your wardrobe. It looks crisp, fresh and positively summer-like, this year choose from delicate lace, broderie anglais or boho styles, all beautifully flattering and oh so Summer 2015....

White tops look great with distressed jeans, creating a perfect contrast and edge to clean lines and the colour of the white top. Here are a selection of white tops styled perfectly by the streetstylers: 

images via Pinterest

Now for the best on the high street and how they look on. I have concentrated on white tops with some kind of arm coverage as I am now getting to that age where I like the top of my arms to have some coverage eek!...

Warehouse White Gypsy Top £24

This is a great version of a gypsy top, I like it better pulled up on the shoulders it creates a flattering square neckline, the top can be tucked in or left out over jeans. I unfortunately had my dungarees on these photos (completely the wrong thing to wear when trying on tops so just ignore them!)

There is 25% off Warehouse this week with Grazia so if you fancy this top get it with the code WHGRAZIA25 (I think?) 

Warehouse Black Stripe lace Top £32

Part lace top, part breton what's not to love?!

Topshop Sheer Pom Pom Embroidered top £38

I can only find this in the black online but I saw lots of cream instore. I love the pom pom details on this top, it would look fab over a bikini with distressed denim shorts.

Zara Combined top £25.99

This has gorgeous lace detail at the top with good length sleeves if you are conscious of your upper arms.

Zara £25.99

This is one of my favourite tops I tried on and I will be buying this one. It is so flattering and delicate, I love the cut of the sleeve and the embroidery detail.

Zara Guipere Lace Off-Shoulder Top Blouse £29.99

Show a little shoulder without looking too over the top.

Zara Embroidered jacket £39.99

So not necessarily all white, but I do love this kimono, it would be perfect over a white vest and boyfriend jeans with tan strappy sandals.

Looks like this top may have sold out online, but it is definitely available in store and this one I have my eye on buying too. I love a victoriana neckline and I can just about get away with the no sleeves as the shoulder detail detracts from your arms. This would be a really hardworking top in your wardrobe, wear with jeans, shorts, culottes or tucked into a suede skirt for a fabulous office look.

Fingers crossed over the next few weeks it will warm up in the uk and we will be able to wear these gorgeous white tops, in the meantime I will be wearing mine under a navy blazer to make sure I get wear out of it this season.

Do you have a favourite white top, have you enticed by the white look this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, until next time Frances xx