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 

Outfit Post - Can't get enough of the Off The Shoulder Look

Style Theory: A surprise hit with me, the off the shoulder look is now dominating my summer wardrobe. It is suprisingly easy to wear and incredibly flattering. The high street is now well and truly on board with the trend and there are so many to choose from. They can be so easily dressed up or down, perfect for popping over a swimsuit or bikini for a cool beach look as they are to wear with culottes or a midi skirt for an evening out.

Here is how I wear mine dressed up (well, about as dressed up as I get!):

Top: Asos now £14
Jeans: Levis 501ct @Very £95
Sandals: H&M (last year)
Jacket: H&M Concious range (sold out) similar here
Pineapple Necklace: Cabbage White England £70 - love this necklace!
Bag: Topshop (old season) similar here

Dressed down for a day running after the kids...

Top: As above
Shorts: Gap (couple of seasons ago) similar here
Sliders : Dune £49
Bag: TK Maxx similar here
Necklace: Cabbage White England as above (shortened)
Sunglasses: Ted Baker prescription (I am as blind as a bat!)

The top is cotton so cool and versatile, I find it sometimes pops up on my shoulders (depending on how carried away I get when talking) but I quite like the look on the shoulders too creating a more square neckline which I also find quite flattering.

Here are a few more of my favourites from the high street:

Zara Poplin Top £29.99

This is similar to a very expensive Tibi top and no doubt will be sold out soon. I believe you have to size up on this one as it comes up a little small. Wear with button through denim skirt and strappy sandals.

Zara Boat Neck Top £22.99

I just bought this top and am planning on wearing it with my denim shorts and Mango black strappy sandals on holiday.

Topshop Lace Bardot Top £28

I keep stopping by this top in Topshop but never have time to try it on, this week I will try it on, I love the lace look.

Topshop Bardot Top £14

This top is a good way to try out the trend if you are not sure, the top is not super expensive and has had good reviews. I like this grey marl colourway, pop over a black bikini sling on a pair of shorts and a gold havianas and you will look beach perfect!

New Look Navy Embroidered Top £17.99

This top is longerline therefore good for taller ladies as so many of these off the shoulder tops seem to be cropped and after two kids I don't do cropped! Love the tassel detail and navy is always flattering against your skin, softer and less harsh than black. Wear this top down to the beach with denim cut offs or out for the evening with skinny white ankle length jeans, tan strappy sandals and a tan bag.

Asos Stripe Top £14

Another fab, fab top, I am sooo tempted to order this too. It is pretty see through so wear with a nude strapless bra or wear over your bikini down to the beach, would look fab when popping up for lunch at a beach bar with navy shorts and tan strappy sandals.

So there is my round up of more off the shoulder tops, it is official I am obsessed. And ladies with bigger busts have a try honestly they do work with the right bra! 

My holiday wardrobe is looking decidedly monochrome this year (just by chance, not planned) but I guess that will make mixing and matching easier.

Next time a round up of what I will be packing for my summer hols (if I get the three baskets of ironing done in time!!) 

Have a fab Monday, please leave a comment I love reading all your thoughts and ideas, until next time, 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