Style Theory: A few key items in your wardrobe will update your look, refreshing your outfits and giving your Spring style a 'lift'. Here are my five key items for this Spring...

THE CAMO/KHAKI JACKET

One of the most useful pieces of clothing you will buy all Spring, this jacket covers all outfit eventualities from laid back weekend dressing to throwing over your going out outfit. It gives all outfits that cool edge, slightly nonchalant, a little rebelious and so very 2016. It works as th eperfect layering piece, wear under your bomber jacket or winter coat now and in the summer wear over your tee and denim shorts or boho white dress, buy one and I promise you will not regret it..

From Left to Right 

Hush Military Jacket £65

Topshop Camo Jacket £45

Topshop Lightweight Shackett £39

Bershka Cotton Parka £29.99

The Chic Blouse

The blouse can dress up any look in a flash, wear with jeans, fitted trousers, shorts, the blouse will see you through seamlessly from day to night. It looks chic and elegant and can be worn through every season. Definitely an item to invest it, it will work hard for you throughout the year..

From left to right

Maje @NetAPorter £175

Me+Em Crepe de Chine Blouse £148

&OtherStories Silk Blouse £65

H&M Lace Blouse £29.99

The Ankle Length Jeans

Such a good Spring jean, the cropped kick flare looks great with trainers, boots, ballet pumps or heels. The flared bottom really flatters your ankle making it look thinner and also balances out thighs and hips. I invested in the JBrand Selena jeans and have worn them non-stop. 

From left to right

J Brand Selena Jeans @VeryExclusive £220

Asos MiH Jeans £225

Whistles Crop Kick Flare £95

H&M Cropped Kick Flare £19.99

The Ballet Pump

The ballet pump is having a resurgence, it is such an easy little shoe to slip on, looks ladylike and delicate, flatters ankles and looks amazing with skinny or crop kick flares. If you are like me and have a habit of hoarding you will probably have quite a few pairs of ballet pumps stored in your wardrobe, if not here are a selection of my favourites..

From left to right

Russell & Bromley £155

KG Kurt Geiger £89

Boden Leather Flats £38.50

Asos Glamorous Pumps £20

The Comfortable White Trainer

The best trainer to wear with every outfit from boyfriend jeans to a denim dress to shorts. Stan Smith trainers are incredibly comfortable, they flatter sunkissed ankles and now there are so many versions on the high street. without a doubt my 'got to' trainer. I pop sheepskin insoles in mine for added comfort and warmth on the colder days..

From left to right

Stan Smith (white on white) @Office £99.99

Adidas Stan Smith @Asos £70

Adidas Stan Smith Red Pony detail @Asos £72

H&M Trainers £16

There are my 5 keys items for this Spring, you probably have quite a few of these, if not all already in your wardrobe, pair them together for a fabulous SS16 look, all are so versatile and can be mixed and matched with last year's trends along with wardrobe basics.

Do you have these items already, is there any of these your have not yet bought but have your eye on? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, Fran xxxx

Outfit Post - The Ultimate Kick Flare Jean

Style Theory: There is a new 'hot' jean on the block, well, not completely new it has been knocking around since last year but this year the 'crop kick flare' will come into it's own. Frequently worn by Alexa Chung, the crop kick flare is a move on from the 70s slightly flappy crop flare we saw dominating the high street last summer. This flare is like a shrunken bell bottom jean, it is tight on the thigh and knee and kicks out gently mid calf. The jean ideally finishes just above your ankle bone and looks fabulous with every footwear from trainers to ankle strap shoes to heeled ankle boots. 

Images via Pinterest

Due to the skinny jean shape and the kick flare, this style is super flattering on the width of the leg but does not lengthen so if you are a shorty like me, heels are best (although I will be wearing these with my trainers in the summer even if my legs do look short!) Wear them tight and they will flatter.

I have found my ideal pair J Brand Selena, crop boot leg jeans. They are super expensive but as soon as I put them on they fitted perfectly, had the most fabulous stretch and were the perfect length, I knew I would get my money's worth out of them..

Blouse - &Other Stories £65 (available in store - sold out online) or similar here

Jumper - Mango (old season) similar here

Jeans - J Brand @ House Of Fraser £220

Boots - Topshop Boots £79

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650

Coat - Maje now £239.50

They really are comfy jeans and will look fab with white trainers (stan smiths/Golden goose/Adidas superstars/ Superga platform) in the spring and summer. The kick flare at the bottom makes my ankles look a little thinner and I love the high waist, it holds in my mum tum. I sized down one size smaller than my normal jeans as these look better tight and jeans do always give a little. They also come in black but the dark blue will take me from winter to summer, they will look great with off the shoulder tops (I have my eye on lots of Russian style tops) and flip flop or slides. 

J Brand Selena Jeans @House Of Fraser £220

There are lots of brands of kick flare jeans on the high street if you fancy just 'dipping your toe in the water' of this trend..here are a few options..

Topshop Crop Kick Flare £36

Warehouse Cropped Kick Flare £15

River Island now £12

River Island now £12

So it is definitely worth bagging yourself a pair now when they are in the sale, if you have time try on a few pairs so you get the right, flattering length and fit. Jeans are always so hard to get right so when you find a good pair that fit and flatter go for it.

The Hotel my sister stayed in above was the St Ermins, Marriott Hotel, London. It was gorgeous, lovely, quite bijou room, the hotel was beautiful inside with fab staff. Me and my husband went home (nothing can beat my own bed - I am such a homebody, although I must admit Marriott beds do come a close second!) 

Are you a fan of this style of jean, did you buy a pair last year. I kinda love my J Brand ones and will be wearing them non stop this year..

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

Add a little Flare to your Look

Style Theory: Flares are back, tired of the 'normcore' look of the last few years, the designers decided to mix things up for their Spring Summer 15 collections and flares were once more brought to the fore with a true 70s vibe.

Left: Tom Ford Right: Chloe

Although the fashionistas would like to herald this the end of the skinny, I disagree for the time being, there is still plenty of space in my Spring/summer wardrobe for my skinnies (especially when cropped at the ankle) But flares are spilling in to the high street and really do look fabulous worn on a night out with high, high heels and a soft, drapey shirt tucked in. In this post I am focussing on black flared jeans, they are super flattering and perfect for a glamorous evening look...

Here is how the streetstylers are styling them..

Paired back with a white tee shirt or a shirt black flares look chic and polished

Wear your flares with a tailored jacket and a small cross body bag for a true 2015 look.

images above via Pinterest

I bought these black, denim flares from H&M a few months ago - they are still available in store and online. They are super tight at the thigh and kick out at the knee, the most flattering flare.

Sweater: Cos similar here
Jeans: H&M £29.99
Bag: H&M £19.99
Shoes: Nine West similar here

Today I am wearing mine with a black sweater, leopard print heels...

I must admit I haven't worn black flares in years and years and it feels good to get back into them (also makes me feel old as I am seeing this trend come around for the third time!)

Here are the best black denim flares available on the high street now from the most expensive down to the least. I think with all jeans it is about the fit not necessarily the price. One of my main concerns in that the jeans do not go chalky white the first time I wash them..if anyone knows a solution to this I would love to hear? So far my best black denim jeans have come from J Brand, H&M and Oasis, no chalkiness, no bagging. If you do get the opportunity try on loads of pairs to find the best for your shape:

Mih Bodycon Marrakesh Flare Jean £225

Super flattering, super expensive. The bodycon element is stretchy so if you are going to invest go for as small as you possibly can as they do give a little when wearing.

J Brand Love Story Jeans @Asos £190

I have these in indigo and have had them for 8 years, they were an amazing investment, really keep their shape and wash well, a classic shape and look.

River Island Black was flare Jeans £42

I always read really good write ups on River Island jeans, if you are fan these will be fab, really good shape and a decent flare to make a statement. 

Topshop Moto Washed Black Tally Flares £40

If you prefer a more subtle 'kick flare' these ones are for you. They will lengthen your legs but do not have to be worn with such high heels as bigger flares.

H&M Black Flared Jeans £29.99

These are the jeans I am wearing above, good value, quite a flare and come up true to size.  

There is not a huge selection of black flares on the high street at the moment, probably because it is coming into summer, no doubt the high street will be flooded with them come Autumn.  However I do think they work in high summer, I love an all-black look, a camisole top or black slouchy shirt with black flares and tan sandals, it looks nonchalant and cool, I really think it is worth investing now to get lots of wear out of them....

Do you have any black flares lingering at the back of your wardrobe,  would you wear them in summer, how do you style yours?

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

Pre-loved Designer Heaven...take a closer look..

Style Theory: Preloved designer clothes and accessories, expertly edited, authenticated and at affordable prices...sounds like heaven right?! EditSecondhand have it all wrapped up..

Editsecondhand, is a haven for all things designer, pre-owned but always in impeccable condition, each item expertly selected by the EditSecondhand team. I have always lusted after designer clothes but have never been able to afford them until now, I bought my Chloe culottes from EditSecondhand last year and wore them non-stop.

I have been avidly visiting the website and following them on Instagram (@Editsecondhand) to see what other designer treasures they have in stock. Last week, I was invited down to their beautiful shop in Cuckfield, West Sussex to have a browse. 

Editsecondhand Boutique Cuckfield, West Sussex

With a laid back, boutique vibe Editsecondhand is contemporary and cool. Rebekah, the owner, and her assistant are incredibly welcoming, they are experts in all things designer and let me look through all their new summer stock and style up my finds. They will only buy what they would be happy to have in their own wardrobe so the collection is stunning...here are a selection of my favourite pieces...

Blouse: DVF £60  (size 12)
Black Tailored Jacket: Ralph Lauren £165 (size 6 but fitted me size 8/10)
Bag: DVF £100
Shoes: Christian Louboutin £160 size UK6.5
(worn with my Topshop Baxter skinny jeans)

The Ralph Lauren jacket is beautiful on, tailored to perfection. It is longer at the back, creating a riding jacket look. The DVF bag is gorgeous, a fun statement bag at a really good price. 

Blouse: Alice Temperley £55 (online in a couple of weeks)
Trousers: J Brand Houlihans £60 (sold)
Clutch: Jil Sander £220
Sunglasses: Alexander Wang £160
(worn with my Next shoes £45)

This Alice Temperley blouse ticks the boho trend for this year and the Jil Sander clutch is classic and understated.

Blouse: Ralph Lauren (online soon)
Bag: Givenchy £850 (online next week)

We were all ooooo-ing and ahhh-ing over this bag, at £850 still a hefty investment but currently to buy this new it would cost £1350.00, it is a classic, timeless bag that you could keep forever..

Jacket: Mih £130
Bag: Anya Hindmarch £150

This jacket ticks the denim trend for this year, would look fab over a grey t-shirt with crop white/black jeans and trainers in the summer, the perfect throw on piece.

Sunglasses: The Row £160

The shape of the summer, these round sunglasses look amazing on, I am officially smitten with them.

This is only a selection of the beautiful pieces Editsecondhand had in their boutique and online, it is definitely worth having a look, see if there is something that catches your eye. As there is only one of each item you have to be quick... I could not resist the J Brand Houlihans, I have wanted a pair for years and when I tried them on they were so comfortable and flattering!

Let me know what you think, are you a designer fan, do you buy new or pre-loved items. As always I would love to hear your thought and comments..until next time, Frances xxxx

This post was written in collaboration with Editsecondhand, all opinions and views are entirely my own. 

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