Style Theory: After years and years of skinny jeans I feel it is time to shake things up a little and bring back a flared shape. It is amazingly flattering for legs making them look longer and slimmer especially when worn with heels..so back to the 70s I go....

Last autumn/winter it was all about pink, this year I am loving all tones of blue. Navy being my 'safe' colour, I always feel comfortable in an all navy outfit, with the addition of some fine gold jewellery to add a little bit of shine and a pale blue or camel coat.

Blue Coat: Marks and Spencer £110
Shirt: H&M similar here
Jeans; J Brand Lovestory £160
Bag: TK Maxxsimilar here
Sandals: H&M 

I wore this outfit to the opening of the new J Crew store hosted by the stunning Laura Fantacci WIT blog. It was a lovely evening full of cava, shopping, meeting lots of lovely bloggers, readers and of course lots of shopping....

If you fancy taking a plunge with the 70s flared look and are willing to by-pass the skinny jeans for an evening or two here are the best on the high street.
I do think these jeans look better and are more flattering in a darker wash, so I have selected all in indigo wash:

J Brand - Love Story Jeans £161

Mih The Marrakesh Jean £185

MiH Bodycon Jeans £215

These MiH jeans are expensive jeans but I have been told by my local boutique these are the most flattering jeans and will pull you in in all the right places without looking like a sausage in sausage skin! I will try on when they get them in and let you know if they do!

Zara Skinny Mermaid Jeans £39.99

A subtle take on the bell bottom look from Zara.

Topshop Clean Cut Flared Jeans £40

Oasis Emily Flared Jeans £45

So there are few options if you fancy dabbling in the flare jean look..I know it is not everyones cup of tea and those skinny jean devotees may take some major persuasion!!

Next Time my Schoolrun essentials...

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

My Style - The Preppy Look

Style Theory: The Preppy look, timeless and sophisticated but with a 2014 twist. Think blazers, cricket jumpers brought up to date with distressed jeans and heels.

I have been a fan of the Preppy look for years, dipping in and out of it throughout the year. It is a style that makes me feel a little more 'put together', smarter than my usual casual, schoolrun uniform. When Henri Lloyd, the original British sailing brand, sent me this gorgeous Caralyn Knit Blazer and Beverley Cable V-neck cricket style jumper I was sold. My love for all things Preppy was re-ignited but to make it 2014 I paired it with my distressed 7 for all Mankind jeans and tan sandals.

I have had a small obsession with cricket jumpers since Kate Moss wore one in early 2012 and after buying a few over the last few years this Henri Lloyd is my favourite more affordable than the Rag and Bone cricket 'Talia' jumper and it fits beautifully.

The Details:

Jumper: c/o Henri Lloyd Cable V Neck Knit £75

Knitted Blazer: c/o Caralyn Knit Blazer £95

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind similar here (my jeans are naturally distressed due to wear!)

Sandals: H&M £39.99

The knit blazer has been so useful, it is a fabulous for layering underneath heavier jackets or a trench on colder days or by to smarten up a pair of jeans.

Trench: H&M similar here
Blazer: c/o Henri Loyd Caralyn Knit Blazer £95
Shirt: H&M similar here
Jeans: Oasis £40
Shoes: Zara similar here

Appropriate for the schoolrun and trotting up Kings Road, I do love a touch of the preppy look and think I will be indulging in it for the next few years to come, that mixed in with a bit of boho this summer!

Are you a fan of the preppy look, what are your 'must haves' you bring out year after year?

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

Easter City Break...In Pictures..

Style Theory: A break away with the Husband and kids to beautiful Barcelona to see my two sisters and their families...pure heaven.....

Here's a look at the long weekend in pictures...I could have stayed for weeks!:

 

Barcelona Zoo

La Pedrera by Gaudi Paseo de Gracia

 

Barrio Gotico the Gothic Quarter

 

Cupcakes in the Barrio Gotico

 

Barceloneta beach Paseo Maritimo

 

W Hotel Barceloneta

 

Salt Bar Barceloneta

 

Gava Mar

 

Monjuic cable car ride up to the castle

My Style: For a city break with kids....

Practicality was the most important factor when I was packing, I knew we would be doing a fair amount of walking and the weather would be mixed. So first, comfy footwear..my reliable New Balance trainers were a must and for my clothing light layers with a touch of cashmere thrown in for luxurious warmth. I overpacked for the kids (as usual...with them you just never know what will happen day to day) so my space was fairly limited so  my selection of clothing was all basic in a palette of navy, cream, black and denim so it could all be mixed and matched. I will blog this week on packing a stylish, capsule wardrobe so keep a look out....

My Outfits:

For travelling and first day:
Jeans: MiH Paris jeans £190
Jumper: Whistles cashmere jumper similar here
Shirt: H&M £14.99 similar here
Trainers: New Balance similar here

Day 1..it was the hottest day so my jumpsuit and sandals were perfect:

Jumpsuit: River Island similar here
Sandals: Dune similar here
Bag: H&M £19.99

Day 2: A day of walking round Barcelona seeing the beautiful sights (sandals were swapped for trainers mid afternoon!)

Jacket: Pull and Bear @Asos £21.50
T-Shirt: H&M similar here
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Bag: H&M as above
Sandals: H&M £39.99

Day 3: All black and snakeskin shoes!

Jumper: Cos £49
Jeans: Zara £39.99
Bag: H&M as above
Watch: Fossil £125

It was the most fabulous Easter weekend, Barcelona is truly a beautiful city, small enough to cover the most gorgeous areas in a weekend and of course my sisters being there makes it extra special.

If you fancy planning a City Break with or without kids check out my sisters blog Las Calles De Barcelona  - it is a London girls insider's guide to Barcelona...she has impeccable taste and knows all the best places to go from hotels to restaurants to bars to amazing rooftop terraces...

Next time: The Denim all in one...love them or hate them they are big for summer...I lovvve them!

Until next time, Frances xxx

Launching into Sandals - My Style

My Style: Spring is here today, I felt warmth from the sun, the blossom is falling making way for beautiful red buds and nature has sent the sahara dust over our way!

I took this as a sign that I could break out the sandals I have had in my wardrobe courtesy of Emu for the last couple of weeks. So paired with a breton top from Boden, distressed jeans and a bomber jacket I set off for a day of schoolruns, playdates and a delicious lunch with friends:

THE DETAILS:
Sandals: Emu (gifted) €159
Breton Top: Boden Johnnie B £16
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Belt: Primark similar here Next £14
Jacket: Pull and Bear @ASOS reduced to £21.50 

As you may or may not know heels are not my strong point and I am pleased to report I spent the whole day in these sandals as they are super comfortable and a wedge heel makes them easy to walk in and the leather straps are soft, I have a feeling they are going to get a lot of use!

So have you swapped to sandals yet, no doubt tomorrow I will be back to boots, you just never know.

Till next time, Frances x