Style Theory: Navy...understated, flattering on the skin, slightly Parisian in nature and all round easy colour to wear. It is the antithesis of streetstyle, it whispers rather than shouts, it is effortless and doesn't take an awful lot of styling to look good...

images via Pinterest

For driving around to meetings miles away I needed to feel comfortable but slightly business-like so I reached for a navy ensemble, practical, warm  and understated...

Jumper - Banana Republic £55

Name necklace - AnnaLou of London £58

Jeans - J Brand @Revolve £153.83* check shipping as I have a feeling these are US but do ship to UK

Coat - Maje £239.50

Boots - Topshop £79

Bag - Radley (old season) similar here

Hat - Anthropologie (sold out)

My J Brand jeans are my new, favourite smart/casual items of clothing, they are expensive but so far, so worth it. They fit like a glove, have perfect stretch, do not dig into my tummy (no undoing my jean button when I drive then forget to do it back up when I dash out for petrol!) They are definitely better with heels and the Topshop sock boots are the perfect partnering. 

I saw this jumper on Michelle from MyFashionable40s and had to buy one too (she has great style), it is from Banana Republic and is gorgeous, I love the ruffle detail and the fact it is just so wearable. Similar to my Cos jumper I have worn non-stop for the last year. It smartens up jeans but will also look great with my distressed boyfriend jeans and leopard print heels for an evening out.

My name necklace is a must incase anyone forgot my name (I like to make things easy for people) and my Maje coat, another huge investment (still sitting on credit card eek I will pay it off at some point!) but it is one of those coats that looks understated but classy.

So when in doubt reach for navy...it can make you look sophisticated and chic with minimal effort.

Are you a fan of Navy, is it the colour that dominates your wardrobe? I am planning a work wear blog - a caspule collection that will see your through this tricky winter/spring time..will be live soon. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

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Postcards from Barcelona

Style Theory: A few 'postcards' from one of my favourite cities. Barcelona is utterly charming, beautiful buildings, fabulous restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping, the sea and a spectacular afternoon tea...

Placa Catalunya

Boots: Topshop £79
Scarf: Uniqlo old
Bag: Aurora London £64.50 

I bought these gorgeous and incredibly comfortable Topshop boots. Not exactly a Spanish buy but I could not resist them... I walked around the city all day in them and they were genuinely so comfy and made the transition from day to evening look so easy..

El Nacional  

The most stunning concept - 4 areas - a meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, tapas and a fast deli restaurant as well as 4 separate bars all housed in a spacious, beautifully designed building. We popped in post-shopping for a couple of cocktails and it was gorgeous, it is not cheap but pretty breathtaking and really worth a visit.

Then onto what has become my favourite restaurant in Barcelona Teresa Carles, it is a vegetarian restaurant and serves the most delicious pasta and salad dishes..

Then finally onto a beautiful new hotel for rooftop terrace drinks The Cotton House hotel, a 5 star hotel, colonial in style, modern in function and utterly breathtaking decor, each member of staff were so welcoming, friendly and the barman mades the most fabulous cocktails, well worth a stay or a visit...

Cotton House Hotel

The next morning it was a walk along the beach, a coffee then onto a cool, food/clothing market Palo Alto Market for a couple of Aperol spritzs and some delicious snacks..

Palo Alto Market

At Caravan Made the best pulled pork roll and sweet potato, goats cheese, rocket and pomegranate sandwich I have ever tasted (yes, it works together) 

Then on to the most exciting event, my sister runs a business serving cream teas for small groups on her rooftop terrace called Rooftop Teas. She makes everything by hand from delicate smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches on gluten free bread, to rose scented meringues, light scones with clotted cream and jam, cupcakes and spiced mince pies for Christmas. All served with endless Cava, mulled wine and speciality teas...pure heaven. Her rooftop is stunning with views to the sea and over the mountains, a little oasis in middle of the city furbished with flowers, grass and twinky light strewn pergolas. 

She had arranged an event for journalists and bloggers so I was there to help, I say 'help' in the loosest form as I don't think I was much help, but I certainly participated in eating and drinking..it all tasted amazing and the company was great. Here are a few snaps 

photos via FranciscoBlanco

Needless to say it was a huge success, everyone loved it, not a scrap of food was left. Well done Angela, I have no idea how to managed to make it all yourself and host and make it all look sooo amazing!

Check out her Instagram account @RooftopTeaBarcelona also her travel Instagram LasCallesdeBcn for ideas of what to do in Barcelona, she know the best places for kids, family friendly restaurants, best hotels etc..well worth a look..

Then it was a quick dash to El Cortes Ingles and Passeig du Gracia to buy a coat from Maje and this gorgeous top from my sister for Christmas!! 

&Other Stories £65

Casa Batllo, Passeig du Gracia

Home first thing next morning to happy chaos.. I adore spending the weekend with my little sister, such a good laugh in a beautiful city, the perfect mix...

For more info on Barcelona check out Las Calles De Barcelona,

Next, I promise a Christmas Gift Guide, I am heading to London tomorrow for some serious research and hopefully to start my Christmas shopping.. starting to panic!

Hope you are all well, have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you doing mostly online this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx