Dress - Marks and Spencer £119
Sandals - Marks and Spencer  £39.50
Bag - Marks and Spencer £39.50

Style Theory: In the summer I always reach for black dresses, they look great against sunkissed skin, are super easy to style and look chic. I love a plain black dress on holiday, it looks cool and understated and can match with every accessory you pack with you, team with flats or heels anything goes..

Dress - Marks and Spencer £119
Sandals - Marks and Spencer  £39.50
Bag - Marks and Spencer £39.50

This Marks and Spencer pure silk dress is one of those great summer dresses, it hangs beautifully on, is wonderfully cool and can be worn for both day and evening. I sized down one size, it is a little neat on the upper arms but fine, I think it looks better a neater fit than too big. The shirt dress design means you can undo the buttons, go a little more risqué on holiday or wear over leather leggings or jeans in the Autumn. The brilliant thing is that it is machine washable (at 30degrees) which is so much better than the normal dry clean only on silk!

Sandals - Marks and Spencer £39.50

For a daytime look I paired it with these incredibly comfy sandals, they are leather, really flattering on ankles and look great with both dresses and jeans. I took my normal size in them, think I may have to get the tan version too!

Bag - Marks and Spencer £39.50
Sandals - Marks and Spencer £39.50

This cute straw bag caught my eye, love the word 'Happy' embroidered on the front (because I love a holiday so it would be true!) It has fabric with a pull tie at the top to keep all my things inside safe and with the additions of pink and yellow handles and tassels it brightens the all black outfit up..

For evenings just add a pair of heels and clutch..

Dress - Marks and Spencer £119
Shoes - Marks and Spencer £45
Clutch Bag - Marks and Spencer £89

Such a chic dress for evening, it just kind of drifts from daytime to evening wear in one easy move.. The dress is heavy enough silk that it hangs beautifully and floats as you walk.

The shoes are amazing on, I am completely smitten with them, super sparkly, surprisingly comfortable for such high heels and the ankle strap flatters legs and keeps the shoes on..

Shoes - Marks and Spencer £45

Photography by MorrenInteriorDesign

There is nothing better than sparkly shoes to add some glamour to an outfit. This dress will be coming with me on my holiday to Spain in July (so so looking forward to it)

Are you a fan of black dresses and outfits in the summer, I guess I just think as the sun is out and there is loads of colour around I don't need to wear so much colour, nature does it for me! In the winter however give me all the colour!

Thanks so much for reading, until next time Fran xxx

*This blogpost was written in collaboration with M&S, all outfit choices, styling, photography and words are my own. 

Those Perfect Last Minute Gifts...

Style Theory: This year I have left it unbelievably late to do all my Christmas shopping, basic error on my part, but I have managed to bag quite a few tree presents for my family from Marks and Spencer. I am always amazed by how many beauty brands they stock and really gorgeous gift ideas. Look away family because here is what I have bought you....

M&S Cashmere Jumper £75

I am a huge fan of M&S cashmere, it is up there for me with the very best of the cashmere jumpers and just slightly less £££ than others. The jumpers wash well, I bought one of those cashmere washing netted bags off ebay to wash mine in and so far no shrinkage! I bought this for my Mum, she loves wearing a round neck jumper with a blouse underneath and navy is flattering against her skin.

M&S Pointed Pumps £29.50

Because one of my sister's loves a touch of sparkle but likes to dress it down with skinny, ankle jeans and a black poloneck..these shoes will look gorgeous on her on Christmas Day.

M&S Philip Kingsley Elasticizer £17

This has been recommended to my sister by her hairdressers as her hair (like mine) is pretty fine and damaged. It was initially created by Philip Kingsley for Audrey Hepburn so if it's good enough for Audrey it's good enough for my little sister..

M&S Pixi Multibalm 2 in 1 Lip and cheek colour £12

Multibalms are such useful products all year around, they are perfect for the schoolrun when I don't have time for make up, just a little moisturiser then slick of this on my cheeks and lips makes me look slightly more human. This is for the littlest sister..along with the mascara below..

M&S Pixi Lash Booster Mascara £14

Because everyone loves a new mascara!

M&S Ren Bathing the Night Away Gift Set was £50 now £25

My best friend loves Ren and this bath set is a real treat (and a great buy!)

M&S Christmas Makeup Bag Set was £25 now £12.50

I bought this for Jess as, at 10, she has more nail polishes and make up that I have ever owned in my life, hopefully these little make up bag will keep it all together.

M&S Signature Hand Care Duo £25

My friend has just moved into a new house so this is the kind of extravagant purchase I can never justify buying myself but as a present it is perfect because it will definitely be used.

M&S Rosie for Autograph Underwear Set

I do love a beautiful underwear set for Christmas and this is on my list..

M&S Mens Cashmere Jumper £89

My Dad loves a grey cashmere crew neck, every year he gets one from one of us but he wears them a lot and men are soooo difficult to buy for so this is a pretty safe but luxurious option.

M&S Oudinot Rose Pink Champagne £28

For the teachers as they work so hard teaching my kids they deserve a glass of pink champagne on Christmas eve..

M&S Pom Pom Throw £69

I have wanted this pom pom throw for ages, it looks gorgeous on a sofa or bed, a real treat for Christmas.

M&S Autograph Leather Shopper Bag £99

I use my red tote bag non stop, you can fit so much in them and the red adds a pop of colour to any outfit.

M&S Girls Unicorn Onesie £18-£27

I bought this Unicorn onesie for Jess for pyjama day at school and she lives in it, the softest, cosiest onesie and what little girl doesn't adore unicorns at the moment?

M&S Boys Onesie £16-£25

Jack has this onesie and also rushes to get into it when he comes home from school..

I could go on forever but it is safe to say M&S 'saved my Bacon' when I did a mad dash to the shops the other day, the easiest place to pick up a few gifts I know my family and friends will love.

How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping are you almost finished? If you are I am slightly envious I still have tons to get! As always I love hearing your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xx

This blog post was written in collaboration with M&S, all thoughts, selections and opinions are my own.

Winter Woolies and Sumptuous Skirts....

Style Theory: Christmas is the time when you can get away with dressing up a bit fancier than normal, when you would normally reach a pair of jeans you can think 'sod it, I am going to dress fancy and wear a skirt' the rest of the year, I can't be bothered and opt for the jeans but December is the exception to (my) rule, is all about sequins, metallics and a hefty dose of frivolity!

So with this in mind, I was asked by Marks and Spencer to style up a partywear outfit. My favourite days out at Christmas are those that start with a mooch around the shops then meeting friends for lunch which hopefully glides into the evening, that is my idea of the perfect celebration/party day and for this I love a jumper, skirt and boots.

M&S Autograph Pure Cashmere Rollneck £89
Skirt M&S £49
Bag M&S £29.50
Leather Boots M&S £99

I have been talking quite a lot about M&S cashmere, it is good, the fit is slouchy and the sweaters feel amazing on, I do love a black rollneck, it is good to go back to basics sometimes and this roll neck is the perfect building block to a winter wardrobe. I have worn it with jeans and wellies for winter walks, with trousers and heels for going out and with this beautiful skirt for a day out in town...I am wearing a size 12 - I prefer jumpers to be roomy...

M&S Autograph Pure Cashmere Rollneck £89
Skirt M&S £49
Bag M&S £29.50
Leather Boots M&S £99

The skirt is super luxurious, a sumptuous fabric that billows as you walk (in a good way not in a ship setting sale way..) I am wearing an 8 but to be honest I could have done with a 10 (it is true to size) I love the dress that is in the same collection as this skirt below, it truly is beautiful on but size down at least one size it come up big. How cute is the bag, love the deep red velvet pouch..it would look amazing with a camel coat or navy coat.

Here are a few other gems I saw in M&S when I shopping last week..

Marks and Spencer £55

Marks and Spencer £55

I was so surprised when I tried on this dress it was gorgeous on, I had walked past it so many times but just thought it would be unflattering, it turns out it is really beautiful on. I sized down, I tried on a UK 6 (I am never a 6) so size down at least one size as it does come up big. It is like a kind of slinky ballerina dress, the ones they wear when practicing (I have always loved how they look) I would wear with red or black sock boots to give it a bit of an edge.

Marks and Spencer Velvet A line Maxi Dress £59

I also love this velvet dress, it looks far better on than on the hanger, again add a pair of red or black sock boots to toughen it up a little..

Marks and Spencer £79

Marks and Spencer £79

80s-tastic!! So Alexis/Crystal Carrington - kind of wrong but kind of right!! I did feel kind of Kylie-ish in it (thats Minogue not Jenner obvs!) just add a pair of gold strappy sandals and embrace the 80s..

Marks and Spencer £89

Another surprise dress, it looks stunning on, size down at least one size again it comes up big and it really needs to to fit perfectly. I love the cap sleeves, the heavy luxurious fabric and the 50s shape.

Marks and Spencer £39.50

This blouse looks great on, wear with pair of tailored navy trousers and gold heels...super chic and stylish..

Marks and Spencer £39.50

Love these shoes, they are complete showstoppers, wear with a black poloneck, black ankle length jeans for a cool, laid back Christmassy outfit!

I think I need to create a few more Christmas parties to wear these gorgeous things to. I am off to a party at Epsom racecourse on Friday night so I am looking forward to getting partywear-d up for that!!

What is your fave partywear to wear? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until the next time Fran xx

This blog post was written in collaboration with Marks and Spencer, all styling, edits and opinions are my own.

Affordable Cashmere, Floral Skirts and the BEST shoes...

Style Theory: I have a new obsession, it is M&S cashmere jumpers..I have three (black, red and navy breton) and they are currently on rotation in my wardrobe, in fact I am wearing my black jumper (with my pj bottoms!) as I type. For me Autumn is all about cosy knitwear mixed with bright stand-out skirts or dresses and some ridiculously frivolous (not too expensive) heels.

M&S have come up trumps with all the above, I love this cashmere round neck sweater, it is so soft, a great shape and sits beautifully on. I bought a size 10 and it fits perfectly, just as good with a statement skirt as with jeans and trainers..the most versatile and most worn item I have bought so far this season..

Skirt - M&S £55
Cashmere Jumper - M&S £75
Velvet puffer Jacket - M&S £75
Shoes - M&S £35

The skirt is beautiful on, a real eyecatching piece that feels amazing on. It is thick fabric so sits well and covers a multitude of sins - I am wearing a size 10, I would say it is true to size. I love pinks, purples and golds, they have a real autumnal/Christmassy feel and the skirt with the jumper paired with the plum heels, for me, is my perfect dressed down dressed up look. Just add a velvet puffer, to keep the cold off and I am in my happy style comfort zone...

Here are some other Marks and Spencer pieces I have my eye on..

M&S £45

M&S £45

I spotted this top online and was desperate to try it on. It looks great on, it is a cotton poplin fabric so quite stiff but it suits it. I love the sequin detail at the top and it has a bow detail at the back, it is true to size (this is a 10) It would look fab with ankle length jeans a high heeled, black ankle boots, this came home with me..

M&S £29.50

M&S £29.50

Its all about red this season and this top will add a pop of colour to your wardrobe. It is beautifully light on and comes up true to size..the arms are a little long so I had to pull them up slightly, apart from that it is a great addition to an autumn/winter wardrobe. Wear with a navy blazer, jeans and trainers for a cool look.

M&S £27.50

M&S £27.50

A great top to wear with black jeans and black heeled boots for an evening out. Really comfortable, it comes with a black vest top underneath and would look great with gold, statement earrings.

M&S £69

M&S £69

I do love a velvet jacket in the Autumn and winter, they are such useful jackets for wearing out to dinner or drinks, they dress up a simple t-shirt, jeans and trainers look and look great with silk camisole, boyfriend jeans and heels for a Christmas do. This M&S one is great, it is a good length (sits just below my hips) is a flattering cut and the collar sits perfectly. I am wearing a size 8 which is a good size for me if I am not wearing a jumper, if you are intending on wearing the jacket with anything chunky underneath take your normal size, if not size down.

M&S £35

The dream shoes, very 'Manolo' very much cheaper! These look fab on and for £35 you can have your own 'Carrie Bradshaw' moment...

So many beautiful pieces, it is always worth having a good old search through M&S, there is so much stock in there it is sometimes difficult to see the gems they have but they are there!. If you try nothing else check out their cashmere, it is well worth the money and makes the most luxurious gift. To see all the items above 'in action' check out my instastories on @thefashion_lift - it will give you a good idea of how they look 'in real life'..

Thanks so much for reading, until next time Fran xxx

This post was written in collaboration with M&S all selections, styling, words and opinions are my own.