Showing posts with label #marksandspencerfashionpr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #marksandspencerfashionpr. Show all posts

Beautiful Knits, Floral Skirts, Trench Coats and Jeans..The Building Blocks to a Perfect Autumn/Winter Wardrobe


Style Theory: This Autumn/Winter for me is all about beautiful jumpers, floral skirts mixed with cool outerwear, denim and a healthy dose of practical footwear. I love to be comfortable but at the same time look like I have made a little effort and these looks, all head to toe Marks and Spencer, are all those things I can move around in but also look like I have spent longer than 2 mins getting ready (genuinely for these photos I had taken 2 mins getting ready..nothing a slick of red lipstick can't fix!)

If you follow me on Instagram you will know I have worn this skirt loads. I love the print and the length, it feels elegant but is also really easy to wear and can be mixed and matched with so many tops, I have worn it with the red jumper (as in these photos) a navy jumper, with a grey hoody and trainers and with a navy blouse and heels for a 'grown up' smarter look. It has an elasticated waist so is super forgiving at dinner, I am wearing a size 10 but could possibly have gone down to a size 8.
Jumper - M&S Cashmere Jumper £75
Skirt - M&S Per Una £39.50
Shoes - M&S £39.50
Bag - M&S Pure Leather Bag £79
The shoes are incredibly comfy, they look great with ankle length jeans and a red blouse or with a simple tee. The cashmere jumper is the ultimate in luxury, a beautiful shade of red and so so soft, I am wearing a size 12 here as I like my sweaters to be generous. I fell in love with this bag as soon as I spotted it, it is looks designer-esque, is the softest leather and stays on your shoulder without immediately slipping off (my bugbear!) I love walking around in this outfit, it is practical but you can really feel quite ladylike in it..

A trench is a 'must have' for Autumn, this M&S Trench looks great on, it is cut beautifully (fits good on the shoulders..important for a trench) and is the perfect length (I am wearing a size 8 - size down for a neater fit).
Trench Coat - M&S £45
Belt - M&S £15
Jeans - M&S £29.50
Trainers - M&S £49.50
Leather Bag - M&S £79
I added a belt to make the trench look expensive and tailored and the deep red leather bag is beautiful, a really useful chic bag, it will look great with a navy, red, khaki or black coat. The trainers are great, the zebra print rings the changes to my trainer collection and as they are leather they are comfy and not too hot..

My perfect dressed up/dressed down outfit. I am a sucker for stripes and this cashmere striped breton is the dream, incredibly versatile wear with jeans and trainers or clash up with a floral skirt and heels. I am wearing a size 8 jumper as I decided I wanted this to be slightly more fitted than the rest of my jumpers but for a slouchier fit size up.
Cashmere jumper - M&S £85
Denim Culottes - M&S £29.50
Boots - M&S £39.50
Culottes are just the best, so practical, easy to wear and look great with heels, due to my height I have to wear heels with culottes to avoid my legs looking incredibly short! (I am wearing a size 8) These velvet sock boots are great, they look super luxe for a decent price, if you do get a chance to try they on instore try on a few different pairs (in your size) as the zips are a little hit and miss, some zips sit well others stick out a little.

Finally the 'event dress' which again can be dressed down pretty easily. I wore it for an evening out in a lovely restaurant but it would look equally good with a tight navy poloneck underneath and a pair of tan, chunky 70s style knee high boots for a cool, boho daytime look..
Dress - M&S £45
Boots - M&S £39.50
It is quite Princess Diana in the 80s (which completely drew me to the dress) I love the gold sparkle and find navy a really flattering and forgiving colour against my skin. It is a great length and the velvet boots give it an edge, Winter events I am ready for you!!

I loved shooting these M&S pieces, I am a huge fan of M&S and always find some real gems in there at affordable prices, ideal pieces to pad out your Autumn/Winter wardrobe and add a touch of luxe. I am so excited to be featured on Style and Living here..



What are your fave Autumn items so far this season, as always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx

This blog post was written in collaboration with M&S, all clothing choices, styling, photography and opinions are my own.

Looking Forward...

Style Theory: M&S are really upping their game next season and I wanted to share with you a few key pieces I fell in love with at their SS16 press show. I will be looking out for them as they tick theSpring/Summer 2016 trends, are practical and affordable....

My Star Pick
The Bag of the Spring

So Chloe-esque but actually faux leather (looks pretty good) so a fraction of the price (apologies I forgot to find out the price but it will be reasonable) This will arrive in stores and online in January so a perfect post Christmas treat? Or, for me, a birthday treat as it my Birthday in Jan (far too close to Christmas!)

The Dresses..
Per una Dress £75
I bought a similar dress a few years ago from &Other Stories in black and have worn it non stop through the summer, for weddings, dinner dates and evenings on holiday. I love the colour of this one and will be looking to buy this one for my summer holidays next year.

Limited Edition Dress £45 Brooch £19.50
This is one of those dresses than can be dressed up or down. It would look fab with a pair of pale tan strappy sandals, or clash the print with leopard print shoes or wear with Stan Smith trainers for a laid back vibe. The tie at the front will conceal a small tummy and the long sleeves makes it super flattering. I love the eye brooch, it adds a modern twist to a traditional dress. I can definitely see this working in my Spring wardrobe.

The Blouses/Shirts..
Frill Blouse £29.50
A subtle take on the Miu Miu blouse of this season. This is a shape I can really get on board, with a pair of blue skinny jeans and white superga trainers for a cute, on trend look.

As you know I am fond of a victoriana blouse and this one looks beautiful, almost antique with it's soft blush colour and gold details. I am afraid I do not have the price of this one but will update this when I find out.

The Skirt...
Autograph Skirt £199
A luxe leather skirt in the most divine forest green, I would love this to wear now with a black polo neck, black opaques and heels. The wrap 'utility' look is key for next season, wear in the Spring with tan heels and a simple tee. A pricey piece but when seen in real life it looks sumptuous.

The Smart Dungarees
Limited Edition Top £29.50
Limited Edition Dungarees: £49.50
Dungarees are now the norm, this elegant pair of dungaree will look great in the spring with pointed heels and a blouse. Simple but tailored, a relaxed look that is perfectly SS16.

The Shoes..

A beautiful warm khaki tone in faux suede, these have a mid heel and the tie details brings them perfectly up to date.

The Jacket
Indigo Collection Jacket £59
A soft, feminine take on the bomber jacket, pair with a grey sweater, boyfriend distressed jeans and a pair of Stan Smiths for a cool look.

The Bucket Bag..

Cute, faux leather bucket bags that will go with every outfit. Add the stripe one to an all black summer dress for a chic look.

A little sneak peak into what M&S has in-store next season, some really stunning pieces that I am looking forward to adding to my Spring wardrobe.

Back to the present now and a couple of my outfits from this week..

MY STYLE
For running around town for a day of Press Shows and meetings..
Coat: Zara similar here
Dungarees: H&M similar here 
Blouse: Zara sold out
Trainers: Footasylum 
Bag: c/o Dune

For work at the boutique..completely adore this scarf it is oversize, the most perfect shade of grey, 100% wool and so so soft and non itchy..

Scarf: Travelling Bazaar
Sweater: Zara old season
Jeans: Topshop
 Boots: Clarks  
Back to winter inspired fashion for the next few blogs and I have a few fabulous Christmas Gift blogs started, I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet, things have been super busy so next week I am focussing and the buying will commence!!

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, what do you think of the M&S SS16 edit, any pieces catch your eyes? Until next time Frances xxx