Style Theory: It is coming up to the season of weddings, summer balls and summer holidays and it is so nice to own one gorgeous, slightly different dress to wear to these occasions. With the 70s trend gaining momentum I am loving all things maxi. I also love mixing fabrics, textures and colours to create a slightly statement look without looking over the top.

Some inspiration from Streetsylers..

Images via Pinterest

Best on the High Street now: 

I have selected my top maxi dress finds that would be perfect for a summer occasion and also can be dressed down for a summer holiday evening. I really prefer maxis with a sleeve, this mainly down to the fact that I am not too mad on my arms any more (getting old!) but also because they look more authentic 70s boho with sleeves....

Sister Jane at Asos Galaxy Dress £72

The star print on this layered maxi dress is eyecatching, it would be perfect for a summer wedding with high strappy black/tan sandals or add a pop of colour with orange strappy sandals. Wear a longline tux style jacket over the top and a sparkly clutch for a gorgeous look. Dress down with flat sandals (the Mango flats I have featured in previous posts) and a boho slouchy tan bag.

Free People @ Asos £128

The button through detail on this dress means you take the split as high as you dare. Again, a perfect dress for a wedding with strappy high/low sandals (love the ones on the model) and perfect for the those warm summer evenings on holiday.

BA&SH @Asos £195

A little pricey but I adore the print and shape of this dress, wear with tan accessories and let the dress do the talking. This is one to look out for when Asos has their summer sale..

Pepe Jeans Maxi Dress @Next £90

Love the slightly see through fabric with the underdress, wear this with metallic accessories and for a smart event with high strappy metallic sandals (see Cos for a gorgeous pair of silver high sandals) 

Mango Blond Gown £89

Completely left-field but I adore this dress, the colour of the season, 70s styling. Definitely one to try on but would make a real statement.

Mango Premium Striped Dress @John Lewis £34.99

More of a casual look, wear this with Stan Smith trainers and an oversize denim jacket for a cool summer look. It is ribbed jersey, would also look fab thrown over a swimsuit for the beach.

Free People Bonnie Dress £138

More of a midi dress but utterly boho cool, wear with strappy sandals to bring it into 2015 and give it an edge.

H&M Maxi Dress £29.99

I tried this on below and love it, I sized down to make it more fitted as I think this style needs to be fairly neatly cut to your figure to flatter. I am 5ft2 and found the length perfect (with heels) A gorgeous, reasonable dress, perfect for wedding, I would team with tan sandals and perhaps an orange large clutch.

I find maxi dresses really comfortable and easy to wear at parties as they are so elegant and also you don't have to worry about your legs being super toned and tanned...

Are you a fan of the maxi dress? Do you like the 70s boho look this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx

Grown Up Denim Dungarees

Style Theory: Dungarees are slowly (slowly) becoming an acceptable garment for a 'grown up' to wear and since I have worn my black H&M non stop I thought I would dive into it a little further with blue denim dungarees..

Denim dungarees can be tricky, they are slightly harder to wear than the black tailored version as they can veer towards the Huckleberry Finn look fairly easily. I wanted to style these Asos ones with a grown up twist to hopefully avoid the overgrown baby look, so I paired them with a denim shirt, my trusty navy Zara blazer and sandals. They are, I agree, a complete love them or hate them item, I kinda love them as they are so comfortable (I love having no waistband digging in to my stomach) and pretty versatile. They look just as good with trainers as with heels. The wide leg look ticks this season 70s trend but does need to be worn with heels so as to elongate my legs.

These are from Asos and have a rather large (really bad on me) rip across the thigh. In my opinion it is completely unneccassary and will be patched up when I have a second to no.1) read SusieSoSo's guide to patching up jeans (Sue is seriously amazing at tips and tricks and finding fab high street finds) and then secondly getting my needle and thread out and do it.

Shirt: H&M
Blazer: Zara
Bag: H&M
Sandals: H&M

These are a most definitely a "flash trend', they have been bubbling around for the last few years with the trend really coming to the fore this year but I do not see it having much longevity so I would buy non-expensive and wear lots now.

Here are my favourites from the high street now:

Moto Boyfriend Dungarees £48

A fairly baggy slouchy dungaree, would look fab with a tailored shirt and heels.

LA Redoute Boyfriend Dungarees £59

These are a really soft, comfortable, light denim with a little stretch. Perfect for summer holidays, wear with a vest top and sliders for a cool, laid back look.

Asos Denim Full Length Dungaree £45

The description of these state that they are 'full length' but they look ankle length to me. These will be a flattering dungaree as they are a neat fit with a slim leg.

Mango Denim Dungarees via Asos £54.99

The plain styling at the front of these dungarees will flatter, as with all clothing it is a matter of trying on different styles of dungarees to see which ones are cut right for your body shape.

Asos Denim Dungaree with thigh rip £45

These are my dungarees in the photos above, at 5ft2 these are the perfect length with heels for me (if a teeny bit long) They fit true to size and are super comfy, just need to patch up that rip!

Are you in the love them or hate them camp? Have you divulged in the dungaree trend as yet? I must admit I have tried on so many pairs to find a pair that fit me properly, some are too long on the body, too tight, too loose on the leg so if you are wanting some try, try and try again with different styles you will find your perfect pair!

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, I read everyone and really love hearing your opinions. Until next time Frances xx

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

25% Off Boden This Weekend..The Best Bits

Style Theory: 25% off Boden until Monday 30th with free delivery and returns (with code EGGS) always a great time to get a few key items that will work as excellent basics for your summer wardrobe, also a few extra special accessories that will add a wow factor to an outfit.

So first the items that have caught my eye this season and ideas of how to style them...

The Chic, Useful Cardigan

Boden Favourite Cardigan £36.75 (25% off)

A versatile piece, can be thrown over a white t-shirt, denim shorts and strappy tan sandals. With a maxi dress or in the summer with white top and jeans. Here are a few ideas...

The Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere Crew Neck Navy £74.25 (25% off)

I have a navy cashmere sweater and it is one of the most luxurious, most worn items in my wardrobe. Boden cashmere is fabulously soft and machine washable. I wear mine with distressed jeans and heels (with my Boden Alice heels as they have navy in them- great for a dressed down/dressed up look) and a bright coat. I also like to wear with t-shirt underneath and denim shorts and sandals, keeps me just the right temperature on warmer UK days.

The Grey Merino Sweater

Merino Wool Sweater £17.70

Was tipped off by Natalie from GlamRosie about this jumper and what a bargain, in fact I was so excited I have just ordered myself one to fill a little gap in my wardrobe. This is again, such a useful hardworking piece in your wardrobe, from wearing it with jeans to denim skirts to full on patterned midi skirts this is a must have item.

The Breton

Long Sleeve Breton £18.75 (25% off)

I have had two of these Boden bretons for a few years, they wash well and keep their shape and colour. A wardrobe staple, can be worn year after year after year..

The Denim/Chambray Dress

April Tunic Dress £55.30

A really useful price, wear with black opaque tights and black shoes boots in the colder, spring days. In the summer pair with white/silver Superga's for a laid back, comfortable look.

The Summer Event Dress

Long Sleeve Selina Dress £104.25 (25% off)

I love the print of this dress, it reminds me a little of the D&G dress Keira Knightley wore (see below). I would add some a little colour to this with a pair of pale (or even bright) pink shoes and some matching lipstick for a fabulous wedding guest outfit.

The Killer Accessories

Alice Mid Heels £89.25 (25% Off)

The heel of the season, bright, fun chic and really wearable. I have worn mine loads, they can be matched and clashed with so many outfits. Dress them up, dress them down you will wear them non-stop.

Lille Lace-Ups £66.75

The lace up shoe is a key look for Spring Summer 15, these are stunning versions and with 25% off more affordable.

Definitely worth having a little browse if you are in summer clothes shopping mode. The Alice shoes have a couple of weeks wait for delivery but they will still be the 25% off price if bought today or tomorrow. Right I am off to order a few items..

Are you a Boden basics fan, how do you find their clothing? I have got to admit I always have to have a bit of a search through as lots of it is not my style but I do love the styles above and I always buy my kids a few items (on the 25% off days) for each season as I do find the kids clothes really last and my two wear their Boden outfits loads.

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

*this was not a sponsored post I just thought the 25% off made the items I have been looking at over the last few months a little more affordable!
Streetstyle photos via Pinterest

Dungarees...really?!

Style Theory: Dungarees....denim, tailored or shorts have been back 'in' for a few years now,  a marmite item of clothing you either love or hate them.  I am in the 'love them' camp and have been further convinced of their coolness by bloggers such as Atlantic Pacific, The Frugality and Musings of London Mum who all style them beautifully. I tentatively dipped my toe in the dungaree water a couple of years ago (a bit wary as I am a bit in the old side for them!) with a grey, summer pair but got such stick from the husband I retired them to the back of the wardrobe never to be worn again. Well, I am trying again, completely inspired by Alex from The Frugality who was wearing these dungarees on Instagram. They looked fab and when I walked past them in my local H&M I couldn't resist...

Dungarees: H&M £29.99
Leather Biker Jacket: Asos similar here
Blouse: Zara £29.99
Clutch: &Other Stories
Trainers: Stan Smith Adidas £67

I can report back these dungarees are incredibly comfortable made with a soft, elastane denim. They are stretchy but keep their shape and as Alex rightly said they are a 'grown up' dungaree. I really think I may be pushing it age wise with these but I just thought I would go for it anyway as they are such a good fit and will look fab with heels.

I also bought this top from Zara, this is the perfect blouse to add a little 'fashion edge' to your wardrobe.

Top: Zara £29.99

It was pretty reasonable and will look fab with kick flares and skinny jeans in the Spring. It comes in a few different fabrics I tried on them all apart from the gingham..

Top: Zara £29.99

Top: Zara £29.99

Top: Zara £29.99 (as above)

A useful little top, a word of warning, it is quite short, ok for us vertically challenged but not so good for you supermodels out there! 

So there is a round up of my little birthday money spending spree, along with my Zara yellow coat which I have a feeling I will be wearing a lot. I am a huge fan of buying a couple of items at the beginning of the season which give my current wardrobe staples a little fashion lift and I think the dungarees, blouse and yellow coat with refresh a few looks.

Where do you stand with dungarees..for toddlers only? What are your fashion lift pieces this season? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxxx