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

Switching to Autumn/Winter - Some Outfit Inspiration

Style Theory: The transition from one season to another can sometimes leave me a little lost...what to wear, what style to go for, what is cool this season? I always turn to Pinterest to the streetstylers for some inspiration, so here are a selection of my favourite, mainly classic looks, for this Autumn/Winter that will work for a few years to come...





















For me this year it is all about over sized knitwear, skinny jeans, or leather/suede look trousers, trainers, slouchy boots, tailored coats or jackets and a healthy dose of lurex thrown in to add much needed Autumn sparkle. I am of to hunt down my key items from the high street, I will report back...
Images above via Pinterest

MY STYLE:
A couple of my winter looks so far...
Sweater: River Island Design Forum £65
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Boots: Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots via EbayUK
Bag: Topshop (old season)

Coat: Zara (old season) similar here
Dungarees: H&M similar here
Blouse: John Lewis similar here
Trainers: Adidas £79.99
Bag: Kipling UK


What is your Autumn/Winter dream look, where do you find your outfit inspiration? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

The Summer Holiday Packing Post

Style Theory: Possibly one of my worst jobs...packing. I tend to put it off until the last minute as I never know what to take on summer holidays and always, always overpack (for me and the kids..the Husband takes near to nothing!) I am always worried that I will not include that one top or one pair of shoes that I 'need', that would be perfect and just make my summer wardrobe 'work'. Well, times have had to change (mainly due to Easyjet's..we fly cheap...teeny case weight allowance) and the fact we take 2 cases between the four of us (plus two trunki's..possibly the worst idea we have ever had) so now I have to pack smarter, less clothes, less shoes and leave all those things that I just 'might' wear.

So here it is, my entire holiday outfits for two weeks...

SWIMWEAR
This is my most important item/s of clothing to get right as we spend most of the holiday by the pool or on the beach running after the kids, dipping in and out of the sea or pool (looking more Godzilla than Halle Berry) so comfort, support and most of all swimwear that is as flattering as possible is a must. I will be taking one swimsuit and two (maybe three bikinis) this year. These are from CocoBay and after trying on hundreds of bikini and swimsuits these are stunning pieces and were actually flattering (a miracle!!):
Swimsuit c/o - CocoBay Seafolly Mod Swimsuit £66.50

Bikini c/o - CocoBay Aquaclara top £95 Pant £68 *
Lace Cover Up Top - Spain
Shorts - See below
Sandals - Mango (still avail in some stores)
Bracelets - Black and Sigi Hemmingway Bangle £29
T-Shirt Top - Mango £9.99
Vest Tops - H&M
Bikini c/o - Coco Bay Bandwave Bikini Top £56 Bottoms £39 *
Sandals: As above
Sunglasses - Asos 
*20% off all full priced CocoBay swimwear with the code SCHOOLRUN20 this will be valid until the end of August

DAYTIME
I would love to say I have a magic formula to packing, but unfortunately I don't. For daytime I like my shorts and tops to work with the swimwear underneath, some slight coordination there ..with daytime dresses this is not so important as the swimwear is covered. After years and years of having a patterned beach bag I now always keep it quite plain, an oversize straw basket bag fits the bill perfectly and is also used as my airport bag...
Tops from top:
Black - Mango (last year)
White - Mango (last year)
Pattern  - Mango (last year)
Cold Shoulder top: Vila (last year)
Vest top - Next

Shorts: Gap darker wash here £17.99
Levis 501 - Urban Outfitters £36
Short denim shorts - River Island similar here
Beige linen shorts - Topshop similar here
Black Strappy Sandals - Mango £19 (in store)
Sandals - Palmairas £42
 DAYTIME - SIGHTSEEING 
Stripe Top - Asos £14
Top: Zara £22.99
Skorts: Zara (old season)
Shorts: As above
Shoes: H&M (sold out)
Sunglasses: Rayban Wayfarers £125
Bangle : Black and Sigi  £33
Ring: Black and Sigi £19

DAYTIME BEACH DRESSES
These are easy to fling over a bikini in a flash, useful when a child announces they are desperate for the toilet on the beach and can't wait. They also take you from the beach straight to a restaurant for dinner without looking too underdressed.
Dress Left - Topshop (past season)
Dress Right - Topshop (avail in store)
Left sandals - Next £24
EVENING DRESSES
For me, this year it is all about the dress (plus I have just slipped in one black jumpsuit..just incase!) Dresses mean minimal fuss, I always buy them fairly loose fitting so they are comfortable, not too hot and can be dressed up with heels or if I am walking far they look fab with flats.
Lace Dress - Zara £29.99 (currently in store)
Bag: Aurora London Willow Bag £59.50
Bracelet - Gold Meridian Bangle £35
Shoes - As above
Dress: &Other Stories now £27
Rest: As above

Dress: &Other Stories last year
Sandals: H&M last year

Dress - Zara £25.99
Accessories - As above
I love this dress, it is a real stand out piece in my case, the fabric is a little thick and I have been warned by my sister it is incredibly hot in Spain at the moment but I am going to take it anyway as I love it!

So there is my packing list in photos...hopefully it all works together, so far the cases look ok still beach towels and toiletries to go in (eek) follow me on Instagram @Schoolrunmum to see my daily outfit updates and other holiday snaps...

I am hoping to pick up a bright large clutch or bag in Spain to brighten up my black dresses, but if not I am happy to go all black, I quite like it when I have a light tan (in the last two days!) 

How do you pack, do you have tried and tested methods, I would love love to hear them, would love any tips...

I will not be blogging over the next couple of weeks so I'll catch up with you in a few weeks, in the meantime come join me on Insta (@Schoolrunmum)

Happy holidays, Frances xxxx 

This Week's Fashion Fixes

Style Theory: Every week I will bring you a few ideas of items that have caught my eye and will bring your look up to date and see you through the next few seasons...

First Finery: I am slightly obsessed with this online store at the moment, their vision is 'to make modern, inspiring, sophisticated styling accessible, without compromise on quality' They keep to their promise, their range is beautifully tailored with a cool edge. Their prices are affordable and as this is not a hugely well-known brand at the moment (although I have no doubt it will be soon) you can be safe in the knowledge you will be the only one wearing it to an event. 

Here are my Finery top selection:
Carter Stripe Mixdaxi Dress £85
This is a beautiful, statement dress, perfect to wear to a wedding or summer event. The detailing is stunning and the peplum layer adds interest and also would detract from a mum tum. For a wedding I would wear with high black or nude shoes or for a more comfortable option wear with gold, flat, strappy gladiator style sandals. I have ordered this dress for my Brother in laws wedding this month.
I love these Whistles shoes
Tilla Point Mulle £150
These are the style of shoes you buy and can wear year after year with any type and colour of dress, jumpsuit, skirt or trousers, endlessly useful and so flattering on as they elongate your legs. My idea of high heel perfection.
Waveley Linear Scrawl Tie Waist Jumpsuit £65
Jumpsuits are now a must have in every womans wardrobe. Incredibly comfortable, practical and flattering, the midi length of this jumpsuit is perfect for 2015, the print is eye-catching and culotte style skirt has pockets.. I would style with my mango black strappy flat sandals (£18)..
Mango Strap Sandals £17.99
This dress looks extremely designer-esque. A timeless shirt dress style with edgy floral monochrome fabric. Wear with high strappy sandals or nude shoes for a chic wedding guest/ summer party look..
Wear with:
M&S Gillie Lace Up Stilletos £35 
These shoes are incredibly comfortable, leather and so on trend right now.

Finery Accessories


Clockwise from top left: Cheval Leather Ankle Strap Sandals £45
Bostall frame Handbag £99
Leyton Leather Spat Sandals £49
Lotus Leather High Heel Shoes £119
So different. all leather and neutral/metallic colours that can be worn day and night. These accessories will add that something different to your summer wardrobe, a 2015 update that will refresh your look.

The Blouse
French Connection Blouse £125
This is an investment piece for next season as 'bohemian, pretty romantic' blouses are going to be a key trend in AW15. Wear now with denim shorts and mango strappy sandals (above) wear in the winter with black skinny jeans/flares and knee high boots.

The Topshop Dress 
Topshop Ottoline Silk Dress £225 

This is a pricey dress but utterly beautiful. Perfectly styled by Alexa Chung with black pointed shoes, no accessories needed the dress does all the talking. Wear with black opaques and knee high boots in the winter. A dream dress and as I am about a foot smaller than Alexa it woud be a decent length on me! Out of stock at the moment online but I have been assured there is more stock coming in soon.

These are a few of the items that have caught my eye in the last couple of weeks and are on my shopping list that resides in my head and slowly I can make my way through it! What pieces have caught our eye this week, what are your fashion fixes this season? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

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