Style Theory: The Breton Dress, a wardrobe staple, classic, simple and versatile. A new but much longed for addition to my summer wardrobe...

And with lace detail and exposed zip detail at the back to add a little twist...

Ex Crew Clothing Breton Dress c/o Highstreetoutlet.com £16.75
Denim Jacket:Warehouse similar here
Shoes: H&M £39.99
Bag: TK Maxx similar here

The dress has filled a huge gap in my Summer capsule wardrobe and only for £16.75! 

I was sent this Ex Crew Clothing Co. dress by a website called Highstreet Outlet which buys surplus clothing from labels such as Topshop, Crew Clothing Co.and Boden, snips out the labels and pops the items online for less than half price...it really makes sense...I know as an ex-byer for John Lewis, stock is frequently cancelled when buying budgets are cut so it is all out there and is perfectly good, well made stock.  Everyone likes a good, familiar brand for a bargain price, especially when buying classic pieces.

They also stock kids clothes little J was delighted with her Ex Mini Boden play suit:

Jess: Boden Playsuit c/o Highstreet outlet £8.99
Converse @John Lewis £25 

I love a bargain and will be visiting the Highstreet Outlet website regularly to see what fab stock they have hitting over the summer, autumn and winter!

Are you a fan of a bargain highstreet label , do you have any hidden gem websites you know about? I would love to hear about them x

If you do fancy ordering the Breton dress I would size down as this definitely comes up on the larger side.

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxxx

The Summer Shirtdress

Style Theory: The 2014 Shirtdress, cool, sharp, comfortable and versatile, can be worn in town or to the beach over a swimsuit, a chic, more structured alternative to the boho dress..just add a wide brimmed straw hat for Riveria perfection...

I have realised I need more dresses like the shirtdress that are a good length (just above my knee) and cover my arms. I am beginning to love this flattering style (maybe it is my age?!) as it looks so chic with a pair of strappy flat sandals for the beach and strolling up to a beachbar. Here is how the designers and streetstylers are wearing them...

Nina Ricci

And here are are some beautiful shirt dresses to be found on the high street now:

Mih Shirtdress at Matches was £220 now £154

Love, love this shirt dress, the idea cut, shape, colour, sadly even reduced to £154 still waaayy out of my price range.

Glamorous denim swing dress at Asos £26

Love the fact that this is a cotton blend, denim. It would look great thrown over a bikini with gold strappy sandals.

Denim and Supply by Ralph Lauren at Asos £90

This is a loud print but looks good, the fabric drapes beautifully and it would look great with a pair of lemon espadrilles for the beach, or with some nude strappy sandals on a evening out.

Topshop Aloha Shirtdress £40

Wear this with a pair of sliders for a cool edge.

Yumi Anchor Print Shirt dress at House of Fraser £60

A fit and flare look, so cute, I would wear with little pointed white and silver ballet shoes like these:

Zara £29.99

I think I need these shoes in my life, so so fabulous on.

Hobbs Iona Dress at House of Fraser was £110 now £55

Gorgeous dress if you are brave enough to wear white, fab shape and great length. However, I would be covered in mucky kids fingerprints within two seconds of putting it on!

Mango Tencel Shirt dress at House of Fraser £44.99

This would look great with jewelled sandals and a straw trilby.

Dune sandals at John Lewis £69

H&M Hat £7.99

H&M Shirtdress £34.99

My favourite dress, I love the look of this, I have ordered it so I will let you know how it looks.

Gap shirt dress now £25.99 (in store more expensive online ) 

I have bought this one too, a great beach dress.

There is my round up of my favourite shirtdress available now, I really like the look it is quite grown up and elegant and will be such a lovely look on a summer break away.

MY STYLE:

A few outfits from this glorious week of sunshine, I have been serously into boho tops!:

With little Jess in the park
Top: Mango (last year)
Jeans: MiH
Sandals:Dune 

On the schoolrun...

Top: H&M
Jeans: 7for all Mankind
Shoes: Birkenstocks

Out for lunch with friends:

Top: Vila
Skorts: Zara
Sliders: Dune

Need to work on a tan and those legs and tummy and the rest..was out bikini shopping it was enough to get me cracking on 'The Shred'! More about that in a another post.

A little quick addition to the post this is my gap shirtdress I am wearing today along with a spray tan...it hides a multitude of sins!

Are you a fan of the Shirtdress? I would love to hear your comments as always, Frances xx

My Made in Chelsea

Style Theory: My favourite little area of London, shops, cafés, bars, restaurants galore and never too busy. 

Sloane Square

Years ago I used to work in Chelsea and love popping back for a wander when I have a chance. When my sister came over for the weekend we decided to hit Chelsea rather than tackle Oxford Street as it is a little quieter.

First stop The Botanist for coffee and warm scones...much needed energy for shopping..

The Botanist

Then a stroll up Kings Road

A gorgeous food market in the Duke of York Square, then a meander along to have lunch siting outside  The Builders Arms

The Builders Arms

Then onto The Phene to meet up with old friends for drinks....heaven

The Phene Garden

My Style:

A last minute change of outfit as the day started off stormy so my dress and heeled sandals were replaced by my trusty breton and jeans..

Top: Petit Bateau

Jacket: Zara

Jeans: Gap similar here

Trainers: John Lewis Collection similar here

Bag: H&M

I bought: hoping to wear this to watch the tennis at Wimbledon in a couple of weeks (weather permitting) with my heeled tan sandals or Stan Smith trainers:

Cos Melange Jumper - now £29

Cos Skirt with Draped Pockets now £41

I tried on and loved....

Cos Sleeveless Dress £115

but unfortuately am lacking occasions when I can wear this!

It was lovely spending the day with my little sister, Mum and some lovely friends. Thank you Las Calles De Barcelona for all the images..xx

Where is your favourite place in London, do you know any hidden gems, cafes restaurants, bars..I need to be recommended more!

I would love to hear all your comments and ideas, thank you for reading, Frances xxx

The Perfect Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

Style Theory: What to pack for the perfect holiday capsule wardrobe. 

It is so tempting to overpack when going on holiday, I am renowned for it, so I have spent time looking at my key SS14 pieces and compiled my ultimate packing list (clothes only...accessories to follow). The key is to stick to a mix and match colour palette and only take items you feel really comfortable (and would be happy to be photographed) in. Clothes that can be dressed up with accessories and down for daytime are a must, so here is my packing list:  

To wear travelling:

Jacket: Mango £44.99

Top: Boden Breton Top £25

Skinny Jeans: MiH Paris Jean £190

Sandals: Dune Sandals £65

Hat: H&M £7.99

Beach Bag: Oasis £20 

Beachwear:

Next Bikini Top £20 Bottoms £18

M&S Swimsuit £35
This swimsuit has gorgeous detail on the back, my favourite one piece I have seen

To The Beach:

Denim shorts: Gap £29.95

Linen T-Shirts: Mango £14  

Sandals: Birkenstocks £49.95

Hat and Bag: as above

I always think linen T-shirts are really useful in lots of different colours to sling on with your shorts for a trip to the beach, Mango have a great selection and also boho tops look great for the beach.

It is also a great idea whilst on holiday to buy a bright (I love burnt orange) sarong that has a thin towel on the back (seem to be available everywhere but here), it can be worn as a wrap down to the beach then put on the sand to lie on, they are invaluable.

I also treat myself to a White Company beach towel.(30% off at the moment £15.40) luxurious and thick and looks great.

Trip To The Market:

Boho Top: H&M £29.99
White Distressed Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Dress: Asos £75
Bag and Sandals as above

Evenings Out:

Dress: Whistles
Bag: Accessorize £35
Jumpsuit: Wallis £52
Sandals: As above

Add extra glamour with fine gold jewellery and sunglasses. I always take heels on holiday with me and wear them once at the very most, running around with the kids in the evenings means heels are not practical so it will be flats for me this year!

My Style:
My favourite and practical outfit from last year, I wore it loads!:

Top: Mango
Shorts: Gap
Espadrilles

So hopefully this year there is really no need for me to over pack as I only ever wear key items, I hope this has helped any packing dilemmas and you can now arrive at the airport and not have to face the dreaded excess baggage charges...Happy Holidays x