Style Theory: A few 'postcards' from one of my favourite cities. Barcelona is utterly charming, beautiful buildings, fabulous restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping, the sea and a spectacular afternoon tea...

Placa Catalunya

Boots: Topshop £79
Scarf: Uniqlo old
Bag: Aurora London £64.50 

I bought these gorgeous and incredibly comfortable Topshop boots. Not exactly a Spanish buy but I could not resist them... I walked around the city all day in them and they were genuinely so comfy and made the transition from day to evening look so easy..

El Nacional  

The most stunning concept - 4 areas - a meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, tapas and a fast deli restaurant as well as 4 separate bars all housed in a spacious, beautifully designed building. We popped in post-shopping for a couple of cocktails and it was gorgeous, it is not cheap but pretty breathtaking and really worth a visit.

Then onto what has become my favourite restaurant in Barcelona Teresa Carles, it is a vegetarian restaurant and serves the most delicious pasta and salad dishes..

Then finally onto a beautiful new hotel for rooftop terrace drinks The Cotton House hotel, a 5 star hotel, colonial in style, modern in function and utterly breathtaking decor, each member of staff were so welcoming, friendly and the barman mades the most fabulous cocktails, well worth a stay or a visit...

Cotton House Hotel

The next morning it was a walk along the beach, a coffee then onto a cool, food/clothing market Palo Alto Market for a couple of Aperol spritzs and some delicious snacks..

Palo Alto Market

At Caravan Made the best pulled pork roll and sweet potato, goats cheese, rocket and pomegranate sandwich I have ever tasted (yes, it works together) 

Then on to the most exciting event, my sister runs a business serving cream teas for small groups on her rooftop terrace called Rooftop Teas. She makes everything by hand from delicate smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches on gluten free bread, to rose scented meringues, light scones with clotted cream and jam, cupcakes and spiced mince pies for Christmas. All served with endless Cava, mulled wine and speciality teas...pure heaven. Her rooftop is stunning with views to the sea and over the mountains, a little oasis in middle of the city furbished with flowers, grass and twinky light strewn pergolas. 

She had arranged an event for journalists and bloggers so I was there to help, I say 'help' in the loosest form as I don't think I was much help, but I certainly participated in eating and drinking..it all tasted amazing and the company was great. Here are a few snaps 

photos via FranciscoBlanco

Needless to say it was a huge success, everyone loved it, not a scrap of food was left. Well done Angela, I have no idea how to managed to make it all yourself and host and make it all look sooo amazing!

Check out her Instagram account @RooftopTeaBarcelona also her travel Instagram LasCallesdeBcn for ideas of what to do in Barcelona, she know the best places for kids, family friendly restaurants, best hotels etc..well worth a look..

Then it was a quick dash to El Cortes Ingles and Passeig du Gracia to buy a coat from Maje and this gorgeous top from my sister for Christmas!! 

&Other Stories £65

Casa Batllo, Passeig du Gracia

Home first thing next morning to happy chaos.. I adore spending the weekend with my little sister, such a good laugh in a beautiful city, the perfect mix...

For more info on Barcelona check out Las Calles De Barcelona,

Next, I promise a Christmas Gift Guide, I am heading to London tomorrow for some serious research and hopefully to start my Christmas shopping.. starting to panic!

Hope you are all well, have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you doing mostly online this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

Outfit Post...muted tones for Winter

Style Theory: There is nothing better than colour.. in the summer bold colours clashed together look bright and eye-catching. In the autumn/winter muted colours blended and layered upon one another create a subtle palette,  they reflect the shades of nature, pinks, greys and dark reds, complimenting and illuminating winter skin. Add a dash of metallic and a splash of sparkle for a 2015 spin...

Twist & Tango Arleen PVC Trousers, £89 // American Vintage Boolder Cardigan in powder, £110 // American Vintage Blossom Black Jumper, £85 // Becksondergaard Wool grey Scarf, £85 // From StXavier Beaded Bag, £75 // IvyLee Bronze Polly Boots, £170 - All From Quattro Rish

This is one of the outfits I styled for one of my favourite boutiques, Quattro Rish in Reigate, if you happen to live in the area pop in, owner Ivy has an amazing eye for cool Scandi brands and beautiful French tailoring. The prices are varied and there are always so many items that inspire me, I always leave clutching a Quattro Rish bag with something I know I will wear non-stop.  You can mail order via phone  01737 235468.

These boots are incredibly comfortable and the cardigan and scarf are both super soft. The leather look trousers are the best I have tried on, they do wrinkle a bit but I don't mind that, I love the fact they are not too hot and claustrophobic, but comfortable and light. I have ordered the cardigan for Christmas and a pair of boots (fingers crossed they have some in stock!)

I love finding beautiful independent boutiques that have new exciting brands, I find mixing and matching with high street staples like Zara and Topshop creates a balanced and interesting wardrobe and reignites my love of fashion..

However, now to shift my mind to Christmas presents, it is 1st November tomorrow and I have not started my Christmas shopping..not.one.thing..*mild panic* and as I am from a big family there are a lot of people to buy for as well as my two little ones..so I hope to get my Christmas gift thinking cap on and write a few Gift blog posts..anything exciting, gorgeous you have found in your shopping travels I would love love to hear about!

Until next time, hopefully armed with Christmas inspiration, Frances xxx

Thank you so much to Quattro Rish for collaborating with me on this little styling project, I loved it!

Red Rules...

Style Theory: Grey and black, although incredibly chic can become a little lack lustre. I am feeling my monochrome wardrobe needs a shake up and a red knit will be the perfect colour pop..

Images via Pinterest

A red sweater can add an eyecatching focal point to an outfit, pair it with slouchy jeans and trainers (ideally with a flash of red on them, I am a huge fan of a spot of colour matching) Or pair your jumper with grey trousers and courts for a cool work look. Aran knit style sweaters are still big news and remember to buy on the bigger side rather than fitted. If you are concerned about your silhouette wear with skinny blue jeans and heels for a slick, chic look..

Her are my favourite on the high street now...

Clockwise from Top Left
Bella Freud 1970 Jumper £280
J Crew Cashmere blend sweater £110
Karen Millen £115
H&M Tassel Jumper £13.99
Uniqlo (mens) Merino sweater £24.90
Zara Bell Sleeve Sweater £23.99

A quick bright colour fix for you Autumn/Winter looks, I am still loving the Bella Freud sweater but will probably opt for the Zara or Uniqlo option!

Which one would you go for? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Must Haves.... STEAL vs SPREE

Style Theory: My capsule wardrobe items for this season, a simple palette of creams and greys, chic understated, practical and cool. Can be mixed and matched with colours such as navys, deep plums, reds to add depth and variation. A simple formula that will work for women of all ages..

I have created two versions, the first is 'Spree' expensive, luxurious, investment pieces that are made of the best quality fabrics and are high on my wishlist...

SPREE:

Coat - Gianni Malin Wool Coat £315
Jumper - Jigsaw Aran Cable knit £149
Jeans - MiH Breathless Jean £195
Scarf - The White Company Cashmere oversize Scarf £198
Bag- Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650
Trainers - Golden Goose £260

The grey coat is this season's colour of coat to have, it is beautiful, understated and will go with everything. Perfect for wearing with jeans or throw over a party dress for a chic look. Add a deep plum or mustard oversize scarf for a pop of colour. 

The winter white sweater, such a useful piece, I tried this Jigsaw jumper on recently, it is fab on really soft and cosy and a gorgeous fit and the roll neck sits perfectly.

I am officially obsessed with the Gucci Soho bag and am saving for one..red or black not sure..think it will be black as it is super practical.

Golden Goose trainers the ultimate super cool trainers, so expensive but look so cool on..

STEAL:

Coat - Zara £59.99
Jumper - Topshop £45
Jeans - Topshop £40
Scarf - Travelling Bazaar £40
Bag - Topshop (Leather) £38
Trainers - Stan Smith @Office £66.99

These are maybe not super cheap alternatives but are mid priced high street and made of good quality fabrics so they will last.

The coat is wool, I love the masculine shape it really will look fab over your shoulders with a glittery, shimmery Christmas dress. The scarf is 100% wool and gorgeously oversized but not so big that you are unable to wrap it round your neck, it sits perfectly. 

The Topshop bag is leather, a fab shape, very Gucci-esque and looks far more expensive that it's £38 price.

Stan Smiths are the comfiest trainers I have ever had, honestly if you buy them you will not regret it and get so much wear out of them.

My Style: 

For running around at the weekend..

Sunglasses- Spain
Jumper - Boden £89
Jeans - Topshop £40
Trainers - Footasylum £79.99
Bag - Aurora Willow Bag £64.50

Trying on the Jigsaw sweater in my Spree edit above..

Jigsaw Sweater - Link above
Zara - Biker Trousers - sold out
Stan Smith Trainers - Link above
Bag - Yosa Uk £19

So there are a few capsule wardrobe ideas for this season, I would love to invest in the Spree but unfortunately I am more on a steal budget!! Are you a fan of grey, do you already have any of these key pieces, what is your ideal style for this season??

Next time I will be finding the best Christmas Gifts for her under £100..or also known as my Christmas list ;-) Thanks so much for reading and as always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxxx