Style Theory: My aim...A Christmas party outfit that was comfortable and a little different, involving lots of clashing textures and colours and this was the result. 

Chunky Fur Coat - Topshop £89.99
Dress - H&M £29.99 (available in-store) or similar here
Leopard Print clutch - &Other Stories £19
Shoes - Dune Breanna £89 (via Debenhams)

I tried this dress on in H&M a few months ago and loved the deep teal colour and for £29.99 it was really reasonable. The pink Dune shoes are the nearest I will get to Manolo Blahniks and look elegant on. 

The Topshop faux fur coat is quite grand but I think if I am going to wear faux fur I may as well go for full drama. It is the kind of coat that looks just a good with trainers as is does with an evening dress.

The leopard print clutch from &OtherStories was a great size and I liked the authentic (faux) leopard print fur on it. Leopard print is now in the realms of a neutral, I consider it the same as black when pairing it with outfits so I know I will get plenty of use out of this.

With the husband in the lift...he is not a fan of photos! 

The party was at The Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall, we stayed there too. It was stunning, extremely luxurious and a fabulous location, so central, 2 minutes from Covent Garden, across the river from the London Eye. It has one of the best Spas in London, unfortunately due to our not so good time management and a poorly little son we didn't get a chance to use it...maybe next time! 

Corinthia Hotel, London

Corinthia Hotel, London

Espa Life at Corinthia London

Photos via Pinterest 

With a few more Christmas parties to go to and of course Christmas Day (although it will be not full partywear) I have a few more outfits to put together and will share them with you..

Have you had your Christmas party, what did you wear? Are you a fan of clashing up your outfits? I would love to hear your ideas, thoughts and comments, until next time Frances x

Chanel Inspired Victoriana Look

Style Theory: Chanel's Metiers d'Art show that took place this week in Salzburg was a flurry of Austrian traditional dress with frills, feathers, lederhosen and bows. It re-ignited my love of the Victorian look that has been bubbling as an undercurrent through trends. I am a huge fan of lace, high necks, bows and adore the intricate mix of florals appliques, net and leather.

Images via Pinterest

Now perhaps the Victoriana look was not necessarily the look Mr Lagerfield was looking to emmulate when to creating his semi-couture collection. However, it did bring the look back to my conscience and reminded me how fabulous it looks..

Here are few Victorian inspired items available on the highstreet now..

Maje blouse @Net a Porter £160

As seen on Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, not normally a huge fan of her style but I love this blouse..this is selling out fast..

Cheryl Fenandez Versini

A cheaper option from Zara..

Zara Contrast Tie Blouse £59.99

Zara Bowed Blouse £39.99

Slightly more dramatic in a red, wear the bow done up or loose for different looks.

Topshop High Neck Pleated Blouse £45

I am a huge fan of this blouse, the high collars are so flattering. This blouse would look fab tucked into skinny flares and heels for a Christmas night out and wear in the summer with denim shorts and gold flat sandals. It is very sheer so a vest top is required underneath, also available in black and red.

Topshop Chiffon Lace Blouse £38

Very Downton, wear with a pencil leather skirt and leopard print pumps for a chic look, or dress down with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and animal print heels for a laid back evening outfit.

Oasis Lace High Neck Tee £35

Very basic but looks good in 'real life'. Throw over a longline cardigan and wear with black skinny jeans and flat ballet pumps

Zara Lace Blouse £39.99

Wear with black jeans for a cool, all black look.

Asos Lace Victoriana Floral top £12

Cheap and cheerful, not sure about the quality of this but I like the twist with the floral fabric underneath.

Asos Top with High Neck £32

I would have to pile on the fake tan with this top but those of you with more olive skins this is beautiful (I would add a nude vest top underneath)

Asos Cynthia Vincent top was £265 now £79

A beautiful, lightweight chiffon blouse, an amazing reduction and all sizes available. Also in white.

My Style..

For a spot of shopping, my old Zara Victoriana lace top with my new Topshop fur coat and of course my trusty Stan Smiths..

So there is my round up based loosely on the Victoriana trend. It is a look that has been around for a while and has stood the test of time. It still looks chic and elegant and can be worn casually or for a night out.

Are you fan, do you have any Victoriana style tops hanging in your wardrobe or do any of the tops above catch your eye?

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

Luxurious and Classic Christmas Gifts for Her - under £100

Style Theory: An edit of gorgeously, indulgent Christmas gifts for the 'classic lady'..for you, your sisters, your Mum or close friends. This is the first of my Christmas present posts and features a selection of luxurious gifts us girls would not buy ourselves but we would love to find under the Christmas tree....

J Crew Tilly Sweater £75

This lightweight, merino wool sweater will be one of the most hardworking items in your wardrobe. Wear with jeans or tucked into an opulent midi skirt, with embellished ankle length trouser or with a leopard print a-line skirt...it is so versatile. Add a statement necklace for extra sparkle. 

Boden Jewelled Pumps now £77.40

These have reached almost iconic status this year, they will add a touch of sparkle to any everyday outfit and will make a Christmas Day 'look' that little bit special. They are flat so are practical and now have been reduced to £77.40...a real Christmas treat..

&Other Stories Leopard Mini Bag £65

Leopard print is now regarded as a neutral in fashion terms. This bag can be teamed with any outfit, any colour coat adding a chic and fashionable twist.

Beckondergaard Supersize Scarf £69 @Atterley Road

A beautiful wool and silk mix, oversize scarf in a neutral colour, I have this scarf in light brown and black and it is without a doubt my most worn scarf. It is a great investment and will look fabulous with all colours of coat...it is worth it!

Anna Lou of London Initial Disc Necklace £67.50

Classic, beautiful initial necklaces, chose the initials of your loved one's children, a gorgeous gift to treasure forever.

Bobbi Brown Lip and Palette Set @John Lewis £59

A beautiful array of colours that will enhance you eyes, and add a touch of glamour to your make up collection.

Creme De La Mer @John Lewis £105 (30ml)

The ultimate in face indulgence, claims to have 'transformational (is that even a word?) and efficacious results'...worth a try...

Chanel No 5 @John Lewis £61.20 for 50ml - price match today

You cannot get a more chic, classic perfume, the original Chanel no. 5...an enduring signature perfume. 

Yawn Pyjama Set £95

These are gorgeous, 100 % cotton sateen, oversize pyjamas in quirky prints. They are super comfortable, so much so you will want to wear them all day.. Perfect and luxurious sleepwear.

The White Company Large 3 Wick Pomegranate Candle £55

A warm, inviting fragrance, comforting for the cold winter months,

Laura Ashley Throw £63

I imagine this blanket thrown over the back of an antique brown leather sofa, gorgeously cosy with an open fire burning and the Christmas lights twinkling..

Filofax @John Lewis £55

So old skool but I do love a leather Filofax, it is so useful and you do not have to rely on charging it up in order to remember what is happening in your life (yes, I am old!)

NutriBullet £99

The NutriBullet will make the January detox so much easier, or help overindulgence over the Christmas period. It makes the most delicious and super healthy smoothies, easy and absolutely no fuss.. I have one and can confirm it is so easy to use and clean...

That is my round up of slightly luxurious gifts for under £100, will any of these be on your Christmas list..I know they may be a few on mine..what is your dream luxurious gift? 

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, next time Gifts for Her £50 and then gifts for him...(always tricky!) Frances xx

Perfect Partywear..The Jumpsuit..10 of the Best

Style Theory: Jumpsuits, now re-established a chic partywear choice. Cool, comfortable and effortlessly stylish jumpsuits are a ready made, all in one outfit. Plain, lace, sparkly or patterned anything goes...

First some style inspiration..

All images above via Pinterest

The key is to let your jumpsuit do the work, keep jewellery simple, fine gold layered necklaces (see Z for Accessorize or HM for a wide variety of gorgeous, affordable fine jewellery) If wearing all black add a little sparkle with a clutch or statement heels. I love clashing printed or coloured jumpsuits with leopard print heels, or brightly coloured shoes, laid back but with a style twist.

Here are the best jumpsuits to wear to your Christmas drinks or on Christmas day available on the High Street now..

Whistles Lola Jumpsuit £206 (this weekend)

I am a big fan of the culotte jumpsuit, I would pair this with high black court shoes (no straps to ensure your legs are elongated) Go as high as you can bare with heels on this one, the higher the more flattering! Add a dark red bag for a punch of colour (see Sienna Millers shoes in the Pinterest photo above for the colour match) 

Whistles Wrapover Lace Jumpsuit £187 (this weekend)

This is a beautiful jumpsuit, the trouser part is slightly harem-ish and ankle length, so again I would wear high black, nude or dark red pointed court shoes and add a leopard print clutch to mix up textures (see &Other Stories for a fab leopard clutch)

Anthropologie £128 (take 20% off until Monday)

This pyjama style jumpsuit has been styled perfectly by Anthropologie, I love the belt and the shoes.... This is such a versatile jumpsuit, pair with white trainers at the weekend for a cool look.

Debenhams Ossie Clarke £149

This jumpsuit has beautifully flattering sleeves and I love the wide leg. Add a pair of pointy courts and a sparkly or animal print clutch for a chic and sophisticated Christmas party look.

Warehouse £68 (this weekend 25%) 

An alternative to black, this beautiful blue jumpsuit would look great with piles of gold bangles and a pair of gold courts to add some shine.

Warehouse £70 (25% off this weekend)

Red looks great with animal print, mix it up with leopard print courts and a gold bag.

Zara Low Cut Jumpsuit £69.99

Very AW14 with the cape detail, keep everything else simple, gold bangles and a high fine gold necklace.

Asos Jumpsuit £75 (20% off this weekend)

Next Aubergine Jumpsuit £55

A beautiful colour, would look great with a long camel coat over it for a Christmas night out..

Zara Fitted Jumpsuit £79.99

Basic and practical, I love Zara jumpsuits they are normally simple but flattering. I really like this with the white pointed shoes. I would throw a sequin jacket over the top and add a pair of leopard pumps and you are good to go!

My Style:

My new faux fur jacket from Topshop, (an early Christmas present from Mum and Dad thank you!xxx) After months of searching I think I have finally found one I feel comfortable in, it is faux fox fur and a little 'Dynasty' but is so warm, a good length and a beautiful soft colour.

Coat: Topshop
Top: Johnnie B at Boden
Jeans: Oasis
Bag: H&M
Trainers: Adidias Stan Smith

So are you a jumpsuit girl, what will you be wearing to your Christmas Party or on Christmas Day? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx