Summer Inspiration

Costa Blanca

Style Theory: I am in need of some Summer Inspiration, I have looked at last years clothes and think they need a styling refresh so here are a selection of my favourite outfits and images from Pinterest that I will use to inspire my summer style this year..

Stripe Dress
Black Dungarees
Round Sunglasses
Levis Shorts
Stan Smiths 
W Hotel Barcelona 
Adidas Superstar trainers & baggy distressed jeans
Button through denim skirt
Denim dungarees with sandals
Light blue flared jeans 
Salt Bar Barcelona
Aigua Blava, Costa Brava
Distressed white jeans and striped shirts
Dark denim flares and heels
White boho tops and levis 501s
White boho dresses
White boho tops and short
Yellow tops, strappy sandals and hoop earrings
My summer inspiration in a nutshell, it is going to involve a lot of white boho tops, denim in it's many forms (dungarees, shorts, button through skirts and jeans) and strappy sandals with a touch of yellow thrown in to add a splash of colour and of course and big dose of Barcelona and Costa Blanca...

How is your summer wardrobe shaping up? What styles are catching your eye, who is your summer inspiration?
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

Mellow Yellow

Style Theory: On the Spring/Summer 2015 catwalks, Burberry Prorsum, Acne and Michael Kors to name but a few championed this sunny hue. From amber to saffron to gold to lemon, there is a shade to suit everyone and every skin tone, it is just a matter of trying on and you will find your perfect piece of sunshine clothing.

I love a touch of mustardy yellow, it does not necessarily complement my skin tone but with a little help from some fake tan I can just about get away with it. This Zara yellow coat has brightened up the last few cold, rainy months and now fits perfectly with sunny days...
Coat - Zara similar here
Dungarees - H&M similar here
Scarf - Uniqlo similar here
Trainers - Stan Smith £67 
Bag - H&M £19.99

My newest yellow purchase is this yellow top from H&M I featured in my last post. I spotted it on the utterly cool Pandora Sykes, she styled it with some little denim shorts and Chloe sandals, as I am probably double her age and no where near as cool, I styled it with my jeans and new mango sandals with a little touch of leopard thrown in...
Top - H&M £29.99
Jeans - Asos £35 (I have chopped the bottom off these to make them ankle kick flares)
Sandals - Mango £19.99
Bag - &Other Stories similar here




A big, blouson-y sunshine top to match the sunny day (although in these photos it doesn't look it!) I could sail away with the arms on it, but it is the kind of top that is fabulous to throw on on holidays in the evening with a pair of shorts for a stroll down to dinner. Super easy to wear, non clingy and a gorgeous colour.. 

*In this month's Elle (May 2015) they have a 20% off H&M card (to be used in store only) they have some fab summer pieces in their this season so it worth having a look..

Are you a fan of yellow or do you steer clear? Have you been seduced by all the gorgeous mustard and lemony colours available on the high street this season?

As always I would love to hear your thought and comments, until next time, Frances xxx

Easter Wish list..

Style Theory: A couple of cool Spring/Summer looks that are on my wish list. They  nod to this season's trends without going over the top. The reality of UK summers is that culottes and jeans are more of a reality than shorts, all items in these outfits can be re-styled with so many looks from super casual to a night out...

The Breton Look
Jumper - Whistles @John Lewis £95
Denim Culottes - Gucci Net a Porter £785 MUCH CHEAPER OPTION Topshop £40 OR M&S £29.50 
Cat Eye Sunglasses - Asos £12
Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £605 OR LESS EXPENSIVE Boden £111.75
Sandals - Mango £19.99

Boho Chic
Top - H&M £29.99
Sunglasses - Tom Ford at John Lewis £184 OR LESS EXPENSIVE EditSecondhand The Row £160
Jeans: Levis 501CT £95
Shoes - Next £38
I adore the denim and tan look this year and there is an abundance of amazing shoes on the high street at really good prices! I am out for a shopping day tomorrow (Saturday) with my Mum and sisters so am hoping to track a few of these pieces down. Follow me on Instagram to see what I find @Schoolrunmum

MY STYLE

Keeping it casual today for a day with the kids bike riding, climbing and a lunch out.
Jumper - Boden
Jacket - Asos
Scarf - Uniqlo
Trousers - Topshop
Trainers - Adidas Stan Smith
Bag - H&M
Another day running around getting Easter bits and bobs for the house and the Easter Egg hunt..
Sweater - Topshop
Coat - Topshop
Bag - Aurora Living Willow Bag
Jeans - Asos
Shoes - Uterque
Sunglasses - Primark
Now onto the the long weekend, we have a lovely family weekend planned plus a shopping trip to town tomorrow and of course lots of chocolate to consume! 

How are you spending your Easter, are you holiday-ing? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. 

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter xxxx
Until next time, Frances xxx