Style Theory: I am a huge fan of Balance Me, their skincare is the best I have ever used, it is affordable and most importantly natural. Balance Me have spent the last 10 years sourcing naturally active ingredients that ensure the results are (naturally) incredible. I have converted all my family to Balance Me from my 11 year old daughter - she loves the Pure Skin Face Wash - to my 73 year old mum - who adores the Moisture Rich Face cream. It is the skin care that the whole family can use, that I know is kind to skin and gives amazing results. 

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash £12

This is the face wash I use every morning and evening, it is a light, cleansing, wash off cream that leaves my skin feeling super fresh and clean. I use it in the shower in the morning and it keeps me spot free, Jess (my 11 year old) uses it too and loves it. It contains cooling aloe vera with Moringa oil that is anti-inflammatory making it a perfect balanced, natural face wash. I love the fact it is non fuss, super quick and works!

Balance Me - Moisture Rich Face Cream £24

I have struggled with moisturisers in the past clogging my skin and giving me spots (I have tried hundreds from super cheap to top end) but this one is perfect, light with a silky texture that absorbs into the skin leaving it feeling so soft and hydrated. It is a super gentle and calming (again the aloe vera in it calms and the Rose oils work as natural anti-inflammatories) I love the fact that it is 99% natural I know I am not throwing lots of harmful chemicals on my skin and it makes my 43 year old skin look and feel so much better.

Balance Me - Gradual Tanning Drops £30

If you follow on me on Instagram you will probably have heard me talking about these tanning drops a lot! I absolutely love them, they are so easy to use, I mix them with my normal face moisturiser (moisture rich face cream), I use three drops for my face in my hand on top of the moisturiser and massage it into my face just like I would if I was just using just moisturiser. They give me a completely natural glow with no yucky fake tan smell. I look healthier, like I have had a few hours in the sunlight with no hint of orange. One tip just be careful of your eyebrows give them a quick wipe after so it does not gather in them too much. I love the fact that the drops are 98.8% natural, it makes such a difference and results in a natural rather than fake look.

Balance Me - Super Moisturising Body Oil £24

I have, in the past, shied away from body oils thinking they would be too greasy but this one is not, it deeply hydrates without leaving my skin feeling sticky and smells divine. It is safe to use in pregnancy, is 100% natural and feels like a super luxurious treat, I put in on every evening whilst I was on holiday after being in the sun, pool and sea and it made my skin feel so soft and look great. It contains healing Neroli, Jojoba to heal and Rosehip to rejuvenate, a recipe for great skin.

Hush X Balance Me Set £29.50

 My fave travel size products in a fabulous pink jelly bag (it is a fab holiday wash bag!) It is such a good way to try all the products and see which ones suit your skin the best. I love the congested skin serum for any breakouts too, it is a miracle product and the wonder eye cream..ahh actually I am just a huge fan of the range!

I started to use Balance Me a long time before I started working with them (hence the genuine partnership) and as I have said above my family and friends are now all converts which is, to me, is the best sign the products really are amazing. I love the simple packaging, the natural ingredients but mainly the fact that the products make my skin look and feel so much better. Which is your favourite skincare product/brand? As always I love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xx

*The post was written in collaboration with Balance Me, all words, opinions are my own and I have been using the products for years.

The Green Team

All images via Pinterest

Style Theory: The colour green has been sneaking into the high street stores this year, quite subtly and unannounced which I kind of like. I like trends that are not shouted about but just seem to suit the mood, the style. I am always surprised by how versatile green clothes are, they go with every other colour, I love a green/pink combo (one of my favourites)

Here are my top green picks on the high street at the moment....

Faithfull at Asos £120

Starting at the top end of the high street, the brand Faithfull is super popular amongst the cool, young bloggers, lots of plunging necklines and no backs. This dress though is beautiful, I love the shape, the splits in the skirt and the floatiness.

&Other Stories £35

This is the perfect holiday top, loose, slouchy it will look fab with denim shorts and tan sandals. Khaki always looks incredibly chic especially against sunkissed skin.

&Other Stories £45

This is quite an Isabel Marant style skirt, style with a white tee or vest top and flat, tan sandals. Pull over a bikini/swimsuit for a cute beach look.

&Other Stories £35

&Other Stories camisole tops are a little more expensive than others but are cut beautifully and are so flattering on. They are worth investing in as they are timeless and can be worn year after year.

Hush £65

A beautiful, classic boho top, delicate and pretty, looks great with all denim.

Topshop £36

A midi wrap skirt is always a useful item, wear now with a tee and flats and in the Autumn pair with a navy cashmere sweater and tan knee high boots.

H&M £8.99

A great twist on the breton and perfect for the summer..

Topshop £29

I always go to Topshop for khaki trousers, they are a great price and fit well, if you can, ignore the size label and try a few sizes on for the best fit.

Me+Em £129

I am a huge fan of Me+Em trousers, they are without a doubt the most flattering trousers I have ever worn, I tend to size down one size for a neat fit. Well worth the big investment especially for work.

Topshop £36

Green suede sandals to brighten up your summer wardrobe..they will go with every colour in your wardrobe!

Camisole - Rue de Femme
Blazer - M&S (old)
Belt - Gucci
Jeans - Topshop (old)
Sandals - Espadrille.co.uk 

I am a huge fan of green this season, it has been a new addition to my wardrobe and has mixed things up a little, in a kermit kind of way ;-) Are you on the green team?

Until next time Fran xxxx 

The May Blues....

Linen Shirt - M&S £27.50
Jeans - M&S £35
Shoes - M&S £25
Bag - M&S (in store)
Earrings - M&S  (in store but love these ones)

Style Theory: Linen shirts and jeans, easy, grown up style that looks chic and laid back....

Linen Shirt - M&S £27.50
Jeans - M&S £35
Shoes - M&S £25
Bag - M&S (in store)
Earrings - M&S  (in store but love these ones)

M&S £27.50

This Marks and Spencer shirt is beautifully cut in a lightweight linen. It is a flattering, pale blue colour (I bought the chambray colour), the collar sits perfectly when both buttoned up and down. I sized down to a size 8, it is baggy enough for a slouchy look but easily tucks into my jeans without looking bulky. For £27.50 it is such a good summer buy, wear now with jeans or wear on holiday over a bikini to the beach..

M&S £35

The jeans are fab on..I went into M&S and tried on nearly every pair of jeans to find the perfect, flattering pair. These are M&S collection jeans with a mid rise which holds my tummy in and are a great height to tuck a top into. I sized down (to a UK8 regular), I am not going to lie I did squeeze myself into them a little and am now wondering if I would have just been better going for my normal size, so if you do get a chance try on both your normal size and a size down to see which are the best fit. They stop at the right place on my ankle and are great with both trainers and heels. They are pretty distressed but work really well with a smarter top and heels for a dressed up/dressed down look..

Linen Shirt - M&S £27.50
Jeans - M&S £35
Shoes - M&S £25
Bag - M&S (in store)
Earrings - M&S  (in store but love these ones)

All photos by MorrenInteriorDesign at LouiseGraceInteriors

M&S £25

The shoes are super comfy, they are wide fit although they are fine for my not so wide feet! Love them dressing up the ripped jeans and they will look great with dresses too.

This is an easy back from holiday outfit that would look equally good in daytime as for an evening out....

A big thank you to Claire owner of Louisa Grace Interiors for letting us take these snaps in her Interiors barns. Louisa Grace is haven for the most beautiful rustic, vintage furniture, I was mooching around there looking for a huge vintage mirror for my extension (with the help of MorrenInteriorDesign). They have the most fabulous vintage wardrobes, reclaimed shutters, lighting, it is a haven of treasures from all over Europe. Claire is going to source me a vintage mirror which I am super excited about, my extension is so nearly finished and a big mirror will add light to my back wall...

*This was written in collaboration with M&S, all clothing choices, styling and words are my own.

The Packing Post...

Mark Warner Lakitira Resort

Style Theory: Tomorrow we are off on holiday to the Mark Warner Lakitira Beach Resort in Kos. We are incredibly excited as we have never been on a Mark Warner holiday nor any sporty or resort holiday before (we always go to Javea in Spain, self catering, easy jet flight and an apartment) I was over the moon when Mark Warner asked me to be one of their ambassadors this year and visit one of their resorts with the family for a week.

So the big question, what to pack?!! we will be doing sporty stuff, but also having down time and going for dinner in the evening. Packing sends me into a spin so hopefully this blog post will help me as much as you!...

Lets start with my packing rules:

• Stick to a colour theme, try to stick to three colours if possible, this year I am packing black, red and white (with a sneaky splash of pink in there!) Denim and khaki are a neutral in my eyes so do not count!
• Pack in outfits, make sure you know everything you pack has something you can wear it with and you can mix and match a few tops with the same denim shorts etc.
• Look at last years holidays photos, look at what you wore, pull out and wear your favourite things from last year again, look at the kind of outfits you wore (I live in denim shorts) the chances are you will want to wear the same or similar this year.
• Pack at least 3 pieces of swimwear, I always like to include one black bikini/swimsuit for a 'safety day' when I am not feeling super vibrant!
• Go light on shoes especially heels, as soon as you get in the heat heels lose their appeal and comfort is always a good option
• If packing heels go for wedge espadrilles, they are easy to walk in over all terrain.
• Pack one stand out dress that you feel super special in, wear with flat tan sandals even if it for a picnic on the beach
• Remember beach towels
• Lay out all your items in outfits, then decide what you will really wear.
• I always do at least one cull taking out all the things I think I would like to wear but in reality will not.
• Write a list, cross off as things are packed - basic but so useful

Here are some of things I will be packing...

T-shirts and vest tops...

Topshop £25

Hush £35

Maison Labiche - reduced to £49.50

And an extra special pretty top to wear in the evening with shorts...

Luxe Option....

Isabel Marant Etoile £255

This top looks amazing on but is super expensive (I bought it with saved up vouchers from my birthday and Christmas - a big treat but I think I will wear it so much for years - and the vouchers taken the edge off!)

Less option..

Zara £25.99

Lovely cotton top but much more reasonable, this is quite short so wear with high waisted denim shorts.

Denim Shorts..

I live in denim shorts in the summer..love these ones..

Asos £50

I always size up on shorts to make sure they are a fairly relaxed fit and not clingy.

Hush £45

Longer length shorts, great for going out in the evening with flat tan sandals - take your normal size in this style.

Or cut an old nice fitting pair of jeans to knee length to make them city short style and great for day to evening - I cut my old Levis 501s and they are super comfy and useful!

Swimwear..

Boden £25

Boden £25

This bikini is genuinely fab on, I have it and was pleasantly surprised by the cut, it is so so flattering on, the colours are bright and vibrant against the skin..love it!

Boden £65

Boden cuts are good on swimsuits as well, worth trying, I love a black swimsuit for those days when you are feeling like you just want to blend in.

Beach Dresses..

Topshop £28

Perfect for throwing over your swimsuit and taking you from beach to bar...

Linen Shirt.. great to wear with denim shorts and tan sandals for  a trip to the market..

Marks and Spencer £27.50

This looks fab on, I sized down a size, the collar sits beautifully on my neck and it will look fab with shorts and supergas or sandals.

The Stand Out Dress..

Ganni £240

I know slightly over the top for a sporty beachy holiday but we are going to head into the town one evening so I will wear this with flat tan sandals..

Free People £88

I have bought this dress too, it is fab on although super low (I safety pin it up) but great with flat shoes..

Ghost @QVC £74

The ultimate slip dress, takes my back to my holidays in the 90s and without a doubt, Ghosts dresses are cut so amazingly well, they skim over lumps and bumps and hang beautifully.

Espadrille.co.uk £78

Still my favourite sandals from last year, they are comfortable and I wear them for everything from the beach to going out in the evening..

QVC Slydes £22

These are frivolous but insanely comfortable and will look cool with my tees and shorts for mooching over to lunch!

Castaner at MyFashionTribu £100

I have been stalking these Castaner espadrilles for a while, they look amazing on, the platform gives me some much needed height and the two tone front means they go with everything but do not look too dressed up..

A quick round up of what I am packing, along with a fair amount of athleisure wear and a couple of extra beach dresses and of course some books in the hope I finally get to read them!. 

We are so so incredibly excited a huge thank you to Mark Warner for asking us to be ambassadors this year (can hardly believe it) I will be keeping my Instagram updated with outfits and activities. See you next week, thanks so much for reading Fran xx

*This blog post was written in collaboration with Mark Warner but all selections etc are my own.