Christmas Partywear....the easy way

Style Theory: I have an admission, I suffer from #FOBO (Fear Of Being Overdressed) I am always happier a little dressed down, I love a party outfit but I like to add a casual edge to balance out my look, think sequin trousers and trainers, glittery tops and jeans. I am uncomfortable with the all singing, all dancing party look, I adore it on other people but on me it feels a little feel too much. 

So when La Redoute asked me to create a few party looks, I was initially slightly worried but when I looked at their gorgeous range online and added my own spin, I was delighted with the results. Comfortable, flattering and suitable for a party..here are my La Redoute Party looks and the good news is most of it is up to 50% off at La Redoute now...

The Velvet Jacket


Jeans - Gap (old season)
The sparkly, fine knit top is incredibly flattering, it adds Christmas sparkle and a touch of style with the open back detail. So soft and comfortable to wear, I wore my normal bra underneath but you may need to wear a backless bra/mulitway bra. The knit is an amazing price at £21, I chose the silver coloured black top but both colours are stunning...

The Velvet jacket is my hero partywear item, absolutely adore this item, it is so on trend this year but also such a classic piece. It fits beautifully, I ordered the size 10 and it fits perfectly, the velvet feels luxurious alongside the gold button details for a chic finish. Again a really affordable price from £38.

The Leather Dress


Shoes - Nine West (old Season) similar here 
Scarf - Burberry (nearly vintage it is so old!)


This camel coat is a beautiful wool and cashmere mix, it looks and feels so expensive and hangs beautifully on. A classic shape so worth investing and looks effortlessly chic. Without a doubt the best affordable camel coat I have found this year, I will be investing in it. It comes up a little big, I am wearing a uk 8.

To add a little spice to your look, this 'soft as butter' leather dress the ultimate LBD, it fits like a glove creating a flattering silhouette, it really is beautiful on and the length is perfection, hugs your curves but skims over lumps. The coat is the perfect neutraliser to the leather dress, add a pair of leopard print heels and a little black understated bag for a easy, chic look.

The Easy Wear Dress



Leather Trousers - Quattro Rish 
Coat - M&S (old season)
Shoes - M&S as above

This dress is so easy to wear, throw over jeans, leather leggings or opaque tights, add a pair of black courts to lengthen legs (especially when wearing black opaques) and add a touch of clashing pink and you have a comfortable, cool, flattering Christmas party look. This is the perfect outfit if you, like me, are a little out of shape and have been dodging the gym and indulging in mince pies, it covers over everything and I love the extra support of leather leggings to hold it all in and slim down my look and it is only £21.

Velvet, Glitter, Tutus and Trainers




So not necessarily understated but how often do you get to wear a tutu?! I adore the La Redoute velvet jacket and sparkly top with this look and the trainers bring it back down to earth. All in all a pretty comfortable but quite show stopping look and one of my favourites.

La Redoute have an amazing sale on at the moment so many of the pieces I have featured are heavily discounted making them the perfect Christmas party treat. 

Do you have #FOBO , or do you like going all out for the partywear? I would love to see your #FOBO Christmas looks on Instagram, please share them with me with the hashtag #FOBO. 

All photos by Jon Bacon

Created in collaboration with La Redoute. All words, styling and creative direction my own.

The Perfect Christmas Gifts for Her under £100

Style Theory: The Perfect gift, chic, elegant and something that little bit special.. I have searched the high street for what would be my perfect gifts..I hope you agree..
Warehouse Black Embroidered High Neck top now £30
I have this top, it is the perfect and flattering Victoriana top, it looks great with jeans or with cigarette trousers and heels, the perfect Christmas Day or Christmas evening drinks top..
Boden Relaxed Crew Neck £130 but 30% off until 8th Dec
I love a cashmere sweater, it oozes luxury and is so soft and comfortable to wear. I always size up at least one size for a slouchy look, they look fab with skinny jeans, wellies and an oversize scarf on a Boxing Day country walk. Boden have 30% off until tonight but keep checking as they seem to have these offers more and more frequently so worth holding off to buy with a discount.

Jack Wills Blanket Scarf £49.50
I spotted this today in Jack Wills and it is perfectly oversized but not so chunky so that you are unable to wrap it around your neck. I love the tartan, would look fab with the cashmere sweater above, perfectly chic and cool.

Olivia Burton @John Lewis £80
I adore the soft pink and beautiful gold tones of this watch, it is simple, chic and would be a super special present.
American Vintage Cardigan £110 Quattro Rish
I am slightly obsessed with this cardigan ( I know it is £10 over £100 but I had to include it) It is on my Christmas list and is so comfy, cosy, flattering and a great length. I love it with a huge grey scarf (love this one from Travelling Bazaar £40) leather leggings and boots.. QuattroRish will send out to you if you give them a call on 01737 235468

River Island Grey Leather Pom Pom Gloves £25
Super cute, leather gloves with a gorgeous pom pom detail, they come in a huge range of colours from all black to animal print, I think any girl would be delighted with these.
Aurora London Willow Bag £64.50
This is a beautiful, compact bag that transforms from a cross body bag to a cool clutch. It is gorgeous soft, buttery leather in a deep wine colour with the option to engrave initials on the front in gold for that personal touch.

Gold Stan Smith Trainers £69.99 - FootLocker
Because is there anything better than a pair of Stan Smiths and now in Gold?! J'adore...completely and utterly. These would see you perfectly through the year, in the summer with tanned ankles, skinny jeans a white shirt, now with black skinny jeans and black pop neck..so so cool.


Missoma Gold Mini Fang Necklace £95
The Missoma range of fine gold jewellery is stunning this season, it has the perfect pieces to layer up. This necklaces sits high on your neck and would look equally stunning in the summer as with a crew neck sweater in the winter.
Missoma 18ct rose Gold Star £89
Love this one too..beautifully delicate, the star sits perfectly without twisting around.
AnnaLou Of London Alphabet Necklace £67.50
This is a beautiful personal present to give a loved one. I have the letter 'J' for my children (who luckily have the same initials!) My Nana had a J too and I always used to love it when I was little so this is really a special item of jewellery I will keep forever. These really thoughtful, keepsake gifts do not have to cost a fortune to be something super special. Me and my sisters normally all club together to get each other presents so we can buy something a little more substantial but still make sure we keep within an affordable budget.
Hush Superstar Sleep Gift Set £55
Possibly the best gift idea I have seen this year, you choose a set of (gorgeous) Hush PJs, a book from a selection and a chocolate bar for a truly luxurious and perfect gift. Love, love this idea, there is a movie gift set available too. In fact, check out all of Hush's gift sets - loving the Cashmere Gift Set £130 and Winter Star Gift Set £85 too.


Miller Harris La Pluie Perfume @Very £95
My favourite perfume, it is quite floral (some would say a little Granny-ish) but I just adore it, my husband bought it for me last Christmas, it smells divine, on my list again this year.

Bloom and Wild Six Month Letterbox Flower Subscription £100
Fresh flowers dropped through your letterbox once a month for six months..sounds like a pretty perfect present to me. They can arrange lily free bouquets (I am not a fan and now we have a kitten they are a no go anyway - you just have to specify at the online checkout) 

Vogue Magazine Yearly Subscription via WHSmiths £29.90
Vogue magazine to be is one of those indulgent magazines that I wouldnt buy myself (it adds a fair amount to the weekly food shop!) so as a gift it is perfect..
 Now I am officially in Christmas mode I could go one forever and no doubt will have a few more ideas coming your way on the blog (beauty/home gifts) ..next to look at the Perfect Gifts for Him...always a little tricky?!

Would love to hear your ideas, what is on your Christmas list? What have you bought the ladies in your life? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

Postcards from Barcelona

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..

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..





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