The Black Ankle Boot Edit

Style Theory: Every year the same dilemma, I look for a black ankle boot that has everything; comfortable, flattering, soft leather, the right heel height and will go with every outfit from skinny jeans to dresses and take my feet cosily through the winter months.

In short I look for the perfect ankle boot, the question is 'is it out there?!' well, you know what, this year the high street have given it their all and I am pretty sure there is the perfect ankle boot out there for you..(and me)

First a few looks that have re-kindled my love and renewed my 'need' for the elusive perfect ankle boot..

Photos via Pinterest

Now to my favourites on the high street..starting with the dream pair..

Net A Porter Acne Jensen Boots £400

These are my dream black boots but sadly wayyy out of my price range. They are the perfect height, beautiful leather and I love the shape of the toe..so  on to the more affordable high street ones.

Office Imply Point Chelsea Boots £85

Not a bad 'homage' , these boots are definitely on my 'to buy' list. They will look good with 3/4 length skinny jeans (I always chop one pair of skinny jeans short so they sit slightly above the boot..it works for warmer Autumn days..not so good for the winter, that is when I wear them with longer skinny jeans) This style of boots can also work with black opaque tights and a little swing dress.

&Other Stories' boot game is strong this season, I cannot decide which ones I want to buy, here is my edit of my favourites..

&Other Stories Low Cut Leather Boots £79

The low cut of these boots will be extremely flattering when wearing these with skirts or dresses they will elongate your legs.

&Other Stories Anaconda Boots £165

These are stunning boots, I love the snakeskin look and the pointed toe. These would be great for an additional 'going out' pair of boots, fab with black skinny jeans and a pussybow/silk blouse for a rock chic look.

&Other Stories Low Cut Boots £105

Buckle boots are on trend this winter and these ones tick the trend without looking too clumpy or masculine.

&Other Stories Lace up Boots £145

I spotted these and was immediately obsessed, they are a fab 'tribute' to the Chloe lace up boots which I adore but at a much more palatable price.

Wear the boots the Parisienne way..

The navy pea coat looks great too..another item to add to the wish list..

Geox @John Lewis £130

I have a few pairs of Geox shoes and trainers and can almost guarantee these boots will be unbelievably comfortable. They will be perfect for everyday and the pointed heel makes them look stylish and delicate, really like the buckle and zip detail too.

Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis £140

Do you see a theme here, I love a chelsea boot/pointed toe look in soft leather and this boot ticks all the boxes.

Somerset by Alice Temperley @John Lewis £150

These a little different but completely caught my eye, the mix and texture of the leather makes them look really expensive and again I really like the buckle detail.

Topshop Master Tortoiseshell Heels £85

The fashionista favourite, too high for me for all day but perfect for afternoon/evening out. They are tight on the ankle so perfect for under 3/4 length kick flare jeans..very 2015..

Sorel Major Low Boots @Travelling Bazaar £100

These are like wearing slippers, so comfortable and really flattering on your legs as they are low so sit on your ankle. I am wearing them in this photo below and I now have to invest in them, loving the leopard print detail at the back too.

They would be ideal for the schoolrun and everyday wear..they will go with all outfits..

Aigle @Travelling Bazaar £150

These are again super comfy and look delicate on. They are leather pony skin effect, so definitely not to be worn in the rain but kept for crisp, dry Autumn winter days.. I am wearing them in the photo below..

So there is my round up of the black ankle boots that have caught my eye so far this season, I will let you know which ones I buy!

My Style:

My outfits over the last few days..Sunday a day of running around after the kids, parties etc

Sweater: River Island
Jeans: Levis 501ct
Trainers: Stan Smith
Bag: M&S (old season)

Today for the schoolrun and a local meeting..

Sweater: Boden
Coat: Zara (old Season)
Bag: Radley similar here
Jeans; Asos (old season)
Shoes; Russell & Bromley via ebayUk

Pretty in Pink

Style Theory: The grey winter days always draw me towards a soft, pink palette, it seems to make your skin glow and will add a little, subtle touch for colour to your winter/spring and summer 2016 wardrobe. 

The SS16 catwalks were full with differing shades of pinks, from pale pink organzas to soft tulles to pleated fuschias mixed with golds (Isabel Marant) and reds (Chanel)...

Chanel, Chloe, Carolina Herrera, Tibi 

Stella McCartney, Delpozo, Erdem, Alexander McQueen 

Chanel, Isabel Marant, Gucci, Rochas 

As you can see above pink featured in so many designer's SS16 collections and it will therefore follow suit on the high street. The fashionistas on the street were quick to pick up on this colour trend wearing pink with aplomb..

So how does this translate down to the high street? The colour is coming through in knitwear, dresses and accessories. Mix with neutrals (greys, camels, denim and black) or clash up with merlot and red to create eyecatching, feminine looks...

Whistles @House of Fraser £160 

A beautiful shade of pink and a fabulous shape of sweater. Slightly expensive but it is 100% cashmere (hand wash) Wear with skinny blue jeans, white trainers and an oversize pale grey scarf for Spring perfection.

Mango @John Lewis £39.99 

Style this jumper as above or wear with a silver pleated midi skirt and merlot coloured heels for a cool look.

French Connection @John Lewis £75 

A beautiful, soft pink, I would size up on this sweater and wear with slouchy grey tracksuit pants and stan smith trainers, add a contrasting grey scarf and biker jacket for a chic, laid back look.

&Other Stories £69 

This silk shirt is a classic shape brought up to date with a neck tie. This would look stunning tucked into a pair of boyfriend jeans with black heels or wear with tailored ankle length trousers and Chanel-esque pumps.

H&M Crepe Blouse £14.99 

A budget, wardrobe basic, this crepe blouse will look great unbuttoned slightly with fine gold necklaces layered, tucked into a pair of ankle length skinny jeans.

Cos Drape Detail Top £59 

To balance out this floaty top I would pair it with skinny jeans or tailored trousers, add a pair of pointed kitten heels for added glamour.

Finery Satin Trapeze Dress £45 

This dress is gorgeous, wear it now with black opaques and black heels (it has black bonded fabric on the inside so would look fab with black accessories) wear in the summer with flat, tan, strappy sandals.

Finery Mallow Tunic Dress £49 

A stunning dress, buy now wear in the summer with strappy sandals or with white trainers.

&Other Stories Cap £35 

I am slightly obsessed with caps at the moment, this would look fab with a grey oversize coat and skinny leather leggings and trainers.

&Other Stories £12 

Love these, I will have to buy them.. gorgeous with pale pinks, greys and beiges.

Burberry Fuschia Pink Scark £335 

I know, ridiculously expensive for a scarf but this is pretty gorgeous and a nice addition to any wardrobe should you be able to afford it.

&Other Stories Cashmere Scarf £65 

Super soft and in a beautiful colour, a real luxury item, perfect for travelling (use as a pillow) indulgence at its best.

My Style

Last days of Christmas holidays, I have worn this cardigan non stop (a Christmas present from my Mum and Dad) love love it!

Cardigan - American Vintage @Quattrorish £110

Dungarees - H&M Old

Sweater - Boden

So I, for one, adore pink and will be buying a few pieces this season to add colour to my wardrobe. I will still be sizing up on all sweaters so they are slouchy and baggy and will be keeping trousers and jeans neat and skinny (although current Christmas excess weight makes this slightly tricky!)

Are you a fan of pink, will you be indulging in this colour trend this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx