January Pick me ups

Style Theory: It is cold, in January all you want to be is cosy and comfy,  here are a few gorgeous items that will brighten up your wardrobe and make you feel super snug and stylish at the same time..

1. Striped Jumper £70 Topshop Boutique

2. Pink Leather Embroidered Clutch £75 SayWhatYouC

3. Gold Plated Name Necklace £58 AnnaLou Of London

4. Versailles Sweater £26 Topshop

5. Cashmere Sweater £79.60 Boden

6. Ugg Boots £150 Office 

7. Lime and Bay Candle  £20 The White Company

8. Super Soft Large Scarf £16 Topshop 

9. Marl Pleated Skirt £30 Topshop

10. Gold Plated Love Bangle £25 SayWhatYouC

11. Golden Goose Low Top Trainers £280 Matches Fashion 

I am slightly obsessed with pink at the moment and feel a few items in a soft pink lifts my current wardrobe staples and makes my outfits softer but also slightly more appealing and spring-like. The cashmere Boden sweater is a real luxury buy and has 20% off at the moment. The pink leather clutch is beautiful from a new brand I have recently found called SWYC, they have some stunning pieces (love these totes) so unusual. The pink clutch will look as good in the summer as it will in the winter to brighten up an outfit.

I am a sucker for a stripe jumper, I saw this one in store (and on Stylonylon) it is gorgeous, super snuggly, it will look fab with with skinny jeans and Uggs for the schoolrun or a comfy weekend outfit. I know people are either fans or hate Ugg boots (my little sister refuses to walk with me if I am wearing them) but there is no doubt they are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. I love mine and often pull them on for the schoolrun (I cannot bear my feet being cold) if you are a fan it is worth investing in them as you will get your money's worth. I am currently wearing my old ones (complete with holes) as slippers... perfect for cold mornings.

I love the thought of when it gets a little warmer wearing the pleated skirt above with the grey sweater and pink Golden Goose trainers, a very 2016 look. In the meantime it will look fab with brown 70s style boots and a black poloneck. Cool but also super practical.

My Style

I have been living in my pink American Vintage cardigan..love it!

Blouse - Warehouse (in store)
Cardigan - American Vintage £110
Clutch - SWYC £75 (gifted)
Faux Leather Trousers - QuattroRish
Boots - QuattroRish

Slowly, slowly introducing colour back into my wardrobe so by Summer my wardrobe will be looking more alive again!

Hope you are keeping warm in this cold January, there are some gorgeous trends coming through on the high street so this season's fashion is looking fab, I will be updating on all the new, exciting things I have spotted. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

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Sales Talk....

Style Theory: My top sales picks for Aw15. Keeping a mix of classic adding some key trend items and some little extra special items that I cannot resist..

Boden Mia Jumper in Charcoal now £41.30

A great basic jumper with a slight 'Tibi' style neckline. This jumper will look great with a pale grey oversize wool scarf and skinny jeans and boots or pair with leather shorts, opaques and wedge loafers for a smarter look.

Boden Cordelia Heel now £41.70

These are the most stunning shoes I have tried on this year, they look amazing on and will be your Spring Summer shoe with any type of dress. As leopard is now considered a neutral these can be paired with plain colours, stripes, boyfriend jeans, culottes, the list is endless..I am definitely ordering them!

Topshop Long Sleeves Lace Top now £28

This top has a real designer look to it, wear with blue jeans and trainers for a cool going out look from the winter through to the summer. I love the high neck and the sheer arms, so flattering and chic. It has been reduced from £52, so a good buy.

Topshop Fluroescent Lace Pencil Skirt now £20

A fairly inexpensive skirt to wear with a grey T shirt and heels or grey fine knit jumper and heels to a smart event or a wedding.

Topshop Premium Fur Lined Parka now £50

This is a beautiful sumptuous parka, it looks amazing on. It would look just as good thrown over skinny jeans and trainers as it would over an evening dress for a cool look. It was £98 so again, a good discount.

Somerset by Alice Temperley Jumper £29.50

This really jumper caught my eye in John Lewis, it is soft merino wool, a slightly fitted shape and has the most beautiful gold buttons on the sleeves adding a luxurious finish. I tried on the UK 14 or 16 and I preferred it on the more generous side. It is one of those jumpers that would look good with leather skirt, opaque tights and heels and a parka thrown over. Another sweater I think I cannot live without..

Mango Flowy Shirt @HoF now £19.99

I bought this blouse for my sister for Christmas (before the sale!) and it looks gorgeous on. It can be worn buttoned up with the neck tie or unbuttoned with the necktie loose around your neck like a skinny scarf. The fabric hangs beautifully and it is one of those really useful additions to your wardrobe, in the summer it will look fab with ankle length skinny jeans and white supergas.

MiH Denim dungarees @Net a Porter now £118

I am slightly obsessed with these dungarees, they are perfect. I wore my black dungarees non stop last year and these are a step up. They are a gorgeous shape with the button detail adding interest. They have been reduced from £295 and could be worn all year through (especially in the UK where summers are really not hot!) 

Chinti and Parker top @Net a Porter now £90

This is a great winter to summer top. I adore a peplum, it covers my mum tum, gives the (much needed) illusion of a waist and flatters my hips and legs. This top would be great with skinny jeans and an oversize cardigan in the winter and in the summer with skinny pale blue ankle length jeans and trainers.

Finery Hemming Satin Trapeze Dress £45

A 'wow' dress for a small price. This dress would be perfect for any upcoming weddings/summer events or just to wear on holiday out for dinner. The shade would look fabulous against sunkissed skin and I would wear with tan or red strappy sandals. For now add a chunky grey cardigan over the top and black opaques and ankle boots for a cool look.

Topshop Festive Strappy Shoes now £12

Just because I could not resist these for £12, they are winging their way to me, I have no idea what they will be like quality-wise but I love the red velvet and cute shape and for £12?!

So there is my round up of some of the best sales pieces on the high street, I have had to soo hold back not to order them all as I really think they are key pieces and all have a place in my wardrobe but unfortunately finance do not allow it! 

My Style

I bought the skirt in the photos below from my local Topshop but it seems to be a one off as I cannot find it anywhere online. The brand is Navy but I cannot find this brand online so I think it may be super old stock dragged out for the sale or a brand only found in Oxford Street, if I find out I will let you know. Anyway, it is a fab little skirt, it has an elasticated waistband (phew) and is a flattering length. I wore it on New Years Eve with my grey Boden jumper and leopard print heels...

Skirt - Topshop (random in sale)
Jumper - Boden
Necklace - Chambers and Beau £110
Earrings - Travelling Bazaar £27
Bag - Primark £9
Shoes - Nine West (old)

I hope you all had a fab New Year and wish you and family health and happiness for 2016. Thank you for taking the time to stop off and read my blog, I appreciate it so much and do love all your comments and emails, it makes it all worth while! 

It's In The Stars

Style Theory: All your need to add a little sparkle to your outfit is a healthy dose of stars. Timelessly cool having been given a rock star edge by Kate Moss, a star print will not date, can be so easily dressed up or dressed down and is a super versatile piece in your wardrobe. This season I have fallen for the star print big time...

images via pinterest

Here is my edit of the best online and on the high street..

Red Soul Star Dress @Travelling Bazaar £70

This is one of those 'wear anywhere' dresses, add a pair of spike heeled, black ankle boots and a black fur jacket for Kate Moss glamour (see image below) or dress down with a pair of black opaques and pointed flat shoes. A shirt and skirt in one, makes outfit decisions perfectly simple.

image via Pinterest

Red Soul @Travelling Bazaar £49

I had to buy this top when I tried it on, it is so versatile, I love it under dungarees or with distressed boyfriend jeans and trainers, In the winter I will be pairing it with black skinny jeans, black ankle boots and a tux jacket for a laid back day to evening look.

Realisation Par €172.44

The star dress that started off my star obsession as seen on Lucy Williams. This is a summer dress, but I am thinking with black opaque tights, black ankle boots and a maxi coat thrown over the top this dress would work all year through. It is available for pre-order delivery 20th October..I think it is worth the wait..

Atterley Road Galaxy Silk Maxi Dress £115

Ok, so not strictly stars...this is actually planets but it is along the theme. I love a maxi dress in the winter..a perfect look with knee high black/brown chunky heeled leather boots and throw a biker jacket over the top for a cool look.

Bella Freud @Net A Porter £260

The Bella Freud obsession continues with this gorgeous star jumper. The softest merino wool adorned with silver studs, super cute, super expensive..one for the wish list..

John Lewis Weekend Collection £49

The combination of grey and red is eye-catching, I would size up in this sweater for a slouchy look, wear with a pair of black skinny ankle length jeans and stan smith trainers and a red cross body bag for a perfect autumn outfit.

Hush £75

Almost a classic but one of those sweaters you will wear again and again.

Esprit @Asos Star Scarf £29

Becksondergaard @Asos was £69 now £34.50

I have a couple of Becksondergaard oversize scarves and wear them so much. They are a fabulous size, keep you really warm and look good on. I would wear this scarf with an all black outfit..

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