Lets get going with summer..a few gems from M&S

M&S £29.50

Style Theory: If you follow me on Instagram you will see these items 'in action' on Instagram stories, I really try to try on or at least see, in real life, the items I write about on the blog so I know the clothes/accessories I am choosing are good quality and whether the fit is good (this is why my blogging is rather infrequent and I do not blog every day just for blogging's sake, I would hate to point you in the wrong direction!!) Some things I am not able to try on but make sure I read all about them, find out what the fabric  is like and if there are videos online I watch them..they are amazing I wish every store would do these videos as they really show how the garment moves and whether it will hang well or not. Anyway, I digress, today I had a local meeting them popped into M&S to see their new Spring Summer range that is hitting stores now. To be honest my wardrobe is boring me and it needs a little interest addded to it so I found a few good tops that are reasonable and will add some much needed newness to my uniform of jeans and trainers.

I did notice that M&S have been working on their prices (my work in buying for years means I can see a price re-structure a mile off!) so the clothes are definitely, in general, quite reasonable compared with Topshop etc who seem to be putting their prices up.

Here are a few things I tried on and apologies, there are some screen grabbed snaps from instastories so I am mid talking hence the attractive face..

M&S Pure Cotton Checked Top £29.50

This is a cute top, I love the arm detail and the frill at the base, it hides a tummy perfectly. I would size down one size, above I am wearing a size 10 and I do need a size 8. It is quite a short top, fine on me as I am small but maybe would need to be worn with a vest top underneath if taller.

Stripe Wide Leg Trousers £45

Stripe Wide Leg Trousers £45

These trousers look so much better in real life than on the website. They are a silky material (it is viscose but looks so much better, very luxe) They look really expensive and are a gold and black rather than cream and black. I actually really liked them paired with my red jumper and in the summer would wear them with a red or white boho top and flat tan sandals. They are true to size (I did find them a little tight across my tummy but bareable!) in the photo above I am wearing a size 10 short and at short them are the perfect length (I am 5ft3)

Long Sleeve Yoke Blouse £27.50

Long Sleeve Yoke Blouse £27.50

This top was great for the price although I was sure it was £25.50 in store?! (I may be wrong!) It looks great tucked into jeans and has lovely details. Not a forever top (the quality is not the best) but one to give your wardrobe a little lift..

Indigo Range £35

Cannot find this online and not a great photo but it was a cute blue broderie anglais top - I picked up a 14 by mistake but I think my normal size would be the perfect fit, in store in the Indigo range.

Cotton Broderie Shift Dress £55

Cotton Broderie Shift Dress £55

Loved this dress, it is beautifully cut in at the arms for a flattering look, you would have to wear with a strapless or multiway bra so the straps can't be seen. I sized down to a size 8. I would wear with neutral strappy heels (below) 

Office £60

for day time with these..

Palmairas Sandals £42

These are so comfortable and blend into tanned feet, they are flattering and once you wear them on holiday you will never take them off!

Indigo range £27.50

Indigo range £27.50

A light, easy to wear top, it will look great in the summer with a pair of levis cut off shorts and white supergas, for now toughen up with a camo or khaki jacket, jeans and trainers.

Leather block heel sandals £49.50

How good are these sandals? They are so Isabel Marant for under £50! I didn't see them in my local M&S but am desperate to try them on. Perfect with black dresses or skinny jeans (see below)

Photo via Pinterest

M&S £35

Love these shoes they are so Kylie/SJP with a Halston Heritage style summer dress they will look amazing!

So there is a little round up of my findings today, these can all be seen on my Instagram stories until tomorrow evening (Weds 15th March) There are more exciting clothes hitting the shop floors now so fashion will be getting exciting again!

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, Fran xx 

Donna Aida Event - The Pieces I Have my Eye on..

Style Theory: I am so excited to be hosting a VIP styling event with Chloe (ChloeLoves to Shop) at one of my favourite London Boutiques Donna Ida in Chelsea. Chloe and I would love for you to join us on 16th March from 6pm until 9pm for a browse and a glass of bubbles.

Donna Ida has the best collection of branded and own brand jeans, stunning Bella Freud Sweaters and fab own brand blouses.. The good news is you get £50 off all purchase over £200 on the day (in store only I am afraid) ..That Bella Freud sweater you have had your eye on may not be so eye-wateringly expensive!!!

Chloe and I will be on hand to give style advice and maybe help you find that perfect pair of jeans, or just have a good old gossip with you!!

I have picked a few of my favourite items from Donna Ida below..but there is so so much more..

Bella Freud £280

This will look gorgeous in the summer with pale blue ankle length jeans and white trainers or strappy tan sandals.

Bella Freud Cashmere Jumper £380

Pure luxury, this cashmere jumper will go with everything from jeans to glittery sequin skirts and heels.

Maison Labiche Banana Tee £44

I am a huge fan of Maison Labiche tees, the quality is amazing, they are soft but a decent thickness and are super flattering on. Love a breton stripe this would be a fabulous addition to a summer wardrobe.

Donna Ida Miss Maggie Pink Blouse £185

This 100% silk blouse is luxurious and the most fabulous colour against any skin tones. It looks just a good dressed down with dungarees and boyfriend jeans as it does for work with tailored ankle length black trousers and heels.

Donna Ida Bonnie Cashmere Knit £210

Pink cashmere heaven. This will look amazing with blue levis denim shorts in the summer and pale tan flat strappy sandals.

Frame jeans £295

The most perfect boyfriend jeans I have ever tried on. They are super expensive (but if you pop along on the 16th 6-9pm you will get £50 0ff!) they are the perfect colour of washed blue, not too much stretch and super flattering on. Perfect turned up with heels and a blouse, these jeans will be your go to for every evening out. I think I sized down one size in them.

J Brand Selena Jeans £200

My fave brand and cut of jeans ever!! I have these in black and two shades of blue and wear them every day. They are so flattering and comfortable and finish at my ankle so look great with trainers.

J Brand Selena Ascension £275

The same Selena shape but with more of a flare (therefore ankles look alot skinnier!) The pale blue wash is perfect for Summer. Just team with the stripe tee above and a pair of Veja trainers for a cool (and very 2017) summer look.

Ida cropped jean £165

As the sun starts shining I tend to be drawn to the lighter wash of jeans. These cropped, straight jeans are flattering and the higher waist is great for a more flattering look over the tummy area (holds it all in!) The unfinished hem gives these jeans an edgy look but again they will be fab dressed up or down..

Ida Culotte Dungarees now £39

I was looking at these last season now they are reduced to £39 and are perfect for the summer with a pretty summer blouse and tan sandals or white supergas.

Ida Mixed Signals top £150

I bought a similar top to this last season from Donna Ida and it had been my going out top almost every time I have been out, I love it, it is so easy to wear and looks fab with jeans or side striped trousers..

So there is just a small taster, there are so many more gorgeous items in the boutique and we will find you the perfect pair of jeans, that fit flatter and look cool, Donna Ida is the jean queen after all!

We would love you and your friends to join us this Thursday, 16th March, Donna Ida, 106 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE 6 - 9pm for a glass of bubbles and a chat!!

See you there, Fran xxx

The Backless Loafer..Save vs Splurge

All images via Pinterest 

Style Theory: The backless loafer has been seeping into footwear trends for a couple of years but is really gaining momentum this Spring/summer. In different colours, embellished or not, they are chic and comfortable and look great with ankle length jeans and a cashmere jumper, blouse or simple tee. They finish off an outfit perfectly and are the ideal style solution if you struggle for shoes that are on trend but also comfortable and cool for the spring.

So the next decision is whether to invest in this style (ie.Splurge) or opt for a high street option..here is my edit of the best..

Gucci Princetown Backless Loafers £430

The original and one of the best but a big investment. These look great with jeans and a sweater and I love them in the street style photo above with the black crochet skirt and black sweater - super chic..

Gucci Princetown Shearling lined loafers £715

So, more 'out there' and a little weird looking at first but once your mind and taste has adjusted to them they look pretty cool on and feel like you are wearing slippers outside!

Gucci Princetown Shearling lined loafers £715

Loving the pink too..

Gucci £480

I have these in the fur version and adore them. They look gorgeous on and I love the rose detail, if you have big feel like me they look less long that the plain ones and are so flattering on. You can match them with almost all colours..definitely ones to splurge on if you are going to splurge and they are cheaper than the classics! 

*On all Gucci shoes size down at least half a size they come up big!

Gucci Princetown Velvet Sipper £530

Now if money was no object these I would buy these too, they are stunning, so eyecatching and look amazing with the purple velvet Gucci bag in the photo above.

Now let's look at the high street versions which are also pretty gorgeous..

River Island £30

Faux leather, but looking every inch super stylish and very Gucci-esque.

River Island £30

I love the (faux) leather and suede look of these loafers, they would look fab in the summer with pale blue ankle length jeans and a white blouse/boho top.

River Island £30

Slightly more 'out there' but these silver leopard print loafers look amazing on, wear with jeans and a simple black boho blouse and let the shoes do the talking.

Boden £98

These look so so designer and very Gucci-esque and have 20% off today with the code 2C2V (making them £78.40) All you need to do is match them with a navy back or navy blazer then mix up the rest of the your outfit, a pair of ankle length jeans, a pick shirt and a navy blazer would look fabulous.

Boden £98

Love these so much too (and don't forget 20% off with code 2C2V)

Dune £75

A fabulous 'tribute' to the Gucci loafers, these are beautifully soft leather and tick the box for a fraction of the price.

Dune £75

Loving the gold too, they would look fab on tanned feet with dresses or jeans.

Office £62

Super cosy and look gorgeous on, these Office loafers will be useful in the spring and cooler summer days.

I would highly recommend dabbling in the backless loafer trend, I absolutely adore mine and cannot wait until this crazy weather ends and I can wear them more..here is how I have styled mine..

Are you a fab of the backless loafer, have you bought a pair yet or did you wear them the first time around (like I did) and are not sure you want to revisit the trend?

As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx