Autumn/Winter Inspiration

Style Theory: Every couple of months or so in a season I need to refocus on the season's essentials, I get easily distracted by sparkles and sequins but always need to bring myself back to the the building blocks of my wardrobe and the looks I love.

Pinterest always re-focuses me and here are the looks I adore and inspire me for AW15...it is all looking pretty monochrome with a touch of animal print and metallics. This year I am loving huge woollen grey scarves to add a luxurious touch, black skinny jeans and oversize knitwear...

All images above via Pinterest

The Parisian fashion bloggers and Instagrammers are leading the fashion looks at the moment, I adore the simple, minimal look, each item bought with huge consideration, with cut and quality of fabric being paramount. Basically, they dress opposite to me I love the thrill of the quick hit of throwaway fashion but I am trying to re-train my fashion habits to buy less and invest in some key timeless pieces! I have failed miserably today I have just bought the top below all the above rules at the window...but there is always tomorrow....and the top is soo pretty and sparkly!!

Asos Ultimate Sequin Top £60 

I think this top will look great with my distressed boyfriend 501ct's and trainers, or with my jeans and Topshop Mary Jane black heels for an evening out. Not tres Parisian chic..but it is kind of monochrome?!

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

Jacket - La Redoute from £38

Top - La Redoute now £21

Jeans - Gap (old season)

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco £650

Shoes - M&S (similar here £25)

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

Coat - La Redoute £139.30

Leather Dress - La Redoute £165

Shoes - Nine West (old Season) similar here 

Bag - Gucci Soho Disco Bag £650

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

Tunic Dress - La Redoute now £21

Bag - La Redoute Leather Bag  now £59.50

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

Velvet Blazer - La Redoute £38

Glittery Top - La Redoute now £21

Skirt - Space 46 Boutique

Trainers - Adidas Superstar @Office £69.99 

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. 

Pom Pom Mania

Style Theory: Pom Poms, a micro trend that has been bubbling away on the high street since the summer with pom pom covered basket bags and gladiator sandals (these will be huge next year). In the Autumn, Pom Poms are  being added to shoes, hats and bags, they make every item of clothing look cute and fun..kind of Tinkerbell-ish, this trend will not be one of the most long running but for now I love it and am buying into it with gusto..

Images via Pinterest

SO lets start with Pom pom shoes, highly impractical but oh so cute but be warned not to be warn in the rain, nothing worse that soggy pom poms!...

Next Pom Pom Flats £28

As seen on Alex from The Frugality these are super cute, perfect for the Christmas party season, they would look fab with a ankle length blue jeans and a black, silk blouse for a chic, laid back Christmas look (wear with nude pop socks if too cold) Or with your little black/berry coloured dress and black opaque tights. Perfect for looking stylish but still being able to chase the kids around in.

New Look Pom Pom Shoes £17.99

These little shoes from New Look are almost identical to the Next ones but even cheaper so you can dip into the trend without worrying you have spent too much.

Next Pom Pom Court Shoes £36

A higher heeled Next version, these will be super flattering on your legs especially when worn with opaque tights in the winter and a little black swing dress. Or wear these with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans, a black/navy blouse and a tuxedo jacket for a chic evening look. The look below is what I am imagining but swap blogger Anouke's shoes for the pom pom ones above..stunning..

River Island @Asos Pink Pom Pom Shoes £70

So so gorgeous, so much fun, I love these shoes, again entirely impractical but just look at them...pink and fluffy what more could a girl ask for?! Wear with a black jumpsuit for a stunning Christmas party look ** these also come in black click here

Asos Truffle Collection Pom Pom Slipper Shoes now £17.50

Getting a little more back on track with practicality these shoes would lighten up a work suit, or wear with skinny black jeans and an oversized cream knitted sweater.

Asos Darrell Pom Pom Plimsolls £22

These and the slippers below are what started my pom pom mania. I have had these in my Asos basket and think I have to press order as they are adorable. Slightly clownish..actually they will be perfect to wear to the myriad of kids parties I have to go to through the year with Little J (although I may be mistaken for the entertainer..?!)

Boden Velvet Slippers £29

I am officially channelling Tinkerbell in these slippers, albeit an oversized, old Tinkerbell. They are so amazingly comfortable, super soft and cosy perfect for the winter..I LOVE THEM...I am getting old, slippers are an now an exciting addition to my wardrobe!! They come in 5 different colours and have Boden 20% off at the moment making them £25.23 go, go go!

Travelling Bazzaar Cashmere Bobble Hats £55

Apologies for the extreme close up of my face..a little scary on my desktop! but I have to tell you about these hats, it was love at first sight for me when I saw these. I adore a bobble hat and bought one from the Travelling Bazaar a couple of years ago and have worn it non stop every winter but now I think it is time to upgrade it with a red fur bobble hat. I love the oversize fur bobble and the red colour is gorgeous, so eye catching, it will cheer me up on the cold winters days. The hat itself is cashmere mix so soft and warm, perfect winter wardrobe addition...

Aurora London £19.50

Is there such thing as the perfect size, colour and fur texture of a pom pom keying? If there is the ladies at Aurora London will find and stock it,  they are sticklers for stocking the best of the best at affordable prices and this pom pom will look fab on my Aurora London Willow Bag (I use it non-stop) the question is which colour to order?!

What are your feelings on my Pom Pom madness, ridiculouso or kinda fun? My daughter just saw my blog and squealed with laughter at the Asos trainers and said that they  'look ab-so-lute-ly ridiculous' she is 8 and have obviously forgotten that she used to spend 95% of the time dressed like Tinkerbell! So this big Tinkerbell is signing off..as always I would adore to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Lots of love and fairydust Frances xxxx

Switching to Autumn/Winter - Some Outfit Inspiration

Style Theory: The transition from one season to another can sometimes leave me a little lost...what to wear, what style to go for, what is cool this season? I always turn to Pinterest to the streetstylers for some inspiration, so here are a selection of my favourite, mainly classic looks, for this Autumn/Winter that will work for a few years to come...

For me this year it is all about over sized knitwear, skinny jeans, or leather/suede look trousers, trainers, slouchy boots, tailored coats or jackets and a healthy dose of lurex thrown in to add much needed Autumn sparkle. I am of to hunt down my key items from the high street, I will report back...

Images above via Pinterest

MY STYLE:

A couple of my winter looks so far...

Sweater: River Island Design Forum £65
Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40
Boots: Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots via EbayUK
Bag: Topshop (old season)

Coat: Zara (old season) similar here
Dungarees: H&M similar here
Blouse: John Lewis similar here
Trainers: Adidas £79.99
Bag: Kipling UK

What is your Autumn/Winter dream look, where do you find your outfit inspiration? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx