Spotlight on Topshop Unique AW15

Style Theory: Topshop Unique gives us the opportunity to buy catwalk fashion at a fraction of designer prices. It is collection of quirky, trend led pieces that you can delve into and easily mix and match with your capsule wardrobe adding a fashion edge to your day to day clothes.

The collection launches today, here are my favourite pieces and ideas of how to style them...

The Dress

Windemere Fitted Dress £225 

Wear with..

Coat: Zara £59.99

Bag: River Island £40 - Love this!!

Boots: Topshop Unique £225 

The Top

Stirling Long Sleeve Polo Top £65 

Wear with..

Cord Dungarees - Topshop £50

Bag: Mango £24.99 - Love this!!

Trainers - Adidas Superstar @Office £64.99 

The Sweater

Keswick Chunky Polo Knit £175 

Wear with...

Jeans: Topshop Baxter £40

Shoes: Topshop Buckle Shoes £46 Love these!!

Leather Bag: Zara £79.99 

The Shoes 

Velvet Low Heel Courts £125 

Dorothy eat your heart out..!! I love how these streetstylers have styled their red shoes..

Red shoes add a wow factor to any outfit, I adore them dressed down with dungarees, these Topshop shoes would look fab with the black cord dungarees above and a red/black breton top and black leather bag. Or wear with classic blue skinny jeans, a white shirt and add a pair of red shoes for a statement look.

Be quick with this Topshop collection the items sell out so fast, the ultimate in cool, trendy pieces for the whole season.

Pink Cord Jacket...

Style Theory: You know when you spot something, buy it on a whim thinking that you will probably send it back but then actually love it?! Well, that happened with this Topshop jacket, the pink colour caught my attention. I used to have a similar (navy cord jacket in the early 90s - I loved it but only had it for a week then it got stolen from Ritzy nightclub cloakroom - never quite forgotten it..) So nostalgia, pink, cord and the fact that it is borg lined..all good but would it work..? In one word yes, it does, it is sooo fabulously 90s but in my mind the perfect Spring jacket, warm enough to keep you snuggly in the cool Spring days and night but also a light enough colour to make you feel sunshine-y and ready to embrace the new season.

This jacket looks perfect with jeans and a hoody - my outfit of choice always, but will also look fab over an all black look - black skinny jeans and a black crew neck with boots. In the summer it will work with pale grey t shirt, ankle length pale blue jeans and white trainers. In my eyes this is a winner and is staying put in my wardrobe...

Coat - Topshop £65

Jeans - Zara (old season) buy similar here

Hoody - Topshop (old season) buy similar here

Shoes - Gucci

The jacket is also available in denim, if pink cord doesn't float your boat..

Topshop £59

Also loving this denim one with embroidery..

Topshop £85

Or plain black  (in tall - ie. it would cover my bottom!)...

Tophop £65

The pink cord jacket is one of those items I know I will wear a lot. My 18 year old self would be sooo happy I have finally got my hands on another cord borg jacket!!

What do you think, does your wardrobe need an injection of colour, are you a fan of a srping jacket. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, Fran xxx

Statement Sleeves

Style Theory: I love to dip into a trend and for me the Spring 2017 trend that is catching my eye is the 'Statement Sleeve'. I am a huge fan of a detailed sleeve, I am a sucker for a puff, voluminous sleeve and this season sleeves are the main focus with ruffles, fluting and proportions taking centre stage.

So admittedly not the most practical of trends but it is one I am buying into to add a little 2017 freshness to my winter and spring wardrobe....

This Topshop pink top ticks the boxes and as it is a bracelet length top, it is wearable and will not get in the way when carrying out day to day tasks!! With the statement sleeve trend it is best to keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your sleeves do the talking. This soft pink top is such a flattering shade and the grey scarf also from Topshop is such an amazing buy, completely oversized, looks great with so many colours (I love it with my camel coat). Add a pair of boyfriend jeans and heels and you have the perfect Spring going out outfit...

Top - Topshop £29

Scarf - Topshop £16

Jeans - Old - similar here

Shoes - Old season - similar here

Photos by Victoria Metaxas

For lots more Statement Sleeve ideas check out my latest article for Good Housekeeping online 

It's all about the Handknitted look

All images via Pinterest

Style Theory: Handknitted-style jumpers are having a moment. The more authentic the better and of course if you can knit yourself you are on to a winner. It is all about the chunky knit, in gorgeous colours, reds, pinks, greys and creams. I first fell in love with the pink Ganni jumper seen above on blogger Lucy Williams, it sold out in a flash so the search is on for a similar one. 

Handknitted-style jumpers look great with pale blue skinny, ankle length jeans and a pair of white trainers - next blog post will be on trainers. Add a hint of fine gold jewellery and you have the perfect Spring look..

Ganni £335

This is, for me, the dream jumper. The colour is perfect, the slight puff sleeves and cuffs, the shape, all knitwear perfection. Super expensive but utterly gorgeous! Also available in cream here

La Redoute was £59 now £39.40

A more reasonable hand knit look jumper, I have this sweater and can confirm it is super cosy. It is really chunky (fits under my parka but not my smarter coats) but is the perfect Winter/Spring jumper.

Yakshi Malhotra was £120 now £70

A new brand I have recently found via instagram. Yakshi Malhotra has the most fabulous knitwear, made in the UK. I love this sweater, it has a such a cool, laid back look with a designer edge at the same time. Perfect for throwing on with a pair of boyfriend jeans and leopard heels for a fab going out winer evening look.

Topshop £55

A nude/pale pink colour this knit will seamlessly take you from winter to summer, wear with a chunky scarf, black jeans and boots now and in the summer pair with pale blue skinny jeans and white superga trainers.

Topshop Unique £165

A burst of colour for winter, this yellow jumper will brighten up any look, just add a pair of jeans and clash up with some dark pink trainers for a cool, 2017 look.

Ganni was £280 now £196

This is the grey version of the pink (sold out) Ganni jumper I was obsessed with, it looks fab on, still on the pricey side but a wardrobe staple that would last for years.

American Vintage @TheDressingroom was £150 now £75

This is a beautiful oversized jumper, the palest pink, as soft as a cloud, the most snuggly piece of clothing. The sizing does come up huge, it is super oversized!

Topshop £34

Love the colour of this sweater, maybe not the handknitted look exactly but beautiful nevertheless, I think this will be making it's way into my wardrobe this season.

&Other Stories £69

Wear this jumper with leather leggings now and with denim shorts in the summer. The pointed details on the jumper flatter the figure making hips and legs look thinner by not cutting straight across the body.

Me+EM was £149 now £74

Me+Em knitwear is fab, really great quality and now at half price this is an amazing buy. A real classic, great length and a navy polo neck sweater will never date. 

Mango £49.99

New in, this cardigan ticks lots of boxes, pink, heavy knit, slouchy. Wear over a pale grey sweater with pale blue jeans and white trainers...stunning!

Miss Selfridges £35

An authentic hand-knit for a fraction of the price of others, this looks fab on.. I tried it on below..

Topshop £45

Just spotted this cardigan, the ruffle sleeves are fab, it would great over a grey tee, add a chunky grey scarf (I love this one from Topshop) and skinny jeans and boots..fab outfit for the rest of the winter and spring...

I am a sucker for a hand knit jumper, I used to have a few for my two kids when they were young and they looked amazing in them. I really really should learn to knit as I have so many ideas in my head of the perfect knitwear, it one of my favourite pieces of clothing.

As an aside if anyone does know any knitwear brands that would be interested in working on a small knitwear collection I would love to get in touch. I worked as a buyer for own brand for a major department store so know all the ins and outs of design and production..please do get in touch or if you do know anyone please drop me a line Thefashionlift@outlook.com, thanks so much xxx

Let's Get Going 2017..tis the year to still Think Pink

Fendi SS17

Valentino SS17

Gucci SS17

Style Theory: On the Spring/Summer 2017 catwalks Pink reigned supreme, Fendi featured crystal pink colours, Valentino mixed pink tones in intricate patterns and Gucci went bold, confirming that pretty much any shade of pink goes, although this year, if you are brave enough, go bold woth fuschias and deep pinks. Pink is in it's fourth year of power so if you haven't already it is time to invest in some gorgeous pink clothes, or if you are like me and have a quite a collection why not add a few new bolder pink items to your wardrobe to add some interest...

Spring Summer 2017 on the high street is looking pretty amazing already, here are the best NEW pink items already hitting stores and online..

J Crew £298

The dream pink jacket, the perfect tone of pink, pure luxury. This jacket would look amazing with jeans and trainers, or perfect dressed up over a summer dress and heels. A real investment piece but one you would have to look at price per wear (one of my fave way of looking at things!)

Topshop £72

My love for velvet is continuing into the Spring (although technically I know it is still winter but in my head Spring is just around the corner) For now wear this jacket with wintery grey, a grey cashmere jumper and scarf and some blue skinny jeans and cosy boots. In the Spring pair with a white T-shirt, pale blue ankle length jeans and white superga trainers.

Topshop £225

This is a lilac- pink but caught my eye straight away. It is selling out really quickly so worth snapping up soon. It looks super luxurious and very 'on trend' with the belt and cuff details..

Topshop £36

This raspberry colour is hot news this Spring, it will add an injection of colour to your wardrobe. A really easy piece to wear with jeans and trainers for an eye catching look that will take you right into the summer months.

Topshop £26

Pink and frilled, this is a fab little jumper. It is short, so definitely the kind of top that would look great under dungarees (I would wear a vest top underneath) with trainers or tan sandals in the summer. 

Trilogy @John Lewis £230

This is the ultimate in luxury, a fine knit cashmere jumper in the most stunning colours, wear with everything, jeans, shorts, tulle skirt..

Topshop £26

Possibly one of the cosiest hoodies out there, this has a super warm fleece lining and looks great with jeans and in the summer will look fab with shorts and sunkissed skin. It also comes in a stunning fuschia colour and a peachy pink colour 

H&M Cashmere £69.99

It's pink, it's cashmere and it's affordable! 

&Other Stories £55

Adore this frilled merino wool sweater, perfect for Spring and into the summer, a gentle subtle pink, in the softest wool.

&Other Stories £35

A stunning bubble gum pink, love it with the metallic and at a reasonable price, I know I have featured this before on the blog but had to feature again as it is stunning.

Glamorous @Topshop now £18

Slightly random, I spotted this in the Topshop sale and think it would look fab with a pink/nude vest top underneath and jeans kind of vintage? Not sure but I have ordered anyway (I sized up) and we will see! I am thinking of wearing it with my boyfriend jeans and gold heels..

Me+Em £165

The most stunning silk georgette blouse, it looks amazing on, light as a feather and cut to perfection. It looks just as good worn as a work blouse with tailored trousers as with jeans and trainers, a real multitasker.

Mango £35.99

Another vintage looking blouse, super pretty, perfect for now, throw an oversized pink/grey cardigan over the top, tuck into jeans and throw on a pair of heels, a beautiful going out look.

Topshop £65

You know I love a tutu, this one will look great dressed down with a grey tee and pair of trainers or heels for a gorgeous party look.

Topshop £69

The cutest shoes, I love a hot pink shoe for Spring you can really dress down and let your shoes do the talking..

Topshop £150

Loving these ones too the shape is stunning, flattering on legs and the colour would look amazing with tanned legs.

Wearing pink genuinely makes me happy, it is an uplifting colour and if you haven's already it is definitely time to add a dash of pink to your wardrobe.

Thanks so much for reading, as always I love to read your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx