Topshop Autumn Winter - the perfect 'Fashion Lift' for your wardrobe...

Style Theory: I am a huge fan of Topshop, it is a shop I go into and never fail to find at least 5 things I would love to buy. It is such a good place to find trend driven prices,  perfect for adding to my wardrobe basics each year. The clothes do not last a lifetime but are the perfect 'fashion lift' to my existing looks, easily updating my outfits and making me look at little more 'on trend'

I went a little crazy recently and ordered quite a few pieces to brighten up my outfits, every item was a winner. You know how I love a bit of gold and metallics, well these are all fairly sparkly but are not only resigned to Christmas time, they can be worn most of the year around, I love to make my clothes work hard for me, investment pieces or not and these items I will be wearing a lot!

The Ultimate Skirt..

A pleated skirt is a must have this season and this one is velvet ticking two trends at once. It is a heavy fabric that hangs beautifully and it so flattering on. It looks just as good worn with trainers as it does with heels or ankle boots, I bought the petite version which was weirdly the same length as the normal version (I measured them in store).

Top - Topshop £39

Skirt - Topshop £55

Shoes - M&S £29.50

The jumper is a complete failsafe piece, I love a turtleneck, perfect in the winter and the sleeves make it evening appropriate. This is a top I will again and again over this season, under dungarees or with boyfriend jeans and heels on an evening out and of course with this skirt..

The Hint of Gold Top...

Top - Topshop £39

Trousers - Monsoon £69

Jacket - Monsoon £79

This top is not restricted to party season, it can worn day to day with jeans and trainers or to work with tailored trousers and flats for a Parisienne look. I lovethe gold flecks (metallics make me happy!) and the lace is beautiful down the middle of the top and at the end of the sleeves. The perfect day to night time top. Naturally, the high neck sealed the deal for me, a super easy top to wear, I sized up a size for comfort.

The Sparkly Shoes..

Jacket - Mango £89.99

Blouse - Monsoon £59

Jeans - Gap (old season)

Shoes - Topshop £49

Bag - Furla @VeryExclusive £540

I just could not resist these sparkly shoes, it was love at first sight. They are like Dorothy (Wizard of Oz) shoes, I wore with my oldest boyfriend jeans and lacy Monsoon top and they received so many compliments on my night out! They are comfy thanks to the block heel and a great height for me, not only perfect for Christmas parties but pretty good for any going out occasion..they are gorgeous!! They have sold out online but it worth checking in your local store - I have put a couple of alternatives below..

Topshop -  £69 

If I didnt have the glitter shoes above these would be my choice, real leather, a fab shape and a block heel, wear with bare legs of you can or mix it up with black fishnet tights under a midi dress.

Topshop £50

These are so 70s disco and the most beautiful colour, my friend has them and says they are unbelievably comfortable..comfy and stylish - win win..

A few more Topshop pieces I have my eye on..

Topshop Boutique £90

I always look in the "Boutique' section of Topshop online (or if I am on Oxford St branch) The clothes are more expensive but they really have a designer-esque edge. This blouse is stunning, I adore the big bow, I would wear with my boyfriend jeans and brown high heeled boots for the perfect dressed down/dressed up look.

Topshop Boutique £90

If you are more of a statement trouser girl, these are the best I have seen. Again, the big bow looks great and they are a fab carrot shape so will look good with a black cashmere sweater and black heels.

Topshop £79

If you are looking for a fur jacket, this is a great shape, I bought the same last year and wore it loads. It is warm and snuggly and perfect for over an evening dress or over a jumper, jeans, trainer combo for the schoolrun.

Topshop £36

The perfect neutral jumper to pair with your gold items, the breton jumper is an Autumn Winter must have. I have linked to the 'Tall' version of this jumper above as I like my jumpers to be a little longer and am happy to roll up the sleeves, I do this on nearly all my jumpers anyway as I am a shortie!

Topshop £36

This does the lace/ jumper thing for you, pair with black skinny jeans and black heeled ankle boots for a feminine but slightly grungy look.

Topshop £65

A beautiful embroidered top, it is on a animal print style mesh, looks very D&G. Again I would wear this with boyfriend jeans and black heels for a night out just sling a tux jacket over the top. 

Topshop Boutique £225

I couldn't resist this beautiful pink coat, it is a car coat so this signifies that it is not the warmest coat in the world but can be layered with a thin puffer gilet (I like a dark red with pink) It will lift any wardrobe, pink is such a versatile colour and can be worn with so many colours in any wardrobe. The colour is stunning, I think I need this in my life!

All Streetstyle photos by Victoria Metaxas 

Are you a fan of Topshop? Do you indulge in a few seasons updates every year? I know I will wear these things above non stop over the season. 

So now half term officially begins and we are off to play tennis them to see Trolls..not sure I can take the pace, Jack woke up this morning and proclaimed he had planned the whole week! We are off to catch up with friends in Edinburgh at the end of the week so any suggestions of fun things to do in Edinburgh with kids would be great and also kid friendly places to eat would be sooo appreciated- thanks xx

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

Winter Warmers...

All images above via Pinterest

Style Theory: The weather has turned, it feels so much colder now, the perfect time to invest in a beautiful, cosy jumper to snuggle up in. I like an oversize jumper, perfect to wear now with ankle length jeans and trainers and in the winter pair with chunky ankle boots. This year any colour goes from neutral to dark green to warm red to bright pink.

They can be paired with a pleated skirt and heels for a smart/casual work look, or wear with boyfriend jeans and heels for an evening out. I can never have enough jumpers, I wear them every day in the winter and here are the best on the high street now...

Topshop £34

I saw this jumper on Pinterest and had to track it down as it really caught my eye. I love the neon stripe down the side, it looks far more expensive than it's high street price. I would pop a vest top underneath and wear with skinny ankle length jeans and my stan smith trainers.

Zara £29.99

I know this sweater has been seen all over instagram but that is because it is gorgeous and at £29.99 pretty hard to resist. Perfect for casual or dress up for an laid back going out look with boyfriend jeans and leopard print heels..

Me+Em £149

Me+Em knitwear is pretty exceptional, beautifully cut and there is nothing more luxurious than a cream jumper. I love a polo neck that stands up, I find, especially in cream it really flatters my face and looks elegant with jeans and ankle boots.

Zara £29.99

Perfectly oversized and slouchy, this would be the ideal weekend jumper with a pair of skinny jeans and, dare I say it, UGGs (the really low style) yes I do still sneak my Uggs on of an evening as they are just so comfy - watch my little sister now disown me!!

Topshop £36

My sister bought this sweater this weekend and it looks fab on, not too tight and fits beautifully at the shoulders.

Zara £29.99

You cannot go wrong with a breton jumper and this one looks great on..

H&M £14.99

Dark green is the perfect autumnal colour to wear, it looks stunning with a camel coat, jeans and trainers.

Oasis £36

I am a sucker for a puff sleeve and cable knit detail. I would size up on this one size as I think it would look better bigger rather than a neat fit.

H&M £29.99

This lace trim is so flattering when worn over leather leggings, or skinny jeans, it skims over hips I would wear with stan smith trainers and tanned ankles for a cool look.

Zara £25.99

I am officially obsessed with all of this outfit, I adore the jumper with the frill shoulders, such a useful item to have in your wardrobe. But more than that I love this tartan skirt, it is out of stock on the website so the hunt is on, but how fab does it look with the sweater and those boots?!

Boden £55.60

A navy jumper is so useful in a winter wardrobe, navy is less harsh than black against the face and it blends beautifully with so many autumnal colours. This would look great with a pair of navy culottes and heels for work, or with skinny jeans and wellies for a countryside walk.

&Other Stories £55

The sleeves on this sweater are stunning, it looks so designer-esque - adore it..

&Other Stories £65

This sweater is grey with flecks of silver running through it, it is the perfect way to add a little sparkle into your day to day wear. Beautifully oversized, would look great with leather leggings and trainers. 

So there is my round up of the best jumpers I have spotted so far on the high street. I live in them in the autumn and winter so will be stocking up. I have also just started a blog post on the best cashmere jumpers that will be heading your way soon, so many to choose from at all different pricepoints some fab high street brands and we all deserve a spot of cashmere in our wardrobe, pure luxury..

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

The Easy, Effortless Summer Outfit....

Style Theory: Sometimes all you need is a brightly coloured top and a pair of beautifully tailored trousers to create a simple, elegant outfit. Add a pair of gold shoes for a touch of added sparkle...

Top: Topshop £32

Trousers: Me+Em now £85 - similar here

Shoes: Gucci £530

Bag: Radley similar here

Name Necklace: Anna Lou of London £52

All Photos by Victoria Metaxas

I do love the colour of this Topshop top, it is a beautiful rich shade of pink and the colour reflects against the skin giving a luminosity which, to be honest, I need right now! The top does not ping up the moment you move and sits at a flattering height across the chest with the sleeves doing a perfect job of covering the tops of my arms. I know I have waxed lyrical about these Me+Em trousers before but I just adore them, yes they are on the pricey side but they are the most flattering trousers I have ever worn and I have worn them non stop, they do not bag or lose their shape and skim all lumps and bumps. A really easy, non fussy outfit that looks like you have made a lot more effort than you really have..

For my selection of my favourite off the shoulder tops and lots of ideas how to style, check out my style article @GoodHousekeepingUK

I am off to Barcelona in the morning to help with my sister's Rooftop Cream Tea (I should imagine I will be more pouring tea than anything else my baking isn't up to much!) but I am looking forward to some serious sun and chilled wine..

See you when I get back, in the meantime I will be on Instagram @TheFashion_Lift

Fran xxxx  

New Season Items to buy now...

images via Pinterest

Style Theory: There is nothing more exciting for me than a new season, I love seeing fresh cuts, shape and colours, and deciphering which designers have inspired the high street and the styles I will wearing in the next few months. 

I am not talking Autumn and Winter clothes here, more transitional summer that can also be layered up and worn in the colder months. I like trying to make my clothes work, wherever possible, all year through so I can guarantee I get my money's worth out of them...I haven't quite nailed this as yet but am trying..

Today I am starting with Topshop here are the new season items that have caught my eye so far and are on my shopping list..

 Topshop Boutique Drape Funnel Top £58

A little more expensive than normal Topshop tops but this had the edge, a cool design, will look amazing now with skinny ankle length jeans and tan sandals, in the winter wear with jeans, boots and a biker,

Topshop Jersey Ruffle Sweatshirt £30

Buy now, wear now with denim shorts and stan smith trainers, wear in the winter with sports luxe tailored trousers and heels..heaven!!

Topshop Boutique Leather Funnel Neck Top £130

Again slightly expensive but a real stunning item, I saw this in the Topshop Oxford St branch and it is stunning, butter soft leather and the most beautiful muted shade of pink.

Topshop Sleeveless Ruffled Stripe Shirt £30

Because stripes and ruffles are always a good idea, this top looks designer-esque for a fraction of the price. Again, will look fab with jeans cropped at the ankle and tan sandals. In the winter wear with a navy blazer and dark bell bottom jeans and heels.

Topshop Lace Trim Cami Top £28

The lingerie trend is going no where fast so it is worth investing in a lacy camisole, they look fab under long fine cardigans or a blazer. Balance out the girliness and pair with jeans and trainers..

Topshop Stepped Hen Straight Jeans £42

It is all about the stepped hem jean at the moment, they are a modern twist on the skinny or straight jean, they will work just as well with ankle boots in the winter as they will with sandals now.

Topshop Camo Shackett £45

A camo shackett literally goes with everything jeans, shorts, dresses, your one-stop shop jacket!

Topshop Mid Ankle Boots £82

I am after a pair of cream/beige leather boots for next season and these will do nicely! I can't really do dresses and boots (my legs are too chunky) but I love these with cropped jeans above a white Victoriana sleevless blouse - or the leather pink top, or drapey top above..

Topshop Kylie Backless Loafer £49

Love these little Gucci-esque beauties (I have ordered them) they are stunning and at a far more palatable price than the Guccis!

Looking at my selection above I am veering towards a muted transitional wardrobe of pale pinks, greys and reds...with frill and drape details..adore these shapes and colours..

Are you thinking about buying now for the rest of the year or are you fully immersed in summer wear? I am off to see my sister in Barcelona this weekend which I am so excited about and will no doubt remind me off what you need to wear when it is hot and sunny (which I think it will be here on Sunday..woohoo!!)

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