Luxe, Affordable Building Blocks for your Spring/Summer Wardrobe..

Luxe, Affordable Building Blocks for your Spring/Summer Wardrobe..

Style Theory: Luxe basics elevate your day to day look. These pieces of clothing are pricey as they are beautifully cut, made out of good quality fabrics that fall perfectly, flattering every curve and are, usually, completely priced out of my league. That is until I found EditSecondHand who sell an edited collection of pre-loved designer and high end clothes, from day to day basics like JBrand/Mother jeans to super luxe Chanel bags at affordable prices. As I get older I yearn to be able to mix designer with my high street splurges, I know for a fact designer jeans flatter me more than high street ones and the moment I put on an expensive tee it shows, so Edit SecondHand is the answer to this conundrum I can (and do) buy their preloved pieces that flatter me and make my outfits look that little more 'put together'.

I visited EditSecondHand recently to put together an Edit of my perfect, luxe, basic outfits. It was heaven, being in amongst designer and high end high street clothes, putting looks together that I would love to wear and trying to resist buying it all!

So here is my Edit....

The Parisienne Look

T Shirt - Whistles £25
Necklace - J Crew £30
Trousers - By Marlene Birger £75
Trainers - Selected Femme £45
Bag - Mulberry £420

Chic, understated and classic, I love the timeless mix of navy, grey and burgundy. The Mulberry bag is the most sumptuous oxblood colour, a bag that will only improve with age. Whistles t-shirts always look fab on and are such a useful piece in any Spring/summer wardrobe, add a pair of tailored trousers and white trainers for a gorgeous outfit.

The Super Stylish Schoolrun/weekend look

Coat - Nicole Fahri £70
T-Shirt  - Whistles £25
Jeans - Current Eliot £70
Scarf - Alice Temperley £70
Bag - Louis Vuitton £550

Slightly obsessed with these Current Elliot spotty jeans, they look amazing on and add a little fashion twist to this Luxe basic look. The Parka hangs beautifully, it is not lined but perfect for a stylish Spring look. I am a huge fan of mixing prints, it makes a dress down outfit look interesting. The stripes, spots and animal print scarf elevates this outfit to SS16 with he red bag adding a super luxe pop of colour.

The Weekend Luxe Sporty Look

Cargo Jacket - Sincerely Jules £60
Shirt -
Jeans - Mother £60
Bag - Gucci £100
Trainers - My own Nike Cortez

I am a huge fan of Sincerely Jules on Instagram so it was great to see an item from her collection up close and brand new (with labels). This is the perfect addition to your wardrobe, the cargo jacket is the piece to own this Spring Summer. Mother jeans are possibly the most flattering jeans you can buy, they fit to perfection and these particular ones are the perfect summer wash. The little Gucci is just cool..

The Dressed Down Going Out Look

Parka - Maje £135
Cashmere Sweater - 360 Sweater
Jeans - MiH Pheobe Slim Jeans £60
Shoes - Gianvito Rossi £135
Bag - Michael Kors £70

A super luxe basic, this silk parka is the Spring jacket of dreams. It looks super glam paired with this 100% cashmere sweater, the Mih jeans and the suede heels. I love the gold bag to add a pop of colour. Drape this jacket over your shoulders when wearing an evening dress for a perfectly cool SS16 look.

Shirt - J Crew £50
Jeans - J Brand £65
Trainers - Selected Femme £40
Bag - Anya Hindmarch £335
Sunglasses - Tom Ford £135

This.bag...totally amazing and unused (with tags). It is a perfect neutral green colour, would look fabulous with pretty much any colour of coat. I do love a shirt and this J Crew shirt sits perfectly on, tuck into your jeans and add a pair of white trainers for a laid back but sophisticated look.

I would buy every single piece on this edit, I do love high end clothes, I just have never had to the money to buy them, now I can as Pre-loved. I seriously have my eye on those spotty jeans and whilst writing this blog have had to stop myself ordering more. I bought a pair of Chloe culottes and J Brand houlihans from EditSecondHand and I worn them both non-stop. There is the added bonus of being able to return if things do not fit (within 7 days see returns policy here) Make sure you check sizes before ordering as there is obviously only one of each item and be quick things go fast!

Are you a fan of the luxe basic look, have you shopped Pre-loved before, as always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time, Frances xxx

*This blog was written in collaboration with EditSecondHand all images, words and opinions are my own, (although I am a regular customer there!)

Earn Your Stripes....

Earn Your Stripes....

Top - M&S £45
Skirt - Navy London (love this one)
Bag - Village England
Trainers - Golden Goose (similar here) 

Style Theory: With the emergence of all things 90s comes the re-emergence of the tracksuit in all it's All Saints glory. 'Never ever' did I think I would be wearing this look again but as a fan of all things comfortable this trend slots perfectly in my wardrobe.

There are a few key ways to work this trend to make it 2016 relevant, here are a few styling ideas..

• Take one item, for instance the stripe track trouser and wear with a tailored top, add a victoriana blouse, a pussybow shirt or silk blouse to juxtapose against the relaxed look of the trousers. Add a pair of trainers (Stan Smiths still rule for me, they look so laid back cool and are unbelievably comfortable) or for an evening out wear pair of mary jane heels (keep footwear low-key)
• When wearing a sports/training jacket wear with distressed boyfriend jeans and add a pair of heels for a night out, leopard print always works well.
• Try mixing a sports jacket with an overly girly skirt, they look great with full length boho style skirts or with a tulle skirt, be brave go for it, it's fun when you wear something a little different. See below the Chloe look..adore this..

Now for the best on the high street..

Topshop Stripe Detail Top

Love the electric blue colour, it will look fab with skinny jeans and trainers for a laid back look. Throw over a boho dress for a SS16 look. 

Topshop Rib Detailed Track Top

A super cool 90s look I love the dark red with the orange tape on the arms. A retro jacket that will be incredibly useful this spring and summer and will add colour to your wardrobe.

M&S Zipped Sports Jacket 

This is the jacket I have, it is quite a subtle take on the track top and I have worn it loads already. Perfect popped over denim dungarees with trainers or layer underneath a navy/black or red coat for a cool look.

Asos Adidas Original Track Top

Going back to the real 90s original, I had this is the 90s at university and wore it all the time. I am tempted to buy again, it looks fab worn quite neat with boyfriend jeans and heels.

Me+Em Luxe Crepe trousers

For me, Me+Em are leading the way this season for side stripe trousers. They are not cheap but tailored beautifully, are super flattering and made with high quality fabric so they fall perfectly. Track bottoms can be fairly unforgiving so I am loving a nod to the trend but in a luxe way. These crepe trousers will look fab with Gucci-esque loafers or with a pair of heels.

Me+Em Side Stripe Trouser

Completely understated, these trousers look fab with trainers, add a victoriana style blouse and a pair of tan sandals for a super cool and slightly edgy going out look. 

Topshop Contrast Piping Jogger

A good basic jogger, I think I would stick with trainers with these joggers and a fine knit, contrast with a pale pink knit for a girly take on this look or with a navy J Crew Tippi style sweater.

Asos Adidas Originals Track Pant

Ok so I obviously would not wear these with a crop top..eek or not sure about the heels with this style. I would stick to trainers and a fine poloneck knit with these now.

Asos Luxe Contrast Side Stripe Jogger

These are a fab, well priced luxe jogger, they will look gorgeous with a blouse and tan sandals, or in the summer loving the look with sliders and an off the shoulder top.

Who knew the 90s would come around again so quickly, I must admit the 90s trend is my comfort zone, so easy to wear and style. I am loving the idea of caps again..or maybe with my 41 year old face maybe I should give them a miss?

Are you a fan of the track top/pant look, will you be dabbling in this trend or do you still have your tops and trousers from the 90s? As always I would love love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxxx 

Something Special for Easter..AND a brilliant discount code!

Something Special for Easter..AND a brilliant discount code!

Gold Bow Bangle £70

Style Theory: Beautiful, delicate, hand made, jewellery in gold and silver at affordable prices...Cabbage White England are all of this and more..

I was delighted to be invited by Kelly Smithson, founder of Cabbage White England to her studio to find out a little more about the jewellery making process, what inspires her designs and the Cabbage White England ethos along with lots of coffee and generally good old chat! Kelly is an accomplished silversmith with a real passion for beautiful jewellery and a fabulous eye for design. Each piece of jewellery is handmade in the UK, Kelly and her team (the lovely Karen), design each piece, finding inspiration from nature. They also scour antique shops and vintage markets for charms which they use as inspiration and handcast in the UK to make each and every piece of jewellery unique. 

Kelly hand-making a beautiful silver bangle

Me firing a million questions, I loved seeing the jewellery being made..

Each piece is handmade from gold vermeil (high quality gold plated silver) or solid silver, the designs are intricate and delicate. I have been given a 25% off discount code to share with you, just type in fashionlift25 into the code box as you check out online. The jewellery makes the most fabulous Easter gifts, birthday presents or just a little something for yourself as we all deserve a treat every now and again! All jewellery is beautifully packaged in white Cabbage White England boxes, the most precious gift..

Here is my edit of my favourite pieces from the collections..

Double Hoop Necklace £96 (with discount £72)

I have this and completely adore it, it has two lengths you can fasten it with (most of the necklaces do which is fab) wear it by itself or layer it with other fine necklaces, 

Gold Flower Double Hoop Earrings £77 (with discount £57.75)

Completely obsessed with these hoop earrings, Kelly was wearing them when I visited and they look amazing on! I have asked my husband for these for Easter (I don't normally get a present, or an an egg or anything actually but I thought I may ask..you never know!? and I have a code..may appeal?!) 

Gold and Silver Pineapple Necklace £70 (with discount £52.50)

Love a pineapple, this will look amazing in the summer layers with other shorter gold necklaces with a camisole top, a pair of pale blue levis and tan sandals, summer perfection.

Gold Double Farthing Necklace £68 (with discount £51)

This is similar to a necklace Holly Willlougby always wears, I love it, it is the perfect length (has two lengths, I wear the shortest) and was cast from vintage farthing coins. 

Gold Sea Urchin Bangle £88 (with discount £66)

Such a beautiful summer bangle, this was the urchin Kelly's son found on a beach in Greece, they handcast it in the UK, so unusual, a really beautiful bangle.

Gold Love Bird Bangle £125 (with discount £93.75)

This would make the most beautiful anniversary gift, birthday gift. It comes in a thicker bangle (this one or a skinny bangle) Layer with gold bangles for an eyecatching look.

Gold Star Link Bracelet £47 (with discount £35.25)

A beautiful gift for any stars in your life. The open gold star design is stunning and again I would layer this up with lots of gold and silver bangles and bracelets for the summer.

Teapot Skinny Bangle £88 (with discount £66)

So cute and the perfect stacking bangle..

So so many gorgeous pieces and don't forget to use the discount code fashionlift25 to get the discounted prices (I hope my maths is right?!) The code is valid until Easter Sunday.

Thank you to the lovely Kelly and Karen for inviting me to their workshop, I had the most fab, sunny morning, until next time Fran xxxx

*I was gifted the necklaces but under no obligation to write about them, I just love the jewellery and wanted to share it with you and R if you are actually reading this down to the small print..the earrings would be lovely for Easter ;-)

Cargo cool....

Cargo cool....

Style Theory: The cargo trouser, such a solid companion in your wardrobe, year after year cargos are worth their (wearing) weight in gold. Dress up, dress down, the perfect neutral colour; match with brights, with animal prints, with metallics anything goes with this versatile item..

This year, with the 90s being big news in the fashion world, in true 'All Saints' style, your cargos are not only restricted to daytime wear, wear with heels and a blouse, yes the look is back but first let's have a look at the best cargos on the high street now...

Topshop Peg Trousers £42

These trousers are the perfect dress up, dress down item. The fabric is textured and is flattering on, pair with a breton and stan smiths for the daytime, dress up with tan heels and a pale pink shirt for a beautiful evening look.

Zara Cargo Trousers £29.99

A good, basic pair of trousers at an affordable price. I like the slouchy look, size up for a slouchier look and I am not sure if it is just me (and the winter extra pounds) but Zara seems to be coming up fairly small so I find I am wearing a size up this year..maybe it is time to get exercising I would love to hear if you have found the same?

Zara Cargo Trousers £39.99

Quite J Brand Houlihan in style, these trousers are perfect with an oversize knit and trainers for a cool weekend look, size up your sweater to ensure it is a slouchy fit over these trousers.

J Brand £230

These are pricey but I am a huge fan of J Brand trousers and jeans, they keep their shape amazingly, are super flattering and as cargo pants are such a perennial trend it is worth investing in them. The detailing on these is stunning, they are cut to slim you and the fabric is so comfortable to wear.

J Crew - Chinos £62 (now reduced)

These are under the chino category more than the cargo trouser but they basically do the same thing and these ones are beautifully flattering across the tummy at they are flat fronted. They look equally great turned up with trainers as will heels. For a going out look at a silk shirt and layered fine gold necklaces for a cool, chic look.

Mango £29.99

As above but at a slightly cheaper price, the perfect summer work trousers that can be used at the weekend too.

Gap £31.96

These girlfriend chinos look just the right balance between fitted and loose, they skim over your curves. They will look lovely in the summer with tan flat sandals and a white lace victoriana style top, sling a biker jacket over the top to toughen the look up.

My Style

I do love a cargo look, I bought the Topshop ripped knee ones last year, unfortunately every time I move they rip more, it turns out you need a more robust fabric if you are to have rips at the knee..

Old season

old season

So are you are cargo/chino fan? Are you ready to go back to the 90s or was it the 00s with the cargo heel look, I was so into that trend..reckon I'll give it a go again..a bit older, a bit chubbier but what the hell!! 

As always I would love love to hear your thoughts and comments. Also would love to hear what this website is like on your computer, it seems to be small on some ok on others? I need to try to sort it out so it is easy to read (I think the font may still to too small) would really appreciate any feedback so I can make it reader friendly!

Thank you so much, have a wonderful weekend, I am off out with University friends in town this evening for an engagement (soo exciting) and a couple of 40ths always the best fun but always a dangerous mix, I will no doubt be horrendously hungover tomorrow, I am scared already I cannot handle hangovers anymore! 

Until next time, Fran xxxx

All That Glitters...

All That Glitters...

Style Theory: As the weather turns a little warmer and the sun shows it's face my love of gold grows..I love a splash of a gold accessory in the Spring and Summer months, it feels indulgent, super luxe and adds a little sparkle to my day to day looks..

The easiest way to add gold to your outfit is with accessories, gold can be classed as a neutral when building a look so anything goes. A gold bag or shoes look fab with a completely dressed down outfit, a breton and boyfriend jeans, add a gold pair of shoes and suddenly your look is elevated to something special.

Here are the best gold buys on the high street now..

Asos Leather Shopping Bag £32

This is a fab price for real leather, although unlined it still looks gorgeous. It would make a fab bag for slinging all the kids gear in or carrying a spare of shoes (I always carry a pair of heels if I am going to a meeting as I always wear trainers to walk anywhere!) 

Aldo @Asos Brogues £55

Love love these shoes, they are reminiscent of the Chanel gold loafers I was obsessing about last year. Gorgeous with ankle length jeans and a grey sweater, keep the rest of your outfit casual let the shoes do the talking.

Superga £55

The trainer of the summer, these rose gold Supergas are a slightly toned down gold and look super luxe with sunkissed legs, add a pair of denim shorts and a denim shirts with rose gold fine jewellery for a cool look.

Topshop £59

The shoe of the season, the 'glove' or 'granny' shoe is an acquired taste but do look fabulous on. Wear with ankle length jeans a stripe shirt for a grown up fashion twist on your 'going out' look.

Editsecondhand Michael Kors bag £70

Cute, butter soft leather pre-love Michael Kors bag from Editsecondhand, unused and with labels, perfect for an evening out.

Now for a few gold pieces of clothing on the high street..

Hush Sequin Top £150

Expensive but in the flesh so beautiful, Wear now under a cream cardigan with jeans and a pair of Stan Smith trainers, for evening dress up with a jacket, boyfriend jeans and leopard print heels.

Boden Glitter Spot Breton £34.50

Love, love this top, a beautiful twist on a breton, the gold spots add a fab extra dimension, pair with this seasons's must have, cargos (yes they are back) and a pair of leopard print heels for a laid back Spring going out look. Just add trainers for a daytime outfit.

Zara £69.99

Gorgeous muted pink bomber with gold embroidery, the perfect Spring bomber jacket.

M&S £49.50

This skirt does look fabulous on, it is fairly slim on the hips and flares out beautifully. Wear with a grey marl t-shirt and black/metallic green heels.

The Luxe Purchase..

Gucci Marmont Loafers £540

I bought these in the lower heel version, a truly extravagant purchase (birthday money and vouchers and a little bit of credit card..oops) but I just fell in love with them, practical no, beautiful yes! Not for everyone but I just love love them!!

Dress Self Portrait £245

Dress ME & Em old (similar here)

I will be wearing the shoes with dungarees for evenings out and at any given opportunity!

Are you a fan of gold, have you got many gold items lurking in your wardrobe kept for 'best' only, if so wear them this spring to add some luxe to your look! As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx