Chic, low key Partywear looks with Hush..

Style Theory: There is something about an all black partywear look that I love, it is perfectly low key at the same time as looking effortlessly stylish. A trouser look or jumpsuit creates a comfortable party look without having to spend hours prepping yourself before - my kind of of outfit.

This year Hush have nailed this look, mixing luxe with laid back, creating the most beautiful and flattering collection of separates and dresses to make you stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. The good news is the items will last you well beyond the party season, when the sequins and sparkles are a distant champagne fuelled memory, these looks will see you through to the those brighter spring evenings and hazy summer days. I am a huge fan of investing in pieces that work hard for me in my wardrobe, items I can wear time and time again and these Hush items below will see you elegantly through the seasons year after year. 

This jumpsuit is one of those items you put on and smile immediately, incredibly flattering and comfortable, it is cut beautifully to skim the body and hide any lumps and bumps. It is the perfect item to dress up with heels, a velvet jacket and fine gold jewellery for a Christmas party, laid back drinks at friend's or a snuggly Christmas evening at the pub. It looks dressed up and chic without looking overdressed. Or dress down for the weekend with trainers and a camel coat for a beautiful winter shopping outfit or under a parka for a day with the kids. The soft, lightweight, drapey fabric is so easy to wear, I am wearing a size 10 and would say it was true to size. In the summer, roll up the sleeves to just below the elbow and a pair of flat tan strappy sandals - the perfect summer evening look.

Jumpsuit - Hush £75

Leather Biker Jacket - Hush £280

Bag - LK Bennett

Shoes - Dune (old Season)

I love it paired with the leather biker, the leather is outstanding, buttery soft but still a substantial weight that keeps you warm. It is better worn neat (size down I am wearing a size 6 so it definitely comes up generous) and it hits my waist at just the right point to ensure a flattering silhouette. A real investment piece that you will not regret, it looks worth every penny and will look amazing on cooler summer evenings over a white tee and denim shorts and flat sandals..the perfect piece to take you through every season seamlessly.

Jumper - Hush £149

Trousers - Hush £69

Faux Fur Jacket - £200

Clutch Bag - Wallis

Shoes - Dune (Old season)

When it comes to separates, a jumper and trousers are my favourite pieces to dress up or dress down. This embroidered jumper has been a stand out piece in my winter wardrobe this season. I love it with the trousers but have also worn it with my jeans and black boots or my pleated gold skirt for evenings out with friends. It is one of those jumpers you reach for time and time again as not only does it look gorgeous on, it is the most comfy item to wear. I paired it with a nude vest top so the embroidery could be seen in the photos (this is how I would wear for a daytime look) but for a evening look pair I have been wearing it with a black lace body or black vest top. I am wearing medium but could easily wear a small. 

The 'Thea' trousers are a complete revelation, peg leg in shape with a super subtle elasticated waist and pockets, they are unbelievably comfortable and utterly chic, the perfect going out trousers and you can eat in them! Pair with a silk shirt for a loungy look and pile up the fine gold jewellery. I fell in love with the Hush 'Dream Fur Jacket' at first sight, so luxurious, undeniably over the top but oh so much fun to wear. Definitely a statement piece and one that will wow your friends on a night out...

Here are a few other pieces that caught my eye from Hush's partywear collection..

What are you favourite partywear looks? Are you a fan of the dressed down/dressed up look? As long as I am half dressed down I am always, without fail, comfortable at any event..are you the same as me or do you like to go all out dressed up? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx

Effortless Christmas Style for Casual Get Togethers

Top- Monsoon
Cardigan - American Vintage (old season)
Jeans - Donna Aida Jaeger
Shoes - Zara
Bag - LK Bennett

Style Theory: How to look 'dressed up' without 'dressing up', even if I say so myself this is without a doubt my forte. Having self-confessed FOBO (fear of being overdressed) I love looking like I have made an effort but being super comfortable at the same time. There are are few simple outfit formulas to ensure that every outfit has a hint of dressed up with a whole load of dressed down..

So starting with adding a touch of silver or gold sparkle to your look for a laid back dressed up outfit. Here are my rules and some pieces I have bought- with all of these ideas just add your favourite pair of jeans whether they be slouchy boyfriend, crop kick flares or straight leg, they will all work with the pieces below...

The slouchy jumper and sparkly shoes combo just works..I love a slouchy jumper, add a few fine gold necklaces if it has a low neck or stack some gold bangles up and add a pair of small gold hoop earrings..

For an evening out - starting off with some gold tones....

HUSH £85

I have this sweater, it is so cosy and comfy, feels like I am wearing a huge hug. I sized up to medium for a cosy, slouchy look.

Wyse Cashmere Sweater £180

Another one of my favourite jumpers, pure indulgence but feels amazing on, I love wearing it on a night out with my gold shoes.

Topshop Luxe Sequin Jumper £60

Seriously 80s, but so appealing, it does the whole winter/Christmas sequin look for you just add your jeans and trainers (below)

Add slouchy jeans and a pair of Gold shoes, boots or Trainers..

Topshop £69

Topshop are on fire for footwear at the moment, love these shoes, add a pair of sparkly gold socks for extra warmth and comfort..go on, it looks good!!

H&M £29.99

A little inexpensive boot indulgence, my sister has these, they look amazing and are such a good price, not leather but do a good 'gold boot' job.

Asos £65

Adore these trainers, I have been wanting the black ones for years but now these have come along I think they have won my heart. Perfect with skinny ankle length jeans and one of the jumpers above.

Silver Winners...

&Other Stories £65

Just adore this sweater so so much, looks amazing on (I tried it see below) this is without a doubt on my Christmas list..just add jeans and silver or navy shoes below.

or slightly more toned down with this subtly sparkly sweater..

&Other Stories £65

Or in black with silver sparkles..

&Other Stories £65

Without a doubt the perfect subtle sparkle jumper, a long slouchy length so would look great with ankle length jeans or ankle length leather leggings with the silver shoes below..

Topshop £49

Topshop £69

Fabulous boots that will sit perfectly under crop kick flare jeans.

I love adding a little sparkle into my 'going out' outfits whilst keeping the look pretty low key. Being comfortable is so important so a sweater, jeans and statement shoes never fails for me.

Next time I will be looking at the best 'dressy' jackets, perfect for dressing up a super basic look of T-shirt, jeans and boots. Are you a fan of the low key look or do you like going for it and dressing up head to toe? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, until next time, Fran xx

The Dream Camel Coat from Jaeger

Style Theory: I have wanted a camel coat for years, in fact, since my first 'proper' job in PR at 22. I did buy one from a market, it was £20 and to be honest, it looked like it was worth a lot less. I have pinned hundreds of photos of camel coat looks on Pinterest and tried so many on but they have always been not quite right. That was until I tried this Jaeger one on in their new Marylebone store.

Coat - Jaeger Wool Cashmere Boyfriend Coat £350

Top - Jaeger Laboratory double Faced Knit Top £125

Trousers - Jeager Flannel Pocket Trousers £110

Shoes - Gucci

Bag - Furla

It is the most beautiful wool cashmere mix, it is a true investment piece but will last you year after year and the fabric and the cut are exceptional. It is simple and and completely in proportion - I cant do oversized or big collars as I am too small so this coat works perfectly for me. I teamed it with autumnal colours, a gorgeous deep red wool top from Jaeger's edge Laboratory range and the coolest, most comfy flannel trousers from Jaeger's range, keeping the look completely classic but knowing that all the different elements of the outfit would look good dressed down.

I love the idea of the camel coat with dark red New Balance trainers, the trousers with a slouchy knit and my Stan Smiths and the dark red wool top with boyfriend jeans and heels. Each part of the outfit a stand out piece and all items that will work hard for me in my wardrobe.

If you are in the Marylebone High Street area or even if you are shopping on Oxford Street and don't normally venture Marylebone way it really worth making the 8 minute walk (from Selfridges) up to Marylebone and checking out the gorgeous boutiques and the new Jaeger store. There so many fab cafes too and it just less manic than Oxford Street, more a relaxing amble than being pushed along with the crowds.

Jaeger Store 12 Marylebone High St, W1U 4NR

All Photos by Victoria Metaxas

There were so many pieces in the store that caught my eye, from buttery soft leather gloves to a cool pinstripe top and trouser look to the most wonderful teddy fur coat. My Nana who always dressed in the most glamorous way always wore Jaeger camel coat and it makes me feel nostalgic  and happy (she was an extra special warm fabulous lady) that now I have one too......

Have you invested in a winter coat? What style /colour has caught your eye recently? Have you popped into a Jaeger recently, it is really worth a little nosey around...

As always thank you so much for reading, until the next time Fran xxx

*This post was written in collaboration with Jaeger, all opinions and styling are my own and I just adore the coat more than words can say!

Partywear..my way with Debenhams

Style Theory: What to wear to a Christmas party?? If you are like me you will want to wear 'the party dress' but calm the whole party look down with some dressed down accessories to ground your look. Partywear can be scary, it can conjure up images of sparkles, sequins, heels and fur stoles all.at.once - this strikes fear in me, I like to be dressed up with a heavy balance of dressed down. 

Debenhams asked me to style up a few of their AW16 partywear styles, a mix of designers at Debenhams and some high street brands available at Debenhams online. The dresses and jumpsuits are gorgeous and just needed a little toughening up with biker jackets and boots to bring them into my comfort zone and make me feel completely party ready...

Dress - Preen/Edition @Debenhams £75 (20% off now £60)
Leather Biker Jacket-Nine by Savannah Miller @Debenhams £250 (30% off now£175)
Shoes - Faith @Debenhams £55

It is so lovely be able to have a Preen dress in your wardrobe with a high street price tag. This dress is pure velvet luxury, it has a ruched front (great for hiding a tummy) and ruched at the back - to create the illusion of a Kim K butt! It can be worn with or without the straps, whichever suits better, I wore without and the sweetheart neckline is super flattering, it is kind of Nigella Lawson at Christmas which I love!!

The leather jacket - Nine by Savannah Miller is the best I have ever tried on, it is quite a heavy leather that keeps you warm and feels really substantial. It fits perfectly, a neat but comfortable fit that is both flattering and works perfectly to toughen up this season's dresses. I can imagine this look with a pair of Chloe Susanna-esque boots as well as these dainty leopard mix heels..so many options and not a spangle in sight!

Dress - Butterfly by Matthew Williamson @Debenhams £250 (20% off now £200)
Boots - J by Jasper Conran @Debenhams £75 
Clutch bag - Wallis £25

The colours on this heavily embroidered dress are beautifully eyecatching, It is fairly pricey but the detail is beautiful. I am, albeit very recently, into the boot/dress combo, granted it is not as flattering on legs as high heels but I think it gives the look an edge, a more dressed down A/W16 vibe. 

Jumpsuit - Red Herring £45
Shoes - Faith @Debenhams £55

Pyjama dressing gets my vote this season, there is literally nothing as comfortable, what is better than going to a Christmas party in your pjs?! And this jumpsuit is a pretty gorgeous take on the pyjama trend, fits slightly on the small side (I sized up one size) the tapered trousers are super flattering, pair with heels to dress up and party till late..

Dress - Red Herring @Debenhams £59 - avail online soon
Boots - J by Jasper Conran @Debenhams £75 
Jacket - Nine by Savannah Miller @Debenhams £65 (30% off making it £45)

Super duper sparkly, you cannot get more Christmas than a pink sequin dress, throw a khaki jacket over the top to ground the look and add a pair of dark red boots to add depth and voila a laid back party outfit...

Dress - Principles by Ben De Lisi £60 (20% off now £48)
Shoes - Faith pink court heels £39

A classic red dress, that flatters and is incredibly easy to wear. I paired it with pink court shoes to clash the colours and add some extra interest, add fine gold jewellery for a simple but showstopping look at a reasonable price.

Photos by Victoria Metaxas 

Which is your favourite look, do you go bold when it comes to partywear or are you like me and prefer to dress it down a little? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx

This blogpost was written in collaboration with Debenhams, all styling and opinions are my own

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