Your Essential Guide to the Black Friday Sales

Bella Freud £385 (take 20% off at Selfridges with code SELFCCE)

Style Theory: The madness has started, the discounts are being thrown at us..here are a few of the best discounts and the items I have my eye on........

Selfridges  - 20% off Christmas shopping with code SELFCCE

&Other Stories - 50% off selected items - click this link 

&Other Stories was £95 now £48

LaRedoute - 40% off with code BLACKFRIDAY

La Redoute £59 (take 40% off with code BLACKFRIDAY)

Asos - 20% off with the code - GOGOGO

ASOS WHITE - £95 (20% off with code GOGOGO)

Topshop - 50% off selected lines 

Topshop - was £69 now £51.75

All Saints - 30% off everything with code CYBER

All Saints £148 (take 30% off using code CYBER)

Whistles - 20% off selected lines

Whistles was £95 now £71.25

Mango 20% off everything with code BLACK 

Mango £89.99 (20% off with code BLACK at checkout)

Marks and Spencer - Gifting weekend up to 50% off 

Marks and Spencer - Rosie for Autograph pjs were £35 now £24.50

Boden - 30% off plus free shipping and returns - code on website F6P8

Boden - £34.50 (with 30% off with code F6P8)

OFFICE - 20% off + free uk delivery 

Vans £64.99 20% off with code WONDER

Avenue 32 - 30% off selected items

Jerome Dreyfuss @Avenue 32 £690 (take 30% off at checkout)

Laura Ashley 30% off all Home and fashion

Laura Ashley Pineapple Lamp was £120 now £57.50

 John Lewis Price Matching all Black Friday deals

Jaeger Wool Cashmere Coat 25% off now £262.50

Very Exclusive UK 25% off selected brands 

Whistles @Very Exclusive UK was £170 now £127.50

Furla Bag was £540 now £405

Good luck and Happy Shopping!! Fran xxxx

My 5 Luxury Capsule Wardrobe Items...

Style Theory: I have been challenged by Miele to choose five capsule wardrobe items, clothes that I will wear again and again and wash again and again. I tend to invest slightly more on the items that will be the building blocks of my wardrobe, they must be timeless, well made and see me through season to season. Cashmere, wool, beautifully tailored pieces make the grade and I have also picked a 'hero' item my Bella Freud sweater below. Due to the delicate nature of these fabrics they are far too often relegated to the bottom of the wash basket with the never ending cycle of uniforms, towels, underwear and sports kits now taking priority over handwash only cashmere and silks (ie - the kids clothes vs any of my nice things!) 

So in the answer to my washing prayers Miele have developed a washing machine Miele W1 and drier Miele T1 that makes the unwashable, washable...woohooo..and I am putting it to the test..

So lets start with the 'Luxury Capsule Wardrobe'..

Bella Freud £280

I have been longing for this Bella Freud 1970 jumper for ages. I adore the striking red and know that this is one of those sweaters that I will wear all the year through. It looks fab with my everyday uniform of jeans or dungarees and trainers and in the summer I will wear with denim shorts and trainers..this jumper is so expensive and HAS to last... It is 100% wool and yep, it will go in the Miele W1 machine..

Cos £55

A white shirt is an absolute must have and this Cos one looks gorgeous on. The collar sits beautifully, I like a shirt to sit open but the collars not sit flat out (john Travolta style) I like them to stay in the position they should be in (clear as mud?!) This shirt looks great with a few bottons undone and a few fine gold necklaces, preppy but grown up. It is a bright white colour, I cannot wear a white shirt if it looks in anyway grey - so I am hoping this will wash and come out just as white time and time again..

J Brand £215

Next is jeans...I have these J Brand jeans in the blue denim colourway and have worn them non stop. I did have a massive gap in my wardrobe for a pair of black jeans as all of mine have faded to a chalky, grey colour. These crop kick flare ankle length jeans look great with heels and trainers and ankle boots in the winter. A good pair of black jeans can take you from smart to casual so easily, these flatter and hold everything in, the kick flare balances out my hips and thighs creating a flattering silhouette.

Cos £59

The ultimate indulgence, a cashmere scarf, this pink powder one is so beautiful. It looks great with my camel and green winter coats. The perfect travelling companion to wrap around you and make you feel super snuggly..and yes this can go in the Miele machine too..

H&M £29.99

This is my trend buy, it is a jumper I will wear loads this season and wash again and again, an angora mix, I am interested to see how this looks after a wash in the Miele W1.

Zara £69.99

I am completely loving velvet this season and as a black blazer is a capsule must have this Zara jacket is just perfect. It can be so easily dressed down worn over a tee, with jeans and trainers or wear over a dress with heels. The sleeves are bracelet length and pre-ruched to give them a stylish twist.

The velvet jacket completes my luxury capsule collection selection, all these items can be washed in the Miele W1 machine and I will be drying them in the Miele T1. I am known in my family as having the ability to shrink the most washing machine friendly items so I am, with trepidation, interested to see how all these items wash. I have been using the Miele W1 washing machine and Miele T1 tumble drier for the last few weeks (on my normal washing) and I can confirm I absolutely love them. They are both so easy to use, have a touch screen that is simple, lights when you open it, you can stop the washing machine mid cycle to add the random socks I always drop on the way to the kitchen. The washing comes out pristinely clean thanks to the Twindos system that keeps the liquid in the machine and disperses the exact amount the washing requires. The drier is fast, has a huge drum and stops when it detects your washing is dry. Along with the addition of steam pumped into the washing so no ironing is required. They are both amazing, honestly, honestly!!

I will let you know how I get on with 'washing the unwashable' my family and friends have already asked if they can bring their cashmere around to mine to wash! How sad that this excites me so much but it really does!

Updates on Instagram and Instagram stories...

And I have a 20% off code for you to use CRV5QWZNV6

I would love to know what you would buy for your luxury capsule wardrobe? Do you have a Miele machine, what do you think of it?

Until next time Fran xxx

Cosy, Winter Knits to keep you Snuggly Warm

All images above via Pinterest 

Style Theory: It is getting so much colder, I am yearning for cosy, oversize sweaters to snuggle in to, the warmest boots and sumptuous cashmere scarves. Here is a quick run down of my favourite snuggly but still super stylish knits on the high street now...

All Saints £178

This is the cosiest, softest, pink jumper. It is slightly higher at the front than the back so looks fab tucked in to jeans (as above) I love a pale pink sweater with light blue jeans and trainers, it looks chic but cool.

Topshop £39

Because everyone needs a pop of colour on rainy, dull days, just add jeans and trainers..

Me+Em £149

I have this merino cashmere jumper and I literally want to live it in all winter. It is perfect paired with faux leather leggings as it covers up your bottom and looks flattering on.

&Other Stories £45

This is one of those sweaters that just works with everything. I tried it on and it looked fab (one for payday) Because it is a-line at the bottom it sticks out making hips look thinner in skinny jeans and the high neck is super flattering. This is definitely on my Christmas list.

La Redoute £59 (40% off with code BLACKFRIDAY)

I have been looking at this sweater for a while after seeing on Alex The Frugality and Lindsey Ropes of Holland - it is such a fab chunky knit and with 40% off, well why not?!

H&M £29.99

Love the lace trim at the bottom of this sweater, it would look fab with blue skinny jeans and stan smiths. Any sweater that goes out at the bottom is going to flatter hips and the top of the legs and cover a tummy - those jumpers are most definitely my friends!!

Zara £25.99

So I am not normally a fan of chenille (indulged too much in it in the 90s) but the sleeves on this stopped me in my tracks, it is gorgeous, in fact I love the whole outfit, so much, it looks amazing. One to try on I think, although I fear I may look a little sausage in sausage skin in the trousers but I am willing to give them a try..I will let you know how I get on!

Zara £17.99

So believe it or not this reasonable little jumper (or more a thick top) looks amazing on, If you tuck it in to jeans, blouse it out it does the whole bell sleeve trend without buying into it too heavily, and if you dip your sleeve into your food it is pretty easy to wash ;-)

Hush £80

The cutest, cosiest jumper, another sweater I put on immediately in the morning for the schoolrun it is like a hug in a jumper and it sparkles!

Boden £99

There is something so luxurious about a winter white jumper, it looks amazing with a camel coat, sophisticated and understated and so so Christmassy!

Are you stocked up on winter warmers yet? I must admit I did indulge and buy a pair of UGGs.. they are my absolute guilty secret, I just love love the comfort and ease of them for the school run (in dry weather only obvs) My little sister will now disown me as she has a complete aversion to them, but seriously they are great to slip on in a manic rush, no socks needed, skinny jeans, jumper (any of the above!) and a parka and I am cosy whilst hurrying the kids up to school..

Have you found any beautiful knits on the high street this season, I am so desperate to learn to knit so I can knit myself a few chunky sweaters..one day I will!! As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments until next time Fran xxx

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