HUSH - How I styled my Favourite Items from the Brand New Pre-Spring Collection

Style Theory: The brand new Hush 'Transitional range' has launched online and like all Hush clothes the key pieces will not be around for long. Colour is seeping beautifully into the collection with soft peaches, muted greys and touches of gold along with my favourite, the lightning logo, - a nod to Bowie and an interesting twist to add to my tired looking winter wardrobe.

Now is the perfect time to buy a few items that will see you through from winter into spring and then onto summer and finally into Autumn. For now, when you are shopping, think of key pieces you can layer, that will look great with a faux fur coat or gilet thrown over the top or a giant scarf and then can be worn in the summer with a vest top or lace cami and denim shorts.

The perfect place for me to start was with the 'Hero' piece of the new collection the The Austen Leather jacket in nude. 

Leather Jacket £280

Mini Lightning Bolt Tee £30

Riley Relaxed Trousers £120

Shoes - M&S (old season - similar here)

This jacket is the most beautiful, soft leather I have every worn, it hangs perfectly but is not too heavy like some leather biker jackets can be, sometimes I feel like I am carrying a backpack when i wear a chunky leather jacket but this is the just the right weight of leather. The colour is so flattering on the skin, it kind of gives you a soft lightening effect, illuminating a dull winter complexion. It is a super easy piece to wear, you can layer it now under a camel/khaki coat or with a huge grey scarf wrapped around it and grey poloneck. In the summer I love the idea of this over an ivory silk lace cami, denim shorts and flat leather tan sandals, such a cool, laid back look. I would definitely buy this to fit neatly, it comes up a little on the big side so I would suggest sizing down, you want it to fit perfectly on the shoulders.

The Mini Lightning Bolt T-shirt is fab, it is cut well and has the cutest lightning print in gold at the front, this can be worn with everything from jeans, to frilled skirts to khaki slouchy trousers in the summer.

The Riley Relaxed trousers are light, comfortable (with an elasticated waist) and no matter what you do to them, roll them up in a ball, shove them in a bag they do not crease. They will look fab in the summer with a black camisole, black leather jacket and trainers. They do come up a little big so you may need to size down.

Lightning Bolt Sweatshirt £50

Boyfriend Jeans £79

Shoes - Nine West (old season - similar here)

Clutch bag - M&S (old season - similar here)

I do love a sweatshirt, I literally live in them from wearing one everyday on the schoolrun to wearing them on a night out with a pair of jeans and heels, they basically cover all basis and you definitely can get your money's worth out of them. This Lightning Bolt Sweatshirt ticks all the boxes for me, a relaxed oversize fit with an eyecatching gold lightning bolt at the front. It is perfect for throwing over gym gear but equally I love it with my leopard print heels and these perfectly slouchy boyfriend jeans for going out..

Photos by Victoria Metaxas

The Boyfriend jeans are the best I have tried on for ages, the perfect light wash that will look great in the summer, super slouchy - although again I would tend to size down as I am wearing and 10 (my normal size) but they do give a little so if you can bear wearing them a little tight at the beginning they will loosen up to the ideal fit. I love a huge turn up, it looks cool with heels and I like showing a little ankle - as I am fairly small I find this length the most flattering. The pockets on the back are super flattering on the bottom, easy to wear and cool.

There are a few other Transitional pieces that caught my eye and are now on my shopping list...

Joanie Sweat Top £50

Because I loved Happy Days and logo sweaters rule...

Lightning Bolt Tee £30

Edgy, cool and such a useful tee, wear now with ankle length skinny jeans and trainers, in the summer pair with your shorts.

Harriett Star Jumper £85

A Hush classic, these super soft knits are a weekend must have, throw on with jeans and trainers for a chic but super comfy look.

Carpenter Denim Jacket £70

The denim jacket is making a welcome return this Spring/Summer. This has a cool retro look and is a fab colour (it is not as patchy in real life as it looks in this photo) Wear layered under a parka or jacket now and in the summer pair with slouchy khaki trousers and a tee or wear over dresses, the perfect Spring jacket.

Riviera Jumpsuit £85
Leopard Shoes £170

Both the jumpsuit and shoes get my vote. The jumpsuit would look great worn now with knee high, 70's style, tan boots and a black biker jacket and in the summer with high tan sandals. The shoes are a wardrobe essential, as leopard print is now considered a neutral colour they will go with pretty much every outfit and be the ultimate in comfort too..

Onyx Leather Jacket £280

Because everyone needs a fabulous black leather biker jacket in their wardrobe, perfect for toughening up all those SS17 floral dresses.

Lightning Bolt Necklace £19

Love love love this necklace, it sits high on the neck and is just super cool, on my shopping list as it is just the perfect length and style.

So many fabulous pieces, I love a new season and these transitional pieces will take you through the year, buy quick Hush don't produce loads of each style (which is fab as you wont see 10 people wearing the same as you) and I have had my eye on a jumper before and it has sold out in a flash!! Now all we need is a tiny bit more sun and maybe a little warmth..ahhh just imagine, roll on spring. 

Spotlight on &Other Stories

&Other Stories

Style Theory: &Other Stories is looking good at the moment, I have spent many evenings stalking the website and have bought a few pieces over the last few weeks that I completely love. They excel in knitwear, do pretty amazing dresses and their shoes and trainers are gorgeous as are their bags and accessories. 

Here is my round up of my favourite things....

Frilled Merino Wool Knit £55

I have this jumper and love it. It is fine merino wool and really comfortable to wear, a twist on the basic grey jumper but equally as useful. I sized up to a medium as I like my knitwear to be generous especially around my tummy.

Frilled Merino Wool Knit £55

Loving the pink too, the frills look gorgeous in this colour, they seem to be a little bigger on this colour than on the grey which I love..

Suede Bag £65

I have been eyeing up this bag for a while, it looks amazing with grey (see the top image) and fab with pink. It is a great size, doesn't fit loads in but perfect for a purse, phone and keys - all I normally carry in my bags these days! 

Wool Sweater £39

A great colour and the perfect building block to a Spring wardrobe. This jumper will be as good now with a camel coat, jeans and boots as with a pair of denim shorts and white pumps in the summer.

Cashmere Knit Sweater £95

There is nothing better than a pale blue cashmere jumper and a tan, I love this colour with pale blue ankle length jeans in the summer and simple white trainers (supergas or these Stan smiths )

Wide Collar Sweater £45

This sweater sits beautifully on the neck and hips. The fabric is thick so it sits out against hips and with a pair of skinny jeans gives the illusion of a smaller bottom half. Dressing is all about proportions and this jumper is a basic that will flatter and look good with everything from jeans to tulles skirts to cigarette trousers for work.

Neon Knit £55

Sometimes your wardrobe just requires a bright sunshiney knit..this one is perfect, fling on with jeans wear with dark green parka at the moment in the summer clash up with jeans and pink trainers.

Dandelion Dress £65

This dress looks amazing styled as above with ankle boots to give it an edgy look. The perfect dress to take you from winter in spring into summer, in summer wear with tan heels..stunning. It does come up a little small so you may have to size up.

Frilled Black Dress £69

This is one of those easy throw on dresses with this season's must have 'the frill'!

Pearl Embroidered Dress £125

I nearly bought this last year and wish I had, it is fabulously 80s, insanely flattering (especially around the tummy area) It is one of those 'go to' dresses you can pull out of the cupboard for any party that will make you feel and look fabulous.

Leather Chelsea Boots £95

Gorgeous Acne style boots for a fraction of the price..

Suede Chelsea Boots £95

And in suede the perfect Spring boots..

Studded Chelsea Boots £125

These are amazing, look great with ankle length jeans and a black frill blouse - a fab going out look.

Stan Smiths £80

These are my favourite trainers at the moment, they are on my wish list for Spring. They are an almost painted leather and I love the pale pink details at the back. With tanned ankles these will look amazing.

Adidas Gazelle £80

These are the perfect white trainers for Spring, the rubber sole adds the perfect dimension, wear with pale blue ankle length jeans, a white broderie anglaise blouse and a biker jacket..a gorgeous look for Spring.

Flower Bucket Bag £95

The most gorgeous bucket bag, so many designer-esque features for a not so designer price.

Leather and Suede Bag £89

You cannot underestimate how useful a navy bag is, it immediately matches with darker denim jeans so you can go crazy with colours of shoes, tops and jacket or coat.

Love Gold Studs £17

So cute, these are gorgeous..

Crescent Moon Necklace £17

A gorgeous gift for a friend or for you, a perfect January pick me up!

So there is my shopping list for &Other Stories, sometimes shops just get it right other seasons they miss it, this season they are getting it right..now to ebay some things so I can get shopping!

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 

Gingham ruffles...

Images via Pinterest

Style Theory: It may be forecast snow and baltic outside but in my head I am looking ahead to sunnier times. I love the ruffles designer Caroline Constas created on all her clothes, now the style is starting to filter down to the high street so we can buy the look at the fraction of the price. Starting with frilled, gingham skirts my new obsession..

Asos £34

I have just ordered this skirt, love the look of it, uneven hems are going to be a big trend this summer as are ruffles so I wanted to get this before it sold out. For now I will wear it with a black cashmere sweater.. love the one below

Boden £99.50

And a pair of heeled ankle boots..these ones look amazing on..

&Other Stories £145

and a leather biker jacket..

River Island £100

in the summer wear with a white tee shirt, a Levis denim jacket (see below)

Levis at Asos reduced to £51

and some tan strappy sandals - I love these one although they are on the more expensive end of the spectrum..

Ancient Greek Sandals £140

Quite minimalistic but look so so chic on tanned feet.

A few more gingham skirts to choose from..

Asos £32

Loving the red, beautiful for the summer.

M&S - Skirt £35 (will be in stores in March)

This skirt caught my eye at the M&S SS17 Press show, it looks beautiful in the flesh, generous frills and a fab length.

Topshop Boutique £90

This is a less 'frou frou' option, probably be more flattering over hips..

Definitely a style of skirt that will popping up throughout the summer and into the Autumn so worth jumping on now... I have ordered the Asos one I will let you know how it looks on,

Until next time Fran xx