Friday 29 May 2015

Spotlight on Marks & Spencer

Style Theory: Marks and Spencer's, tricky to navigate, their online photos are not particularly appealing but dig a little deeper and you will find some amazing, on trend, well priced summer pieces within it's vast collection.
I was in the Marble Arch M&S which undoubtably has the best edit and is one of the easiest of the stores to shop. 

Here is my edit of the pieces that caught my eye:

The Denim Dress

This reminds me of a dress I have always loved that Kylie Minogue wore a few years ago, obvs she looks amazing in it but you can have your own Kylie moment in it...

Love the dress teamed with red sandals, or wear with a victoriana blouse (River Island or Topshop have fab blouses) and of this season's flat strappy shoes or sandals.

The Jumpsuit

M&S Autograph V Neck Jumpsuit £65

Comfortable, made with soft lyocel- type fabric. The trousers have slight harem look. I think this would look best with strappy flat sandals for a cool evening holiday look, add a few gold bangles and some fine gold necklaces for a glamorous look.

The Statement Jumpsuit


Apologies, I cannot find this on the website but there were plenty of these jumpsuits in store, and cleverly I did not take a note of the price so all in all not very helpful but I did like it and when it appears online I will let you know, if not check out instore. I love the flared look of this jumpsuit, it is fairly long so shorties like me would have to wear with quite high heels. Great for a wedding or evening holiday outfit. Wear with fine gold jewellery and platform tan sandals for a 70s vibe.

The Suede Look Dress
M&S Limited Dress £49.50 (today £36.90)
Suede is having a moment and I was drawn to this grey/taupe suedette dress. I think it would look better on if I had fake tanned a little..not sure what do you think?!

This was a size 6 so farrr too small check out the bulging biceps (eek) I think in a size up this would work.

The Suede Skirt of the Season. 
M&S Suede Skirt £199
There were plenty of these left in store and all sizes available online today. It is a gorgeous suede and fabulous cut but more suited to the taller willowy lady, both of which I am not so I put this one back happily. However I have seen it styled fabulously on Instagram so if it suit your shape it will last season after season. The fact there are lots still available online and instore..maybe M&S has outpriced itself on this one? lets see if there are any left in the sale, may suddenly be so much more appealing..

The Frayed Ankle Length Jeans 
These are the jean shape of the season, slightly flared, ankle length with frayed edge. I promptly purchased these jeans as they are so easy to dress up or down. A word of warning size down, I had to go down two sizes and they are still a little big!

The Sandals
Shoes are an area that M&S excel in year after after, I love their collection of non -expensive, trend based designs. These sandals have jewels, are comfortable and a reasonable price..perfect. The jewels are super sparkly and the straps hit your ankle at a super flattering point. I can no longer see these online but again have a little look in store as there were plenty in my local M&S.

The Heels 
Brought to my attention by the queen of cool shoes PoppysStyle. I have just ordered these as I need a mid heel lace up shoe to wear with my last years M&S spotty dress for my daughters communion on Saturday. I am hoping these will work, I will let you know via Instagram (@Schoolrunmum)

There is a little round up of what has caught my eye in M&S obviously their underwear collection is still amazing! What is your opinion of M&S are you a fan or do walk in and walk out if it as it can be pretty tricky to shop...oooo I have so many ideas of how to improve it!! Until next time Frances xx

Monday 25 May 2015

The Ultimate and Affordable Summer Wardrobe Wishlist...

Style Theory: Over the past few months I have been compiling my Summer wishlist, seeing all the fashionistas jetting off on their tropical holidays has given me inspiration for the key looks this Summer.  I have searched the high street for similar, all at affordable prices and now I have my own ultimate Summer wardrobe wishlist. It is slanted towards boho with fluid lines, a laid back vibe and comfort being key...
1. Asos Stripe Top £28
2. Warehouse Off The Shoulder Top £24
3. H&M Long Cotton Shirt £14.99
4. Topshop Denim Dress £45
5. Cabbage White 3 Star Bangle £95 and Star Earrings £55
6. Mango Ethnic Embroidered Bag £34.99
7. Mango Metallic Leather Espadrilles £39.99
8. Palmeiras De Menorca Nubuck sandals £40
9. Accessorize Tote Bag £24
10. Marysia Swimsuit £250
11. Levis 501 Shorts £45 

The first two tops 'cold shoulder tops' are the top-shape of the summer season. They will look amazing with the levis cut off shorts and Palmeira sandals or the gold espadrilles. In the evening wear with a denim skirt or ankle length jeans and heels or with loose wide legged trousers and flat sandals.

I love the idea of pulling on a cotton shirt over my bikini or swimsuit when going from beach to bar, wrap a tan belt around your waist for a flattering silhouette, slip on a pair pf Palmeira sandals and a hat and you will look the ultimate in beach chic.

A lightweight denim dress, always invaluable in the summer, I love the smock detail on this Topshop dress, very cute and will last you for a few seasons.

I have pushed the boat out a little for the swimsuit, I just absolutely adore this shape. It is slightly out of my price range so I will be looking to buy in the net a porter sale (if there are any left) or I will keep a look out for a similar shape on the high street.

When it comes to accessories, I love a slightly brighter clutch and beach bag, they add colour and interest to my summer wardrobe and distract from my not so toned legs and tummy!! I love the Mango clutch, would look fab with the white cold shoulder top , denim shorts and Palmeiras for a laid back evening look. I am a fan of delicate jewellery and Cabbage White are my idea of jewellery heaven. I love the delicate designs and the use of both gold and silver (I always mix the two) the star bangle and earrings are beautiful, as is the entire range, well worth checking out for something a little different, a little special and summer perfect! 

There are of course some extras to be added, some stand out, one off pieces that will add flair and a little difference to your summer wardrobe I will be featuring these next week. In the meantime I will leave you with a few sunny images from our little happy holiday places in Spain and a couple of looks for bank holiday Monday...and I will be dreaming of being there soon...


Do you have your Summer wardrobe already, what are your key pieces this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xx

Friday 22 May 2015

The Spring Coat and Jacket Edit

Style Theory: Spring jackets, the answer to transitional dressing, can transform a basic outfit taking it smoothly from season to season whilst keeping you warm and protected from changeable UK Spring weather...


From khaki , to floral, to tailored to Trophy jackets I have tracked down the best on the high street now..

The Khaki Jacket
Hush Military Jacket £65
A bloggers favourite, this is a smarter Khaki jacket perfect for over jersey maxi dresses.
Next Khaki Soft Utility Jacket £65
A slouchy look, perfect for looking stylish for the schoolrun. Would look fabulous with a breton, denim shorts and superga trainers, add a pop of colour with an orange bag.
Topshop Utility Shirt Jacket £38


This jacket is super useful, can be worn as a jacket or as a shirt, would look great with denim cut off shorts/skinny ankle length jeans, a boho top and strappy sandals.

The Coat
Zara Linen Coat with Border £79.99

A great summer coat, this is fairly substanial lined, linen would be perfect for a wedding over a cream dress with gold accessories, or wear with a crisp white shirt and a pair of blue skinny jeans and flat tan strappy sandals.
Mango Wool Blend Candy Coat £99.99
As you know I do love a pink coat, I am still smitten with my M&S coat 2 years on, this would cheer up any cloudy spring day.

Zara Red Coat £89
A vibrant red, this coat is quite heavy and will be perfect for those really chilly Uk Spring days, it will see you straight through to the winter. I love clashing a red coat with a pink or turquoise bag for a cool look.
Trophy Jackets
Monsoon £99
This is slightly over the top with pom poms and jewels but I kinda love it. A cross between a jacket and a cardigan, perfect for the summer.
Monsoon £49
This cardigan/jacket is great if you are planning on taking a monochrome wardrobe on holiday, add splashes of colour with accessories. This would look great over a black jumpsuit for a chillier evening.
Marks and Spencer £59
A real statement jacket, keep the rest of your outfit simple, would look great with a grey tee, distressed jeans and flat tan strappy sandals.
Waistcoat Jacket
This is an surprisingly versatile piece to have in your wardrobe, can be worn alone or worn over a denim or leather jacket. 
Zara Long Waistcoat Jacket £39.99

Not sure I am really doing this coat justice in this photo, it needs to be worn with closer fitting clothes underneath, I would wear with a navy shift dress and tan heels, or a white blouse, blue skinny jeans and high strappy sandals.
Warehouse Sleeveless Wool Waistcoat £65
Marks and Spencer Tencel Sleeveless Mac £69

Blazers
Massimo Dutti £145

This is pricey but a really lovely tailored fit, a great length too..
Zara Roll up Sleeve Jacket £69.99
Miss Selfridges Cape Sleeve Jacket £45

A twist on the traditional blazer, the arms have been split for a cape look. Wear for an evening out over a black jumpsuit and heels or for a more casual look wear with a grey tee, distressed jeans and tan accessories.


Love, love this Cos Stores jacket, I am afraid I cannot find it online but it is most definitely in stores. It is a denim fabric and has the most fabulous draping cape detail at the back. Can be worn with jeans or dresses, would look great with cargos and heels..this is one I am buying!

Are you a fan of the Spring jacket, which one catches your eye. Obviously there are also trenches and denim jackets that I will cover next week. As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxx

FOR DAILY OUTFIT IDEAS AND SHOPPING INSPIRATION FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @SCHOOLRUNMUM  

Monday 18 May 2015

A Healthy Dose of Summer Inspiration

Style Theory: On rainy days like today I need to be cheered up with summer clothing inspiration..step forward Pinterest.. Here are my favourite looks for summer, these  cool outfits will shape my Summer wardrobe this year..















My mind is re-focused, whites, denims, stripes and black with the summer must have strappy sandals and beachy blond waves..now all we need is for the sun to shine and stick around for a while..

Next time the best spring jackets...

Who is your favourite summer dresser, where do you get your summer inspiration from? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, Frances xxx