Postcards from Barcelona

Style Theory: A few 'postcards' from one of my favourite cities. Barcelona is utterly charming, beautiful buildings, fabulous restaurants, cafes, bars and shopping, the sea and a spectacular afternoon tea...

Placa Catalunya 

Boots: Topshop £79

Scarf: Uniqlo old

Bag: Aurora London £64.50 

I bought these gorgeous and incredibly comfortable Topshop boots. Not exactly a Spanish buy but I could not resist them... I walked around the city all day in them and they were genuinely so comfy and made the transition from day to evening look so easy..

El Nacional 

The most stunning concept - 4 areas - a meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, tapas and a fast deli restaurant as well as 4 separate bars all housed in a spacious, beautifully designed building. We popped in post-shopping for a couple of cocktails and it was gorgeous, it is not cheap but pretty breathtaking and really worth a visit.

Then onto what has become my favourite restaurant in Barcelona Teresa Carles, it is a vegetarian restaurant and serves the most delicious pasta and salad dishes..

Then finally onto a beautiful new hotel for rooftop terrace drinks The Cotton House hotel, a 5 star hotel, colonial in style, modern in function and utterly breathtaking decor, each member of staff were so welcoming, friendly and the barman mades the most fabulous cocktails, well worth a stay or a visit...

Cotton House Hotel 

The next morning it was a walk along the beach, a coffee then onto a cool, food/clothing market Palo Alto Market for a couple of Aperol spritzs and some delicious snacks..

Palo Alto Market

At Caravan Made the best pulled pork roll and sweet potato, goats cheese, rocket and pomegranate sandwich I have ever tasted (yes, it works together) 

Then on to the most exciting event, my sister runs a business serving cream teas for small groups on her rooftop terrace called Rooftop Teas. She makes everything by hand from delicate smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches on gluten free bread, to rose scented meringues, light scones with clotted cream and jam, cupcakes and spiced mince pies for Christmas. All served with endless Cava, mulled wine and speciality teas...pure heaven. Her rooftop is stunning with views to the sea and over the mountains, a little oasis in middle of the city furbished with flowers, grass and twinky light strewn pergolas. 

She had arranged an event for journalists and bloggers so I was there to help, I say 'help' in the loosest form as I don't think I was much help, but I certainly participated in eating and drinking..it all tasted amazing and the company was great. Here are a few snaps 

photos via FranciscoBlanco

Needless to say it was a huge success, everyone loved it, not a scrap of food was left. Well done Angela, I have no idea how to managed to make it all yourself and host and make it all look sooo amazing!

Check out her Instagram account @RooftopTeaBarcelona also her travel Instagram LasCallesdeBcn for ideas of what to do in Barcelona, she know the best places for kids, family friendly restaurants, best hotels etc..well worth a look..

Then it was a quick dash to El Cortes Ingles and Passeig du Gracia to buy a coat from Maje and this gorgeous top from my sister for Christmas!! 

&Other Stories £65 

Casa Batllo, Passeig du Gracia 

Home first thing next morning to happy chaos.. I adore spending the weekend with my little sister, such a good laugh in a beautiful city, the perfect mix...

For more info on Barcelona check out Las Calles De Barcelona,

Next, I promise a Christmas Gift Guide, I am heading to London tomorrow for some serious research and hopefully to start my Christmas shopping.. starting to panic!

Hope you are all well, have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Are you doing mostly online this year? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances xxxx

Looking Forward...

Style Theory: M&S are really upping their game next season and I wanted to share with you a few key pieces I fell in love with at their SS16 press show. I will be looking out for them as they tick theSpring/Summer 2016 trends, are practical and affordable....

My Star Pick

The Bag of the Spring

So Chloe-esque but actually faux leather (looks pretty good) so a fraction of the price (apologies I forgot to find out the price but it will be reasonable) This will arrive in stores and online in January so a perfect post Christmas treat? Or, for me, a birthday treat as it my Birthday in Jan (far too close to Christmas!)

The Dresses..

Per una Dress £75 

I bought a similar dress a few years ago from &Other Stories in black and have worn it non stop through the summer, for weddings, dinner dates and evenings on holiday. I love the colour of this one and will be looking to buy this one for my summer holidays next year.

Limited Edition Dress £45 Brooch £19.50 

This is one of those dresses than can be dressed up or down. It would look fab with a pair of pale tan strappy sandals, or clash the print with leopard print shoes or wear with Stan Smith trainers for a laid back vibe. The tie at the front will conceal a small tummy and the long sleeves makes it super flattering. I love the eye brooch, it adds a modern twist to a traditional dress. I can definitely see this working in my Spring wardrobe.

The Blouses/Shirts..

Frill Blouse £29.50 

A subtle take on the Miu Miu blouse of this season. This is a shape I can really get on board, with a pair of blue skinny jeans and white superga trainers for a cute, on trend look.

As you know I am fond of a victoriana blouse and this one looks beautiful, almost antique with it's soft blush colour and gold details. I am afraid I do not have the price of this one but will update this when I find out.

The Skirt...

Autograph Skirt £199 

A luxe leather skirt in the most divine forest green, I would love this to wear now with a black polo neck, black opaques and heels. The wrap 'utility' look is key for next season, wear in the Spring with tan heels and a simple tee. A pricey piece but when seen in real life it looks sumptuous.

The Smart Dungarees

Limited Edition Top £29.50

Limited Edition Dungarees: £49.50 

Dungarees are now the norm, this elegant pair of dungaree will look great in the spring with pointed heels and a blouse. Simple but tailored, a relaxed look that is perfectly SS16.

The Shoes..

A beautiful warm khaki tone in faux suede, these have a mid heel and the tie details brings them perfectly up to date.

The Jacket

Indigo Collection Jacket £59 

A soft, feminine take on the bomber jacket, pair with a grey sweater, boyfriend distressed jeans and a pair of Stan Smiths for a cool look.

The Bucket Bag..

Cute, faux leather bucket bags that will go with every outfit. Add the stripe one to an all black summer dress for a chic look.

A little sneak peak into what M&S has in-store next season, some really stunning pieces that I am looking forward to adding to my Spring wardrobe.

Back to the present now and a couple of my outfits from this week..

MY STYLE

For running around town for a day of Press Shows and meetings..

Coat: Zara similar here

Dungarees: H&M similar here

Blouse: Zara sold out

Trainers: Footasylum

Bag: c/o Dune 

For work at the boutique..completely adore this scarf it is oversize, the most perfect shade of grey, 100% wool and so so soft and non itchy..

Scarf: Travelling Bazaar

Sweater: Zara old season

Jeans: Topshop

Boots: Clarks 

WIWT - Monochrome Magic

Jacket - L K Bennett

Jumper - Boden

Bag - Village England

Jeans - Zara

Trainers - Golden Goose

Jacket - L K Bennett

Jumper - Hush

Bag - John Lewis

Jeans - Mango

Trainers - Marks & Spencer

Morning ladies & happy Friday!

I'm going for a monochrome feel today & dressing down my boucle jacket with a relaxed fit cashmere jumper, some distressed cigarette length jeans & my leopard print trainers & adding an all important splash of red with my bag.

Not sure where this last week has gone it seems to have sped by but fingers crossed time slows down for the weekend.

Enjoy your day & I'll see you in the morning.

WIWT - Kick Flares & Boucle

Jacket - J Crew

Tuxedo Top - J Crew

Belt - The Kooples

Bag - Vestiaire

Kick Flare Chinos - J Crew

Shoes - Boden

Jacket - Miss Selfridge

Top - Marks & Spencer

Belt - Hush

Trousers - Jaeger

Shoes - John Lewis

Happy Thursday ladies.

I'm going for a tailored look today & bringing out a few recent J Crew purchases, including a stunning tuxedo styled long sleeve tee that I managed to pick up in the sale & teaming it with my cropped kick flare chinos & tweed jacket.

Bit of a busy day ahead with the normal work schedule as well as a couple of appointments to fit in so I'm already looking forward to crashing tonight & loosing myself in front of the TV.  I know I say this a lot but these weeks sure do fly by - can't believe it's Friday already tomorrow!

Have a fab day  I'll see you in the morning.

The Shacket + WIWT - A Splash Of Pink

Morning ladies seeing as Spring is on it's way & we're only just over a week away until the clocks go forward I thought today we'd look at a wardrobe necessity for the coming months & that's the shacket, or to you & me an overshirt/jacket. The equivalent of Spring's version to a parka.  

A casual & lightweight jacket that's perfect for throwing on & styling with jeans & a simple tee, not to mention teaming with a simple summer dress or even ideal to dress down some classic cigarette pants.  Generally khaki in nature, although there are some grey, black, denim & white versions out there not to mention camouflage versions as well as embroidered ones, it's something that if you don't already own as soon as you do you'll wonder how you ever managed without one!  

As you can see, I've put together an edit of my favourite currently on the high street above & as always you just need to click on the individual image for further details.  I must admit I'm already planning outfits around the one already hanging in my wardrobe (see here) & this year I'm also planning on accessorising with a brooch or two.  In fact pins & patches & generally customising clothing is set to be huge this season.  I'm currently debating whether to invest a few pennies in these, these & these.

Back to today & I'm going with more blue & this time adding a splash of interest with a flash of hot pink & my kitty flats.  I'm really loving the deep 'V' jumper from Cosy Cashmere - so much so I'm now on the look out for a stripe strapless/boob tube kind of top to wear underneath, which isn't something I ever thought I'd write!!  By the way the brand are actually moving from retail to wholesale so they've currently got a closing down sale on with all items half price!!!  Just click here to get shopping & take advantage of the huge savings :-)

Biker Jacket - Massimo Dutti

Jumper - Cosy Cashmere - now half price!

Camisole - Tesco

Jeans - Zara

Shoes - Charlotte Olympia

Biker Jacket - Mango

Top - Warehouse

Jumper - Cosy Cashmere - now half price!

Jeans - French Connection

Shoes - John Lewis

So ladies are you a fan of the shacket?  Perhaps it's something you love & would be lost without for days when you need an extra layer?  I don't know about you but I find mine incredibly useful as it's so easy to layer it up with a scarf or jumper for warmth not to mention can so easily be thrown on over a simple cami.  For me it's the ideal addition to my wardrobe for days where I want to feel more casual but still be in my comfort zone of wearing a jacket.  In fact I love mine so much I'm seriously tempted by a camo version this year......but then when did I need an extra jacket hanging in my wardrobe?! ;-)  Anyone else thinking of joining me in 'clicking that button' on this style?  As always I'd love to hear your thoughts not to mention your top picks.

Happy 'hump' day ladies, have a fab day & as always I'll see you tomorrow.

WIWT - 2 Outfits In 1 Day

Jonin Hooded Top - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Chinook Mesh Hooded Top - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Chugi Top - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Shamal Top - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Lotus Sports Bra - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Air Singlet Top - 15% off with code MLACTIVE 

Apex Capri Leggings - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Capri Leggings In Black - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Wrap Me ¾ Leggings - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Morning ladies I'm sharing 2 outfits with you today & whilst I generally only share the 1, Tuesday is a 3 outfit day for me.  Firstly my running stuff at silly o'clock, followed by my normal clothes & then a change at midday back into some more activewear for pilates.

You may recall that I've worked with Coco Bay over the past couple of years & I have to say they're one of my favourite brands for swimwear.  So you can imagine my delight when they recently got in touch to let me know that they've now branched out into activewear too.  You can see their full range here & the good news is they've kindly given me a discount code to share with you for 15% off the entire range - just use code MLACTIVE at checkout.

I've put together my top picks above & I've also taken a few pictures of the set I've been sent by Coco Bay, which has fast become my new pilates outfit.  Super soft & comfy plus there's no chance of any slipping of the leggings, which if you've ever tried pilates on a reformer machine you may know what I mean when I say there's been a few exercises that I've in the past felt older leggings slipping down & not in a good way!  Plus I just love the sheer panelling & hot pink detailing, which transforms what could be a simple grey look.

Lotus Sports Bra - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Chugi Top - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Apex Capri Leggings - 15% off with code MLACTIVE

Back to today & for my main look I'm going for an all blue look & bringing out some sales bargain J Crew jeans to play & teaming them with my statement tweed jacket, which appears to have already sold out!  Although if you're looking for something similar the one I've featured below is a fab alternative.

Jacket - J Crew

T-Shirt - J Crew

Jeans - J Crew

Trainers - Golden Goose

Jacket - L K Bennett

T-Shirt - Hush

Jeans - AG

Trainers - Hush

Don't forget to take a peek over at Coco Bay's new activewear here if you do get 'clicking that button' remember to use code MLACTIVE at checkout for your 15% off.

Right I must get on & whatever you're up to enjoy your day & I'll see you in the morning.