Monthly Archives: November 2012

Grrrrr.

A couple of my Boden orders arrived! The first – the slouchy merino jumper is gorgeous. I normally order the larger of my two sizes in knitwear and did so with this, ordering the US8. It is perfect. Lovely and oversized with drapey dolman sleeves, but lovely and snug around the bottom and the cuffs. It is long too and sits on my bum perfectly. I think it can be worn with long skirts or skinny jeans equally well – as long as your lower half is fitted this jumper will be flattering. I ordered the silver melange and love it so much that with the 25% off (code Q753), and some account credit begging to be used, I have just ordered it in sunset too. Grab one now while there are plenty of colors and sizes left.

The second order is the washed red Fairisle jumper. Hmmm – I do like it – but MM’s look was one of complete surprise – ‘that is so not you’ – was his comment – which I have to say is why I like it. I have returned it though as I think the red was too Christmassy (yes ignore what I said the other day), and also the US8 was fitted. If there is one thing I don’t like it is fitted knitwear. So I have returned and I’m exchanging it for a US10 in the Fudge melange. The jury is still out but again with 25% off it is worth a try. I think I like it as it makes me think of cold, winter walks that end up in front of a roaring fire in a country pub eating steak and kidney pudding. Not many of those here in Atlanta.

I do like a bit of animal print. Today I am going for it in a big way. The outfit initially started as red and taupe but quickly became overwhelmed by leopard print. The taupe top is from Zara in the sale and the cardigan is the radish effortless cardigan from Boden SS 2012 and it still pops back into stock occasionally. I love this cardigan – the color just makes me happy. Serendipitously I discovered my H&M leopard print scarf coordinates perfectly with both. Yes there is a lot going on here so I attempted to tame it with my Hudson Collin jeans and Sam Edelman tan (really taupe) suede Louie boots.

Then I went and over did it completely and threw on my best purchase ever from Marks & Spencer – last year’s leopard print coat. Words cannot express how much love I have for this coat. Oh how I wish you shipped to the States.

Odd experiment here too – always far happier with photos taken of myself in the mirror rather than with the tripod – must be because that is how I always see myself rather than how others see me?

Stay warm and let me know if you order anything from Boden with this fab deal!

Just so I can learn the words.

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I have to confess. I have just bought Taylor Swift’s new album Red. I can justify it though – I’ve bought tickets to take Poppy (yes for my daughter – not for me) to see her in April – and you can’t go and see a show without learning all the words can you? And yes, I do love her new anthem/song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. You will see me quite happily, belting my lungs out to it in the carpool line. Needless to say I’m very excited and I’m desperately trying to keep it a secret so I can surprise Poppy come April.

Tis freezing here in Atlanta today so it’s time for layers. I started with the H&M t-shirt dress and layered the AllSaints Godiva jumper on top. The black jeans are Gap from a while ago, and I’m wearing my Acne Pistols. I am completely in love with these boots.

Before heading out I put on my Boden leopard print scarf from last year and Boden shrunken leather blazer from a couple of years ago. I love this jacket even though most people complained about it being too short.

Off to get my headphones out to listen along to Taylor – must remember not to sing along in the office…:)

A week of family fun?

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I’ve no idea how it got to the week before Thanksgiving. All of a sudden I am panicking about the children being home for a week and needing to organize activities, food, and of course prepare for Thanksgiving Day itself. Since being in the US Thanksgiving has become our favorite holiday. You get to eat, drink and be merry without any of the material aspects of Christmas. We love it.

With a 6 year old and 4 year old I find a week at home for the four of us requires planning in order to avoid the cries of ‘I’m bored’ – and that’s just from me. For the first time we’ve bought tickets for Cirque du Soleil. We went for the cheap seats in case the children can’t sit still through the whole show. I’m really looking forward to it so let’s hope it’s good! MM and I are planning an itinerary of all sorts of trips and adventures for the week, heading North, South, East and West from Atlanta, and avoiding any kind of retail outlet. Thanksgiving Day will consist of the usual – watching the Macy’s parade, some football and then a fabulous meal of roast turkey with all the trimmings and some good wine. No Atlanta half marathon for me this year due to injury, lack of training and laziness – but I’m quite looking forward not having to be up at the crack of dawn.

I mentioned MM and I went to Atlantic Station on Friday – an outdoor mall in midtown. It has a huge H&M and I nipped in to get the kids some hat and glove sets, which unfortunately they didn’t have. Not wanting to waste a trip I had a quick peak at the Grey Concept that was just arriving. To be honest I was disappointed with the choice available – they told me they were expecting more – but I did manage to grab the grey long skirt in my size for $18. I rarely wear long skirts – I had a Diesel one back in the 90’s that I bought from Harrods – a complete splurge back then – but I lived in it. This H&M one is great for the price – perfect color, fits well, has good stretch so it’s not restrictive. It’s a little thin but with grey tights underneath it works well. Keeping with the grey theme I’m wearing my AllSaints grey Godiva cardigan bought in the sale back in June from the Trafford Center. The white top is Zara and the scarf is my animal print favorite from H&M. I have a couple of pairs of boots that would have worked but I opted for comfort and chose the Frye Jenna studded in grey – love these.

How do you keep the family busy when everyone is home?

Back to basics.

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I am on the other end of the spectrum from “Domestic Goddess”. I rarely cook – as in a home made meal from scratch – and never bake. All this is changing though and I’m actually finding some pleasure in it. Yesterday I found myself in heaven with a Saturday afternoon at home all by myself. A highly unusual situation. After being ill this week I have been craving some real comfort food – more specifically some good red meat. So I decided to make a beef and ale stew. It wasn’t until I actually put it all in the oven that I appreciated what a ridiculously easy, yet deliciously rewarding, meal this is to make. The house smelled incredible and yes the stew tasted pretty darn good too!

Next up is to bake my favorite cake that my Mum makes when I’m home. It’s delicious – and even better with custard when I can find it over here – Delia’s very sticky prune and date cake. Maybe we need the equivalent of The Great British Bake Off over here for some additional inspiration? If Dancing with the Stars can work here then surely a baking show can?

Looking for comfort again I decided to take advantage of Boden‘s diminishing discount offer and order some great basics for the coming winter months (WAFF is the best code I could find that is current and will give you 15% off). I love knitwear and I would wear it all year round if I could. Boden has the best quality and selection of classic shapes I have found. They’re not cheap but reasonable when bought with a discount.

My wardrobe right now seems to revolve around patterned or colored trousers – whether they be of the jeans, skinnies or harem variety – so I chose some lovely neutral sweaters that can be worn with all of them. My favorite is unfortunately delayed but, fingers crossed, it may turn up early. It is the black Off Duty Jumper – a lovely roll neck, boxy jumper that will look great with skinnies and will layer well. I normally order US 8 in their jumpers but went for a US 6 in this based on reviews.

Next up for a bit of sparkle I ordered the sparkle Skye jumper in parchment. I had ordered the regular Skye jumper early in the preview and returned it in the charcoal as 1) the 8 was huge and 2) the charcoal seemed a bit blah for the price. I do love the cut though and hope that this lovely nude in a 6 will be a good choice.

Finally for a splash of color I’ve ordered the washed red Fairisle jumper. I think this will look gorgeous with jeans and a white shirt underneath it, with my Pistols. I love this red and yes it may be verging on a Christmas jumper but what the heck – I’ll happily wear this on Xmas Day in NYC!

Ooops I did just say finally didn’t I? Not quite – I ordered the Iona coat too – in fact 2 of them. I couldn’t quite make my mind up – red for fun and color or black for versatility – so I’ve ordered both colors to compare and get MM’s opinion. Some of the UK reviews complained about this coat being too light – which here in Atlanta – could make this the perfect coat for me. I’m really hoping it works more like a heavy cardigan that I can throw on over a top or light sweater. I love the drape of it and think if styled right it could look really fun and stylish.

I’ll keep you posted as they arrive!

Today we headed to the Zoo – one of our favorite places to spend Sunday mornings – yep another way we differ from the majority of Atlanta. MM took great amusement in my camo gear – it really wasn’t intentional to look like I was heading out into the wild with the rhinos, but a bad choice of outfit in hindsight! The camo trousers are Zara – I can’t say enough about how comfy these are. The top and scarf are also Zara, worn with my JohnnieB leather jacket from last winter, and the Ash Gwen studded sneakers.

Oh and I have a budding hairdresser in the house – my daughter decided to cut Hugh’s hair today – he won’t need his fringe trimmed for a while that’s for sure…

Lunch date.

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This week has dragged! The cold probably hasn’t helped but I sure am happy to get to Friday. The added bonus today is that MM got to take some time off too. Of course his idea of a fun morning is shopping – NOT – but I persuaded him to nip down to Atlantic Station with me to the local West Elm to look at vanities/dressing tables.

For nearly 20 years I have been in search of the most perfect dressing table. I see it in my head but cannot find it anywhere. I want a modern design, clean lines, drawers for storage – but it must also allow for a chair to be pulled up like a desk. Now all the vanities I can find here are very traditional and ornate, with large overwhelming fixed mirrors. Surely us contemporary girls need somewhere to apply our make-up too? I thought, online, I had found the perfect answer – the mirrored Parsons desk from West Elm. Unfortunately, having seen it in real life, $599 is ridiculously expensive for this piece. I don’t mind paying $600 for the right dresser but not for something that looks and feels cheap:( So on we go, hunting for my perfect dresser. Maybe I need to just get a carpenter out to create my vision?

The Parsons desk, West Elm:

We have just got back from lunch at Houston’s – my new favorite lunch spot. It’s lovely and cosy and dark…perfect for a Fall lunch. Two crab cakes and a glass of suavignon blanc later I am feeling remarkably chipper. As I was having ‘a day out’ I decided to make a bit of an effort clothes wise. I chose the Zara grey harem pants, Zara animal print t-shirt (no longer online), Sam Edelman Louie boots in rose taupe and finally the Boden blossom tipped blazer (some sizes left in clearance) from SS 2012. My favorite combination of colors – grey and pink – and yes I LOVE harem trousers right now – so comfy:)

Feeling brighter.

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I’m definitely on the mend and putting it all down to the beetroot and ginger:) The sun is also shining here. That can’t be said for the North East – some of who were shoveling their cars out from snow this morning. I’m hoping for a white Xmas – MM thinks I’m mad – he’d live in 80 degree heat all year if he could. Me on the other hand – I love my seasons and the sweaters and boots that come with winter.

You all know how much I love my boots and after the Newburys and Pistols this year I can hardly justify any more. The Isabel Marant Dickers have been on my radar for a while – but are they now just too passé? There are so many copies available – far cheaper – and even Boden have now joined the band wagon. I’ve never known them to add a new item mid season like this before – but yesterday the Boho boot suddenly appeared. Now I quite like them – but wish the top was a little lower and more sculpted, like the Dicker, and that the tabs weren’t so big. If anyone buys them let me know what you think of them – I might be tempted to try in the sale if there are still some left!

It’s quite a milestone for the blog today – I’ve bought a tripod! No more blurry iPhone shots! The tripod is fabulous but I won’t tell you how long it took me to figure out the timer on the camera – or how many times I nearly broke my neck dashing into position – suave, elegant, sophisticated – that’s me:) Need to practice that one – I look quite startled too:)

I feel like I’m cheating today as I really am wearing a sort of sweat pant. They are jersey harem pants that I got from ASOS last year – I love them – and to be honest I normally wear them with sandals in the summer – but their comfy waistband was beckoning me this morning. I paired them with the Boden Hampton t-shirt from AW 2011 and the radish Must Have jumper from SS 2012 (available this season here). I love this radish color – it is perfect for all year round. The jersey scarf was a bargain in the SS sale – it’s first proper outing and I love it – so long and soft. So I don’t feel like I’m giving up completely in my harem pants, I’ve styled my hair and I’m wearing my Rag & Bone Newbury boots🙂

I’ve had a couple of emails/comments about my nail polish recently and this is Chanel Vamp – the lipstick it my favorite right now – Revlon Wine with Everything – the perfect subtle red.

Juicing.

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It all seems a little anti-climatic this morning after the excitement of election day. MM and I flicked between about a dozen channels last night watching the results come in – some for amusement and others for information…I think it was pretty much determined by the time we went to bed. I feel very proud to have taken part in the process – my first Presidential Election!

I’m still feeling rubbish today – terrible head cold – so I’ve just been to Whole Foods in an attempt to rid myself of the lurgy using various juices. Not to mention I’ve piled on about 100lbs from ‘feeding my cold’. I bought beets, ginger, and carrot and it tastes pretty good actually, with a scoop of chia seeds for good measure. I’m sure it’s more psychological than anything but I’m fed up of feeling under the weather. I want to feel better by Friday so I can head out on a good long run and clear my head.

It’s brass here today, and what with feeling sorry for myself it was the perfect opportunity to get my puffer out for the first time. Not the most flattering of coats, but perfect for when you don’t want to leave your duvet. This one is Patagonia – I love their coats – light and warm and last years. I actually got dressed instead of wearing sweats again – much to the relief of everyone in Whole Foods, and wore my Hudson jeans, Vince Camuto taupe Autumn wedges, and an H&M sweater dress that was buy one get one free – and I’m pretty sure the offer is still on here. I paid $25 for two – a bargain! The pink scarf doesn’t really match but to be honest at 8.30am this morning I didn’t care. You’ll also notice another Pax unit was assembled last night – it took a little longer than it should as MM and I were both wetting ourselves at each others ineptitude – who’d have thought IKEA flat packing could provide such hilarity?

Another outfit I forgot to post the other day was from Saturday when we went to my daughter’s swim meet. Quite loud pants it has to be said but they are awfully comfy. They are the Zara snake print trousers, worn with a blush H&M tank an AllSaints sweater (no longer online), with my Ash Bowie sneakers in camel and H&M sparkly blush scarf. As you can see the kids always want to get in on the act – I’m forever telling them to keep out of the closet right now due to tacks, hammers and swaying closet fixtures – so guess where they always want to be?

Election Day!

Day to night in burgundy.

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Call it oxblood, bordeaux or wine, burgundy is the color of Fall 2012. It’s everywhere from scarves to boots to jeans. I love the color and even have hair to match:) At first I bought a couple of burgundy accessories not wanting to overdo it, but now I have jeans, boots and t-shirts all in burgundy. It’s even made me hunt out my Chanel Rouge Noir nail polish again, which Uma Thurman made famous in Pulp Fiction.

To demonstrate the versatility of this fabulous, rich color I teamed up with my great blogging buddies – Avril from SchoolGateStyle.com and Fiona from Avenue57 – to style a daytime and evening look in our burgundy jeans. Our jeans are all different brands and mine are Zara. They were a steal for $35.90 and have lots of stretch so a really comfy. On trend, as ever, Zara has a lot of items right now in what they are calling ‘bordeaux’.

My daytime look is VERY casual. I love wearing burgundy with grey so paired the jeans with my AllSaints decay sweatshirt from 2011. The scarf is an old H&M that I bought after being inspired by Emmanuelle Alt – swoon – my ultimate style icon – I just love her – we can all dream hey? The sneakers are my new Ash Alex wedges – pretty much a knock off of the Marant sneakers – but I love the burgundy and coral together – which influenced me to wear my orange Casio G-Shock watch.

I LOVE how the three of us styled the jeans so differently – it’s so exciting to see how different people interpret different pieces.

For evening wear I think I was mainly inspired by my Halloween decorations:) My AllSaints embellished top is remarkably similar to the ghost hanging next to me! The jacket is the chic leather biker jacket from Boden that I bought in the sale last season and is now getting worn frequently. The only thing I might change about the outfit are the shoes – here I have the Sam Edelman Petty boots in British Burgundy – I thought the continuation of color might work but having seen the photos they look too matchy matchy. Heels would have elongated the look better – ah well – next time!

Fiona and Avril look great – all legs! Make sure you pop over to their blogs for more details on their outfits here at Avenue57 and here at SchoolGateStyle.com.

I love how the burgundy works with grey and black – it’s fabulous for adding a splash of color and will work great for the festive season. But it also works as a neutral base color and pairs well with other colors, like coral, and patterns – experiment with it! How are you wearing your burgundy this season?

New hair.

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Quick post to share my new haircut. I am loving it! So thank you Chadd for the cut and Gina for the color at the lovely A la Mode Salon here in Atlanta – a friendly, intimate salon where I also take the kids for their cuts. And no it’s not a paid plug – I genuinely love going there!

I will never want to go blonde, it just wouldn’t suit me, but these are the images that inspired the cut:

And here it is – sorry for the blurred photos – at home with a little man today who has been sick so he was behind me looking for attention…poor lad. I’m looking forward to having some fun styling it myself! Jeans (last worn here), jumper and scarf are all H&M.

Look out at 5pm ET today when I’ll be posting a fabulous collaboration with a couple of special blogging buddies…very exciting!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Monthly Archives: November 2012

Grrrrr.

Just so I can learn the words.

A week of family fun?

Back to basics.

Lunch date.

Feeling brighter.

Juicing.

Election Day!

Day to night in burgundy.

New hair.

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