Monthly Archives: April 2013

You can’t beat jeans and a jacket.

I don’t know why I don’t just stick to this simple formula:

jeans + jacket = comfort + confidence

Regardless of the type of jeans – and I have all styles from bell bottoms to skinnies, nothing beats the simplicity of just adding a t-shirt and jacket to provide a relaxed yet pulled together look. I should remember this every day when I get dressed. I have a passion for loud, colorful trousers, as you all know, but jeans are my true love and I should never forget that.

Wearing these 501s is so nostalgic for me – they elicit all kinds of emotions when I put them on. Even though these are newish they take me back to the late 80’s when I would borrow a friend’s pair that were perfectly worn and ripped (I think they were Sara’s that she had ‘borrowed’ off her boyfriend?). Tightened around the waist with a big leather belt, that needed extra holes back then, I would wear them nearly every weekend in the summer of ’88. I thought I looked the dogs b*ll*cks in them. I even remember the green bat wing t-shirt I used to like to wear with them, and I still wear YSL Paris perfume that was my favorite back then. I can see us all now – Bury Grammar Sixth Form – in our weekend common room at The Hare & Hounds.

Jeans – Levi 501s // Shoes – Tory Burch Eddie flats in musk // T-shirt – Gap (now on sale) // Jacket – River Island

What clothes are nostalgic for you?

Some sale wants.

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I don’t remember Boden ever putting their Spring items in the clearance section before June in previous years? Maybe I’m mistaken, but this year they seem to be dropping odd items in throughout the season. I just happened to be browsing yesterday and found myself lusting after 3 fabulous spring coats. This is when I so wish I was back in the UK and actually had use for spring coats. It’s 80 degrees here this week so it appears summer has arrived for 2013. MM did suggest that they would be great coats for Fall and even Winter here – surely that means he agrees with me and I should purchase immediately?

I will preface this with the fact that 2 of these coats got some poor reviews. However, seeing as I am not the ‘typical’ Boden buyer I tend to take the reviews with a grain of salt. For me the truth always lies in trying the clothes at home, and styling them how I would wear them. I think all 3 of these coats would look fabulous dressed up or down. I can see myself wearing them with boyfriend jeans, a white t-shirt and flats, keeping them simple and casual.

The first is the swishy coatigan. The fabric (as the reviews confirm) looks nothing like a coatigan – I think this is definitely more of a lightweight coat. I want it in parchment which is currently reduced by $60.

The next is the Canonbury coat. I’ve had my eye on this for a while. I think it looks stunning in the iris. Again it would look amazing with just jeans and a t-shirt to really sharpen up a casual outfit. The iris is only reduced by $30 right now but the other two colorways are reduced further. The reviews are pretty dire regarding fit, but I really want to try this and see – dare I say it – but it may just be too much of a departure for some stalwart Boden customers.

Finally I absolutely adore this red version of the Spring trench. It is SO me and would make such a statement. This one I might just have to order for Fall. The red version is currently reduced by $60.

What do you think? Have any of you tried them? If so do the reviews do them justice?

Today it is back to normality. The final days of the vacation were amazing. The children and I did some dancing on the deck while Dad prepared the grill:)

I love this photo of Poppy at dusk looking out to the rigs. I know the thought of oil rigs to many of you may be far from romantic – but I assure you when you see them all twinkling at night it is an amazing sight to behold. Now I sound like I’m about to break out into a Toby Keith song.

My final vacation outfit was of course a bikini – but sparing you that photo – here is one of me in the Zara dress that I used as my beach cover up. I love it – it is really comfortable and light weight. As you can see the house we stayed in was very ‘retro’:)

Yesterday we were all tired and fortunately had a birthday party to attend which got us up and out of the house. It was very odd getting ‘dressed’ again and wearing make-up – I even wore a necklace (inspired by Fiona’s post). Not sure about this get up though – I think this is a bit of a failure – maybe trying too hard?

Jeans – Target // Top – Zara // Jacket – River Island // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker // Necklace – JCrew bubble copy from local store

…And here I am today, bleary eyed but happy to be home.

Jacket – Gap (old similar here) // Sweater – Express (old) // Trousers – J.Crew Café Capri jade (old) // Flats – Vince Camuto Fawna (old)

Withdrawal.

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I’ve gone cold turkey. No not with the wine silly! I haven’t bought anything, or clicked an order button for a whole week. I’m not sure when this last happened. I have, however, filled several carts with things I ‘need’. It’s actually quite fun to keep checking them and looking at them knowing at anytime I could hit the order button if I want to – I’m teasing myself;)

Yesterday we had an afternoon of severe storms so I had some time to surf online, as you can be sure we were going no where near the surf outside. The storms were pretty darn scary, with Tornado watches – and being in a wooden shack on stilts did not feel the safest place to be. At one point we tried to drive away from the storms but quickly realized the whole of the Alabama coast was impacted. I felt too much like a ‘storm chaser’ guy on The Weather Channel, so we turned around and hunkered down. I calmed my nerves with a strong margarita and distracted myself with some online window shopping – no one else in the family seemed to be that worried as plastic furniture went hurtling past the windows.

So what did I drop in my carts? Well first of all hooray for Zara – lots of new items have appeared, along with a new model who is a bit more engaging than the previous ones this season.

This green jacket is just stunning – it looks fabulous in this fabric.

One item I know I NEED is a lovely longish lace dress – why? Well I don’t have anything like this already. I can see it worn with converse, thong sandals, flip flops or even my Dicker boots – very versatile for any occasion. I just wish it wasn’t $159.

Of course there is another pair of patterned trousers that I love – this bird print pair are beautiful and will be perfect paired with a simple t-shirt.

Another pair of shoes perfect for my feet, yet still enough like sandals to be summery are these peep toe booties. They’d look fabulous with dressy shorts like these, or skinnies of course.

One item that will definitely be winging it’s way to me is this white jacket – once I can summon the strength to click order:) Also I am not sure whether an XL here is really the usual TRF L – I ALWAYS need a large in TRF jackets. I seem to be obsessed with biker style jackets this season.

One of my favorite stores – AllSaints – is having a sale right now on selected items. I adored this Kayo Sweater dress as soon as I saw it at the start of the season. The cobalt is now in the sale and I’m thinking this gorgeous color will be a welcome change from my AllSaints’ greys and blacks currently in my closet.

Finally Asos.com has become another ‘go-to’ site for me. I find it a little overwhelming navigating all their items – the same reason that I don’t really like department stores – but it’s so exciting to see all the UK brands I can get my hands on in one place, with free shipping and free returns. Whistles, Oasis, River Island and some lesser known brands are all available. Not to mention Asos’ own brand. For less than $60 these loose Saxby boyfriend jeans are a steal – a great substitute for the Current/Elliott Dad jeans.

I also have a weak spot for this dress – I just wish it was short sleeved for the summer here.

Not sure how much longer I am going to go before caving. I wonder if I can make it another week?

Beach vacation.

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This place is amazing. It’s one of those vacations where everything falls in to place, almost.

The kids have been jumping the surf at 8am each morning, and MM and I have managed to get a couple of beach runs in to burn off the calories from the excesses of each evening. Yes, we’ve even managed to light the charcoal grill:) Nothing better than burgers with Prosecco!

My afternoon margaritas have been cunningly disguised in my coffee cup.

The house, fortunately, is perfect – basic, but right on the beach. It’s amazing how easy the day becomes when you don’t have to pack bags and food for a day at the beach. Not to mention we can all chill out away from the sun when we feel like it. The only thing we’re missing are the dogs – they don’t deal well with the heat – I hope they are behaving for the house sitter!

I’ve been relishing living in bikinis, shorts and t-shirts. I packed light, and living with a capsule wardrobe is fabulously freeing. No decisions to make except choosing which shorts are clean.

Shorts – JCrew selvedge shorts (old – similar here) // t-shirt – Target // hat – Target

Shorts – JCrew Factory bermudas // t-shirt – Target (old) // hat – Target // Flip flops – Havaianas // sunglasses – Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Of course we can never go away without drama. Poor Poppy managed to get half the deck in her foot on Sunday evening. I tried removing the splinter but she was obviously in pain. Monday morning we headed to Urgent Care. The poor wee thing had to have a huge needle in her foot for anesthetic then the Dr. had to use a scalpel to remove it – it was embedded in her foot so deeply! I held on to her for dear life – I never want to hear screams of pain like that again. I was in tears and shaking – and I wasn’t even going through the pain!! She was an absolute star and once it was all over all she was concerned about was the color of her bandage. I think she is feeling quite the hero now.

Bikini ready.

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I’m just starting to feel human again. Those bus stop ladies are quite a riot when you get them in a bar around a bottle (or several) of white wine. Thursday was tough going but it was worth it. I love these ladies!

The leggings I wore are new and a real steal from Nordstrom. It is great being able to purchase TopShop items here now thanks to their partnership with Nordstrom. They were an impulse purchase after seeing them on Martha’s post the other week.

Boots – Nine West Buster // Leggings – TopShop faux leather // Jumper dress – AllSaints Sago // Jacket – Zara quilted leather jacket (old)

There is nothing like the thought of wearing a bikini for motivating me to hit the gym. So yesterday I went to spin – it was amazing – a great endorphin rush in a lovely quiet class! I hope it is the same this morning – yes I am motivated:)

After spin I was running around like a crazy woman doing last minute errands for the trip – wine was bought, packing was done and finally the Brazillian was accomplished – TMI I know, but I find they are essential when you’re in a swimsuit 9 months of the year. Plus it’s much more comfortable on the spin bike:) If you are in Atlanta go see Larissa at Brazilian’s by Andreia at the Buckhead location – she is amazing – and most importantly – gentle!

Nervously waiting for Larissa:

Jeans – Primark Boyfriend jeans // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker Boots

The azaleas are out!

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Spring must be here! The Masters begins next week and our azaleas are out in preparation! It looks stunning around here with all the cherry blossom too – it’s my favorite time of year here in Atlanta – not too hot, yet good flip flop and t-shirt weather.

I nipped into Target again on the way home from work – still umming and ahhing over the Fedora I tried on the other day. Today I tried on a pink floppy hat – I love the idea of it – but I think at the very least I need long flowing locks beneath it to really pull it off like Ali MacGraw:)

Trousers – JCrew wool café capris (old) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – Zara // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego

So I ended up bringing the Fedora home and I love it!

T-shirt – Target (on sale $10!) // Jeans – Levi 501s // Flip flops – Havaianas // Hat – Target // Nail polish – Essie Avenue Maintain

I’m off out tonight with the bus stop Moms. We rarely get more than 10 minutes to chat while waiting for the school bus so tonight I’ve got them all to meet up over a bottle of wine! I can’t wait! What to wear?:)

Running out of time…

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…to get to work, to do laundry and pack for the beach, to get my mani/pedi done etc. etc. – all the important stuff that needs to be done – and it’s Tuesday already! Okay so I may have left a lot till the last minute – but that’s how I operate:) Not to mention a lifetime was sucked out of me waiting for the children’s annual check ups at the Doctors yesterday – I was there 2 hrs for what should have been a 30 minute appointment!

Hence a crappy bathroom photo today, as I ran out of time getting ready after making it to the gym this morning. Nothing motivates like the pressure of wearing a bikini!

I love these jeans – I got them late last summer and I’ve rarely worn them because the button came off. MM kindly got the hammer out and fixed them for me. They fit perfectly and are super comfortable, assuming the button stays in place! I love to keep the rest of the outfit simple with them, as they are so loud.

Jeans – H&M (old but have still seen in some stores here) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury // T-shirt – Express (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Before I dash again I wanted to leave you with this fab top from Zara. I’ve been cruising by it for a while now, contemplating it – and then I saw Jane from MyMidlifeFashion wearing it over at Avenue 57 – she looks ‘da bomb’! It’s now in my cart – I’m just contemplating what other colors to get!

April Fools’ Day.

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Have you been fooled yet today? I’ve seen two corkers – one from a friend on Facebook who announced she was pregnant with twins, and this fabulous one from Boden – the men’s Marylebone Skirt anyone?:)

The sun is out here, but unfortunately no Easter Monday Holiday here in the US – off to work for me!

Jacket – Zara // Linen t-shirt – Zara (old but similar here) // Jeans – Gap Boyfriend (old) // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobby // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (similar here)

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Monthly Archives: April 2013

You can’t beat jeans and a jacket.

Jeans – Levi 501s // Shoes – Tory Burch Eddie flats in musk // T-shirt – Gap (now on sale) // Jacket – River Island

Some sale wants.

Jeans – Target // Top – Zara // Jacket – River Island // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker // Necklace – JCrew bubble copy from local store

Jacket – Gap (old similar here) // Sweater – Express (old) // Trousers – J.Crew Café Capri jade (old) // Flats – Vince Camuto Fawna (old)

Withdrawal.

Beach vacation.

Shorts – JCrew selvedge shorts (old – similar here) // t-shirt – Target // hat – Target

Shorts – JCrew Factory bermudas // t-shirt – Target (old) // hat – Target // Flip flops – Havaianas // sunglasses – Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Bikini ready.

Boots – Nine West Buster // Leggings – TopShop faux leather // Jumper dress – AllSaints Sago // Jacket – Zara quilted leather jacket (old)

Jeans – Primark Boyfriend jeans // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker Boots

The azaleas are out!

Trousers – JCrew wool café capris (old) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – Zara // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego

T-shirt – Target (on sale $10!) // Jeans – Levi 501s // Flip flops – Havaianas // Hat – Target // Nail polish – Essie Avenue Maintain

Running out of time…

Jeans – H&M (old but have still seen in some stores here) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury // T-shirt – Express (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

April Fools’ Day.

Jacket – Zara // Linen t-shirt – Zara (old but similar here) // Jeans – Gap Boyfriend (old) // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobby // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (similar here)

Jeans – Levi 501s // Shoes – Tory Burch Eddie flats in musk // T-shirt – Gap (now on sale) // Jacket – River Island

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Jeans – Target // Top – Zara // Jacket – River Island // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker // Necklace – JCrew bubble copy from local store

Jacket – Gap (old similar here) // Sweater – Express (old) // Trousers – J.Crew Café Capri jade (old) // Flats – Vince Camuto Fawna (old)

Related articles

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Shorts – JCrew selvedge shorts (old – similar here) // t-shirt – Target // hat – Target

Shorts – JCrew Factory bermudas // t-shirt – Target (old) // hat – Target // Flip flops – Havaianas // sunglasses – Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Related articles

Share this:

Boots – Nine West Buster // Leggings – TopShop faux leather // Jumper dress – AllSaints Sago // Jacket – Zara quilted leather jacket (old)

Jeans – Primark Boyfriend jeans // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker Boots

Related articles

Share this:

Trousers – JCrew wool café capris (old) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – Zara // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego

T-shirt – Target (on sale $10!) // Jeans – Levi 501s // Flip flops – Havaianas // Hat – Target // Nail polish – Essie Avenue Maintain

Related articles

Share this:

Jeans – H&M (old but have still seen in some stores here) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury // T-shirt – Express (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Related articles

Share this:

Jacket – Zara // Linen t-shirt – Zara (old but similar here) // Jeans – Gap Boyfriend (old) // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobby // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (similar here)

Related articles

Share this: