Monthly Archives: May 2013

Pounding the pavements.

Inspired by Martha’s post I went for a run this morning for the first time in months.  Injuries and my new love for spin has kept me off the sidewalks, but a looming weekend of partying spurred me on today – plus the weather is perfect here – blue skies and crisp air.  It felt great – just a casual 4 miles – but it reminded me why I love running so much.  I earned my scrambled eggs that’s for sure and Mumford & Sons gave me an added spring in my step for the last half mile.

I wasn’t sure what to wear today – I changed my mind a couple of times.  Our friends from Sweden arrive tomorrow for the weekend, and I have Hugh’s pre-K graduation and Poppy’s birthday celebrations – so lots of activities and outfits to plan!  In the end, after yesterday’s post, I got the legs out again.  This time with the Zara skort that has been featured on 80% of the blogs I read – admittedly worn by girls half my age.  I have the white too and the fabric is lovely and stretchy and comfortable.  You only know they are shorts from behind – and they are short shorts so make sure that razor goes all the way up the back of the leg!;)

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Skort – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Forever21 // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker

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Airing the almost 42 year old legs.

Gosh that looks so odd to see it in writing – I’m 41 3/4.  I have to say I don’t feel what I thought almost 42 would feel like.  I certainly don’t see myself as old, or middle aged for that matter.  I still buy clothes that I like rather than what I, or others, think I should be wearing.  I just have a few extra greys that need covering each month.

So am I wearing a skirt that is too short for my age?  What do you think?  I didn’t consider it too short till just now.  I bought it based on the Michael Kors skirt I’d seen and I love the color.  I think it is the only yellow item I have in my closet though – it’s definitely not normally a color I gravitate towards.

Michael Kors $695 version:

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Skirt – JCrew Factory // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shirt – JCrew Factory (similar here)

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Gwen’s love for Zara.

My fellow blogger, Hollie, and I are both great admirers of Gwen Stefani’s eclectic rock and roll style – she always looks perfectly put together.  Her make up and hair are always immaculate, even for a trip to the park with her sons.  It was while Hollie and I were chatting about Gwen the other day that I realized Gwen is a fan of Zara!  I have spotted her in three Zara items just this weekend – who’d have thought it?  Gwen obviously embraces pairing high and lower end items – good for her!

Two of the items also happen to be in my closet – no surprise there.  The first is the sarong skirt – I love how she has styled this over leggings…There’s a David Bowie t-shirt on Asos that I have been umming and ahhing about for a while now – it could be the perfect tee to replicate this look.

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Next up is my jacket last worn here.  Now I’m not necessarily a fan of her styling here but each to their own…though if I was Italian I’d wear that t-shirt in a heartbeat.

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Finally I spotted this photo of her wearing these Zara pants heading to Chuck E. Cheeses – please Gwen how could you bear to step foot in there?  I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.

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These photos of Gwen always make me want to to wear red lipstick more often and I’m pretty sure images of her have influenced my choice of attire today.

Primark Zara and Gap

Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (from the sale) // Jacket – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose

Finally – I think my children are trying to tell me something – buying these cards obviously amused the Husband no end…I hope you all had a fabulous Mother’s Day!

Poppy’s Card (I’m suddenly ‘Joanna’ not ‘Mommy’): 

Poppy's Card

 

Hugh’s Card:

Hugh's Card

 

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My Mother’s Day lunch.

We don’t really celebrate Mother’s Day in this house.  Partly because I always forget about it – once I have remembered the UK Mother’s Day earlier in the year, I forget all about the US Mother’s Day.  Plus it always falls around Poppy’s birthday – which as she will tell you is far more important.  So my title today is a bit misleading.  My lovely Husband is on his way back from the office to take me out for margaritas and tacos at our favorite Mexican, while the children are at school.  Once school finishes in 2 weeks we won’t have much opportunity to indulge in a long lazy lunch without them – so I’m turning it into my Mother’s Day lunch without children – heck I might even go crazy and have two margaritas.

Burgandy coated skinnes and wedges

Top – Zara // Jeans – H&M coated skinnies (old) // Shoes – wedge heels DSW (Old – similar here) // Bag – Boden leather fold over clutch (BEST bags ever!)

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Any changes of heart yet?

It’s been a while since I last wore them and you’ve had the chance to consider…any changes of heart?  Anyone now tempted?  Oh well I’ll keep trying – I love them:)

We have the best weather of the year so far here in Atlanta – it’s ‘cracking the flags’ as my Nan used to say.

Accessories

Shoes – Nine West (on sale plus an extra 30% off at NineWest.com) // Bracelets – H&M (old) and Tiffany’s // Watch – Fossil (old – similar here) // Nail polish – Essie Marshmallow

Dungarees

 Dungarees – Asos (back in stock here) // T-shirt – The Gap

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Abercrombie & Fitch and Marketing 101

Dipping in and out of the social media channels today I’ve noticed a lot of irate posts and comments regarding a recent article in Business Insider about the comments made by the Abercrombie & Fitch CEO, Mike Jeffries.  Basically he has said that he only wants ‘cool, thin, beautiful people wearing Abercrombie’s clothes’.  Reading the comments stirred me – but not into resolute agreement with the dissenters I’m afraid.

Before I continue I will preface with saying I am not fatist, remember?  I’ve been there, and I know what it’s like not being able to buy the clothes I want.  Even if the sizes were available – at my largest I really should not even have been thinking about wearing some styles from stores like H&M and A&F.

So back to what Mr. Jeffries said.  Anyone who has studied Marketing 101 knows that every great (and not so great) brand has a target.  You sacrifice being everything to all people in order to become niche with a certain core target.  In theory all brands are exclusionary.  Cartier market to wealthy individuals, Jenny Craig market to those that want to lose weight, Walmart target to those that want to ‘Save money. Live better.’, and Lane Bryant market to plus size women.  Where are the complaints about these brands being exclusionary?  I bet if you saw some of the white boards in those offices with the brand’s target demos, psychos and guiding principles written out, you would shudder to see who it really is they want buying their product.

I disagree completely with The Daily Mail’s summary regarding the furore – “But it might be time to change this dated business model. Plus-size, generally referring to U.S. 14 and above, makes up 67per cent of America’s purchasing population.”  Let’s stop increasing this number and start addressing the problem by getting healthier America!  I’ve often aired my hope that Zara doesn’t start vanity sizing for the US.  Their sales are not as good here as in Europe due, it is said, to the larger average size of the American woman.  Put bluntly a lot of American women can’t fit into Zara’s Large (very few of their clothes go to an XL).  Keep the clothes as they are – those that are desperate to wear the clothes and can’t, can go for a run and stay away from the chocolate.

Now I do realize this isn’t just about being ‘large’.  It’s also the reference to needing to be a ‘cool kid’ to shop there – and I get that.  There are all sorts of pressures on children as it is – never mind them worrying about being cool enough or not to wear Abercrombie, but ‘kids that are cool’ versus ‘kids that are not’ is nothing new.  Yes I have watched The Breakfast Club way too many times.  As far as I am aware most high schoolers can’t afford to shop in A&F without their parents chipping in – so surely that is where a parent helps to guide them with their clothes choices?  If, as a parent, you oppose the brand’s targeting practices don’t shop there.

So in conclusion to my random thoughts on the subject – I actually applaud Mike Jeffries for being open about his target market – it really doesn’t take much to work it out.  I can’t see it damaging A&F, in fact for many it will become more desirable – and for those objectors there are many other places to shop.

 

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A list as long as my arm.

It’s got to be a quick post today – no waffling from me about the Met Gala, except to ask what happened to my invite, and Madonna what were you thinking?  I know it was a punk theme but come on – I just think it’s awful – but then again maybe I should give her kudos for still daring to be different?

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My absolute favorite from last night was Taylor Swift – maybe not obviously punk, but the J. Mendel dress and make up created a sophisticated and glamorous look – I love this.

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For the best interpretation of punk I’ve got to give it to SJP – her mohican head dress by Philip Treacy is fabulous, and the Giles Deacon dress is just divine.

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So now on to that list as long as my arm – ordering cake, buying birthday presents, collecting rsvps, tidying the spare room, buying wine etc. etc.  – oh and a bit of work here and there too.  It might help if the sun would shine, but Atlanta seems to be stuck in a stationary rain cloud right now.

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Shoes – Vince Nina // Trousers – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Knitted jacket – Marks and Spencer (the cream version is now in the sale!)

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May Madness.

I know March Madness has passed (college basketball finals for the non-American readers) – but for me the real madness sets in in May.  May is the end of the school year here, and with my daughter’s birthday (and it seems every other child in her class!) and the excitement of overseas visitors, it is a crazy month.

On Saturday we made our first, and hopefully last trip to the American Girl Store.  I have delayed it as long as possible – but it seems the 7 year old birthday is the one where the burning desire for a ‘mini me’ kicks in.  It turned into the perfect trip for Saturday morning as it was miserable weather here – persistent rain all weekend!  The mall was empty when we arrived – I soon discovered why – EVERYONE was in the American Girl store.  Moms and daughters had traveled from all over the South East seeking their perfect doll – it was terrifying.  Poppy, however, was thrilled and we left with Saige – an artist and animal lover apparently.  Poppy’s birthday isn’t till the 18th, and normally I vehemently disagree with the notion of ‘early’ birthday presents – but her friend is having her birthday tea party at the American Girl store this week – so Saige was required a week or so early so she can accompany Poppy for tea – I will not be.

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The rest of the rainy weekend was spent painting the basement.  For some reason the Husband has become rather gung ho about decorating.  I’ve no idea where this new found enthusiasm has come from – probably from the ridiculously high painting quotes we’ve had.  Anyway I’m rather pleased with the progress we have made though my hair currently looks like it has been used as a paint brush.

Finally here are some improvised rainy, Spring outfits – I am hoping the legs can be bared again by  the end of the week!

Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old – similar here) // Shirt – J.Crew Indian voile popover (some sizes available in the sale here) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker in Camel (similar here)

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Jeans – H&M tapered boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Clarks Hamble Oak // T-shirt – Target (old) // Jacket – Zara

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Jacket – Boden Limited Edition Chic Leather Biker Jacket (old) // T-shirt – Zara long sleeved with zip at the back (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Boots – Acne Pistols

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Fun in Forever 21

It was a wet, drizzly morning here so after spin class I didn’t quite know what to do with myself.  What I should have done is finish painting the spare room for when our guests arrive in 2 weeks – what I did do was head to the Mall.  Now it is always dangerous for me to head to the Mall when I am on a spending freeze (self imposed after the Golden Goose purchases).  It is rare I can escape the Mall without something getting lodged in my head screaming ‘buy me! buy me!’.  In order to try and mitigate a complete failure I thought Forever 21 would be a safe destination, firstly because everything is so young I would be in complete mutton territory, but secondly if there was to be something screaming at me it might just be a teeny tiny $20 scream that no one would notice.

Friday morning is the BEST time to be in Forever 21 – full racks and empty changing rooms.  It is essential to try everything as they don’t do refunds here – only exchanges – not sure if this is the same in the UK?  Of course, after muttering ‘spending freeze’, within the first 2 racks I found items that I thought I should try – for the sake of research of course – I’m helping you girls out!  Half way around the store a lovely man said ‘you look like you need this’ – and handed me a bag.  Now some of what I picked up was honestly just for a giggle – if I was going to try things I might as well have some fun.

First up was this denim dress – now I did quite like this when I picked it up – I thought it might be fun with my Dickers or with sandals.  Hideous on and the poppers gaped with my boobs.

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But wait it gets worse – next up was this ‘dress’ – on putting it on it has to be a tunic – you could even see it was time for a bikini wax again!  And yes – just confirmed it is a tunic looking here on the Forever 21 site – I’m obviously losing my mind.  Regardless it still made me look incredibly top heavy…

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Now I didn’t try the following with the intention of wearing them together, but I had to nip and get my bag of other items, and I wanted to spare the other customers the sight of me in my control underwear.  I do really like both items separately.  I probably need a large in the top – but it was a great sweatshirt material with embellished shoulders – great with jeans.  I also loved the skirt – a gorgeous pattern – but Forever 21 are cheap for a reason – the quality was not good.  The pattern wouldn’t sit straight – for some reason the waistband was crooked, it would have driven me nuts.

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Now we’re getting to the ridiculous – a playsuit.  I started to sweat when I realized getting this off was more difficult than getting it on…panic set in when I knew there was no over the head option.

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Now this skirt – you may think is complete mutton – but there was something about it that made me take a second look.  With the right top and shoes I think it could be quite nice – I just really struggle to like lace.  The leopard print top with it makes me look like I should be behind the bar at The Rovers.

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Next are two tops I LOVED and damn it I can’t see either online – which is probably good as I may have ordered them.  I really liked these t-shirts and I would have bought them were it not for not wanting to spend money.  This one was lovely but I needed a medium – the large was just a tad too big, though would probably shrink in the wash – just $10 – brilliant. (Update online here).

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This was my favorite – a gorgeous drapey knit.  Sorry about the rubbish photo – I got all excited because I liked it so much.  It drapes at the back too and the marks are on the mirror not the top.

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So a lot of fun was had by me this morning.  I did go and buy more paint so maybe that can be considered painting progress?

Finally I must thank School Gate Style – she very kindly went out of her way to buy and send me this dress from Ted Baker.  It arrived yesterday and is simply gorgeous.  It helps to have good friends around the globe:)  It is sold here but is completely sold out online.  Some Bloomingdale’s do have concessions though.  There is also a gorgeous scarf available in the same print here.

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Some punk inspiration.

I walked into the kitchen this morning to the sound of ‘You’re my favorite waste of time‘ – not sure if it was the Owen Paul version or the original version, but here’s the Owen Paul version from ’86, which I remember well.

After a bleary couple of seconds wondering why Nick Jr. wasn’t on the t.v. yet – I realized it was my lovely Husband’s way of reminding me that 22 years ago today, over a couple of Newkie Browns in The Central Bar, he announced he was ‘infatuated’ with me.  I remember the whole day so vividly – from bumping into him in the library, to the Moscow Mules, to the shock and delight of discovering he ‘was into me’ (I told the story here last year).  He was, and still is, the antithesis of every other guy I had dated – non-conformist, smart, sensitive and charming (not sure how many of my exes read this – they might not anymore!) – I had a pretty good feeling this one was a keeper.

As the summer of ’91 progressed, our relationship hit the fast track.  Within a couple of months we were planning our first vacation together.  He was studying for his PhD in Byzantine History so it seemed natural to head for Turkey – somewhere I had never been before – but I was excited to have my personal tour guide.  Our first overseas adventure was thrilling – back packing down from Istanbul, via various Roman ruins (and bars), to Side on The Mediterranean, where we drank Efes in the sun.  It was the trip that sealed the deal for me – he was the ‘one’ – oh and he was hot too – look at the hair and those soccer playing legs!:))

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These next photos made me giggle.  They are some of the very few we have from the early 90s as most of our photos were stolen, along with other items, from the container when we moved here.  My love of harem trousers must have come from him – here we are at my Graduation Ball in 1992 – he was dressed in Turkish, tailor made, harem trousers with a tailcoat – and had more jewelry than me:)

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Love the photo bombers in the back:)

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So today, unintentionally, I realized I could be accused of channeling one of his favorite bands – The Clash.  Happy ‘when we started dating’ anniversary my lovely…

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red and tartan

Jacket – Zara // Trousers – Zara tartan trousers (old)  // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Polo shirt – Matalan

 

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