Monthly Archives: January 2015

Dusting the flares off again

Yes they are back, though for me the great flare never went away. This is me from almost exactly a year ago wearing my Hudson Woodstock flares that I love so much!

I find flares super flattering especially with a heel – really leg lengthening and slimming with a great bell bottom. The more flared the better as far as I am concerned!

Here’s me in the same jeans from March 2011!

Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos from Pinterest – there’s an abundance of great street style photos for flares!

I love that this season’s flares also encompass wide legged trousers too, so if you aren’t comfortable with the tight thighs you can always try a pair such as these from Zara – so boho! I love the idea of these with flat, minimal sandals in the summer.

I’ve recently ordered this pair as I love the idea of a black pair of flares and Zara’s jeans always have a lovely stretch to them too. They’ll be perfect with Stans or heels.

Unfortunately I can’t find the Hudson Woodstock anywhere these days but they now stock the Ferris flare here which look identical with the hem stitching. I particularly love my Hudsons for the stretch denim and the flap back pockets – they really give your butt a great shape!

If you don’t like the flap pocket then Nordstrom stock the Hudson Angel flare with a classic pocket.

Yesterday, instead of classic flares, I wore a pair of old Zara wide leg jeans. I haven’t worn them for a while and I had forgotten how comfy they are. They are super ‘Mom’ jeans with a really high rise – they keep everything held in!

Jeans – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Adidas calf hair (similar here) // Jumper – Boden Off Duty (on sale) // Cardigan – ASOS (now on sale)

Today I am back in the skinnies but I’m off out with the girls tonight and might just dig out my Hudsons for the occasion!

Shoes – Vince Nina // Jeans – Zara // Shirt – Mango (on sale) // Jumper – AllSaints (old) // Coat – Mango (on sale 50% off!)

So how do you plan to wear your flares this Spring?

Love Sephora lip glosses?

Get the big coat out

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I don’t think Atlanta is going to get the snow that the North East is expecting but it certainly feels like deepest, darkest winter out there today! After a weekend of glorious sunshine I woke up this morning feeling like we should all just stay in bed. Unfortunately not an option for any of us, so I steeled myself and headed off to the gym after the school run. I feel quite virtuous now 🙂

This weekend I did a little online shopping, before we headed out for a family lunch followed by fun at our neighbor’s house. I’d been cruising the Uniqlo site for a few days checking this beauty out. I finally convinced myself that I need it for my trip back to the UK.

I don’t have a trench and I have always wanted a shorter version. I was torn though between the classic neutral or navy and this camo version. In the end I went for the camo version as it is so unusual and I think it will look great paired with all black – which let’s face it – I have an abundance of in my closet. I am sure I can track down a more classic version at a later date if it becomes a wardrobe staple for me!

As for what I wore this weekend – here is my Saturday ensemble – I switched the boots for Converse when we headed to our neighbor’s for beer and football. Not a great idea after the strongest margarita ever and an enormous chimichanga!

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in burgundy (in sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck (similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew denim // Cape – ASOS

Today I’m off to my Ob/Gyn annual so opted for a dress for easy on and off! I instantly regretted this as the wind whipped round my legs while I took my photos!

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s tan (on sale here)// Dress – Uniqlo Urban Sweats collection // Coat – Warehouse // Scarf – Mango

If you’re in the North East stay warm and indoors!

A quiet week at home

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Sorry for being AWOL this week – MLK day, 2 days at home with a sick child and Drs appointments have meant that I’ve worn little else but my cashmere onesie and workout gear.

January is when I like to get all those pesky annual check ups out of the way, so make sure you remember to do the same! Yesterday was my annual skin check, today is mammogram day and Monday is my ob/gyn annual. None of them are pleasant appointments but boy it feels good to get them out of the way!

The one day this week I did get dressed properly was on MLK day when we went to watch Paddington at the movies – best family movie I have seen in a long time, by far!

I’ve had a haircut since thank goodness – it was starting to look a little unkempt!

Boots – Navy Newbury boots // Trousers – coated chinos from Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo cotton cashmere navy tunic – LOVE these and they are now on the UK site! // Jacket – AllSaints Monument jacket (old – similar here) // Bag – Alexander McQueen (sale)

While downloading photos I found this one from weeks ago that I hadn’t posted – not wanting it to go to waste here it is 🙂

Shoes – Zara // Trousers – Zara // Jumper – J.Crew (similar here) // Jacket – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Zara (on sale)

We’re now so close to February I am starting to get very excited about my annual trip home to see my family and friends. I need to start a packing list! Woo hooo!

My neck is starting to look like my labia

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Yup it’s happening. 25 years of drinking, smoking and sun is finally taking it’s toll. Chicken waddle, neck labia or loose skin under your jawline – whatever you care to call it – it is happening to me. A ‘friend’ told me it only happens to ‘old people’ – thanks. I have tried Strivectin neck cream in the past but to be honest it was a total waste of time and money.

After surveying many said ‘friends’ the majority (all younger than me) have suggested a good moisturizer is all you need. Well there are plenty of moisturizers out there to try and if you read any beauty blogs, like I do you, will only end up as confused as I am. I have decided to take a very random, yet brand focused approach. It’s a bit like clothes shopping there is JUST TOO MUCH OUT THERE. Making a choice by reviews is almost impossible – as you may have guessed there are lovers and haters of every brand out there. I decided to pick 2 beauty bloggers that I trust for their honesty. I also love how concise and to the point they are. Having said that I have never met them in person and I am only going on what they say online so go judge for yourselves and visit ViviannaDoesMakeup and CarolineHirons.com. I have to say I also love them as there is nothing better some days than listening to a good English gal chat away.

OK so first up the brand – Peter Thomas Roth. Anna first mentioned this brand after her recent visit to NYC. She bought the pumpkin mask. Even though my skin has few wrinkles it feels loose and dull – as I mentioned especially around my neck and jawline. This mask and the way she describes it sounds like the perfect antidote.

So I ordered it. While I was online at Sephora I decided to take a peek at the rest of his line. All, I hasten to add, are highly rated on Sephora. I was particularly interested in serums. I really believe that these products are the solution to many a skin crisis, and can easily enhance the effectiveness of a much cheaper drugstore moisturizer when applied before you moisturize. I have ordered these – the VIZ-1000™ 75 percent Hyaluronic Acid Complex for it’s ability to hydrate the skin, and the Glycolic acid gel for it’s ability to turnover cells and diminish the signs of aging. I plan to apply both, on alternate days, under my regular moisturizer and makeup primer.

Caroline is a big fan of hydrating spritzers. I have used The Body Shop Vitamin C energizing spray for years on and off, especially when flying, but I have never considered using it daily. Today I ordered The Body Shop Vitamin E spray along with the Vitamin E serum to try – both highly rated and they have been around for years. I take that to be a good sign.

Moving into Spring false tanners caught my eye too. I have read a lot about the God of self tanning, James Read. After researching on Sephora I discovered that his products are available tax free on NAP – no Rouge points, but tax free trumps points in my eyes! I have ordered the sleep mask to try – I cannot wait after reading the great reviews. Even Marks and Spencers stock it! If this works I plan to try the body version.

So do you have a solution I need to try, or even better a problem area you need to share? 😉

A night out, a day off and off out shopping

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It’s MLK Day here on Monday so we have a lovely long weekend. I wasn’t looking forward to it earlier in the week as it was so cold and lashing it down with freezing rain. Now though I am thrilled as the skies are blue, the sun is shining and my windows are open. Spring is taunting us.

On Thursday night I had a lovely dinner with an old friend from my corporate days. It was so much fun to catch up especially as she has got married and is now in the process of changing jobs – my stories felt comparatively dull!

Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Yesterday was my day off and after completing another grueling work out (I will be 20lbs lighter by the summer!) I was lucky enough to have the afternoon with my Husband chatting and walking the dogs in the sunshine.

Sneakers – Stan Smiths in navy // Trousers – J.Crew drapey wool trousers in navy // Jumper – Everlane cashmere v-neck

These Stan Smiths are pretty awesome – yup if you’re counting that’s another new pair.

Today I took Poppy to the mall. It’s always so much fun to treat her after a good week at school and right now her favorite store is The Body Shop and who am I to discourage cleanliness and personal grooming!?

Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

And I got to take my new baby out. Really? Who for one moment thought I wouldn’t buy it? I am in love.

After hitting The Body Shop, where of course we had to buy the limited edition Smoky Poppy product line, we headed to Sephora where I bought the travel sized Hourglass Veil Primer to try. I’ve heard amazing things about this stuff. Lets see if it delivers.

Tomorrow is my Blogversary – 3 whole years! I still love this little creative outlet as much as ever and my world would be empty without all the amazing friends I have met through it. What will year 4 bring?

My new love

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They arrived yesterday and I have not taken my eyes off them. They are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever owned – no joke. At just $95 they cannot be beaten for urban style, comfort and cool factor. My Husband even joked that I was dressed ‘Portobello circa ’91’, back when we were the cool kids on the block, living in our Ledbury Road bedsit. I love them. Meet my Nike Air Force 1s – you’ll be seeing a lot of them.

I bought the US 8.5 which is my normal size and they fit perfectly.

For the ultimate 90’s Notting Hill look I donned my camo trousers and Khaki jumper. I wore a very similar outfit for carnival in 1991. I can’t wait till it’s light enough to photograph outside again, my mirror is constantly under siege from my children’s handprints!

Sneakers – Air Force 1s // Trousers – Zara (old) // Jumper – ASOS (sale – keep checking back I nabbed this when it came back in stock – it fits big this is a UK 10/US 6) // Jacket – Mango (50% off in sale)

Yesterday I took inspiration from this Pinterest photo of Sincerely Jules.

Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers // Coated jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – J.Crew (similar here) // Shirt – Gap (similar here on sale) // Coat – Marks and Spencer (old – love this one reduced from $200 to $80 or this one also on sale!!)

Off out tonight with a dear friend who I used to work with in my corporate days – I can’t wait for a good natter over some good food and wine. It also gives me an opportunity to change clothes again today instead of slipping into my cashmere onesie (now reduced further in the sale) after the gym 🙂 My poor daughter was mortified yesterday when I picked her up from school wearing it!

50% off sale at AllSaints!

A new bag anyone?

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It’s been deathly dreary here in Altanta – I could barely see the car in front of me this morning it was so misty and damp. It just makes me feel tired. I’m trying to make more of an effort dressing each morning in order to perk myself up!

Yesterday I wore my leather culottes – gone are the days where I ‘save things for best’.

Culottes – eBay store // Boots – Zara (old) // Jumper – Everlane sleeveless turtleneck // Jacket – Mango (half price on sale)

I love these culottes so much and now I am looking for something a little more tailored like these – let me know if you see any similar!

Today I am trying to lift my spirits, dampened by the crap weather, with my sparkly boots and fur!

Jumper – TopShop (old – similar listed below) // Jeans – Zara // Boots – Zara // Fur – Zara // Tank under jumper – H&M

Oh and you know I did a post the other day stating it was ‘the last of the sales post‘ – errrm maybe not quite. Many of you follow Eve’s blog and I am smitten by her new Alexander McQueen bag – she has such exquisite taste. I have been looking for a large tote for sometime to take the place of my YSL Roady which I still adore but is a little beaten up these days after almost 3 years of daily usage. Anyway look what I found in final sale on NAP reduced by 40%:

It’s not identical to Eve’s which is a good thing as we share so many similar items – but it is big enough to be a great carry on bag for travel and yet also function as a great every day bag for work and carting stuff around for the kids. Mmmm tempted I am.

Lilac jumpers

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”498568″]

My sneaker obsession

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Weren’t those sneakers in my last post awesome? I cannot wait for them to arrive. For some reason I seem to have developed a New Year sneaker obsession. Maybe it is my desire to simplify and opt for simple classics as opposed to wild one hit wonders?

I made lots of sartorial errors last year but one major improvement I made to my closet was to add some navy and blue pieces. I love neutrals but I was getting tired of grey and black. Some navy pieces added a little extra something to my closet, and it is another style pointer that is endorsed by my new handbook “How to be Parisian…”. So why not add another pair of sneakers that also happen to be navy…and classics…? Introducing the navy Stan Smith from Adidas.

Or if you prefer leopard print how about the black?

Or a spin on the classic white?

My Husband is a fan of classic sneakers having worn red hi-top Converse and Adidas classics all his life. He’s often encouraged me to seek out the classic Nike Air Force 1 hi-top and I have so far been reluctant as they always looked so big and awkward. That is till I saw these on NAP. A new, slimmer, more feminine version of the classic. I totally adore them.

It’s always dangerous on NAP at this time of year when new season stock is arriving daily. I also fell in love with this cobalt pair. Just stunning.

This neutral pair remind me of my Isabel Marant Bobbys, a much cheaper option and yet maybe even cooler?

I can’t buy these as they are patterned. But if they adhere to your 2015 fashion rules go for them – they are fabulous. Adidas originals by Mary Katrantzou:

As for my wardrobe choices over the past couple of days it has all been based on warmth. With temperatures at 10 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday it called for fur, boots and polo necks.

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Zara coated jeans (old) // Jumper – J.Crew (40% off with SALENEWS) // Coat – Marks and Spencer (last year)

Yesterday I was bombing around from school run, to gym, to dentist, to shopping so comfort was the order of the day.

Sneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (old but similar here) // Cardigan – ASOS (currently on sale plus an extra 10% off with GIMME10)

One last note – if you have seen Kat’s Instagram you will see she received her lovely Dorothy Perkins satin navy boots today. They look amazing. Well if you are in the US you can also get them here with free delivery and 15% off the sale price! Just use these 2 codes at check out INTDP15 and DPTREAT – they also come in black too. Just saying. Both are reduced from $69 to $27 and $35 respectively.

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Monthly Archives: January 2015

Dusting the flares off again

Love Sephora lip glosses?

Get the big coat out

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in burgundy (in sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck (similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew denim // Cape – ASOS

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s tan (on sale here)// Dress – Uniqlo Urban Sweats collection // Coat – Warehouse // Scarf – Mango

A quiet week at home

Shoes – Zara // Trousers – Zara // Jumper – J.Crew (similar here) // Jacket – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Zara (on sale)

My neck is starting to look like my labia

A night out, a day off and off out shopping

Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

My new love

Sneakers – Air Force 1s // Trousers – Zara (old) // Jumper – ASOS (sale – keep checking back I nabbed this when it came back in stock – it fits big this is a UK 10/US 6) // Jacket – Mango (50% off in sale)

Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers // Coated jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – J.Crew (similar here) // Shirt – Gap (similar here on sale) // Coat – Marks and Spencer (old – love this one reduced from $200 to $80 or this one also on sale!!)

50% off sale at AllSaints!

A new bag anyone?

Jumper – TopShop (old – similar listed below) // Jeans – Zara // Boots – Zara // Fur – Zara // Tank under jumper – H&M

My sneaker obsession

Sneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (old but similar here) // Cardigan – ASOS (currently on sale plus an extra 10% off with GIMME10)

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Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in burgundy (in sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck (similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew denim // Cape – ASOS

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s tan (on sale here)// Dress – Uniqlo Urban Sweats collection // Coat – Warehouse // Scarf – Mango

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Shoes – Zara // Trousers – Zara // Jumper – J.Crew (similar here) // Jacket – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Zara (on sale)

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Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

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Sneakers – Air Force 1s // Trousers – Zara (old) // Jumper – ASOS (sale – keep checking back I nabbed this when it came back in stock – it fits big this is a UK 10/US 6) // Jacket – Mango (50% off in sale)

Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers // Coated jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – J.Crew (similar here) // Shirt – Gap (similar here on sale) // Coat – Marks and Spencer (old – love this one reduced from $200 to $80 or this one also on sale!!)

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Jumper – TopShop (old – similar listed below) // Jeans – Zara // Boots – Zara // Fur – Zara // Tank under jumper – H&M

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Sneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (old but similar here) // Cardigan – ASOS (currently on sale plus an extra 10% off with GIMME10)

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