Monthly Archives: March 2016

Outfit round up

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend, and if you are in the UK that you are still enjoying your long weekend! We have had a lovely relaxing time – lots of family fun and good food!

On Thursday I headed out with some girlfriends for lunch.

Tippi CollageJeans – Zara (old) // Espadrilles – TopShop (old but similar here) // Jumper – J.Crew Tippi (several colors on sale here) // Bag – Stella McCartney Falabella

We don’t get Good Friday off here but it was still a treat to spend lunch with my husband before the kids got home from school. We only have a week left now before spring break and the beach beckons!

pinstripe CollageJacket – Mango // Boots – ChloĆ© // Jeans – J.Crew // Bag – Proenza Schouler PS1 // Top – Mango (old but similar here)

On Saturday we hung out at home and then went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. I realized as I looked in the mirror that I was harking back to my days in Notting Hill and channeling the 90s – combat pants, camo and Air Max 95s!

camo CollageTrousers – The Gap (40% off with code PEEP) // Sneakers – Nike AirMax 95s // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Bomber jacket – TopShop

Today it’s back in the office, but as I mentioned just 5 days to go before we head to the Gulf Coast! We’re renting a house right on the beach again and the kids can’t wait to pack! We normally take a grill and cook on the beach all week – so much fun – so let’s pray that it stays dry and sunny!

jumpsuit CollageJumpsuit – The Gap (40% off with code PEEP) // Sneakers – Isabel Marant (some colors on sale here) // Bag – Proenza Schouler PS1 // Jacket – Mango (old – similar here)

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Belted jackets

Belted jackets have become a new staple in my closet. They cinch my waist to give me shape where I need it and they look great with jeans. It’s a signature look of my style heroine, Emmanuelle Alt. She belts all her coats – even puffa jackets in the winter.

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There are many choices on the high street starting with H&M who are on fire at the moment.

This grey jacket is so versatile and I love the bracelet length sleeves.

H&M jacket

This is one of my favorites – great colors – especially love the cream in it to wear with off white jeans.

H&M jacquard

This one is described as a cardigan – great for spring and cooler summer evenings – I love the rope belt and it has cashmere in it. The more I look at it the more I want it in my closet.

H&M cardigan

This pile coat is fabulous and now on sale at $24.99. Buy it and keep it for Fall!

pile jacket

This is the grey that I am wearing in the image below. It also comes in a black and grey pattern – both bargains at $39.99.

patterned coat

Finally a coat in the sale – just lovely – again a great color too. Reduced from $69.99 to just $19.99 with most sizes available.

boucle coat

Now another of my favorite stores, Mango. I have these first two coats as I thought they were so ‘Emmanuelle’ as soon as I saw them. The first colorway is currently reduced.

mango 2 mango 1

This coat is very reminiscent of ‘safari jackets’ – it’s beautiful for the summer. It’s lyocell so will be soft to wear.

mango 5

I’m head over heels with this cotton wool mix coat – just beautiful colors and currently reduced by 30%.

mango 3

This navy blue jacket from River Island will look brilliant with white jeans and tan sandals. It also comes in pink, black and a black and white pattern.

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Dressier now – this TopShop Unique jacket is a beauty. It’s a longer, smoking jacket style and would look incredible with black wide leg trousers.

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Last but not least – this is fabulous, quirky and fun from & Other StoriesĀ – the tigress quilted jacket.

& other stories

Now while we’re talking about belted jackets, when I was back in the UK I wanted a belt that I could wear over any coat. This is perfect – mainly because it has elastic at the back of the belt so it gives to fit around any coat, even with a sweater underneath.

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So what are your thoughts on the belted jacket? I do think they give a fabulous shape. I’ve worn one on each of the previous two days.

Topshop shoes 1Jacket – H&M (on sale) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – TopShop // Shirt – oversized cuff shirt H&M // bag – Stella McCartney Falabella

H&M jacket and gucci shoesJacket – H&M (sold out online) // Jeans – H&M // Shoes – Gucci (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney Falabella

Fringe boots

Occasionally I will see an image and recognize that I have at least one of the items required to recreate the look. Sometimes, as in this instance, the other item, or similar, suddenly makes an appearance – I do believe in fate!

I bought the Sam Edelman Taylan boot back before Christmas in the sale, knowing theyĀ would be the perfect spring boot with dresses. Today is their first outing. They are still available on sale here,Ā here, and in the UK here, and the flat version – the Josephine boot is available here.

Taylan boot

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This is the image that inspired today’s outfit:

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The dress above is Isabel Marant, but look what I found in the Mango sale…

 

Mango dress 2Boots – Sam Edelman Taylan // Dress – Mango (sold out) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Of course I’m afraid this dress is now sold out but here are some great alternatives that would look equally fab with the boots.

Mango dress mango dress eg 2 mango dress 4 mango dress 3 mango 5white 2 white 1

 

Cargo pants

Yes! It’s the first day of spring today! It feels wonderful here in Atlanta though I have to admit March 20th seems to have arrived extremely quickly. We’ve just had an amazing weekend in Nashville where Poppy was competing in an AllStar Cheer competition so, after a long drive back yesterday, we’re having a lazy Sunday with a late lunch out at our favorite BBQ joint.

I happen to be wearing some of my favorite pants today – they are best described as a harem cargo pant. They were from Zara a couple of years ago and each time I wear them I wonder why I don’t wear them more often. They are really comfortable and the shoe choice is endless. They are easy to dress up or down and wear day to evening. I think they are the perfect spring trouser – lighter weight than jeans and they pair perfectly with flip flops and sandals.

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(images via Pinterest)

Here are my picks from lower end high street to high end designer.

In the US The GapĀ is currently offering 2 day free shipping PLUS 40% off using code FASTBUNNY. I have just ordered these tencel joggers, they also come in navy and black.

tencel jogger

Not cargo pants, but the color is similar at least – I need to throw this jumpsuit in the mix. I have it and adore it and with the 40% off right now it would be foolish to miss out. I love it for traveling in and it is also available in grey and black.

jumpsuit

I love how louche these girlfriend chinos look – perfect paired with sun bleached espadrilles. They are wonderfully soft too.

girlfriend chino

Going now with the current trend of the crop kick flare. Sometimes I can’t be faffed with rolling up my pants – or my OCD gets the better of me and I spend far too long rolling and unrolling to get each leg even! These would save me hours over a year šŸ™‚

crop kick pants

Now onto Mango – so many choices with these being my absolute favorite – a great length and I LOVE the pockets and the wide leg.

cotton cargos

Now I admit I would style these differently but with simple leather flip flops and a plain white tank I think these would be the perfect vacation trouser.

cargo palazzo pants

These are more of a culotte and I love the tie waistband.

palazzon trousers

If you have never used Shopbop.com I urge you to check them out. You can check out with your Amazon Prime membership and get free speedy delivery, plus free returns and they offer a huge variety of brands.

These utilitarian Etienne Marcel pants haveĀ a slouchy, cropped silhouette withĀ distressing. I LOVE them.

Etienne Marcel

This pairĀ is cuffed at the ankle if you prefer less harem and more jogger style of pant. They are the NSF cargo pants with a hint of fading.
NSF cargo

Another cuffed version from Velvet, with a tie waist – comfort and style.
Velvet jogger

These slouchy Faith Connexion cargo pants in classic camo are fabulous, in the sale and still really pricey!!

faith connexion cargo

Just love these twill Current / Elliot pants with a slouchy, military-inspired profile. The crossover front is fabulous.

Current Elliott

Finishing with my favorite, which are very similar to the Zara pair I am wearing.Ā These slouchy Citizens of Humanity pants have a military-inspired look with a button fly.

Citizens of Humanity

While we are talking about cargo pants I want to share these fab leather flip flops from The Gap. I love wearing a very simple sandal with cargos, but sometimes a rubber flip flop is just too casual. These flip flops are available in silver, gold, tan, black, blue and pink. I love them all.

Gap leather flip flop

So here I am today on a chillier than desired first day of spring!

Zara cargo pantsTrousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose

Gorgeousness from The Gap!

I can’t even remember the last time I shopped at The Gap. Probably for denim shorts a couple of years ago. I don’t even know why I headed to their website today – I think it was to look at these fab dungarees, but I got side tracked by their stunning summer tops.

I’ve just ordered these – they are so Isabel Marant – just beautiful colors too.

Gap top Gap top Gap top

This eyelet top is stunning too and I particularly love the grey and the white. In the USA you can get 35% off these today with code STYLE.

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This yoke top is beautiful too and is available in the following four colors.

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I just love this mesh top – so cool paired with denim shorts. It also comes in blue and navy, and a couple of floral prints if that is your thing.

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This off the shoulder top is again 35% off today with code STYLE.

cn10703965

I love this railroad chambray shirt – a twist on the classic denim shirt.

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While I’m here I spotted this gorgeous new top in Mango – available in black and off white. I need both!

Mango black Mango off the shoulder

Finally if you have been lusting after the Mansur Gavriel spring collection of bags they are now back in stock here on Net-A-Porter – be quick they are like gold dust!

Mansur Gavriel tote Mansur Gavriel tote Mansur Gavriel bucket bag

 

Harem pants

I’ve never made a secret of my love for harem pants. They are so comfortable, and these days there are so many options available that if a full on drop crotch isn’t for you then you can opt for a smarter jogging pant. I’m wearing mine today as it is going to be in the 80’s and their fluidity keeps me cool all day. In fact they are the first thing I pack for vacations as they are perfect for traveling in too. You can then dress them up for evening wear with a lovely top and even a light jacket. The footwear options are endless – sneakers, sandals and even heels all look great with them.

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(Images via Pinterest)

The pairĀ I am wearing today isĀ from ASOS – just $28! They have an elastic waist that can be folded over to be worn lower on the hips if needed.

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I am waiting to take receipt of these tomorrow – a little lower crotch which I love..

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Etsy isĀ a fabulous source for harem pants. I’ve had some great purchases in the past and these caught my eye.

Etsy 1

Along with this pair which is less tailored. Bulgaria appears to be the home of most harem tailors!

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H&M offer some wonderful choices as well. These are similar to the ASOS pair I’m wearing – less drop crotch, more smart jogger.

H&M1

I have this pair of joggers – and they are definitely joggers so better worn with sneakers but I adore the drop crotch and the fabric is great! Perfect paired with a simple white tee and leather jacket.

H&M 2

Finally if you are in the UK I hear great things about the Hush harems. These have a fold over waistband and they look so comfortable. They are available in black. olive, navy, charcoal and blue. They will deliver to the US for £12 but it is not DPD, so make sure you know what customs will charge you for your order.

Hush harem

Here I am today – the weather is so great the toes are out!

harem 1Shoes – Birkenstocks // Trousers – ASOS // Top – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Scarf – H&M (old)

Yesterday the legs were out too – as well as plenty of sunless tan cream!

IMG_2953Dress – ASOS (old) // Shoes – Zara (this season but sold out online) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

 

 

 

New in from H&M

I’ve seen two beautiful ladies wear this top in blue this week – Frances and Dresslikeamum. It’s still not hit the US website BUT the yellow and white have. If you’re darker like me I think both colors will look great! Personally I think the cobalt is beautiful but best left to the blondes!

dresslikeamum Frances The Fashionlift

H&M lace off the shoulder top H&M lace off the shoulder top

I also LOVE these dungarees. I’ve been searching for a more boyfriend/slouchy fit pair for some time and these look perfect. I also like the thinner straps – more flattering on a larger bust.

H&M overalls dungarees

Finally these are sitting in my basket. I love white jeans all year round – especially distressed ones for wearing with a pretty top. These look lovely and high waisted too.

H&M white jeans

What’s caught your eye at H&M recently? With their new free in-store returns their worth a punt! Plus get free shipping right now over $50 with code 3354.

The pinstripe blazer

I absolutely love the warmer weather. It means the coats can be replaced with a blazer. A blazer can transform an entire outfit. If you pick one that fits well they are beautifully flattering. I find they give me shape by enhancing my shoulders and giving me a waist. I stand taller when I wear a blazer – and you can’t beat a strikingĀ pinstripe blazer when you need that extra pizzazz.

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(images via Pinterest)

I own the first two here from Mango. They are amazing quality and in the sale. I am wearing the navy today – and it’s what I would call chalkstripe rather than pinstripe, and it has a pop up grey felt collar. It’s now just $47.99.

Mango pinstripe jacket

The grey is lovely – I don’t normally go for double breasted but I love wearing this one with black or grey jeans and this is now just $39.99.

mango grey

I’m probably going to order this off-white jacketĀ as it is perfect with blue jeans for spring and just $39.99 – reduced by 60%.

mango white jacket

This grey blazer is reduced to $128 from $321 on Asos and I love the darker grey.

Asos jacket

This is a beautiful alternative to a blazer from TopShop – I think this would look amazing with leather leggings.

TopShop pinstripe

Another from TopShop but I can only see it on the Nordstrom website here. I love the long lapels on it.

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Now for the pricier versions. A blazer is always worth the investment for a fabulous cut and gorgeous fabric. This is TopShop Unique and lighter weight for the summer.

TopShop Unique pinstripe blazer

This By Malene Birger has matching flared trousers – stunning paired as a suit for a wedding.

By Malene Birger pinstripe blazer

Finally I just love the styling of this blazer byĀ Maje. Less structured than some of the others, again with more of a chalkstripe than pinstripe, and it’s just beautiful. It’s final sale right now.

Maje pinstripe blazer

So here I am in my Mango jacket. I subconsciously chose to wear it for a teacher conference today – the Husband asked if I was having school uniform flash backs!

pinstripe blazer golden goose J Brand selena jeans PS1Jeans – Selena by JBrand // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Top – Zara (old) // Blazer – Mango (on sale) // Bag – PS1 (similar here)

 

 

The humble sweatshirt

Where would we be without the sweatshirt? In recent years it has morphed from athletic wear to day wear to going out wear – that even allows you to share opinions with motifs and messages. Personally I prefer a simple sweatshirt with no graphics, although I do own a couple of motif sweatshirts. They are perfect for layering, or just throwing on when you lack inspiration. The sweatshirt can be worn with anything from denim shorts and jeans through to leather trousers and skirts, and you can’t beat a simple grey sweatshirt paired with sequin leggings.

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(images via Pinterest)

First up some exciting news from H&M – a fabulous source for sweatshirts. There is up to 60% off online today PLUS the US can now return online purchases in store!!! Hooray!!! At last! Previously we have had to mail them back and were consequently charged a restocking fee – so I am thrilled now we have the option of returning in store.

The sweatshirt I am wearing today is H&M and I love it – it is really substantial and the quality is great. I think I paid around $30 for it. I sized up too as I can’t stand tight fitting sweatshirts! For me they have to be slouchy and oversized.

I love this one with the zip detail – slightly cropped too and perfect for layering.

H&M zip sweatshirt

The lacing detail on this one gives it a unique twist.

H&M lacing

This one is very similar to mine, it may even be the same and is just $24.99 – it comes in pale pink and black too.

H&M 24.99 sweatshirt

This little number is currently just $5.99 in the grey and $9.99 in other colors!!!

H&M 5.99 sweatshirt

Rebecca has this red sweatshirt and I love the washed red – it is currently reduced to $9.99 with all sizes available.

Parson sweathsirt

Now if you are in the UK you are probably aware of Selfish Mother. TheyĀ are committed to genuine sustainability through theirĀ supply chain. TheirĀ tees and sweatshirts are madeĀ at aĀ Fair Wear FoundationĀ certified factory in Bangladesh, which means it is vetted forĀ good working conditions and fair wages. The designs are all screen-printed in London and each different design contributes profits to a different charity. They ship to the US too.

Purchasing the Maman sweatshirt contributes to Help Refugees UK. £10 from every MAMAN tee and £15 from every MAMAN sweatshirt will go to support this cause.

maman_grey_scoop_sweat_with_red_grande

I love the logo on this one – so appropriate for me šŸ˜‰Ā All profits* from sales of WINGING ITĀ designs go to KIDS CHARITY UK, who do amazing work with disabled children and their families. KIDS not only helps young people age 0-25 but also the people caring for them on a daily basisĀ More info here.Ā *When theyĀ say ā€˜all profits’ this means £15 from the sale of each sweat going straight to help others!

grey_cerise_winging_it_scoop_neck_sweatshirt_grande

This is the version I own – I did say I had a motif sweatshirt in there somewhere!Ā All profits* from sales of Mother designs go to Women for Women International – an charity that helps women in 8 war-torn regions rebuild their lives through training programs. More info here.Ā Ā *When theyĀ say ā€˜all profits’ this means £15 from the sale of each sweat going straight to help others!

mother_grey_and_neon_boyfriend_sweatshirt_1024x1024_20fecfed-5f95-4237-88e8-193eb5c6f720_grande

Now Zara have some fun offerings this season – though they may be causing a little trouble with this Elle Macpherson sweat – it is very similar to Reformation’s Cindy Crawford sweatshirt that retailed for $118!

elle macpherson sweatshirt

I love this oversized motif sweatshirt which is available in other colors too.

oversized sweatshirt

Mango of course have some great options to choose from – plain or graphic. These are my picks.

I need one of each color in this sweatshirt with motivational quotes!

Mango perfect sweathsirt

I love the shape of this one and the fact it doesn’t have cuffs.

Mango oversized sweatshirt

If you quite like the idea of a motif, but not emblazoned across your chest, this is a great alternative. It comes in white and black too with different copy.

Mango message sweatshirt

I adore the lower neckline on this and the slight pleating at the sides. Perfect for layering and the grey is also gorgeous.

Mango cotton sweatshirt

I love the lace detail on this one and it is currently 35% off.

Mango cord sweatshirt

Here they are going with the Bella Freud year thing – at some point I will find a 1971 version – I can’t bring myself to wear one that isn’t my birth year!

Mango 1976 sweatshirt

Now finally TheOutnet.com who have several items on clearance too right now, including this Zoe Karssen number which is just $25! I’m tempted to buy it even to sleep in at 80% off!

zoe karssen clearance

Another Zoe Karssen with 50% off.

theoutnet zoekarsson

This Etre Cecile number is so much fun! Love it! Just $81.60 too.

parisienne

Only XS left in this Markus Lupfer sweatshirt – but how cool is it!?

Marksu lupfer

You can’t go wrong with a simple James Perse sweatshirt – always fabulous fabric and 60% off on TheOutnet.com.

james peres

Possibly my favorite – this Etre Cecile number is gorgeous – I LOVE the colors and it is just $86.70.

etre

So here I am in my little H&M number today! Spring is blooming in Atlanta so hopefully I will get to sit out in the garden later once I’ve dragged the kids to their dentist appointment!

SweatshirtShoes – Kurt Geiger // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – J.Crew popoverĀ (25% off with code SHOPNOW) // Sweatshirt – H&M (similar here) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

 

 

 

 

The glove shoe

So yes you’ve already probably formed an opinion on this style of shoe – what I like to call the block heeled ballerina. Many vehemently hate them, many love them, regardless the ‘granny’ shoe, as it has become known, looks like it is here to stay for a while. I have to say I am rather taken with them. I think they look great as an alternative to the sock boot with a cropped, kick flare. Also, they look rather neat on my peculiar feet. I like a high vamp that conceals my toes and I find them ridiculously comfortable. Given their comfort it’s not surprising I thought all the flight attendants on my Virgin Atlantic flight were wearing very cool cabin shoes, you can’t deny the similarity!

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(Images from Pinterest)

The top pick of the high street is the TopShop Juno. I actually have these in a beautiful red color that doesn’t appear to be available anymore – but they do now come in a fabulous orange – how awesome will they look with tanned legs!?

TopShop Juno collage

The pair from Zara were the first that caught my eye. Beautifully soft leather in a lovely neutral ecru color.

Zara

I absolutely love these from Mango – tan suede will go with everything and see you throughout the summer.

Mango

I no longer see the H&M black suede pair online, whichĀ I am wearing today, butĀ they have them in beautiful neutral light mole here on the UK site.

H&M premium shoes

 

Finally my absolutely dream pair of pumps. Such a stunning color for summer – but pricey – so only commit once you know the style is for you! The Maryam Nassir Zadeh Roberta pump.

MNZ ROberta

Violet MNZ Roberta

So as I say, a love them or hate them kind of shoe and I get both sides, but I’m going with them – anything that offers comfort these days is embraced!

I’m actually amazed I can move today. Saturday was spent in the treetops, navigating rope bridges and zip lines for my newly turned 8 year old. It was terrifying and boy did my arms and core get a workout! The things you do for your kids!

H&M pumpsJeans – JBrand Selena // Shoes – H&M (On UK site in light mole here) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – H&M (now on sale just $34.99) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora