Monthly Archives: May 2016

The new normal

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My mum and dad left for home yesterday after a lovely visit. It was so nice to have them here and show them some of our regular haunts. We ate out nearly everyday, which got me thinking about my weight. I exercise almost daily, running at least 3 miles with some weights thrown in here and there. I also plank every day with Poppy! However, the scales never budge as I still indulge in my food and wine – maybe even justifying it after a long run.

Long term readers will know that I lost about 40lbs probably about 5-6 years ago now using Jenny Craig. As successful as Jenny was I am loathed to use them again as I really don’t like the idea of frozen, processed food 3 times a day. So after hearing about the success that friends in the UK have had with Slimming World – I have signed up to give this a try! It makes sense counting syns and optimizing your food with ‘good’ food, so we’ll see how it goes! Today is my first day. If any of you have tried Slimming World before I’d love to know your thoughts!

After Memorial Day we now have a new normal routine – the kids are at camp in the morning while I work, we then head to the pool and then I work out in the evening! It seems I have more to fit in a day than when they are at school! Plus we only have 4 weeks till Turkey wooo hooo!

Here’s today’s comfy outfit for the heat and the first day back in the office for a while!

culottesShoes – Mango (reduced from $89.99 to $49.99) // Top – Mango // Culottes – ASOS (similar here)

 

Mango, ASOS & Sam Edelman codes for Memorial Day!

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stars and stripes

In the US Mango have 30% off everything here using code 6SHOPPINGUS.

I picked up these cute bags for my vacation.

cactus clutch cactus bag

ASOS have 20% off everything here with code HISUMMER.

I have this dress in my cart – I think the ruffle will be too much for my boobs but I just love it!

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This top is so pretty – similar to the Mango tops from last year and now ASOS have it in a lovely pale blue.

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Whatever you choose – remember the ASOS codes can only be used one time only – drives me mad!!

I also just received an email for 30% off site wide at SamEdelman.com with code VIPSUMMER here.

Happy Holiday!

 

 

What I’ve bought over the Memorial Weekend…

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Ok first of all I admit they weren’t all on sale. Take for example these boots. I knew I had to have them as soon as I saw them on WhoWhatWear.com this morning. I adore the juxtaposition of a masculine bootie with the feminine lace details – very Emmanuelle Alt.

TopShop Bootie

I did take advantage of the Gap 40% off with code LONGWKND to stock up on some lovely slub t-shirts.

I love these swing t-shirts to wear with denim shorts – great muffin top hiders!

Gap t-shirt Gap t-shirt Gap t-shirt Gap t-shirt

Also the tank version.

Gap Tank

Finally I couldn’t resist ordering this dress to try – it will be lovely for my vacation in a month’s time – fingers crossed it works!

Gap dress Gap dress

Here are a few outfits from over the weekend!

Zara jeansJeans – Zara // Espadrilles – Soludos // Top – Banana Republic (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

On Friday we all went out for a lovely dinner – some great Southern cooking!

JCT dinner

& Other Stories dressDress – & Other Stories (relaxed fit this is a US 8) // Boots – Isabel Marant Otway (eBay) // Bag – Stella McCartney

Pink loafersShoes – TopShop // Jeans – Zara // Shirt – Mango (old)

Zara gingham dressDress – Zara // Espadrilles – & Other Stories

We’re off to the baseball today which is followed by a concert by Chris Stapleton! I cannot wait! What a great double ticket for Memorial Weekend! Enjoy your Holiday Monday in the UK and US!

Memorial weekend sales and codes!

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This is a fairly comprehensive list of sales this weekend along with the codes!

Enjoy!

stars and stripes

ALGENIST // Enjoy $10 off $50, $20 off $100, $30 off $150

CODE(S): 10REWARD, 20REWARD, 30REWARD

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

ANN TAYLOR // 50% Off Full-Price Purchase & Extra 40% Off Sale Styles

CODE(S): SUMMER50

DATES: 5/26 – 5/31

 

ANTHROPOLOGIE // Additional 30% off all sale items, in stores and online

DATES: 5/26-5/30

 

ASOS // Extra 20% Off

CODE(S): HISUMMER

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

BANANA REPUBLIC // Extra 40% Off

CODE(S): BRTAKE40

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

BANDIER // 15% off a selection of summer must haves

CODE(S): MEMORIAL15

DATES: 5/23 – 5/29

 

BLOOMINGDALES // Take an extra 20% off select sale & clearance items for savings up to 65% off

CODE(S): BROWNBAG

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

BLUEFLY // Extra 20% Off Your Order

CODE(S): MDW20

DATES: 5/27 – 5/31

 

C21 // $20 Off Any Order Over $100

CODE(S): C21SAVEAF

DATES: 5/27 – 5/30

 

CALVIN KLEIN // Extra 35% Off

CODE(S): MEMORIAL35

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

DONNI CHARM // Bandanas and sarongs 20% off

CODE(S): DONNICHARM20

DATES: Now – 6/5

 

DRESSBARN // Buy One, Get One 50% off on all Plus Size, Misses & Petites dresses

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG // 30% Off Select Styles

CODE(S): SUMMER30

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

EBAGS // Take 15% off $49+, 20% off $99+, or 25% off $199+

CODE(S): SALUTE

DATES: 5/25 – 5/31

 

EXPRESS // 15% Off your Purchase

CODE(S): 9492 (enter at checkout)

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

FARFETCH // Up to 50% Off

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

FREE PEOPLE // Additional 25% Off All Sale Items

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

FURBISH STUDIO // 20% Off Sitewide

CODE(S): ALLTHETHINGS

DATES: 5/27 – 5/30

 

GAIAM // 20% Off Meditation Products

DATES: Now – 6/6

 

HOTTER SHOES // 40% Off Your Order + Free Shipping

CODE(S): STYLE40

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

J. CREW // 30% Off Your Purchase

CODE(S): WEEKEND

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

JCPENNEY // 15% Off

CODE(S): JPSAV15

DATES: Now – 6/1

 

JOE’S JEANS // 25% Off Sitewide

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

JOIE // Additional 20% Off Sale Items

CODE(S): MD2016

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

KELSI DAGGER BROOKLYN // Enjoy 30% Off Sitewide

CODE(S): MEMORIAL30

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

LELE SADOUGHI // Enjoy 20% Off Your Entire Purchase

CODE(S): SUMMER20

DATES: Now – 6/7

 

L.K. BENNETT // Save an Extra 30% Off All Sale Items!

CODE(S): MD2016

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

LOFT // 60% Off Summer Faves & All Sale Styles + 40% Off New Arrivals

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

LORD AND TAYLOR // 20% Off Almost Everything

CODE(S): MEMORIAL

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

MACY’S // Extra 20% off Memorial Day Sale + Free Shipping at $50

CODE(S): MEMDAY

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

MINTED // 15% Off All Wedding and Kids’ Essentials

CODE(S): MEMORIAL16

DATES: 5/27 – 5/31

 

MODA OPERANDI // Up to 50% Off

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

MODCLOTH // Up to 40% Off

DATES: 5/23 – 5/30

 

MOON & LOLA // 20% Off Your Full-Priced Order

CODE(S): RSCHARM20

DATES: Now – 6/6

 

NASTY GAL // EXTRA 40% OFF All Markdowns

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

NINA SHOES // 30% Off Select Pumps

DATES: 5/25 – 5/30

 

NORDSTROM // Up to 40% Off

DATES: 5/26 – 6/7

 

OLD NAVY // Extra 50% Off Select Styles

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

PLANET BLUE // Up to 70% Off Sitewide

DATES: 5/28 – 5/31

 

POTTERY BARN // Up to 25% Off

CODE(S): SAVEMORE

DATES: Now-5/30

 

QVC // Save 25-50% Off the QVC Price for Select Items

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

RAG & BONE // 50% Off Select Spring Product

DATES: Now – Until Product Runs Out

 

RAMY BROOK // Additional 25% Off

CODE(S): SUMMER

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

REBECCA TAYLOR // Enjoy an Extra 25% Off Sale Styles In-store & Online

CODE(S): EXTRA25

DATES: Now – 5/31

 

ROCKET DOG // Get an Additional 30% Off Sale Items & Up to 65% Off at Checkout

DATES: 5/24 – 5/30

 

SAM EDELMAN // 30% Off Sitewide

CODE(S): VIPSUMMER

DATES: NOW – MAY 30

 

SAY HELLO TO LONGER LEGS // 15% Off

CODE(S): MEMORIAL

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

SERENA AND LILY // Save 20% Off Serena and Lily’s Memorial Day Sale

CODE(S): HEREWEGO

DATES: 5/25 – 5/31

 

SHOEBUY // 25% Off + Free Shipping

CODE(S): REWARD25

DATES: Now- 5/31

 

SHOPBOP // New Markdowns + 25% OFF Calvin Klein Underwear

DATES: 5/25 – 5/30

 

SIGMA BEAUTY // 20% Off Site-Wide

CODE(S): MEMORIAL20

DATES: 5/30

 

SOLE SOCIETY // 50% Off Select Styles on SoleSociety.com

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

SOUTHERN TIDE // Free Shipping on Orders Of $75 or More

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

STOWAWAY COSMETICS // Get $15 Off Orders Over $100

CODE(S): REWARD15

DATES: Now – 6/30

 

SUPERGOOP // 30% Off All Orders

CODE(S): SUNSCREEN

DATES: 5/27-5/28

 

THE FRYE COMPANY // Buy 2, Take 15% Off; Buy 3, Take 20% Off

CODE(S): SUMMER2, SUMMER3

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

THE REAL REAL // Extra 20% Off

CODE(S): HITLIST

DATES: Now – 6/1

 

TRINA TURK // Enjoy an Additional 20% Off All Sale Merchandise

DATES: 5/26 – 5/31

 

UNIQLO // Free Shipping on All Orders + Deals Under $20

DATES: 5/28 – 5/30

 

UNIQUE VINTAGE // 20% Off the Entire Site Including Sale (Excluding Designer Prom)

CODE(S): MEM20

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

URBAN OUTFITTERS // Long Weekend Sale – 25% Off Shorts + 25% Off Graphic Tees

DATES: 5/25 – 5/30

 

VALFRE // 25% Off Everything

CODE(S): SUMMERLOVIN

DATES: 5/25 – 5/30

 

VINCE CAMUTO // Extra 30% off Sale and Clearance

DATES: 5/26 – 5/30

 

W CONCEPT // $30 Off $200, $50 Off $300, $100 Off $500

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

WAITING ON MARTHA // Spend up to $150, Get 15% off; Spend $151-$300, Get 20% off; Spend $301-$450, Get 25% off; Spend $451+, Get 30% off

CODE(S): MEM15, MEM20, MEM25, MEM30

DATES: Now – 5/30

 

WANDERLUST + CO // 40% off selected items at Wanderlust + Co

DATES: 5/27 – 5/30

 

ZHUSH // 20% Off Everything on the Site

CODE(S): MEMORIALDAY

DATES: 5/26 – 5/31

Who What Wear with Target

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Back in January WhoWhatWear.com launched it’s collaboration with Target. Their clothes are lovely on trend pieces – and all under $50. I picked up this beautiful blush dress the other day, and in black too. It is so easy to wear either as off the shoulder or on the shoulder and I find the length really flattering. It’s the perfect summer dress and just $34.99 – oh and it goes with my & Other Stories espadrilles perfectly!

whowhat wear blush blacktarget dress CollageDress – Target // Shoes – & Other Stories // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

You may have noticed I have had my haircut again! One of the drawbacks of super short hair is that I can’t go longer than 4 weeks without a cut. I left Van Michael feeling amazing though after my cut with O’Neil. He really is the best.

zara shoesShoes  – Zara // Jeans – Marks and Spencer (old) // Shirt and scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Proenza Schouler

The other day it was time to get the shorts out – plus MORE new shoes – these ballet flats are TopShop.

shortd ballet flatsShoes – TopShop // Shorts and Top – J.Crew (old)

Ok off to go and collect my Mum and Dad from the airport after their little jaunt to Florida! Then the kids are home from school…for the summer!!!! YAY!

 

 

 

Acne Pistol boots 55% off!!

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Get these gorgeous boots here – at 55% off – be quick they will vanish in a heartbeat! All sizes available right now!

Screen Shot 2016-05-23 at 9.51.17 AM

A birthday, Willie Nelson and President Carter!

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What a busy week! My mum and dad arrived on Tuesday just in time for Poppy’s 10th birthday on the 18th. It was quite cute at the airport – I collected Hugh and Poppy from school early as they had prepared welcome posters for Nana and Grandad!

airport

On Wednesday, while the kids were at school, we went for some gentle shopping to DSW while the jet lag dissipated. Mum also loves to head to Ulta where she stocks up on OPI nail polish – one of the few things that is still cheaper here!

dsw2Shoes – Isabel Marant // Jeans – Zara // Top – AllSaints // Bag – Balenciaga

dsw

We came out of DSW empty handed but I did grab a couple of tops in the sale at Old Navy – somewhere I haven’t shopped for years. It made me curious so I checked out their website later and look at these amazing swimsuits – 40% off and a GREAT tribute to the incredibly expensive Marysia swimsuits. The one piece is currently sold out online but check stores, and I was told there would be more stock online soon.

Old navy swimsuit

bikini bikini bottoms

I also saw similar on J.Crew’s website here, currently 25% off with code SUMMER.

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.29.29 PM

On Wednesday evening we all went out to dinner for my gorgeous girl’s 10th birthday – how did this wee thing…

ph

….end up this big?

old navy CollageShorts and tee – Old Navy here and here // Sandals – Avarcas Pons

dinner CollageShoes – Sam Edelman (old) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Gap // Bag – Balenciaga

Thursday meant a trip to Target. I was absolutely surprised how many things I loved! Check out what ended up in my cart!

This denim jacket is fabulous – so soft and I love the sweatshirt sleeves and hoody.

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.35.10 PM

I’ve ummed and ahhed over a denim waistcoat/vest forever and now have this one at just $29.99.

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.37.23 PM

I love this top that I picked up too – can’t have too many pretty white tops in the summer!

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.40.46 PM

Finally – how cute is this dress for nights out in Istanbul!? I love it!

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.42.57 PM

Mum left Target with more nail polishes! How come she goes shopping and I spend more??? 🙂

targetShoes – TopShop // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (old)

On Friday we went to the mall and stopped off at a few stores including J.Crew. Not great going in  J.Crew dressed in J.Crew!

JcrewShoes – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

On Friday evening we were lucky enough to have tickets for Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. My Husband and I have seen Willie before and knew it would be a great treat for Mum and Dad. Unfortunately it was an outdoor venue and the rain was pretty constant – but with cheese and wine the audience loved it. As a massive bonus President Carter, a big Willie fan, was in the audience and he and Rosalynn joined Willie to sing Amazing Grace. Moving stuff. My favorite moment of the night though has to be the legend, Kris Kristofferson, singing one of his most famous songs – ‘Me and Bobby McGee’.

kris kristofferson President Carter

mum and dad collage

Of course you can always use your M&S bag to stay dry 🙂
rain

Mum and Dad are now in Fort Myers for a few days so normality has resumed here – at least till Wednesday when they return and school finishes for the summer!!!!

Sunday CollageTop – Gap // Sunglasses – Mango (old) // Jeans – J.Crew // Shoes – & Other Stories

 

Chloe Susannas are back

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It’s rare that a hot ticket item comes back on trend almost 8 years after it first appeared on shelves, but in the case of the Chloe Susanna boots that is exactly what seems to be happening in 2016. I have several Instagram friends – ChloeLovestoShop and KateHiscox to name just two – who have been filling their feed with the fabulous black version. We all agree they carry a hefty price tag but they can be worn with everything, all year round. Take a look at these images of the fabulous red pair I have for some inspiration.

2d8f19baf133b9f467bc063d2f9e3778 chloe 2 chloe 3 chloe 4 chloe 5 chloe 6 chloe 7 chloe 8

I’m now slightly obsessed with this beige version available on pre-order at Nordstrom! They’d look amazing with bare legs or white denim.

Screen Shot 2016-05-16 at 11.50.42 AM

Here I am in mine last Friday. I opted for a bit of column dressing and let the boots do the talking! These grey jeggings by the way are incredibly comfortable and just $17.99!

ChloeJeggings – H&M // Top – AllSaints (old but similar here) // Bag – Balenciaga // Boots – Chloe

I’m in work out gear today, cleaning the house from top to bottom ready for my parents arrival tomorrow! I cannot wait to see them and the celebrate Poppy’s 10th birthday on Wednesday!

New shoes to start the week!

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I admit – I’ve had these sitting in my closet since the beginning of April. I wanted to make sure I loved them before I wore them, as they are quite the investment. Having said that, I adore them. I bought them off the UK NAP site as they are considerably cheaper than here. If you are shipping to the US, once in your cart, the UK NAP site removes the VAT from the price and then adds £60 import duties – so they were actually even cheaper than you pay with a UK address. Shipping to the US is fast too.

chloe CollageDress – AllSaints (old but similar here) // Boots – Chloe Susanna // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

I’ve detailed my love of this season’s mules here. Well, today I am wearing the gorgeous leather mules from & Other Stories. The black are sold out in the US unfortunately, but my lovely Mum has made room in her suitcase for them and is bringing them for me next week! The leather is fabulously soft and they fit true to size. These jeans are J.Crew. I have a lot of J.Crew and Zara jeans, but every time I wear the J.Crew jeans I wonder why I bother with denim from elsewhere. The denim is so soft and the fit is perfect for me. These are a 29″ and have a lovely stretch in them. They are often on sale too (extra 30% off in the US with code EXTRAEXTRA). These are the toothpick cut.

mules

IMG_3465Shoes – & Other Stories // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Jeans – J.Crew (25% off regular prices or 30% off sale prices) // Top – Zara (old)

Finally for those of you who love a little sportluxe, like myself, check out these joggers from ASOS – just gorgeous and just $39!

stitch and pieces sweats

Outfit update!

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I hope all you US based mamas had a fabulous Mother’s Day yesterday! I was greeted with lots of beautiful homemade banners and cards, a lot of thought had gone into them…well they both certainly know how to get on my good side!

mothers day Collage

It was a beautiful weekend here and we spent it 50:50 chores:fun! My Mum and Dad are visiting for a couple of weeks and arrive next Tuesday so I’m trying to get the house ship shape – which is challenging with 2 dogs and 2 kids…though Hugh has now realized that chores may be rewarded with dollars, so he is volunteering to do everything until he has enough money for a hover board! Later yesterday, once we had thoroughly exhausted all our desire to clean, I was treated to a lovely lunch at my favorite Mexican, with of course the obligatory margarita to wash it down with.

The summer clothes are now pretty much here to stay, and here are the outfits I wore over the weekend.

dungareesDungarees – H&M // Espadrilles – & Other Stories (love these – they are leather too) // T-shirt – Mango (old) // Leather jacket – AllSaints // Bag – Proenza Schouler

mangoShoes – Mango (on sale 44% off – I have the black too!) // Jeans – MiH Phoebe // Top – Mango // Bag – Hill & Friends

mango dressDress – Mango (sale last year – similar here) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury (similar here) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel tote