Monthly Archives: March 2017

A spring fling with AllSaints

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I have loved AllSaints for years. They are edgy, urban and do the BEST leathers and knits. They are however very expensive for a high street brand. So when they have a 30% off deal, as they do now, I am always quick to take a gander. You can use the code SPRING at checkout but be quick as it applies to limited stock (leathers, coats and knitwear) and ends tomorrow.

My picks are mainly knitwear, which given the 80 degree temperature here today, are pretty useless to me!

I love their cutout pieces and this Able open shoulder sweater is beautiful with zip detailing. It also comes in cinder black and grey, but this pink marl is gorgeous. Size down – it’s generous.

One of my favorite pieces from AllSaints is the blanket cardigan – perfect for travel – I never fly without mine. This Lori blanket cardigan also comes in cinder black.

I love the texture and color contrast on the Terra Funnel sweater – and the cutouts in the elbow give it neat details.

AllSaints is always my first stop when I’m back in the UK in Manchester – their store there is great and as is the concession in Selfridges. I can’t wait!

As AllSaints has been on my mind recently I’ve worn a few items from my collection. I always love wearing them – so comfortable and super soft. Expensive, but worth it in my opinion – though I do try and wait for the sales.

These raffi leggings are a great example – you may sneer at $75 for a pair of leggings BUT I swear they are the softest, most comfortable ever, with no bagging at the knee and a cute attached skirt for a little modesty. It’s great for hiding a camel toe and allowing you to wear shorter tops than you would normally with leggings!

Leggings – AllSaints // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Top – AllSaints (old) // Bag – Balenciaga

This skirt is the ULTIMATE bargain – I felt amazing in it on Friday and though it’s not AllSaints it could easily be mistaken for one of their cuts – especially in the black.

Skirt – ASOS // Top – AllSaints (old) // Boots – Zara // Bag – Balenciaga

 

 

A quick Poppy’s Style business update!

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Preamble – this is a one off informational post on my other business – then it’s all back to fashion, fun and family here at Poppy’s Style!

As many of you know I started working with Rodan + Fields back in August 2016. My endeavors with the skincare business were some of the reasons that I took a break from blogging at the beginning of the this year. I am thrilled to report the business is going from strength to strength and I am still relishing every moment of it.

Let’s face it MLM/network marketing/social commerce businesses historically have a poor reputation and carry some stigma. Unfortunately this bad rap was generated by companies who abused the concept, had no viable product and made money out of the initial investment leaving the franchise owner with nothing to build a business.

R+F, however, have had products in the market for years – initially in retail stores and then the dermatologists saw the opportunity to empower business owners and leverage the world of social media and peer recommendations. Our products are incredible and the before and after photos of our customers and consultants are testament to that. Personally my skin has never been better, and as a melanoma survivor and prior sun worshipper, I assure you that skincare is at the top of my obsessions.

So this post is just to make you aware of the following :

  1. In order to maintain the integrity of Poppy’s Style I will be moving all posts relating to beauty and skincare to a new site – PoppysStyleBeauty.com (link in header above) where all my beauty obsessions from my lipstick addiction to dealing with cracked heels and Brazilians will be discussed 😉
  2. If you are at all interested in trying the skincare regimens that I am now evangelical about, having tried them all, you can email me at joanna@poppys-style.com or visit my site here for more information. If you are outside the USA I can offer free shipping and payment via Paypal.
  3. If you would like to follow my footsteps and feel ready for a new challenge, more fun, new friends, more income and some self-development, and you reside in the US, Canada or Australia email me at joanna@poppys-style.com or visit this site for more information. 1-2 hours a day has changed my life and lifestyle – no one is too busy, and anyone with any experience can succeed with a little dedication.

See you here at Poppy’s Style or PoppysStyleBeauty.com and thank you as ever for reading, commenting and your ongoing support – I truly appreciate you all! xxx

Our beautiful Spring Gift Set has arrived – perfect for Mother’s Day, teachers gifts, bridesmaids gifts or graduation gifts!

Rodan + Fields spring gift set

 

The leather jacket – but not a black one in sight!

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I adore a leather jacket – I always have – and this season there is an abundance of fabulously colored jackets to try instead of the tried and tested black leather jacket.

Let’s begin with top dollar on the high street – and some of the best leather jackets out there in my opinion – AllSaints.

The Balfern jacket is a regular style – a real classic. There was a baby pink available in the leather version which may still be available in stores but has sold out online. However, my favorite on me is the coral.

AllSaints Balfern leather jacket coral

The sky blue is really pretty – more of an egg shell blue.

Then there is suede – personally I prefer leather to avoid greasy finger marks – but this plait Balfern in clay pink is beautiful. It also comes in lemon yellow and luna blue here.

TheOutnet.com is always a great place to look for leather jackets. A couple of years ago I scored a gorgeously soft Maje jacket in a great orangey red. This Isabel Marant jacket in claret is 51% discounted.

Isabel Marant Kheo leather jacket

This beautiful yellow jacket from IRO is 65% off.

Another amazing jacket from Isabel Marant at 68% off!

My favorite leathers this season are from Mango. They are always well priced, good leather and fit well. I actually just ordered this beautiful yellow leather jacket – I love the soft color with my coloring as opposed to some of the really vivid yellows. My skin is yellow enough thanks! I also love the plain neckline – most of my other leathers have a collar.

Mango yellow leather jacket

This red leather is fabulous – a really great price too.

Mango red leather jacket

I am super tempted by this blue jacket. I have a really deep indigo blue leather jacket from AllSaints but I really like this more summery blue here. I love the buckle detailing too.

Mango blue leather jacket

Finally green – just the perfect green for me too – a deep forest green.

Mango green leather jacket

TopShop have a great vivid red suede jacket that will add instant cool factor to any outfit.

TopShop red suede jacket

Of course whenever you’re in doubt of where to find something ASOS is the place to head! This beautiful pink suede is available in all sizes and reduced by $200!

ASOS pink suede jacket

This one is so similar to the AllSaints jacket – well except for the pice tag – this is $500 cheaper!

There is of course a tremendous selection of studded and embroidered jackets out there right now – I’m afraid they just don’t appeal to me and I think they will date quickly. I like my classic leather jackets but I really don’t mind what color they are. There simply is nothing better to throw over a dress or jeans all year round.

My FIL arrived last night so we have a fun week ahead. It’s his birthday on Sunday so hopefully we will indulge in a good meal out once all our cheer competition commitments are over! It’s also my nephew’s birthday tomorrow so HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!

Today I’m in one of my favorite jacket and top combos – and I may have new sneakers on 😉

Sneakers – Nike Jewell LX // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (old – similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew (old – similar here) // Bag – Coach

The other day Poppy and I went for a browse in her favorite store – H&M. The neon shoe thing was complete coincidence I assure you!

On Poppy – Shoes – Vans // Jeans – H&M // Jacket – Uniqlo // On Me – Shoes – Nike Air Max // Jeans – H&M // Top – AllSaints (old) // Jacket – Mango (old) // Bag – Coach

 

A second look.

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I am currently trying to save for some big trips in the summer. I’m off back to the UK in May and then Turkey again for the month of July. My husband has actually enforced a spending ban…that doesn’t stop me from browsing and here are a few things I’ve taken a second look at this week.

These trousers are chavtastic (US readers can refer here!). They are SO me – Adidas, drop crotch, and comfy! 

Adidas drop crotch trousers

I’ve always loved drop waist dresses – super easy to throw on and wear in the heat here (though the heat is severely lacking right now!). These are perfect and gingham is everywhere this season.

I love this washed black denim dress.

Denim drop waist dress

This gingham dress is a super price.

gingham drop waist dress

H&M are on fire again this season and I’ve tried on all of these bar the shoes (shhh I’ve ordered them – don’t tell him!)

These jeans – unusually for H&M – fit on the large side and they are super stretchy. So comfortable and again a fabulous price. If I didn’t already have 100s of jeans they’d be mine.

I love this pink denim jacket – pink and khaki are two colors that are everywhere this Spring.

H&M pink denim jacket

This pink gingham off the shoulder top is an absolute bargain and will look adorable with denim shorts and white Superga.

H&M pink gingham off the shoulder top

Here are the shoes – just such a pretty shade and a great shaped toe. I can’t wait to receive them – be quick as sizes are selling out fast! They are also available in black suede.

H&M pink leather ballet flats

 

Continuing from my sneaker obsession the other day – these were released here on Wednesday. The leather Nike Jewell LX. Just divine – so sleek and perfect lifestyle wear – the tortoiseshell trim is gorgeous. They also come in white and black.

Leather Nike Air Max Jewell LX

Finally I can honestly say I’ve looked at these probably 100x in just the past day. I cannot for the life of me find them yet in the USA which baffles me as Nike is a US company! Anyway please meet the pearl pink Nike Jewell premium. They are a delicate ballet slipper pink with gold trim. If you’re in the EU you can get them here now.

Nike premium Jewell pearl pink

Just looking above at what has caught my eye there are some great combinations for spring with these items alone! What are you hovering over the order button for right now?

Now a couple of outfits from the week. On Tuesday evening we went to see Bryan Ferry. OMG it was one of the BEST GIGS I have ever been to. At 72 he is as suave, sophisticated and charismatic as ever and he owned the stage. He included mainly Roxy Music hits in his set list – Slave to Love, Avalon, More Than This and Virginia Plain to mention a few. As soon as I heard his voice the hairs on my neck stood on end and I had shivers – the venue was small and intimate and I felt so privileged to be there. His band were also incredible – just a wonderful, wonderful night.

I had to get wrapped up as it was the coldest evening of the year!

Jeans – H&M // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Coat – Zara (old) // Scarf – Zara (old)

On Thursday I had my haircut – I always feel 1000x better after a good cut – I just wish it didn’t have to be every 5 weeks!

Sneakers – Nike Air Max // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Mango // Jacket – Mango (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney (old)

Yesterday the kids were off school with a teacher work day. Poppy headed off on a sleepover so Hugh and I went off to see Kong, Skull Island. It was a great movie – enjoyed by both of us for different reasons. Nothing to do with Tom Hiddleston…at all…

Sneakers – Nike // Trousers – Adidas // T-shirt – Mango // Jacket – AllSaints // Scarf – ASOS (old)

 

 

Sneaker lust.

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I love sneakers. Yes I do. I always have and I always head straight back to them when I need to get ready in a hurry. Whatever the style – throw on a blazer or leather jacket and jeans and you’re good to go for whatever the day may throw at you.

Here are a few of my current favorites.

I received these blush Thea last week and absolutely love them. They are the perfect color for spring and summer and will look great with tanned legs and denim shorts.

These are the flyknit version of the Thea and I wore these at the weekend for running errands. They are SO lightweight and comfortable, and they fit like a sock. I always size up half a size in the Theas.

I’m normally an Air Max girl when it comes to Nike – 90s or 95s. I’ve been wearing them years and wore the 95s all the time when we lived in London. I still remember them – I had a pair of grey and green and a pair of navy and orange. Now I am suddenly drawn to the Nike Huarache. I have never tried them on, but this is a shoe that I once thought was super ugly – now I am strangely drawn to them. My favorites are the Huarache ultra – I think they look super sleek and sharp in plain white:

These are gorgeous – out of stock on Nike.com here in my size so I’ve asked my sister to do me a favor for when I head home in May – in the UK they have all sizes here!

It’s spring (apparently Atlanta has forgotten today) and an injection of color is always welcome. These are FABULOUS! They are the Nike Air Huarache.

It’s easy to lose track of all the variations – ultra, air, and air premium to name but a few. These are the Nike Air Huarache Premium – I love the detailing on these.

Finally a curve ball. I am a loyal New Balance fan when it comes to running and working out. I haven’t found anything as comfortable and light as the 860 v7. I have a couple of pairs of New Balance for J.Crew which I love for their fun colors. These however are totally different and I LOVE them – especially in the burgundy and rose gold – the Vazee Rush lifestyle slip on. Use the code SHAMROCKS in the US for 15% discount.

All are probably quite polarizing – and I love them all – but then again I’ve yet to meet a sneaker that I won’t try!

Today Atlanta is FREEZING – I’ve had to dig out my knitwear and scarves again! Roll on short weather!

Shoes – Nike Air Max // Trousers – Zara (old) // Shirt – Mango (old) // Sweater – H&M (old) // Jacket – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – Boden (old) // Bag – Coach

 

New love for an old brand

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When I first moved to the US, 17 years ago, I was completely in love with Coach bags. I considered Coach to be a luxury brand that, for the first time, I could afford. There was always a Coach bag on my Christmas or birthday list and my lovely husband bought me one for my ‘push’ present when I gave birth to Hugh. Slowly, however, their appeal began to wane – I was noticing them everywhere – at work, in the mall, on the arms of 16 year olds. Pure masstige. The brand completely lost its appeal due to its ubiquity. I sold them all – all except my push present. I continued to receive VIP offers for 30% off private sales that I deleted without a second thought.

Then I saw this image of one of my favorite bloggers – Happily Grey.

That gorgeous bag is COACH!

Coincidently what should appear in my inbox the other day? You got it – a 30% discount code! The bag is mine!! I have to say the craftsmanship, leather and detail is superb – as good, if not better than my Givenchy, Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga which were 4 times the price.

I was also sorely tempted by these beauties – all included in the private sale event.

The Swagger shoulder bag – also available in oxblood. I particularly like the dark chain and hardware.

The Page western rivet bag in chalk.

The Swagger bag with ombre rivets. This also comes in white or a beautiful fatigue/khaki color that I can’t stop eyeballing.

The new 1941 collection is not included in the private sale but take a look here – there are some beautiful classics reimagined. I LOVE the classic saddle bag in copper – a fabulous price too for a gorgeous leather bag that will age beautifully.

So here I am today – dressed down for running to buy slime ingredients for the kids! Kept them quiet all of 15 minutes…I couldn’t wait to get the bag out and about. It’s the perfect size for a wallet and phone and I LOVE the top handle and shoulder strap – both are detachable.

Shoes – Nike Air Max // Jeans – H&M // Sweater – Zara // Bag – Coach

What brands have you revisited recently?

 

I missed you too much to stay away!

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I’m back! It has to be said that a break from blogging has done me good. It’s given me time and freedom to consider the things that are important to me, rather than my final thoughts each evening being ‘what am I going to wear tomorrow?’

I’ve made several changes

  • I’ve stopped drinking alcohol and never felt better – I really am an all or nothing person and those glasses of wine were turning into regular bottles of wine which left me moody, tired and unfocused (if you are considering quitting I highly recommend the tools I used – Jason Vale’s ‘How to kick the drink easily’  (kindly recommended by Nikki at Midlife Chic) and Sober Mommies – a Facebook group of incredible moms, around the world, across the entire spectrum of addiction and drugs – from those of us like myself who just enjoyed our wine too much – to those who have lost their children and families through opiate addiction. It’s an incredibly supportive group with completely no judgement.)
  • I’ve lost weight – after falling for Jason Vale’s technique to quit drinking, I decided to turn to his juicing recipes to kickstart some weight loss. I managed 12 of the 28 days of the Super Juice Me and now I’m following his 5:2 approach.
  • I got a tattoo! Yes my first and definitely go big or go home! Poppies happen to be my birth flower.

I’m happy to be back and I hope many of you are still out there to listen to my waffle 😉

Here are a few outfits from the past couple of months!

Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Vince Nina (discounted here) // T-shirt – Madewell (old) // Jacket – J.Crew (on sale with Extra 25% off using code Shoptoit) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Shoes – Stella McCartney Elyse (cheapest US price here) // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – J.Crew // Jacket – Mango (old)

Boots – Sam Edelman (on sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Dress – Zara (old) // Jacket – AllSaints (old)

Boots – TopShop (on sale) // Jeans – J.Crew // Coat – Mango (old) // Shirt – H&M

Boots – Chloe // Jeans – Zara (old) // Sweater – Zara (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Boots – TopShop (on sale) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Boots – Sam Edelman (on sale here) // Jeans – Mango (old) // Shirt – H&M // Jacket – J.Crew (on sale plus extra 25% off using SHOPTOIT)

Boots – TopShop (on sale) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Sweatshirt – TopShop (on sale here)

Skirt – H&M // Shoes – Superga // T-Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – J.Crew (old)

Shoes – Stella McCartney Elyse // Trousers – Cos (on sale) // Sweater – & Other Stories // Bag – Mango (old)

Loafers – Gucci (old) // Dungarees – Gap // T-Shirt – Marks & Spencer (old) // Coat – Uniqlo (old)

Shoes – Superga // Trousers – Adidas // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Knitted Jacket – J.Crew (on sale here) // Bag – McQ (old)