Category Archives: Style

Pool attire!

So it is Memorial Weekend here which not only means the pools open for the summer, but also there are LOTS of sales in which to buy new attire for the pool! As an example, on Tuesday I got a beach cover up from J.Crew – already reduced to $69 and then at the till a further 30% off was applied!!

It’s available online too – size down it fits big. It is stunning – the neon colors are amazing. I have a small in the blue version. Online use PACKME for extra 30% off.

Also available online with in the PACKME 30% extra off are the following – I keep dropping them in my cart!

This gorgeous striped tunic is perfect with denim shorts:

I adore the spearmint color of this beach tunic.

Now for swimsuits – I have to say that full price J.Crew are expensive – so wait for a deal like they have now and you will end up with the best quality, most comfortable swimwear ever – in my opinion at least! Even swimwear not in the sale is 25% off with PACKME.

Here are my favorites. I LOVE neon for the summer – and for the first time in years I have bought swimsuits.

The ruched neon suit will hide a multitude of sins:

The bandeau suit comes with removable straps – perfect for the beach when you need to run around after the children yet you also want to catch some rays.

J.Crew is amazing for their choice of mix and match bikini sets – all shapes, support and sizes of tops, plus bottoms from the teeniest tiniest to the more modest. I have chosen the sculpted top that has wider ties than a string and a more supportive cup, along with the regular bikini bottom. I initially tried the shrunken low rider – wowzers low, low, low indeed – returned immediately before I scared the children:)

ASOS also have an extra 20% of this weekend using WEBEGRILLIN – this can be stacked with items that are already reduced by 25%. There are some fabulous items – too many to count here so take a peek. One item I will recommend is my new crochet dress – it is simply stunning and I am saving it for my trip to NYC next week! Size up if you are apple like me – it fits slim but it’s super cute! I’m going to wear it with my Dickers or sandals.

I have plenty of outfit shots to share from this week and I’ll get them in a post soon! Right now I’m off back to IKEA for more kids furniture – a Memorial Weekend filled with flat pack assembly for me!

Kristen Taekman of RHONY

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New York is my favorite Real Housewives franchise, closely followed by Orange County and Beverly Hills. The new series of the RHONY has provided me with a new style crush – Kristen Taekman.

(image – http://www.kristencarrolltaekman.com/)

She is a genius at mixing high and low end labels and many of her clothes are high street brands such as Zara and H&M. She always looks so chic, on trend and put together – and totally appropriate for whatever contrived situation they throw the ladies into!

I was smitten with one of her latest looks – a beautiful white maxi dress – seen in this video here.

After a little research I discovered it was Zara from last summer! She looked stunning in it…I can only find show clips of her wearing it so the images are not great.

Here is the actual dress in case you find it on eBay!

I have found a couple similar that are available now – another here from Zara:

And this one from Mango which I have ordered to try – I think I prefer the simple straps on this one.

There’s also this one from ASOS.

Another dress which was featured on the same show was this gorgeous Alexander Wang khaki dress.

I patted myself on the back here as it is very similar to this stunning dress from Asos which is hanging in my closet, and which is now on sale here!

Kristen has her own website here which documents the clothes she wears on each show – it provides great inspiration – and I am amazed how many of the items are affordable for all of us! You can also catch clips of the show here on Bravotv.com.

So go on ‘fess up – who is your favorite Real Housewife?

The craziness is over…

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I’ve been neglecting the blog – apologies. I did warn you that May was full of events that need planning and execution! Today is Poppy’s 8th birthday. I cannot believe that 8 years ago I was lying in L&D having just had my first child at around 6.30pm…

The party was on Friday early evening and I have to say it was one of our best. I had the great fortune of catching up with Moms I hadn’t seen for weeks, some months! It was planned from 5-7pm and you can tell it was a great night as our last guests didn’t leave till 10ish – we didn’t want it to end. We were trying to make it a surprise for Poppy but of course 8 year olds have loose lips:) She loved the red carpet, VIP sign and VIP badges!

Poppy’s dress is H&M as is most of her closet these days! I find they are great for a girl who no longer wants to wear Boden appliqué, but they are still totally appropriate for a young girl.

Mikey from VibeSquad was our amazing DJ for the evening, ironically he’s a Londoner!

I tried to go with the disco theme in my ASOS Bowie t-shirt, Mango harems and silver Ancient Greeks. Thanks to the Husband for the super unflattering photo but it makes me smile – we had amazing fun catching up:)

Today after present opening we headed to the American Girl Store to pick up Isabelle – new friend to Saige from last year. I am not buying anymore American Girl Dolls…that store is my idea of hell on earth.

(Yes – another H&M dress!)

Lunch was by choice of the birthday girl at Verde and I decided to wear glitter, at least on my feet, for the occasion.

(Poppy in another H&M dress!)

Top – Mango // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Golden Goose (back in stock in Barneys!) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Sorry PETA and all the vegan readers – I am completely obsessed with my new cowhide from IKEA! You can catchup with my IKEA trip on Instagram – we’ve just ordered the kids their new loft beds after having their rooms painted! They are growing up too fast!

One other thing to let you all know about before the vanish immediately – the new Nike Blazers are now in stock at J.Crew! If you love a hi-top, and don’t want to pay Golden Goose prices, these are a must! They’ll be sold out in the bat of an eye, I assure you.

Last week of school here this week – wooo hooo – summer is here!!

COS online in the USA!

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A quick note to let all you in the US know that COS has finally reached our shores. COS is the sibling of H&M and & Other Stories. Having said that their style is very different. Lots of minimal, fluid, very unique cuts. I adore their dresses. The good news too is that I think they fit true to size unlike some other stores which are titchy!

How gorgeous is this skirt too?

To celebrate the launch of their online store all first time orders will receive 25% off using code HELLOAMERICA – enjoy!!

What I’ve been wearing.

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May is the busiest month on our calendar every year. What with anniversaries, birthdays, the end of the school year, school recitals, school field trips, visitors from abroad etc…it is non stop here. I’m just coming up for air after an amazing weekend of catching up, eating and drinking with Simon – our friend from University, who now lives in Stockholm.

We had a very late night on Thursday talking and drinking good wine, and then we were off out for dinner on Friday. The kids and I hung out in front of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday afternoon, streaming it live via SVT.se, the Swedish tv channel. This made it even more fun and Eurocentric listening to the Swedish translation:) I found it all as surreal as ever, but I loved the drama – and in the end the right diva won! For all you American readers who have no idea what I am talking about the Eurovision Song Contest is the annual competition that rocketed ABBA to fame in 1974. Here’s Conchita, this year’s winner from Austria, a drag queen with more diva in her than Celine Dion.

Before Simon arrived I had another hair cut and went even shorter – thanks to Chadd I am now sporting a magnificent undercut. I LOVE it.

Jeans – Zara TRF (old) // Shoes – Avarcas Pons // Top – Mango

On Friday morning we headed out shopping and I treated myself to a couple of NARS lip pencils – Yu and Cruella.

The color of both is so intense and bold and I feel really feminine wearing them with such short hair.

Dress – ASOS (currently on sale) // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks // Handbag – Marks and Spencer (on sale)

Then Friday night it was off to Abattoir again where Simon proposed to Karin a couple of years ago now!

Dress – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Shoes – Nine West

Yesterday was Mother’s Day here in the US and my fabulous kids presented me with great handmade cards. This one from Poppy made me grin especially – there is no greater compliment she could have paid me than describing me as ‘odd’ and ‘risky’…

Today I’m off to watch her recital so decided to wear a dress again. I started off with the canvas Newburys.

However, with the jacket I decided the grey nubuck pair coordinated better – not much in it to be fair…

Dress – River Island // Boots – Rag and Bone Newbury boots // Jacket – Marks and Spencer

Finally – shhh it’s a secret – but we’re having a surprise disco for Poppy this weekend for her 8th birthday!! Here’s an idea I stole from Pinterest – all her friends will be VIPS!

The future’s so bright…

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I’m one of the fortunate ones who rarely misplaces sunglasses. This means I don’t need to buy them often, which in turn means I spend a little more on a good pair when I do buy them – logical no? Living here in the sunshine also means that I always buy polarized lenses – I can’t live without them for driving in the glare. I currently have the following in my collection:

Silver Ray-ban Aviators with mirrored lenses:

Classic black Ray- ban Wayfarers:

And a pair of large round Chanel sunglasses similar to these, that I have to say I rarely wear as my Ray-bans are SO comfortable!

I’ve recently started wearing more gold jewelry again – I actually think it suits my skin tone better. Obviously that means I need a pair of gold aviators. I am torn between the classic gold with green lenses (these look silver but I assure you the description says they are gold!):

OR this gorgeous tortoiseshell pair with brown lenses and gold trim:

I have to say I am tempted by the tortoiseshell as they are so unusual – what do you think? Help me decide please!

As for this week here are my outfits so far. It is scorcchio here so I wore nothing more than a bikini at the weekend – summer is here, which also means lots of new summer items are getting worn!

Today I decided to put my new harems (I sized up as the waistband is a button up with a zip and quite snug!) on thinking I was heading into the office. I quickly had to do a u-turn though to meet my painter back at the house. We are about to paint the main living areas of the house Sherwin Williams Silverpointe – a gorgeous cool grey – I cannot tell you how excited I am after almost 7 years of yellowy-cream walls!

I have to say I LOVE these Chania Birkenstocks – they are a gladiator and look fab and feel amazing!

Top – Mango // Trousers – Mango // Sandals – Birkenstock

Yesterday it was a day for casual cut-offs and sneakers.

Top – Mango // Shorts – J.Crew // Sneakers – New Balance by J.Crew (old similar here)

And Friday I wore my lovely new Ancient Greek sandals, which are like jewelry on my feet, with this gorgeous ASOS maxi dress (it is generous – this is a US 6/UK 10) – thanks to Eve for the tip off!

Dress – ASOS // Sandals – Ancient Greek

Don’t look too close – I am desperate for a pedi after running and hot yoga all last week!

I hope you all enjoyed your Monday off in the UK – we only have 2 1/2 weeks left before the summer break here!

Stocking up on the essentials.

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I hate spending money on underwear. No one sees it and these days I opt for comfort rather than style. Once in a while though I start to get embarrassed about the state of my knicker drawer. Currently it is stuffed with more knickers than any girl can wear in a year – all a different shade of grey, faded colors or fraying elastic. Oh and there’s still the odd pair of thongs in there which I think I can safely say will never be worn again. So it is time to purge and restock.

Now here is where I promise not to model my new attire if you promise not to giggle about the size of them. I did used to wear thongs ALL the time. How I ever did it I have no idea. The thought of wearing one now makes my eyes water with discomfort. They were perfect of course for tight pants when a VPL is an absolute no no. Thankfully good old M&S came to the rescue with a whole range of no-VPL underwear. Yes after 15 years in the USA I STILL buy M&S underwear.

My favorite style is their famous Brazilian cut. Sales of underwear at M&S soared by 64% the year they were introduced. They are just a little cheeky – quite literally – being a little higher cut on the butt cheeks – but a hundred zillion times more comfortable than a thong.

And as we’re stocking up they do multipacks too which are great value.

I also ordered a multipack of their ‘boy shorts‘. I love to wear these when wearing a shorter skirt or dress and want to keep my modesty intact after a couple of glasses of prosecco.

Okay – now don’t laugh – I bought some ‘big knicks’ too. Sometimes comfort really does trump (oops) style. Thankfully these do have a little bit of lace detail so they aren’t completely Nana knickers. Trust me no one will know and you will be so thankful wearing them!

Finally just to prove I can still do ‘sexy’ I ordered a couple of these lace bodies from their Limited Edition. Just gorgeous for the summer under a maxi dress. I love the cross back detail too.

So now you know what I wear underneath here are my outfit pics from the last few days!

Today I’m back in a skirt as the sun shines again. I started the day in heels. It feels so fab to have bare legs again!

Shoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

I later changed into flats for running errands around town. I LOVE these – they are a great Miu Miu tribute with a lovely shaped toe.

Yesterday I was in one of my favorite simple ASOS dresses. Must remember to clean my mirror when photographing black!

Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

Then finally from the other day when it was still damp and cool after the storms.

T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

So who else out there will admit to wearing big knickers? 🙂

Tornado alley.

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I’m sitting here watching the local news coverage that has been extended due to all the threats and warnings of tornadoes and severe weather. It looks like it’s heading straight for Atlanta. Here’s hoping everyone stays safe tonight – they do have a habit of over dramatizing the weather here, but it goes without saying that tornadoes are no trivial matter.

The kids are bathed and safely in bed so I thought I’d distract myself with a quick outfit post! On Friday I had a hot yoga session followed by a hot date with my Husband. Needless to say the hot date negated any of the benefits of the hot yoga!

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Today I went for monochrome and leopard – two of my favorite picks when it comes to clothes!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Please stay safe if you’re in the path of these storms and hold your breath for blue skies on the other side xx

Graphic t-shirts.

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Isn’t it odd how something you once hated with a passion can become something you yearn for? For me those things include heart shaped jewelry – once I though this was tacky but make it an Elsa Peretti piece and all of a sudden things change.

Logo and graphic t-shirts also fall into this category for me. The thought of wearing my favorite tour t-shirt, or wearing a slogan emblazoned across my chest seemed so puerile and again tacky – maybe I just overdosed in the 80s?

Well all that has changed, as many of my style stereotypes have, with my love for Pinterest. Pinterest is fabulous for providing inspiration and tips on how to style items that may not even have crossed your mind before. These images made me think twice about the graphic t-shirt.

Pretty cool looks hey? I did wear my Bowie t-shirt quite a bit last year and I must recycle these outfits over the coming weeks.

Here is a selection of my favorites that I am collecting in various virtual carts!

We just got our new SMART tv – what a revelation Netflix streaming is! I’m already well into Season 2 of Breaking Bad and this t-shirt is a must for any fan.

I adore this one – it should be my motto.

This one by Wildfox made me giggle and will make you cringe – my Husband calls me ‘dreamy’:)

I think this Coke t-shirt is super cool – especially living in the home of Coca-Cola.

For something maybe a little more understated – this NY t-shirt is perfect for wearing with jeans or shorts.

Here’s another one of my favorites – I have this and wore it a lot over Spring Break with denim cut offs – it’s currently on sale too.

There have been a lot of Run DMC t-shirts out and about recently – maybe something to do with the Adidas revival? I’d love this – my favorite tune of all time is Run DMC and Jason Nevins ‘It’s like that’.

Finally one for all of you that want to give peace a chance.

And here I am today experimenting with the logo t-shirt, wearing one of my most favorite items in my summer closet from J.Crew – currently 30% off in the US with GOSHOP.

T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

Scents and sensibility.

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I’m off clothes. I know I never thought I’d see the day either. Bored, bored, bored with everything I see in the stores or online. Maybe I have just over done it. For the first time in a LONG time I am perfectly happy with all my choices when I walk into my closet. I want nor need a thing. I am instead indulging in products – more specifically scents – perfumes and essential oils.

I wear perfume everyday, but I am a woman of few scents. Chanel Coco for date nights, and then either Pacifica Tuscan blood orange or YSL Paris for the daytime depending what mood I am in. I have worn Paris for YEARS – I first bought a bottle from duty free on the ferry to France when I was about 14!

Perfumes to me are a bit like underwear – as long as it works why spend money on it? I do like to splash out a little more on my night time perfume but not a ridiculous amount. However, I am contemplating purchasing the following:

The classic Shalimar by Guerlain:

Or Un Jardin Sur Le Toit by Hermés which is gorgeous for summer:

If any of you have worn these I’d love to know what you think.

While I was researching scents I stumbled across some old favorites – a couple of which I ordered.

Giorgio Beverly Hills:

and Lou Lou by Cacharel:

Both of these scents are incredibly nostalgic. I used to wear them in sixth form – again probably duty free purchases from day trips to France. As soon as I opened the boxes and smelled them it transported me back to nights out in Bury – the clothes, the people, the pubs! Not always what you are looking for in a perfume it has to be said:) Also they are much sweeter than I remember – my nose has definitely matured! I’ll wear them for now if only to remember the Hare and Hounds – but I probably won’t buy them again…the Hermés looks good value now.

Moving on from perfumes I’ve recently been treating my olfactory system to some essential oils. I’ve been struggling to sleep well and thought I’d give Lavender a try so I am going to burn some before bed and then put a few drops on my pillow. I also LOVE citrus oils so I treated myself to some Tangerine and Sweet Orange – so now I can be calmed, cheered and brightened – according to the labels at least! I’ll let you know if my sleep improves. Again I’d love to know if any of you have dabbled in aromatherapy. I’ve just bought a book too, so it may become an new little hobby for me…namaste….

This week has seen me having to adapt to rain and now 80 degree sunshine.

Yesterday I headed to work in a jacket then changed into a jumper when I got home – to be honest most of the time I change into some kinds of sweatpants or workout gear.

Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Today I opted for comfort for a dentist appointment – I have sparkly clean teeth again!

Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

So do tell – what are your favorite scents to tickle your nose? Do you have a signature scent?

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Style

Pool attire!

Kristen Taekman of RHONY

The craziness is over…

Top – Mango // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Golden Goose (back in stock in Barneys!) // Jacket – Zara (old)

COS online in the USA!

What I’ve been wearing.

Dress – ASOS (currently on sale) // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks // Handbag – Marks and Spencer (on sale)

Dress – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Shoes – Nine West

Dress – River Island // Boots – Rag and Bone Newbury boots // Jacket – Marks and Spencer

The future’s so bright…

Top – Mango // Trousers – Mango // Sandals – Birkenstock

Top – Mango // Shorts – J.Crew // Sneakers – New Balance by J.Crew (old similar here)

Dress – ASOS // Sandals – Ancient Greek

Stocking up on the essentials.

Shoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

Tornado alley.

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Graphic t-shirts.

T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

Scents and sensibility.

Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

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Top – Mango // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Golden Goose (back in stock in Barneys!) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Related articles

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Related articles

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Dress – ASOS (currently on sale) // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks // Handbag – Marks and Spencer (on sale)

Dress – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Shoes – Nine West

Dress – River Island // Boots – Rag and Bone Newbury boots // Jacket – Marks and Spencer

Related articles

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Top – Mango // Trousers – Mango // Sandals – Birkenstock

Top – Mango // Shorts – J.Crew // Sneakers – New Balance by J.Crew (old similar here)

Dress – ASOS // Sandals – Ancient Greek

Related articles

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Shoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

Related articles

Share this:

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Related articles

Share this:

T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

Related articles

Share this:

Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

Related articles

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