Category Archives: Style

I spoke too soon.

Sorry to all of you in the UK and elsewhere – but I am sharing a J.Crew code that is only valid in the US – complain to them not me:) Using HEYSPRING you can get 25% off online and in store. They don’t often have such great discounts at J.Crew so I have taken advantage of it ready for our trip to the beach for Spring Break.

This camouflage sweatshirt is similar to the one Marlene wore here – but I think I have ordered the lighter, grayer, colorway.

J.Crew’s denim shorts are the best I have come across – super soft and stretchy – in fact I often size down as they give during wear.

This denim jacket is a great dark vintage wash and it is already on sale. I love it – I just need to try it on in store so I know my size. J.Crew love their vanity sizing and often it is worth again sizing down.

Finally I have ummed and aahed about rash guards for the past couple of summers. Going to the beach in April means it can still be pretty breezy, making that risk of sun burn even greater, so I have taken the plunge and ordered this one. I prefer the solid color to a stripe.

If that is too much coverage for you I really like this sleeveless version – and it is a great price, currently reduced to $49.50.

All this talk of beach attire and Spring Break feels a little premature today as the temperatures drop again. So yes I did speak too soon at the weekend and the boots are back on today – but just £27.20 boots from the M&S sale – RESULT!

Jeans – Gap (on sale) // Boots – Marks and Spencer Mink biker boots (on sale at just £27.20 reduced from £75!!) // Bag – Marks and Spencer // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – AllSaints (old)

Finally I look a bit crazed here – but this is me on a usual Sunday – no makeup and my hair is still wet after the gym…

Shoes – Avarcas Pons Ankle strap in brown // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – REALLY old Gap long sleeved t-shirt // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks

Out with my favorite girl.

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On Thursday evening I took Poppy out for dinner then off to see Ellie Goulding at the Fox Theater. It was fabulous. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more Ellie, Poppy or I.

Top – AllSaints // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jeans – Mango chaps (on sale!) // Boots – Sam Edelman

After a late night I opted for comfort yesterday, for lunch at St. Cecilia with a good friend. How decadent – oysters followed by a shrimp salad with a couple of glasses of rosé and great conversation.

I LOVE my new jumpsuit. Definitely one to love or hate I think, but given my obsession for harems, this will be a regular in my summer attire. I also expect to wear it after the beach as a cover up over a bikini on vacation. I may have just ordered the grey version too.

I tried to photograph the back of the shrug so you can see the ‘keyhole’ design:

Jumpsuit – Oak // Shrug – AllSaints // Necklace – H&M (old) // Sandals – Sam Edelman Gigi

One last outfit from the week – new court shoes and a new bag from M&S! Great customer service from M&S as the bag was reduced in the sale while mine was in transit – they very kindly credited the difference so I didn’t need to return and reorder. It’s always worth asking!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara coated chino // T-shirt – Forever21 (old) // Cardigan – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Bag – Marks and Spencer

Lastly look what arrived this week – I now have a fabulous array of summer sandals to choose from! The boots are going into storage.

Ridiculous, over the top Ancient Greek sandals:

New navy Arizonas:

Have a fabulous weekend – I’m off to lie in the garden!

Sensible Sandals.

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Let’s talk spring, summer and sandals. Sensible sandals.

I have succumbed to the Birkenstock trend I’m afraid. A little late to the table, but it has taken me since last summer to convince myself that they can be both comfortable and ‘trendy’. I’ve had a pair of Boston Birkenstocks for years as they are very much part of the Georgia summer uniform here, but I have rarely worn them in recent summers, opting for my Havaianas instead.

Here are some of the images that convinced me they were worth trying again.

Ashley Olsen loves her black patent Gizeh birkies.

And Heidi Klum is also a big fan of the Gizeh.

They look fab on a dude too – he looks so cool here.

I have the white patent which I love. They are super comfortable and for my ‘funny feet’ they are amazing offering great arch support.

I also love the traditional Arizona, but in this blue – it seems a little more feminine than the black if that is possible.

I’ve just received the Mayari in black to try too – very feminine and I love the toe piece on this style.

Another favorite of mine is very similar to the Mayari – the Yara – this time with an ankle strap. I think they are so cool looking in this neutral brown. Great with tanned feet on the boardwalk!

The other style of sandal that I have fallen for in a big way is the traditional Menorcan Avarca Pons. Made in Spain, the leather is super soft, with no seams to rub on hot feet, and they conceal my crazy toes perfectly. The soles are made of recycled bicycles tires so they are non-slip and I like the idea of ‘repurposing’ for my feet! I find them incredibly flattering on – actually quite slimming on my wide feet. The only downside is choosing which color to buy. I have the taupe, but I’m thinking about a brighter color too – and maybe an ankle strap version🙂 I LOVE them and haven’t taken them off all weekend.

As for sizing it says they come up small but I am usually a US 8 – 8.5 and I went for a US 8. I was nervous as often I am a EUR 39 and the US 8 here is labeled as a EUR 38. The 8 is perfect though – the leather is so soft that it gives and stretches quickly to mold to your foot, so I would stick with your normal size as they may end up too big otherwise!

Just to assure you I haven’t gone completely ‘sensible’ on you I’ve also ordered these Ancient Greek sandals…with wings…oh yes indeed how awesome are these?!

For those of you that prefer something a little less embellished how about this version?

Now if the rain clouds could just move to the Atlantic I’ll be a happy girl. Get those pedicures done and the sandals on…sensible or otherwise!

Bad ass dog.

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On Wednesday morning, after returning from dropping the kids at school, I was confronted with a guy in our yard trying to break into the house. I immediately went into fright or flight mode and just started yelling “F*ck off! F*ck off! What the f*ck do you think you’re doing??!!!”. I was very eloquent. I’m not sure if he was more scared of me or Tennyson, my fabulous, loyal, protective, boxer who immediately went into attack mode. I was slightly impressed by the dude’s agility and speed at getting back over our fence. I suddenly realized he may be armed so I headed back inside to call 911 while Tennyson told him in no uncertain terms that he would not be welcomed back.

Tennyson now has his new sign in the front yard which really should say “Beware of the big, bad ass, dog”.

The hero of the hour who has been spoiled rotten since.

It took me the day to recover from the adrenalin – I was shaken to say the least – but I felt I dealt with it appropriately and I’m moving on now. I think they could hear me yelling in Florida!

Tuesday I headed to H&M to exchange some clothes for Poppy. I took the opportunity to take a look at this gorgeous fringed top I had seen online. I needed to understand why it is priced at $349!! It is a lovely blue, but crikey I wouldn’t pay $20 for it. The tassles feel really cheap and were already tangling and getting knotted on every top in the store. Not to mention the top must have weighed 100lbs. You’d need to be a line backer to wear it for more than 10 minutes.

Here’s my outfit for the day – I felt really comfortable, it’s great to wear skirts again – crap photo – I blinked:)

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Here are some other outfits from this week – a bit of a mix due to going from 70 degrees to 50 degrees throughout the week.

Dress – Mango (kindly bought by my sister – similar here) // Shoes – M&S Limited

Jumper – TopShop (stealing Frances’ style again) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Trousers – H&M // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Nail polish – Essie Play date

And then after a bang trim, ready for a fun night out at dinner with my Husband on Friday night where I drank too much Port with my cheese…I went full on ’80s – big hair and lots of silky flowy fabric.

Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

Today I plan on doing not much else but sitting here – Hugh helped me assemble it – we’re the logical ones of the family:)

The Breakfast Club.

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After leaving the AllWornOut girls on the Friday evening in London, I went clubbing. On my own. Completely safe – and I did in fact meet a companion. A Chechnyan, who was very kind and very honorable. We chatted about politics, the Ukraine, Chechnya etc. as you do on a Friday evening. I made it home about 3am-ish.

The morning after the night before I was feeling a little rough around the edges. I knew I had to liven myself up before heading to meet the other blogging ladies at lunchtime. At first I thought about cider and ice cubes at Langan’s, but they were closed. As I wandered up towards Bond Street I suddenly realized that I could try and head back to Aubaine in Selfridges for a mimosa or likewise.

As I entered the handbag department I noticed several people sitting on a balcony eating – a good sign at 10am. As I rounded the corner I discovered HIX. A fabulous little champagne bar that happened to do a champagne breakfast – result! It felt incredibly decadent sitting on my own eating scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and toast, and sipping a bellini (or 3). Not the cheapest breakfast ever, but how often do I get to do it? I even saw Charles Saatchi and Trinny Woodall wandering the store below me – I wasn’t quick enough with my camera unfortunately!

Staying in Mayfair was a new experience for me. Not one of my usual haunts at all. While I was there I knew I had to have some fun. After leaving the girls on Saturday night, and being told to head straight back to the hotel, I wandered past the private members club Annabel’s.

“Sorry Miss, private members only” said the doorman, as I explained I was on my own and just wanted somewhere for a night cap.

“Just say my name downstairs” a girl called out as she was stepping into her taxi.

A bit of liquid courage and before I knew it I was waltzing into Annabel’s like I was a regular. As I told the front of house the girl’s name he didn’t bat an eyelid and just motioned me in.

“F*ck, f*ck I’m in” I said to myself suddenly panicking as to what to do next. I wandered nonchalantly to a table by the dance floor. What a sight to behold. Not just women in designer gear, but proper, haute couture designer gear. The dance floor was full of 100lb girls, with spray tans and waist length hair, dresses barely covering their butts. The guys were all in suits dancing awkwardly in some bizarre mating ritual. Large men were sitting at dining tables with magnums of champagne, eating steak and laughing loudly. I felt like I was in some kind of Martin Amis novel. How I was getting away with it I have no idea – I ordered a vodka and tonic. If I got found out what more can they do but throw me out?

I left without paying for my drink – I assume the lovely kind girl who gave me her name paid for it on her account. Sorry – I owe you one, but no one gave me a check and by that time I knew I had to get out before I saw another girl shuffling in her 10 inch Laboutins.

A great story to have, and great confirmation that I am no West End Girl.

It also appears I broke the dress code wearing ALL leather, and the Club Rules trying to take a photo.

Sam Edelman does Rockstud

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You have all seen images, I’m sure, of the beautiful Valentino Rockstud.

In my opinion it is a shoe that is a simply stunning combination of edginess, simplicity and refinement. But expensive.

Now you can get a version at high street prices thanks to Sam Edelman.

First I tried a version of the stiletto in Nordstrom – unfortunately the vamp is too low and narrow for me, and my pesky little toe wouldn’t oblige. Still they are gorgeous and I was very sad to have to leave them behind.

I have, however, ordered the sandal version.

Here’s the Valentino:

And the Sam Edelman Gabriela, available in nude, black and pewter:

This next sandal that caught my eye is actually incredibly reminiscent of this Isabel Marant sandal from last year:

The Sam Edelman Dion is available in black, nude, tan and off white. I love the thong strap and I’ll be trying this as soon as I see it in store:

So there we go – call it a copy or a tribute, I’ll be rocking the Sam Edelman version of the Rockstud this summer! I’m more than happy to wear a good imitation and Sam Edelman’s shoes have always served me well.

T-shirt – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Pants – Zara (old) // Bag – Boden Canonbury clutch (on sale)

Leopard print sneakers

Jet lag.

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Jet lag is crippling – I end up in a complete fog for 2 days. This will be exacerbated this year because our clocks change tonight. Thrilled about Spring being almost here, but I know the kids will be bouncing out of bed at 5am tomorrow morning, and after a party for 25 6 year olds today I might not be too keen on that! Hugh turned 6 on the 6th and I have never seen him so excited before. He has written a list of all the things he wants to do for his birthday and the party along with a trip to his favorite BBQ joint will complete it. Think of me this morning while I am bouncing on trampolines and whizzing down zip lines…

The outfits over the past couple of days have revolved around comfort – essential for jet lag recovery!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Celebrating Hugh’s birthday made me reminisce about this time last year – look at me a year ago! It makes me want my hair short again!

Great Boo’s Up.

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Last Friday began with a train journey to London town. I love the journey through the English countryside. It always makes me think of the hymn Jerusalem that we sang at school – I used to love belting it out in morning assembly.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mayfair. What a fabulous location! Right across the street from Green Park tube and The Ritz. One criticism though – stop charging for in room wi-fi – £28 for 2 days – a bloody rip off if you ask me! My heart was beating out of my chest with excitement as I came out of the tube. Arriving in London always feels like coming home, yet still so foreign, especially staying in Mayfair. Let’s be honest I never had the money or the inclination to head there in 90’s!

I headed straight out to meet Sue and the girls from AllWornOutBlog.com. A little wander up the road through Berkeley Square, past Rolls Royce dealerships and haute couture boutiques, and I was at Selfridges. After chasing Sue around the menswear and shoe salon we eventually met up – talk about amateur tourists! We then met the lovely Eve, Gina, Belinda and Ann in Aubaine – a fabulous little eatery where we talked, giggled and drank copious amounts of wine. Security turfed us out at 9pm – how much fun was that skipping through an empty Selfridges!?

Double Trouble

We went to the pub too.

Saturday started early, with the inevitable hangover – but there’s another story behind my recovery for a later date…

I wandered North to meet the girls at the Mayfair Pizza Co – another great spot where the staff were amazing!! They tolerated us from 12 to 12 and kindly put us in our own little room. After 8 magnums of prosecco between us I think the other diners were quite relieved.

We talked and talked and then the beautiful Marlene (www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com) somehow had the patience to photograph us all while we nitpicked at our images – too fat, too orange, crooked smile, wonky eyes – you can read how she put us right here.

Marlene

Sue

Fiona

Helen

Here’s one of my outtakes that Sue took – I had a fit of the giggles!

And here is my fabulous souvenir from Marlene.

An amazing weekend with amazing friends, brought together by our love of clothes and writing. I have found an eclectic, smart, driven, funny, loyal, kind group of women who I hold dear and cherish every day. I wish I got to see them all more often.

There were no comedy breasts you’ll be pleased to hear.

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Where do I start?!

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What an amazing week it has been! Lots of shopping, lunches, and FAR too much prosecco! After recovering from jetlag and a trip to the soft play center with my nephews, my Mum, my sister and I headed to Manchester on Thursday. I love shopping in Manchester – it is great to be outside instead of a mall, and the sun shone for us all day. I am really impressed with how they have cleaned up the city center and even the Arndale is a pleasant experience these days. AllSaints was my first port of call and I cannot say enough great things about the staff there. They were brilliant and really helpful. I love the Emi Freesia top that continues to feed my black and navy obsession:

The Tiko t-shirt is a classic AllSaints draped cut – perfect for spring.

The Leyla t-shirt is beautiful – I have the dark grey with navy sleeves – really soft and drapey and it feels fabulous on.

We then headed to M&S, of course! I was not planning on buying anything…but then my sister spotted these lovelies. I love a biker boot and these are really ‘neat’ looking – the sole isn’t too heavy – plus 20% off – a bargain!

Then a lovely dress. Remember this VB dress? I loved it, most hated it.

The Limited range has this quilted dress, tailored for the high street. I tried a UK10 and a 14 in store – too small and too big, but the 12 is perfect – I will love it with some sun on my skin!

This photo is not the most flattering – it makes me look like I have no shape – but I assure you the drop waist is fab and it gives me shape around my backside from the back and sides. I’m really happy with it.

I came away from M&S really impressed – it’s a long time since so much has appealed to me.

Finally I stocked up on my Molton Brown body wash – this Bushukan scent is sold as a men’s fragrance here but it is wonderful and works for us ladies who prefer scents without too many floral notes. The scent lasts all day – I just love it.

Not a bad haul hey? The great news is after playing mule for some friends here I have plenty of space in my bags now I’ve handed their goods over!

The best bit of the whole day though was lunch in Harvey Nicks.

I’ll leave my weekend shenanigans to another blogpost – needless to say it was fun and prosecco fueled! Here’s an amazing photo that my very kind friend, Marlene from www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com took – what a great souvenir to have!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Style

I spoke too soon.

Jeans – Gap (on sale) // Boots – Marks and Spencer Mink biker boots (on sale at just £27.20 reduced from £75!!) // Bag – Marks and Spencer // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – AllSaints (old)

Shoes – Avarcas Pons Ankle strap in brown // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – REALLY old Gap long sleeved t-shirt // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks

Out with my favorite girl.

Top – AllSaints // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jeans – Mango chaps (on sale!) // Boots – Sam Edelman

Jumpsuit – Oak // Shrug – AllSaints // Necklace – H&M (old) // Sandals – Sam Edelman Gigi

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara coated chino // T-shirt – Forever21 (old) // Cardigan – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Bag – Marks and Spencer

Sensible Sandals.

Bad ass dog.

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

The Breakfast Club.

Sam Edelman does Rockstud

T-shirt – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Pants – Zara (old) // Bag – Boden Canonbury clutch (on sale)

Jet lag.

Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Great Boo’s Up.

Where do I start?!

Jacket – AllSaints // Top – AllSaints // Jeans – JBrand leather jeans // Boots – Navy Newbury boots (out of shot)

Jeans – Gap (on sale) // Boots – Marks and Spencer Mink biker boots (on sale at just £27.20 reduced from £75!!) // Bag – Marks and Spencer // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – AllSaints (old)

Shoes – Avarcas Pons Ankle strap in brown // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – REALLY old Gap long sleeved t-shirt // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks

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Top – AllSaints // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jeans – Mango chaps (on sale!) // Boots – Sam Edelman

Jumpsuit – Oak // Shrug – AllSaints // Necklace – H&M (old) // Sandals – Sam Edelman Gigi

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara coated chino // T-shirt – Forever21 (old) // Cardigan – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Bag – Marks and Spencer

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Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

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Related articles

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T-shirt – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Pants – Zara (old) // Bag – Boden Canonbury clutch (on sale)

Related articles

Share this:

Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Related articles

Share this:

Share this:

Jacket – AllSaints // Top – AllSaints // Jeans – JBrand leather jeans // Boots – Navy Newbury boots (out of shot)

Related articles

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