Category Archives: Style

New pyjamas/pajamas.

One of the problems with blogging is it can be disastrous for your saving plans.  When you read a post by a blogging friend and see something you like you know you have to act quickly – you snooze you lose.  Being 5hrs behind of the UK can sometimes be a pro and other times a con – I can shop while the UK sleeps and while new stock is loaded on websites, but conversely something can be sold out by the time I wake up.  So yes I hold my hands up – I am guilty – I ordered Rosie’s cashmere trousers as soon as I read about them in Kat’s blog last night.  It’s great that my UK friends can keep me abreast of new lines in M&S, River Island and TopShop for example – but imagine how much I’d save if they didn’t!?  Oh well they’re winging their way to me as we speak.

Rosie cashmere trousers

Unfortunately being on the M&S site spells disaster for me.  ‘While I’m there’ I tend to nip to various other categories – just to see if there is anything new – you know – just in case…Darn it of course I migrate to one of the most expensive items on the site.  Don’t laugh but I bloody need these – perfect for curling up in front of the telly on a dark winter evening.  I’m flabbergasted at how quickly they are selling out – at £199 a pop too!  I am cruising the site every hour or so just in case the grey medium comes back – obsessed much – yes indeed.

M&S

Now there must be something in the air as I am also cruising the Zara site every couple of hours to see if this beauty has arrived.  Assured by Kat that it is not a onesie – it has a belt – I am convinced it can be glamorously styled for winter nights out.  Stand by – I know there are doubters out there – so let’s see what transpires…

Zara

Now my obsession with comfy knitwear led me to start thinking about sleepwear.  The Rosie trousers are really more loungewear than sleepwear, and in my mind it seems a bit ridiculous to lounge in cashmere only to change into a 5 year old nightie from M&S, slightly greyed from washing, shrunken and totally unflattering and definitely un-err-are-you-up-for-it-tonight-honey as I usually wear them with big knicks – TMI I know…but I try to keep decent around the house for my son’s sanity.

So this afternoon the hunt for sleepwear began.  Nordstrom as ever came up trumps.

These Steve Madden pjs are super fun and I love the pink trim.

SteveMadden nordstrom

I love a good night dress (is there a way of saying that without sounding 90?) and this is my favorite – again I love the pink and grey.

PJ Salvage

And here’s what I ended up ordering:

Almost a onesie, but not quite – this is from Splendid – I think it perfectly straddles (poor choice of word I realize) comfy yet sexy-ish (though I’m already slightly concerned about logistics with an all in one…).

Splendid Nordstrom

And these pjs from Eberjey look lovely – I hope they are.  What’s my fascination with grey marl though?

eberjay top

Eberjay trousers

So there we are – new loungewear and new sleepwear.  I can now throw out those greying cotton nightdresses and my velour sweats…my Husband will be thrilled – we’ll see how he adapts to the onesie (sorry Mum!).

Talking of M&S again I wore their new checked biker coat yesterday.  Their shipping service to the US is great and it’s free – this arrived really quickly – about 5 business days I think.  It’s gorgeous – very English looking according to my friends and really soft and warm.

I’m totally in love with my pink Boden boots – perfect for cheering up a grey day.  I am normally a US 8 and these are a Eur 39 – if anything they fit slightly on the small size so size up if in doubt. Don’t forget their 22% discount finishes Thursday night.

Pink Boden Boots M&S coat

Boots – Boden // Coat – Marks and Spencer // Jeans – Hudson Collin // Tank – H&M // Sweater – Boden Westbourne jumper // Scarf – Marks and Spencer (old)

Enhanced by Zemanta

The JohnnieB fur gilet.

You may remember my quest for the perfect fur gilet.  Well I happened to be browsing the Boden site the other week what should I notice but the JohnnieB fur vest back in stock in the 16+ size.  I swooped, ordered and instantly fell in love.  It is really soft and a great neutral color that goes with a lot of the black, tans and greys in my closet.  It does fit large and I may even have gotten away with a size down.

Boden currently have a diminishing discount to celebrate their 22nd birthday, so if you’re lucky you can nab yourself one with 22% off (till the 14th November) using this link.  Enjoy:)

Jboden gilet

 

Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers // Jeans – Dorothy Perkins coated jeggings (currently on sale) // Top – Zara colorblock tee // Scarf – Boden (old) // Fur vest – JohnnieB

Enhanced by Zemanta

Belated birthday night out.

On Friday my lovely Husband got to celebrate his birthday at last.  On the 30th I was so full of a cold that we decided to postpone till I had more ‘get up and go’.  That happened on Friday.  We went to Abattoir – absolutely our favorite restaurant to dine at here in Atlanta.  There is a new chef and I was thrilled to see the steak tartare back on the menu, along with oysters.  If you’d asked me five years ago if I’d be craving raw beef and oysters I would have heaved – how tastes change!  If you get chance to go you must try the duck empanadas – they are to die for!

I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to wear my Zara harem jumpsuit – unfortunately as I swaggered into the living room feeling happy with my attire, my Husband had to quickly change his plans to wear his harems – we’re not ones to go out coordinated like Posh and Becks:)

As it was his birthday I decided not to wear a tank underneath and show a little cleavage.  I don’t think he noticed…though he did notice my fabulous new AllSaints Monument jacket.  I ADORE this coat – it’s so versatile and warm.

Jumpsuit

 

Abattoir

 

Shoes – Nine West (old) // Clutch – Boden Canonbury clutch // Jumpsuit – Zara // Jacket – AllSaints Monument jacket

He even got his birthday cake – thank you Abattoir for another stella night.

IMG_4837

Enhanced by Zemanta

Uggs

Come on I know we all have a pair.  I wear mine nearly every day at this time of year – they are perfect for slipping on for nipping out of the house to the yard or down to the bus stop – no where too public.  Yes I’m talking about Uggs – frowned on by stylists around the world, yet worn by everyone.  I just put mine on to take the Halloween decorations down – yes, yes I know it’s November 7th but I’ve been busy;)  They’re also perfect for nursing blistered feet after their first 6 mile run in 6 months yesterday…yes I’m hobbling around today.

I prefer the simple Classic Ugg – these are grey – but my favorite pair were the short classic in sand – I wore them out over 2 pregnancies.

Here’s my catalog pose.

 

IMG_7670

 

IMG_7665

 

Sweater – H&M // Jeans – Diesel Fayza Jogg Jeans // Uggs – Ugg classic tall in grey

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Jeans and Jumpers.

I was a poorly girl last week and felt rubbish with a really bad head cold.  So rubbish in fact my poor Husband got a Chinese takeaway for his birthday dinner instead of going out.  That’s how you can tell I’m sick – when I can’t even face getting dolled up and having a few cocktails – proper poorly:)  It’s taking me a while to get out of this funk and make the effort to get dressed again.  A week at home in sweatpants was heavenly.  Fortunately for those that work with me in the office I have graduated to jeans and jumpers.  There is something so reassuringly comfortable about skinny jeans, a snuggly jumper and a pair of boots.

There are some great knits available as ever and here are some of my favorites.  I have to say in my eyes Boden still do some of the best quality jumpers.

I promise myself a cashmere hoody every year and have still to invest.  Maybe Santa will oblige?

Cashmere hoody

This handknitted cable sweater is relatively new on the site – and I love this color way – it’s a great update on an Aran jumper.

Handknit cable sweater

The Off Duty jumper maybe my all time favorite jumper.  I love the boxy cut and the merino is super soft.  They do fit large though – I ordered a Small this year and it is perfect.

Off duty jumper

The St. Ives jumper in this colorway sold out really quickly but I noticed today there are some odd sizes available so keep checking for returns.  I sized up to a US10 in this for a looser fit.

St, Ives

The Westbourne jumper is another favorite of mine this year.  Really soft with contrast stitching on the front and back.  Again it’s a lovely boxy fit yet not too overwhelming.  I went for a size 8 in this and it is a great fit.  They also wash really well.

Westbourne sweater

My Nanna used to knit me Aran jumpers – this saves me having to get the knitting needles out – not that I could ever knit a sweater!

TopShop cable knit

This is also TopShop and I love the color, contrast sleeves and dropped shoulders.

TopShop mixed media

So how are you dressing now the colder weather has arrived – are you searching for inspiration too?

Yesterday I at least tried to wear some fun trousers.

St. Ives jumper

Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker // Trousers – Mango // Jumper – Boden St. Ives

Mango coat

 Coat – Mango

Today I’ve done the same – these Boden skinny jeans fit perfectly – the rise is great – not too high or too low.

WEstbourne 2

Boots – Grey Nubuck Newbury boots // Jeans – Boden // Jumper – Westbourne sweater Boden // Scarf – H&M

I must learn how to use my camera on the tripod – either that or train the kids to use it:)

Shop the look!

Enhanced by Zemanta

My first attempt at HACing!

So following on from my post yesterday where I rashly promised photos of my attempts to Highlight and Contour, here’s my first attempt documented with the good, the bad and the down right ugly!

1. The tools of the trade

DSC_0848

2. Straight out of the shower – pimples and dark circles included!

DSC_0863

 

3. Moisturised and then applied L’Oreal BB cream, eyes done using L’Oreal Infallible liner with a smudging brush, MAC Brun powder used for brows, and L’Oreal Volumising mascara.

DSC_0867

 

4. Blush applied on my cheek ‘apples’ using my finger tips and some contouring done with the bronzer – but NOT blended yet – you can see my right cheek looks a little orangey still.

DSC_0875

 

5. Blended bronzing powder and then Maybelline highlighter applied around the eyes and down the nose using a concealer brush.  Revlon super lustrous lip gloss in Pinkissimo applied.

DSC_0887

 

6. Hair dried with a round brush and the ghd dryer and voila!

DSC_0889

 

The verdict – well I certainly need some practice – especially in the application and blending of the contour/bronzer powder – but I love how it has shaded around my nose and eye sockets.  It feels lighter than using foundation, but takes a little more time and patience.  Have you tried it yet?  Let me know how you get on!

And now…with full face of makeup applied we’re off to another swim meet!  Happy days:)

Boden Westbourne jumper

 

Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Jumper – Boden Westbourne sweater // Scarf – H&M (old)

Find these products:

Enhanced by Zemanta

A new approach to makeup.

We all have our favorite blogs and I scroll through hundreds of posts every day on bloglovin’ – some are regular reads and others are posts that just catch my eye.  I tend to read lots of fashion/style blogs, and sometimes food and fitness blogs – normally when I need some motivation to get back on track.  Rarely do I read beauty blogs.  Till now that is.

I have probably used many of the same products and had the same basic makeup routine for 20 years.  Only about 5 years ago did I even attempt a ‘smoky’ eye or try liner on my upper lid. So I’d say I am pretty lazy, or at least unadventurous, when it comes to makeup and my beauty routine.  That was until a friend shared the amazing blog MaskCARA.com with me.  I have been hooked reading Cara’s posts all week.  Her videos are inspiring and make her techniques look so easy that it’s impossible not to want to try them – especially when you see her make over results.

I really want to try her HAC (highlighting and contouring) technique – it looks amazingly simple with the right products and tools, and the results are incredible.  I’ll never look as stunning as Cara, but with some trepidation I have bought the following products recommended on MaskCARA.com, and the great thing is they are all drugstore brands so won’t break the bank!

Bahama Mama bronzer for contouring:

Bahama Mama bronzer

Maybelline Highlighting concealer for highlighting:

Maybelline highlighting concealer

Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush (I’ve NEVER used a cream blush before):

Maybelline dream bouncy

L’Oreal Voluminous mascara in carbon black:

Loreal voluminous mascara

Sally Hansen Lip Inflation:

Sally Hansen Lip Inflation

Some fabulous new makeup brushes – I am embarrassed to even guess when I last washed my brushes – never mind when I bought them!

Sephora brush set

Finally while I was at it I bought this beautiful new Essie nail polish – at least I know how to make my nails look better if I overdo the bronzer and end up looking like Snooki.

Essie cashmere bathrobe

Please check out Cara’s blog – I think you will find it inspiring, as I have, even if you don’t think you are stuck in a makeup rut!  I promise to share some before and after photos of my HAC attempts over the weekend! xx

Find these products:

Enhanced by Zemanta

You just never know who’s reading!

First published on my Husband’s birthday a year ago – Happy Birthday Honey – I barely recognize myself – or my closet!

After another summer of sizzling in the sun (with SPF of course), this morning I headed to my dermatologist for my annual check up.  There I am sitting ‘nekid’ with a sheet around me when in comes my lovely doctor who immediately asks me ‘do you have a blog? I’m sure it’s you on this style blog I’ve been reading!’.  Aaargh – now if I was dressed I’d have no problem saying ‘yes of course it is!’, but at that moment all I could focus on was the huge amount of fluff my socks had left on my sweaty toes – I was not by any means feeling like the writer of a so called ‘style’ blog.  I giggled nervously and tried to be witty by saying ‘of course it’s me – you must have been googling for ultra stylish women over 40’ – ‘don’t be silly’ she replied – well that’s me told.  So hello all in the dermatologist office – thank you for reading and don’t take too much notice of these ‘hangovers’ I refer to occasionally:)

It’s flippin’ cold and windy here though I am not complaining after seeing the state of the North East this morning.  I feel dreadful for all those suffering with flooding and no power.  On a more superficial note I’ve also been thinking about all those runners who are in limbo after months of training – I’m suspecting that the NYC marathon will not take place this weekend as not only can people not get there, but the streets of NYC are apparently filled with cars that ‘floated’ away from their parking spots!

In order to face the cold today, and make stripping off at the doctors easier, I am wearing my Boden leggings and layering with a bordeaux Zara t-shirt and my AllSaints Wasson pullover dress.  All finished off with Frye Veronica Slouch boots, an H&M scarf and Zara quilted leather jacket.  The dress is lovely and lightweight – it wraps over at the back creating a V shaped hemline – it’s really unusual.

Here you can see the detail of the wrap of the dress at the back…:

Now to prepare for this evening’s fun for MM’s birthday!  We’re off out for dinner and I can’t wait:)

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

Liquid gold?

Halloween costumes were mandatory at our neighbor’s party this weekend.  My Husband ignored this and went as himself.  I on the other hand, for the first time ever made a token effort.  Can you guess what I am?  The classy Dixie cup full of margarita is not part of the costume…neither is a very bemused looking Tennyson!

Halloween 2013

Yes I’m a ‘Cereal Killer’ – mwah ha ha haaa!

Today I headed off to the hairdressers.  ‘Tis the Husband’s birthday tomorrow so I need to look glam.

Mng

Boots – Grey Nubuck Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Trousers – Mango (old) // Top – Zara

Foils

And the big reveal – my ombre highlights by the lovely Lauren at Plum Salon – love it!

hair

In order to treat my hair kindly and take care of my fabulous new color I bought some gorgeous Bumble & Bumble shampoo and conditioner – but blimey it is priced like liquid gold so I better keep it for ‘best’!

Okay off to wrap presents now before everyone gets home!

Shop this look!

Enhanced by Zemanta

Halloween celebrations.

As with Christmas, Halloween celebrations seem to creep earlier and earlier each year.  I’m often buying Halloween costumes (yep buying – I am not a crafter – though I may surprise you this weekend) late in September, to avoid the slim pickings that are left in the penultimate week of October.  I think Halloween is growing on me – I don’t mind watching the children enjoy it – but it is still one of my least favorite ‘Holidays’ – just a smidgen less despised than Valentine’s Day.

Fortunately my Halloween celebrations began with a new delivery – though some of you may think these trousers should be relegated to a Halloween costume.  I love them.  I present to you the black Mango pleather/denim combi trousers.  These are the black – but yes I have the blue denim too.  The pleather is lovely and stretchy.

Mango chaps

chaps and cardigan

Golden Goose

 

Colorblock jumper – Zara (similar here) // Knitted jacket – Zara // Black pumps/court shoes – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Trousers – Mango chaps

I wore them last night to our local Halloween party where the children dressed up and rode a bucking pig.  Oh yes indeed, you read that correctly.

Halloween DSC_0792 Pig riding Poppy

 

This morning was Fall Festival and this afternoon we have a Halloween party across the street.  It’s the perfect Fall day for hanging out with friends.  I promise a photo later with my Halloween costume:)  For now here’s what I’m chilling in.

Off Duty jumper

 

Jumper – Boden Off Duty Merino jumper // Jeans – Diesel Fayza Jogg Jeans // Sneakers – Golden Goose

One last thing – here’s me trying on the beautiful Zara woolen wraparound coat.  I have this in a Large which I think is similar in sizing to a UK 12/US 8 – it is gorgeous and so soft.

Zara coat

Enjoy your Halloween celebrations this weekend!  I’d love to know what you go as for some inspiration for me for next year!:)

Enhanced by Zemanta