Category Archives: Style

A visitor arrives.

The children are VERY excited this morning. Grandpa arrives tonight. Poppy has very kindly said that “he doesn’t need to bring presents – just his love” – I’m sure Mike will be relieved!

We’ve got lots of fun activities planned for the next 10 days. Lots of great meals out, swim meets, shopping and NFL games! I love it when we have guests – we do so much that we wouldn’t normally do. The weather has turned perfect too just in time – beautiful blue skies with clear, crisp air. The slightly cooler temperature prompted me to get my new Zara cut out booties out of their box for the first time. I love them – they are gorgeous leather, with a great heel height and a funky ankle strap. I may now officially have too many boots – is that possible?

Boots – Zara // Top – Zara (old) // Skort – Zara

Fantasy shopping.

8 Replies

I know what you’re going to say. I just shop, shop, shop and most of the time I figure out a way to get what I am lusting after – whether it be through saving a few pennies or selling some fabulous items that just don’t get worn as much as they deserve to be. I do, however, have a threshold of what I consider to be an okay amount to pay for an item. It may seem a little warped that I will happily spend $500-$600 on a pair of boots and yet wince at the thought of paying $300 for a pair of jeans, or more than $200 for a jacket. It probably comes down to me accepting how fickle I can be. My style has evolved radically over the past 18 months and I expect it to continue to do so. It’s dangerous territory then to fork out mega bucks on items of clothes that I may shun to the back of the closet next year. My Rag & Bone, Marant and Acne boots still make me giggle with pleasure every time I lift the lid off the box. These will always be in my style ‘comfort zone’ – so I can splurge happily with no remorse.

I love to create a fantasy lists. If money were no object what would I buy? As I was browsing the other night I stumbled upon more than a few items that set my heart a flutter.

Of course the list had to include some leopard print. This Jérome Dreyfuss purse is stunning – but for now I’m happy to make do with my Boden Canonbury clutch (p.s. it’s the last day of the Boden 20% diminishing discount tomorrow!).

What greater indulgence is there than a ridiculous Louis Vuitton scarf that will be worn again and again – just the $800 then? I am in love with this print. This is something that eventually I may be persuaded by – one day.

I don’t wear pumps/courts nearly enough to justify these – but if money were no object – these YSL Janis Escarpin pumps would be mine.

Finally, for now, I have always wanted some perfect leather trousers. Of course they need to be Balmain. Just the $4,560 then.

I expect I’ll be creating more secret compilations like this now football season has started! What’s on your lust list? How would you fill your closet if you won the lottery?

It’s still hot, hot, hot here so yesterday I opted for shorts again. I had a lovely lunch with a handsome man.

Shoes – Vince Nina // Shorts – J.Crew Factory // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap

Two of the things I miss most about the UK.

16 Replies

Marks and Spencer and coats. Yes it’s true, and my Husband will never understand why I miss either of them.

For those of you unfamiliar with the great British institution – it’s quite hard to explain the affection I hold for Marks and Spencer. They have been around forever. Starting as a market stall in Leeds in 1884, M&S became the familiar cornerstone of every UK high street – even venturing into Paris at one point (I was once asked to do an M&S sandwich run for lunch on a business trip there – as you can tell I was very important). Growing up almost 90% of my wardrobe was probably M&S. As a student I loved their men’s department for their oversize cardigans and even pyjamas. When I started work all my suits were M&S, and it was always my first port of call for a new outfit when I lived there. Every Christmas you could guarantee there would be gifts from M&S under the tree – they always had something for everyone. Back then they were always known for quality – whether it be their clothes or their food hall. So I consider myself lucky that I have missed their recent demise. My affection has not been tarnished. M&S is still the store I head for first when I am back home, though recently it has been more for their wine, pork pies and meal deals, than for clothes.

M&S now ship free to the US, so I occasionally take a look at their new items, but I haven’t taken the plunge till now. Having read all the stories on their personnel changes and the lackluster performance I was amazed to see the press touting their pink duster coat as ‘the coat of the season’. It has already sold out online (though new stock is expected soon). I have to say it’s not really my style but I do see the appeal for others.

Apologies for the small photos – I was having real problems with their website!

Anyway it got me looking at the other coats in their Fall collection. I do love a good coat or jacket and at this time of year I start to pine for the colder weather so I can snuggle in wool and cashmere – again my Husband will never understand. Here are my picks – and the prices are so good I may have placed a sneaky order. All to be revealed!

Yes, yes – I know it’s Twiggy – but I love the simplicity of this black biker jacket.

I had to do a double take at the price of this mac. £45 – a real deal for a gorgeous looking mac. My favorite color – the charcoal – is sold out in smaller sizes – but I also love this pebble color. The black trim is striking.

Another biker jacket – the tweed contrast with the black is gorgeous. I really want this jacket.

This time a longer biker coat – they have quite a few this style with the asymmetrical zip. It reminds me of the Zara coat last year – though I would like to bet this M&S one is far better quality. It is also available in petite and plus sizes too.

Finally my two absolute favorites – not sure I can justify both. I adore this Autograph checked biker coat – so on trend and great neutral colors.

This military coat is a great price – especially considering the cashmere content too. I’m having a tough time choosing between the khaki and the grey. Again it comes in plus sizes too.

So there we are – for me a Marks and Spencer coat is like bacon and HP sauce, or chips and mushy peas – the perfect combination:) Have any of you found yourself tempted back in through the doors of M&S recently?

Finally today’s outfit – I would never have bought these harem style shorts had I not seen them on Eve at AllWornOutBlog.com – on the Zara site they looked pants (no pun intended). The top is Primark bought over the summer, and the shoes are Marks & Spencer (see!) Autograph peep toes, again from the summer.

Jackets for sale!

Bra shopping.

9 Replies

Having worn my Topshop camis a few times I came to realize that I was in desperate need of a new strapless bra. I hate bra shopping. Not that I mind being measured or anything – I just really dislike spending money on something that will never be seen by anyone except by me. Having said that the results of a badly fitting bra are plain for all to see, as you will see from my photos today!

I had already tried to order 2 strapless Wonderbras from Figleaves.com but it was one of the most painful experiences ever. Firstly as Figleaves are in the UK I was charged a bank fee for my transaction – a flipping hidden fee I knew nothing about until it appeared. Then the bras never arrived and I had to deal with Figleaves’ Customer Service. I have to say they were the rudest, most patronizing, most aggressive, most evasive CS representatives I have EVER dealt with. Most unpleasant. Thank goodness I eventually got a refund – I shan’t be ordering with them again.

So that meant I was stuck with my strapless bra that I last wore pre-kids – why it was even still in my lingerie drawer I’ve no idea. Today I braced myself and headed into Victoria’s Secret – not a pleasant experience for someone who has carried and breastfed two children. Perky my boobs are not. The service in the store was fabulous. They couldn’t do enough for me and I walked out with two multi-way bras and two bandeaux bras, very happy indeed.

I’ve been suffering from a miserable head cold all week and today I needed something vibrant to wear to cheer me up. Pink was obviously the color of the day, even the lighting in the VS changing rooms was VERY pink!

Trousers – Topshop (now on sale here) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old) // Top – TopShop cami // Neckace – Macy’s (old) // Bangles – H&M // Bag – YSL Roady

I also may have popped back into Diesel to try on the Jogg Fayza jeans again. I love the Fayza’s I won on eBay – but the Jogg version, with the jersey lining, is still calling my name. I’ll just keep trying them on until I cave. If you do decide to buy be warned the come up HUGE – I tried these 25″ and they were perfect. These are the 807 wash which is a lot lighter than the 601 – I think I prefer the 601 myself.

I swear there aren’t that many creases in my cami – bad lighting again. See what I mean by the bra though? The nips were on full show for the poor guy helping me in Diesel.

Finally here’s an outfit from the other day. It got mixed reviews from the Husband. In all honesty I was going to wear a blouse with the skirt, but found a hole as I was putting it on, so quickly made the decision to try the double denim look. The husband thought the skirt was sexy but the top not so much. Oh well we all learn the hard way:)

Skirt – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Shoes – Lotta of Stockholm

My new favorite jeans.

15 Replies

I love jeans. Any kind of jeans, you name it – skinny, cropped, boyfriend, flare, boot cut – I have them all in my closet. My first pair of ‘high-end’ jeans were bought after my first few pay checks back in 1997. They were Diesel and I got them on a fabulous, indulgent shopping trip in Harrods. For a while I was loyal to Diesel – I loved their unique cuts and soft denim. Then they started creeping up in price and when I started looking for skinny jeans I fell in love with the Hudson Collin jeans. Since then I’ve been a Hudson loyalist and I own their bell bottoms, boot cuts and skinnys. What I like about Hudson is the rear button flap pocket and the fact that they offer both low rise and mid rise jeans.

The other week, while on the hunt for a new pair of boyfriend jeans, I found myself back in the Diesel store in Atlanta. I wanted to try the Diesel Fayza jean. They are totally different from any other jean I have seen on the market – tapered, with a low crotch and a twisted seam – almost harems – but with a little more attitude. I made the mistake of trying on, and ultimately falling in love with the Jogg version of the Fayza. Diesel’s new Jogg jeans are incredible – in my eyes the ultimate in comfort and style. Jeans combined with sweats – genius. The jeans have a jersey lining – making them incredibly comfortable and easy to wear – but unfortunately also crazy expensive. The Fayza’s that I fell in love with were $330 – I just couldn’t do it – but I’ve dreamt about them every night since.

In an effort to convince myself that they are worth the price I tracked down a pair of Fayza’s on eBay – not the Jogg jeans mind you – just the regular denim. Nonetheless the cut is part of the reason I am obsessed with them, so I thought they were worth a punt. I love how unique they are – I haven’t seen anyone else wearing anything similar. I snapped them up on eBay for a steal – a brand new pair too. After wearing them once and acquiring complements from my lovely Husband, I’ve now added a pair of Jogg Fayza’s to my ‘must have’ list for AW 2013. I adore these jeans. You may think I’m crazy, I don’t care.

Unfortunately this rubbish photo hasn’t displayed them in all their low crotch glory – they’re a very dark wash and I should have used my Nikon – sorry!

Jacket – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers (similar here) // Jeans – Diesel Fayza (bought on eBay) // T-shirt – Gap (old)

As for the rest of the week so far here’s what I have been wearing.

For a trip to Hip Hop class with Poppy yesterday – I keep hoping he’ll ask me to join the class…

Dress – Zara sporty dress (sold out online already) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker boots

And today…

Skort – Zara // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Scarf – H&M (old) // Bag – YSL Roady // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker boots

Can you tell I’m ready for Fall? – My ankle boots are making a more frequent appearance again:)

After the boys of summer have gone.

18 Replies

Labor weekend is traditionally the ‘end’ of summer – though we get at least another month of summer-like weather. Having said that we have woken up this morning to torrential rain – the garden is a mud pit – so much for our pool plans today. Hey ho, we’ve still had a fun packed weekend to say farewell to summer with a bang.

On Friday I caught up with a friend for lunch who I haven’t seen for probably eight years or so. We used to work together, then she moved to D.C. to study law. It was great fun to see where the years have taken us and we talked and talked as you can imagine! I can’t wait to make it a regular lunch date.

Trousers – Zara harems (old) // Shoes – Zara // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Boden clutch

Saturday started early. Every year on Labor weekend the weirdest people flock to Atlanta. I have a strange affinity for these weird folk. They are the Dragoncon delegates. Downtown Atlanta becomes populated by Klingons, wookiees and stormtroopers for the weekend. Fantastic fun.

Hugh wasn’t that impressed by the early start:

Darth Vader must have heard about the Death Star – he looked a little dejected.

I didn’t get a full outfit image that day – I assure you I didn’t dress up – though I’m tempted for next year:) I wore the same as here though – the grey Asos t-shirt dress – with my Golden Goose sneakers (similar here).

On Saturday evening we went out for a wonderful dinner with friends. It was a long, lovely, indulgent evening with lots of great conversation. To commemorate Labor weekend I wore all white.

Boots – Canvas Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shorts – Zara skort // T-shirt – AllSaints vest (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

These days Poppy and Hugh can’t resist getting involved in the photo taking – budding bloggers I tell you – though Hugh ain’t that impressed by his sister trying to steal the limelight:)

Last night we headed to the Braves game. It’s such a fun thing to do with the children now they can sit through nine innings. The music, the games, the food all take precedent over the actual baseball game – a good thing really as we lost. Poppy is now an expert at gaining enough attention to get us on the big screen with the FanCam – twice last night! I really need to make more of an effort for Braves games with the amount of exposure she is getting us! We were even lucky enough to have a free post game concert with Big & Rich. Baseball really is the best value when it comes to family entertainment – fours hours of relaxation and fun for $10 each!

Top – Boden Breton // Shorts – J.Crew (old) // Sneakers – Converse (old)

So today we may have to change plans – the rain is still falling. I fancy a good movie day curled up with my gorgeous family – sounds good to me.

Changing diets.

17 Replies

By diet I don’t mean diet as in losing weight, I mean changing the nutritional content and fabric of my daily food intake. I have to say I’m always very skeptical about diets that remove items or restrict foods – like the Atkins diet etc. – but I’ve recently been reading a lot about food intolerance. As a scientist I have to say some of the data and reasoning is quite compelling. So I thought I’d give it a try. After speaking to my doctor about it she recommended trying the Virgin diet where you remove gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, corn and sugar from your diet, then add each one back into the mix to see which, if any you react too. Our food can impact all sorts of things – obviously our physical health, but also our mood and energy levels. Even though it sounds a bit fadish I thought I’d give it a go – nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I’m quite lazy, though not terribly unhealthy, when it comes to food – a quick bowl of pasta for example. I lack inspiration. One of the unexpected positive effects of trying this diet is that I have to plan my meals in advance, meaning I am much more prepared at meal time, ultimately resulting in far more enjoyment from cooking and eating.

I’ve only been following the plan for 3 days and yesterday I was EXHAUSTED. I could barely keep my eyes open and I started to question the alleged benefits. Today, however, I feel AMAZING. I have so much energy and feel so alert – and that was at 7am this morning. I’m starting to believe there may be something to this food intolerance stuff.

For you nay sayers who claim it is boring – ok it’s only been 3 days – but I am really enjoying eating fabulous fresh fruits and veg and great lean meat, and I’m tasting all the flavor. I’m using Gwyneth Paltrow’s “It’s All Good“ (recommended by a friend – thanks S!) for inspiration. I can’t say enough great things about this book – I always think of Gwyneth as being a bit up herself and self-righteous – but in the book she comes across as a lovely, down to earth mom – dare I say just like us? All thanks to great editing and PR I’m sure – but still I am really enjoying this book.

I’d love to hear if any of you have tried eliminating certain foods from your diet. How did you feel? Did you stick with it? Do you think it’s a fad?

Another benefit is that I already feel less bloated – my clothes are a little looser already. Apparently it can also make your skin look years younger…we’ll see.

Trousers – Zara palazzo trousers (old) // Top – Zara long sleeved tee (old) // Shoes – Tory Burch Emmy sandals (old)

T-shirt – Asos (similar here) // Shorts – DvF TheOutnet.com (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer (old)

The VMAs with more crass than class.

25 Replies

Did you watch the VMAs last night? Lordy I am getting old.

First Lady Gaga – SO over her – in fact so over her I have nothing to say.

Okay so now Miley. Twitter lit up with her performance. All I can say is it was pathetic, disturbing and humiliating. Who the hell told her in rehearsal that ‘sure Miley – it’s great – just grab your crotch and stick your tongue out one more time‘? Someone needs to give her a good slap, and all those around her for encouraging that kind of tripe. When Robin Thicke joined her for Blurred Lines I was SO disappointed – he gave all the critics of the song all the ammunition they needed. Why grind your groin against Hannah Montana’s rear Robin? I was crying into my Earl Grey with disappointment.

Then Kanye. WTF? Great t.v. NOT. You couldn’t see him, nor could you hear the song for all the censorship bleeping over it.

Thank the Lord for Justin. A stellar performance from an artist that takes his craft seriously. Great singing, great dancing – what I call proper entertainment.

I don’t think there was one presenter I understood – lots of weird grunts and hand gestures – oh and inappropriate Amber Alert references, not something I think should be made light of. And then there was Katy’s grill, and Taylor and Selena trying to look hot and make Harry jealous. Just uuurgh – it’s giving me the creeps recounting it.

By then it was gone 10pm and I headed to bed. I recorded the show thinking Poppy would love to watch it – but I fear most of it will be fast forwarded to avoid corrupting her innocence. In hindsight I don’t think it has to do with my age – it’s more to do with the ‘entertainment’ industry’s poor judgement and inability to ‘entertain’. Whatever happened to good old singing and dancing – Justin needs to teach them all a lesson or two. What do you think?

As I step down from my soap box here’s what I’ve been wearing over the past couple of days…

Dress – Asos t-shirt dress // Sandals – Steve Madden (really old!) // Necklace – Target (old)

Jeans – Gap ankle skimmers (sale buys) // T-shirt – H&M (old) // Scarf – Boden (last season now just $14!) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Necklace – H&M (recent but not online)

Black and grey.

23 Replies

It’s been a hectic week involving a fun night out with some moms from school – I love how diverse and fun our school is, we’re really lucky. Not quite sure how Friday has arrived so quickly this week.

I was up early this morning for carpooling duty so quite literally needed something to throw on. This Zara sweatshirt dress (old) was ideal, worn with my Golden Goose. I have a thing about cold shoulders in dresses and tops – I love them.

So regarding my wish list the other day – I may have slightly misled you. I actually ordered a couple of the Zara items – one because I’d seen it go in and out of stock so I was worried it may disappear if I delayed, and the other – well – just because I love it.

The first is the pink cardigan, ordered just because I wanted it, and I do love it. This is a medium so it is generous for Zara. I can’t wait to wear it with a simple white t-shirt, with boyfriend jeans or buttoned up with skinny jeans.

Next up is the knitted duffle. This keeps disappearing from stock so as soon as I saw the medium reappear I ordered it – justifying the early purchase by using the gift card that my father-in-law gave me for my birthday. He knows me so well. Thanks Mike – it’s a great birthday present – I love my knitted jacket:) Just be warned if you are buying for warmth this isn’t lined throughout. The sheepskin is just trim around the edges and in the hood – but perfectly snuggly for Atlanta fall weather.

Finally my ASOS dresses arrived. Now these are perfect and they were a great price – but the fabric of the black and grey is slightly different – I need to check the labels to see how composition differs. These are both a US 6 and the black is definitely shorter than the grey. I love the cut – great flirty t-shirt dresses, perfect with sneakers. They will be a staple to come through the mild Fall weather we have here. I think they’ll be great dressed up a bit with a scarf too, and the black could definitely be dressed up with heels and a great necklace for a night out. (Tip – always google for discount codes before buying on ASOS – there is normally one floating around!).

Have you checked anything off your ‘wish list’ yet?

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Style

A visitor arrives.

Boots – Zara // Top – Zara (old) // Skort – Zara

Fantasy shopping.

Shoes – Vince Nina // Shorts – J.Crew Factory // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap

Two of the things I miss most about the UK.

Jackets for sale!

Bra shopping.

Trousers – Topshop (now on sale here) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old) // Top – TopShop cami // Neckace – Macy’s (old) // Bangles – H&M // Bag – YSL Roady

Skirt – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Shoes – Lotta of Stockholm

My new favorite jeans.

Jacket – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers (similar here) // Jeans – Diesel Fayza (bought on eBay) // T-shirt – Gap (old)

Dress – Zara sporty dress (sold out online already) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker boots

Skort – Zara // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Scarf – H&M (old) // Bag – YSL Roady // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker boots

After the boys of summer have gone.

Trousers – Zara harems (old) // Shoes – Zara // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Boden clutch

Hugh wasn’t that impressed by the early start:

Darth Vader must have heard about the Death Star – he looked a little dejected.

Boots – Canvas Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shorts – Zara skort // T-shirt – AllSaints vest (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Top – Boden Breton // Shorts – J.Crew (old) // Sneakers – Converse (old)

Changing diets.

Trousers – Zara palazzo trousers (old) // Top – Zara long sleeved tee (old) // Shoes – Tory Burch Emmy sandals (old)

T-shirt – Asos (similar here) // Shorts – DvF TheOutnet.com (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer (old)

The VMAs with more crass than class.

Dress – Asos t-shirt dress // Sandals – Steve Madden (really old!) // Necklace – Target (old)

Jeans – Gap ankle skimmers (sale buys) // T-shirt – H&M (old) // Scarf – Boden (last season now just $14!) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Necklace – H&M (recent but not online)

Black and grey.

Boots – Zara // Top – Zara (old) // Skort – Zara

Related articles

Share this:

Shoes – Vince Nina // Shorts – J.Crew Factory // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap

Related articles

Share this:

Related articles

Share this:

Related articles

Share this:

Trousers – Topshop (now on sale here) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old) // Top – TopShop cami // Neckace – Macy’s (old) // Bangles – H&M // Bag – YSL Roady

Skirt – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Shoes – Lotta of Stockholm

Related articles

Share this:

Jacket – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers (similar here) // Jeans – Diesel Fayza (bought on eBay) // T-shirt – Gap (old)

Dress – Zara sporty dress (sold out online already) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker boots

Skort – Zara // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Scarf – H&M (old) // Bag – YSL Roady // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker boots

Related articles

Share this:

Trousers – Zara harems (old) // Shoes – Zara // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Boden clutch

Hugh wasn’t that impressed by the early start:

Darth Vader must have heard about the Death Star – he looked a little dejected.

Boots – Canvas Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shorts – Zara skort // T-shirt – AllSaints vest (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Top – Boden Breton // Shorts – J.Crew (old) // Sneakers – Converse (old)

Related articles

Share this:

Trousers – Zara palazzo trousers (old) // Top – Zara long sleeved tee (old) // Shoes – Tory Burch Emmy sandals (old)

T-shirt – Asos (similar here) // Shorts – DvF TheOutnet.com (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer (old)

Related articles

Share this:

Dress – Asos t-shirt dress // Sandals – Steve Madden (really old!) // Necklace – Target (old)

Jeans – Gap ankle skimmers (sale buys) // T-shirt – H&M (old) // Scarf – Boden (last season now just $14!) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Necklace – H&M (recent but not online)

Related articles

Share this:

Related articles

Share this: