Category Archives: Style

The beginning of my Fall/Winter wish list.

My September Vogue arrived yesterday. It is a beast. I was going to sit and read it while Poppy does her hour long hip hop class today, but I thought I might put my back out carrying it in my bag. Anyway it got me thinking about cooler weather and snuggling up in some cosy knits and coats. I cannot wait!

I’ve already started a wish list, and I am really trying to be good until it does get cooler, so I can make better, more informed choices based on what is in stores at the end of next month.

For now here are my key picks:

The Stuart Weitzman 50/50 is twenty years old and to celebrate they have introduced new colors. I adore this grey suede pair.

I have the Sam Edelman Alvin in leopard and plain black pony hair and this year I want to add this gorgeous saddle print to my collection.

I don’t own a trench and I need one. I think they are perfect for the milder winters we have here – and my favorite so far for color and length is this Zara short trench.

I am in need of a new, more fashionable puffer coat. My Patagonia one is great – but a little too practical and outdoorsy – if that makes sense. I adore the color of this Zara short puffer.

As for knitwear Zara is coming up trumps again. I love their pastel pinks and greys this year – the 80s girl in me again! This cardigan is gorgeous.

I also love this knitted duffle for the Fall.

My favorite Boden piece is in the Winter preview. I love the cream and grey together in this St. Ives jumper. (PRV3 will give you 20% off and free shipping in the US, and PRQ2 will do the same in the UK).

Finally, for now at least, I NEED this wool baseball cap from J.Crew.

So what’s caught your eye already this A/W 2013?

As for today I needed to be comfortable – remember the hour I have to sit in the waiting room at dance class!

Jersey Jacket – Zara (old) // Trousers – Zara (in the sale not online but may still be in stores) // Cami – TopShop in the sale at Nordstrom // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

Do you buy clothes for your Husband?

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Replace ‘Husband’ with the appropriate word for your situation – still I want to know do you shop and buy clothes for yours?

Within three months it is my birthday, our wedding anniversary and Mr PS’s birthday. Of course my birthday is always something I look forward to, but I am beginning to dread the other two events. Don’t get me wrong I love a good celebration – but my Husband has become such a great gift/card giver over the years that I am under immense pressure to step up my game.

You see Mr. PS is quite difficult to buy for. He has very few clothes in comparison to me – well that’s the case for most men isn’t it? So I always think it would be a great idea to track down some fabulous items for him to diversify his wardrobe a little – there are so many gorgeous men’s items to choose from. But it’s not quite as simple as that.

Mr. PS has VERY SPECIFIC styling requirements. He is in my eyes one of the new metrosexuals. He doesn’t even glance at high street brands. He wears Hermés aftershave, Diesel boxers, Nudie jeans, and Gucci loafers, though he did buy a couple of JCrew t-shirts this year much to my relief. For the recent wedding he attended he surprised me by wearing a Zara suit, though he spent more on the Hermés tie he bought to wear with it. He knows more about brands, especially classic and upscale brands than I do, and his mantra is always ‘quality over quantity’. Even when he was a student he loved unique, original shirts that he bought from Cheltenham, from the guy who went on to create Superdry. He used to only wear red high top converse – red of course because the Byzantine Emperors wore red shoes – like you do. He loves a good investment piece – which is obviously beneficial for me come birthday and Christmas, but it makes it a nightmare for me when I start thinking about gifts for him.

I still cringe over the plaid TopMan shirt I once bought him, or the brown birkenstocks that I packed lovingly for Christmas for him one year. After those two disasters I basically gave up buying clothes for him. But if you don’t get clothes what else do you buy a man whose passions are reading, watching football and travel? Okay so yes I could buy him a flight to Hong Kong, but I’m talking about stuff that still leaves me enough for the rest of my A/W wish list:) He does wear jewelry – and I will buy him a bigger diamond stud one year (my one and only success was a Tiffany stud I bought for him) – but I keep telling him that he is no NFL player so it can’t be too big. He loves his David Yurman beaded bracelets that I have bought for him – but I can’t just keep buying them in every color, can I?

So this year I asked him for some direction to help me with brands. Have you ever had a list like this from your man? I swear I have not made this up – I can forward the email he sent for proof.

Knitwear – YSL/Marni

Blazers (cotton) – Lanvin/Boglioli/Rag&Bone

Blazers (wool) – Gucci/Lanvin

Boots – Gucci

Loafers – Gucci

Brogues etc. – John Lobb

Slippers – John Lobb/Bally

Shirts – Budd & Co/Turnbull&Asser/Charvet/Sid Mashburn

Pants – Kolor/Marni/Lanvin

Sweatshirt/t-shirts – Nudie/James Perse

Ties (really?) – Drakes/Hermes/Charvet

Socks – Paul Smith (stripes)/Corgi

Polos – Sid Mashburn/Billy Reid/Sunspel/James Perse

Sneakers – Lanvin/YSl

Urban walking boots – Diemme (Roccio Vet)

Scarves – Etro/Lanvin/Hermes

Belt – Prada

Collar stays/collar bones – TM Lewin (mother-of-pearl)

Card case – Commes des Garcons (Flurio)

Tote – Marni

Mac/coat – Macintosh/Barbour/Aspesi

And obviously anything by Balmain.

———————————————

So at least I have some help now! But ‘collar stays/collar bones’ – WTF – he never wears shirts! And ‘tote’? Don’t even ask – I know what you are thinking. Would your man ever give you a list like this? I just need to sell a kidney now and open an account with MrPorter.com.

As for what I’m wearing – it’s been a wet, dreary weekend in Atlanta so it called for casual, comfortable clothes – with sleeves too! In August? Crazy!

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

AllSaints neutrals.

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Okay amateur meteorologist alert – this is the weirdest August weather we have ever had in the 14 years I’ve been here! SO much rain and now today we are only in the mid 70s with temperatures – which is nice I have to say – but a little weird to say the least on August 15th.

There is always a positive spin though no? It just means I get to wear a cardigan and ankle boots – and our office air conditioning is so bloody cold I could have gotten away with gloves and a snood! I love my AllSaints Venice t-shirt dress from earlier in the year and this is the first time I’ve bared my legs in it. It has a drape to it on the left side which doesn’t show well in the photos I’m afraid – I need to get better at holding my Nikon with one hand:) I’m eyeing up these alternatives on ASOS too – they are a great price and I love the oversize look. They’ll be great on their own with a fabulous scarf, or worn with leggings as the cooler temperatures arrive. It’s available in black and grey and be warned ASOS tend to fit large.

The Boston cardigan was a fabulous AllSaints sale purchase when I was in the UK last year, and of course the boots are the luscious Rag & Bone Newburys in tan canvas. Indoor photos again I’m afraid – it’s so dark in the mornings now we’re up for the school bus!

I need to consider my outfit choice for tomorrow – I’m still celebrating my birthday with an indulgent kid free lunch with my Husband – I can’t wait!

Put a lid on it!

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I popped into Nordstrom yesterday to return the TopShop animal print tunic dress – I loved it but the fabric was just too warm for here in the summer. I was overjoyed when I saw the size of the TopShop concession we now have here in Phipps Plaza. It had so many TopShop staples – like the camis we all love – plus many of items and new arrivals that I have seen online. I have found a new little gem to frequent! If you are in the US make sure you all check out your local Nordstrom! I am officially now obsessed with the camis and picked up a cream one – well it’d be silly not to while I was there – to wear under jackets with jeans.

I was a tad nervous about walking into the office today – but I managed to diffuse any sarcastic comments with equally facile retorts about ‘jazz hands’…good job I have thick skin:) This hat is the white version of the Target one I wore back here at the start of the summer. I haven’t worn the white one as often as the black, but today it just seemed the perfect compliment to the outfit:)

Hat – Target // Jeans – Primark (old) // Top – TopShop Cami // Waistcoat – Forever21 (old) // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

Oh and don’t forget that Boden’s Catch of the Day continues today with 25% off tops and t-shirts!

If there is such a thing – fall sandals!

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It’s almost half way through August and everyone’s focus is now on Fall. The back breaking September issue of Vogue will soon be hitting my door mat, undoubtedly full of fabulous temptations. As you know I’ve already been lured into a couple of Fall purchases, though I did return the Zara pointed boots – too goblin-like for me in the end – but I filled the suede void with the fabulous pink Boden desert boots which are on their way to me as we speak (I may also have sneaked the pink skinny jeans in the order too)!

I do struggle here with the Fall releases being so early – it really doesn’t get cooler in Atlanta till early November. Most years we are trick or treating in shorts and t-shirts with the kids sweltering in their costumes. I know few of you have sympathy for me – but I am a girl that loves sweaters and boots so I long for the cool temperatures!

To ease my pain I’ve been browsing sandals as at least I can show off my pedicure for longer! I may even have made a couple of sneaky purchases:)

These heels have caught my eye – and a couple of them resemble those I’ve seen in Zara over the summer – but these are fabulously priced!

Clockwise from top – Black snake print t-bar – New Look £19.99 // Black strappy lace up – New Look £24.99 // Yokono cut out sandals – New Look just £27.00 in the sale // Pewter snake print ankle strap – New Look £19.99

As for flats here are my favorites from Nine West at Zappos.com – and both are in the sale! I’m a sucker for an ankle strap and a bit of animal print but they also come in solid colors too.

Here’s hoping a couple more sandal purchases will prevent me from prematurely leaping into the ankle boot pool before they are all released!

Today’s outfit is all about comfort I’m afraid!

Trousers – TopShop (old – bought here) // Top – Matalan (old – bought here) // Sneakers – Converse

My 42nd birthday!

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I had the most amazing day yesterday – packed full of everything I love – from a good, leisurely work out, to great burgers and margaritas, to a wonderful dinner out, all in the company of my wonderful family.

My Husband is becoming quite a pro at choosing great birthday cards. As one of my friends said it really is a gift to have the patience to search through sappy cards for the perfect card for the recipient! If you haven’t seen the Honey Badger viral video this won’t mean anything to you!

After an indulgent glass of prosecco we headed off for a leisurely lunch at our favorite burger joint. It was hot as hades here yesterday so I decided to wear my TopShop cami for the first time. I really do love the cut and fabric of these tops and I’ll be buying more – they drape perfectly with no clinging. I was switched on to them by lovely Eve at AllWornOut and Jane at MyMidlifeFashion. Fortunately TopShop is now easily available here from Nordstrom! The creases fell out as soon as it was exposed to the Atlanta humidity!

Top – TopShop Cami // Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old) // Sandals – Zara

Later that evening my Husband took me to The Optimist for the first time. What an amazing restaurant. It was busy so the service was a little tardy but we were in no hurry and I relished my oysters! It’s a huge, open restaurant and I loved the noise created by the acoustics. In a strange way it reminded me of Harrods food hall or even Quaglinos, though I haven’t been there since the early 90s!

I felt fabulous in my Zara flowing jumpsuit (sold out but similar here). I actually bought this and returned it once thinking I’d never wear it – but it was such a perfect fit I re-bought it and I am so glad I did! I went full ’70s for this baby of August ’71 with big hair and white heels (now on sale here!).

So that’s the birthday done and dusted for another year – here’s to a great one – and happy birthday to all my fellow Leos!

Sip and See.

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Have you ever been to a Sip and See? They are becoming more and more common outside the US I think, but yesterday I felt like a true Southern lady attending my first Sip and See here. They are similar to a shower, only at a Sip and See you ‘sip’ your cocktail and ‘see’ the baby. My great friends across the street, who already have 4 children (their third pregnancy produced twin boys – can you imagine!), just adopted a beautiful newborn little girl. I tell you some people are just wired to be Moms and she is one of them, while I have to search for my maternal genes most mornings! I am beyond thrilled for them and indeed I’m very proud of them, though they insist that although they are providing a loving home and family for their new addition, their daughter has also impacted and changed their lives for the better. I can’t wait to see her grow up and blossom into a beautiful girl.

So yesterday required a couple of changes. I spent the day in the following outfit – these jeans are fabulously comfortable so I’m not sure why I haven’t worn them since our blogger meet up back in February! I started the day in white heels but the heat soon made me regret that decision.

Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old)

Later that evening, for the Sip and See, I took advantage of having an occasion to wear my Ted Baker Allysia dress that I got back in the sales at the Trafford Centre. My new Boden clutch was the perfect accessory and I wore my Tory Burch Eddie flats to respect the host’s floors!

It’s a big day tomorrow – I turn 42!! I LOVE birthdays and I’m so excited to head out for lunch with the family and then dinner with my fabulous Husband. Another year, another year wiser? Maybe not, but who cares!? I’m having fun and that’s what counts!

De-cluttering

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So we are all back at school now and I am left wandering around the house wondering if I will ever get it straight and tidy again. I’m definitely not Type A when it comes to house work – something has got to give, and with parenting, working and blogging it’s the house that falls down the priority list. It never gets that bad – I manage to stay on top of it and I would never consider a cleaner – there are other things I’d rather spend my money on:) It’s the clutter that drives me mad though. Barbies, legos and cars in particular…grrr…

As I was criticizing my kids for their clutter I began to realize we have plenty of our own! We’ve just converted a room in the basement into an extra ‘play room’ for Poppy and Hugh. It was a room that went unused previously – in other words it became storage for all our books, cds and dvds. As I was down there today, picking up the trail of popcorn, left by the popcorn fairies apparently, I had an epiphany! Sell all the dvds and cds and make some extra pennies! Why on earth we still have these archaic stacks and racks of cds and dvds I’ve no idea. In many instances I’ve done what I did upon the extinction of vinyl – I have imported or re-bought music on iTunes. As for movies I never buy dvds these days – I download and stream them all so I can watch them on my iPad when traveling. Anyway that’s how I am going to spend my weekend de-cluttering, and dusting off and selling all my shiny little discs on musicMagpie. Just don’t tell the children – they’ll only want to spend my earnings on Barbies, legos and cars!

Today I’m back in the office for the first time in 6/7 weeks – it seems a little odd, but I quite like it. It’s nice to be able to talk to grown ups, and feel like I’m getting dressed for something other than running errands. It was raining this morning, in fact throwing it down, hence the slightly fuzzy closet photos today:)

Bermuda shorts – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer (out of stock but may be in store)

Fall arrivals.

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I get so excited when the Boden previews are launched – then EVERY season I regret placing a preview order. They arrive way after everyone else’s orders that were placed at the beginning of the full season launch, as the orders are always shipped from the UK. Remind me next time not to bother with the preview orders. Anyway mine just arrived today. To add insult to injury one of the large boxes (mainly my son’s Fall trouser collection) was damaged – it may even have been tampered with – and the Canonbury leopard clutch that I had sneaked in the order was missing. There is now a delay on the clutch and I won’t have it in time for my birthday dinner this weekend – sob!

The disappointment was eased a little by the fact I adore the other two Boden items that arrived, the Canonbury clutch in pink, and the stripy merino sweater in pink.

The clutch is about the same size as the folded leather clutch from last season – but this season’s has great compartments inside – much better for organization. It still comes with the detachable strap and the wrist strap so you can use it as a cross body bag or a clutch. Now if only the leopard print clutch had made it!

The stripy merino jumper is a lightweight, box shaped jumper. Great for transitional weather. I love the colors and the elbow length sleeves. The button back is okay – I think I’d prefer it plain like the front though. This is a US 8 so I’d say it fits very true to size – it is slightly shorter than some may like.

Now for some fun with shoes! I am completely smitten with Zara’s new season collection, full of masculine silhouettes. I was torn between two pairs of boots so ordered both to compare. They are what I would call Fall boots – they aren’t really to be worn with socks so they’re the type of boot I can wear here till it gets really cold in late November.

The first is the suede pointed shoe boot. Definitely not everyone’s cup of tea and I am still undecided. I really want to love them. They are proper winkle pickers – with the pointiest of points, but I do feel a bit dressed for Halloween in them…I think they will look fabulous with my tartan cropped trousers or with grey skinny jeans and a slouchy black jumper. Bear in mind I am trying them with shorts here – not how I would ever style them!

The second pair are the sling back boots. Much less aggressive looking and a nod to all the cut out boots we’ve seen this year. They are fabulous quality and have a little western thing going on with the toe. I think they will be amazing once the soften up.

Both are in my regular Eur 39 and fit great.

So there you go – boots and jumpers while it’s 85 degrees outside!

He’s home!!

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I was a little disappointed, to say the least, that I didn’t get to attend Karin and Simon’s wedding this weekend. After returning from Cyprus, and with the kids starting school, we decided that it was just too much to try and get me to Stockholm with my Husband. So off he went on his own at the start of the weekend, on a record 3 day jaunt to Stockholm and back, so he could support Simon as his best man. It’s great that we both get time to ourselves for travel but I was SO happy to see him walk through the door yesterday, tired and jet lagged again, but home.

I have so much respect for single parents – parenting alone is EXHAUSTING! We passed the time well though with the trip to the zoo, lunches out, and then yesterday our lovely neighbors came round to hang out. I realized that it is probably 6 weeks since I have had any company other than my immediate family – I cannot tell you how brilliant it was to talk to someone else:) I think the kids appreciated it too. Hugh will be starting school with their son this week – in all there will be 3 new kindergartners as the bus stop – exciting times ahead for us all!

Today we find out who our teachers will be this year, it’s also the day that I start to regret how little ‘school work’ we’ve done over the summer…reading and math were replaced by travel and adventure – I know what I’d have preferred at 7!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Style

The beginning of my Fall/Winter wish list.

Jersey Jacket – Zara (old) // Trousers – Zara (in the sale not online but may still be in stores) // Cami – TopShop in the sale at Nordstrom // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

Do you buy clothes for your Husband?

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

AllSaints neutrals.

Put a lid on it!

Hat – Target // Jeans – Primark (old) // Top – TopShop Cami // Waistcoat – Forever21 (old) // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

If there is such a thing – fall sandals!

Clockwise from top – Black snake print t-bar – New Look £19.99 // Black strappy lace up – New Look £24.99 // Yokono cut out sandals – New Look just £27.00 in the sale // Pewter snake print ankle strap – New Look £19.99

Trousers – TopShop (old – bought here) // Top – Matalan (old – bought here) // Sneakers – Converse

My 42nd birthday!

Top – TopShop Cami // Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old) // Sandals – Zara

Sip and See.

Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old)

De-cluttering

Bermuda shorts – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer (out of stock but may be in store)

Fall arrivals.

He’s home!!

Saturday outfit for a BBQ lunch – J.Crew shorts, Zara top (old) and Sam Edelman Gigis.

Today’s outfit for a trip to school – Zara top (old) // Cropped black jeans – Express (old) // Vince Nina flats (back in stock in all sizes!)

Jersey Jacket – Zara (old) // Trousers – Zara (in the sale not online but may still be in stores) // Cami – TopShop in the sale at Nordstrom // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

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Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

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Hat – Target // Jeans – Primark (old) // Top – TopShop Cami // Waistcoat – Forever21 (old) // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

Related articles

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Clockwise from top – Black snake print t-bar – New Look £19.99 // Black strappy lace up – New Look £24.99 // Yokono cut out sandals – New Look just £27.00 in the sale // Pewter snake print ankle strap – New Look £19.99

Trousers – TopShop (old – bought here) // Top – Matalan (old – bought here) // Sneakers – Converse

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Top – TopShop Cami // Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old) // Sandals – Zara

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Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old)

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Bermuda shorts – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer (out of stock but may be in store)

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Saturday outfit for a BBQ lunch – J.Crew shorts, Zara top (old) and Sam Edelman Gigis.

Today’s outfit for a trip to school – Zara top (old) // Cropped black jeans – Express (old) // Vince Nina flats (back in stock in all sizes!)

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