Category Archives: Style

TGIF.

2 Replies

Note to self – must go away without MM more often…the reason being I get wined and dined before I go!  Poor love I know he will miss me and the children and he is being so sweet taking me out a few times, without the children, so we get some time together before I leave for the UK on the 18th for 2 weeks.  We’ve always been very independent and I know he’ll be fine without us – he doesn’t fall into the usual stereotype of being useless by himself – he’s a better cook than I am, always runs the dishwasher and loves to read so he can catch up and a few books while I’m gone – oh and the European Championships start today – so who am I fooling about reading?  Every game will be DVRd and watched I know for sure!  In fact is it possible that is why he suggested we left the country for those 2 particular weeks?…Hmmmm cunning….

So before he sits down tonight to watch the first games we’re off out to lunch at Local Three – it’s a fabulous local eatery with a menu based around local and seasonal fare – they do great ‘small plates’ too so it is a fun place to go and share lots of different offerings.  The lobster salad sounds particularly good!

This weekend will be spent – by me at least – moving all my clothes and possessions from the bedroom to the basement bedroom where MM and I will be relocating to while the master bathroom, bedroom floors and walk in closet are under construction.  It all starts on Monday!!  I’m SO excited about the work starting, but running up and down stairs with arms full of swag does not fill me with joy.  Oh well it will be worth it and who knows I may find more items to eBay!  I may start trying to design the interior of the new closet too – IKEA have some brilliant modular solutions I’ve got my eye on.

So for lunch – what to wear?  I wanted something casual but not too casual as I’m getting tired of throwing a tunic on over a bikini at the weekend…so I opted for my lovely green J.Crew chino shorts, Express white tank, and my new Zara printed jogging jacket – I’ve gone for a nude shoe, Tory Burch Emmy sandals, so as not to overwhelm the look – the flowers and green are already pretty vivid!

Have a fun Friday!!

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Yummy Thai.

7 Replies

It’s a quiet day in the office today so my fabulous Husband has just offered to take me for lunch – what a lovely surprise – so we’re off for Thai.  Not really on the diet plan but hey I’ll go off to the gym later to compensate:)

I watched the first half of the Jubilee concert last night and absolutely loved it – I am amazed how many people were out on The Mall!  It made me feel tremendously homesick – I’ve strolled down there countless times to then walk through St. James’s Park back to Westminster – one of my favorite ‘most London’ walks, where I felt more like a tourist rather than a resident.  I think I need to plan a girls trip back to London again for some sight seeing and fun:)

Anyway before I plan for more trips I need to prepare to head for the UK on the 18th of this month!  I feel quite overwhelmed tackling the packing for 3 of us for the unpredictable North West weather – layering may be the key.  I also have the daunting task of whittling down my shoes from the ‘really want to take’ 6 pairs to the ‘really need to take’ 3 pairs.  I’m wondering whether the hot spell a couple of weeks ago is it for the UK?  There’s usually only one per year – so do I gamble and not take shorts or a sundress?  If it does get hot I can always pop into Sainsbury’s for some great deals – I got a gorgeous blue sundress from there 2 years ago when I was caught out by rising temperatures.  To add to the complexity I now have a 6 year old asking me if she can do all her own packing without any help…hmmm maybe not as the first thing she put in the pile was her Girl’s World head!

My ensemble today demonstrates how brilliantly previous seasons from Boden complement current seasons.  The cardigan is the long line cardigan in pewter from summer 2011 that I got in the sale – I love this color and it’s an almost identical style to this season’s effortless cardigan.  This pewter coordinates perfectly with the border print tunic in pewter from this season, and even better my Tory Burch Eddies in camilla pink pick out the pink in the tunic brilliantly.  I feel wonderful in this today and can’t believe I nearly passed up on this tunic thinking it was too similar to last year’s Terazzo.  The tunic by the way is my usual US 6 – I know some have said size up but as I have no hips I didn’t need to.

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

A good sweat.

9 Replies

One of the reasons I love working out is that I love to have a good sweat.  Sounds gross I know, and yes ladies are supposed to glow, but for me there is nothing more cleansing, purifying and invigorating than sweating buckets.  Yesterday afternoon I indulged in a couple of hours of sweating at the gym – treadmill, bike, and sauna – it was fabulous.  I don’t normally allow time to indulge in a sauna but it was SO relaxing – I need to do it more often if I can get over the awkwardness of sharing a small wooden box with other people for 20 minutes!

I was beginning to regret that I hadn’t planned my trip back to the UK to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.  I was really upset that I couldn’t watch the whole concert that was shown live yesterday in the UK.  It looked a treat with some good old British family entertainment with the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Sir Elton and Madness.  I’m thrilled though to have just discovered that ABC are showing highlights tonight at 9pm – I just hope it’s not all Stevie Wonder!  I chuckled to myself this morning while reading my guilty pleasure that is the Daily Mail – William and Harry certainly did look a little hungover this morning in St. Paul’s – I’d recognize that look anywhere:)

It’s raining and grey again here in Atlanta – very unusual for this time of year – but it allows me to wear my jeans and a jacket again.  I’m wearing the Zara jersey blazer in fuchsia which I love – the color is perfect – not to bright but lovely and summery.  The t-shirt is an old Diesel one that I love – it’s the perfect t-shirt for layering and adds a bit of interest to an outfit.  The jeans are Hudson, the shoes are my new Levity wedges from DSW – they’re high but I love them, especially the suede nude wedge heel, and the necklace is a great buy from H&M – I love it’s simplicity.

If you’re US based and you watch ABC tonight I’d love to know your thoughts on the concert!  I’m sure it’s a very different experience watching as a non-Brit than for someone like myself who can embrace the eclectic eccentricity and patriotism of the event.  Enjoy!

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Red, white and blue.

7 Replies

It’s rubbish weather here in Atlanta today – dark and dreary, such a shame after a fabulous weekend, but easier to bear now I’m back in the office.  We had a fabulous time at Virginia Highlands Summerfest – the weather was perfect for mooching and watching some great live music.  I was in awe at a group of 14-16 year olds rocking out on stage – called ‘My Homework Ate My Dog‘ – they were brilliant – and it got me thinking about how to introduce music lessons to my two.  I think music is so important and there is evidence that reading music can also help with numeracy.  I was reading basic music at elementary school and playing the recorder, and then I graduated to the flute which was challenging once orthodontics started!  I really think understanding rhythm and reading music can boost your appreciation of music and we always have some sort of music playing in the house – anything from Led Zeppelin to Robyn to Mahler.  So maybe I should start them with piano lessons?

Brightening up the day today and sticking with the patriotic theme I’m wearing my Boden long sleeved Breton, Boden Effortless cardigan in radish, white Express Zelda crops and Tory Burch Eddie flats in Tory Navy.

Oh and one final very important note the Boden Autumn preview is out for women!!! In my opinion this is THE BEST season of clothes I have seen from them.  Very ‘on trend’ with a retro, younger vibe – I’ve already placed two orders!!!  My most favorite items are the Scoop Neck Tunic, Loulou dress, Cable knit dress (I’ve only ever previously bought 1 Boden dress!) and Skye jumper.  Enjoy browsing and until June 25th there is a 20% discount.

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

A quick change:)

Leave a reply

Okay I just threw on my Zara Union Jack t-shirt (unfortunately I can’t see it on the US site but they were still in store on Friday) and white denim J.Crew shorts – feeling much more appropriate and patriotic – if I’m allowed to given I’m a US citizen!

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Summer festival.

Leave a reply

I have friends who still manage to go to lots of music festivals every year even with 3 young children at home.  The closest I will get to a summer festival is the Virginia Highlands Summerfest today here in Atlanta.  It’s actually a lovely art festival with music and activities for the kids and VaHi is a beautiful part of town – very residential with gorgeous craftsman cottages and close to Piedmont Park.  I remember going the year Hugh was born – it was our first proper trip out as a family of four – so I love going back when we remember what weekend it’s taking place!

I just Skyped with Mum and Dad and feel rather sad that I’m missing out on all the Diamond Jubilee festivities.  The UK has both Monday and Tuesday off to celebrate and there are so many street parties and galas taking place – I do miss the UK at times like this.  I was back last year for the pomp and ceremony of the Royal Wedding and loved it!  In fact maybe I should be wearing my Union Jack tee today – I might just actually go and change now I’ve remembered it!:)

For now I’m wearing my AllSaints t-shirt from a couple of years ago, ornament orange JCrew chino shorts (4″ available online only), and AllSaints Bonny Cuban boot which is currently out of stock on the US site.  To celebrate the Jubilee AllSaints are giving 20% off selected styles this weekend till Tuesday when you enter code JUBILEE at check out!

Long live the Queen!:)

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Weight loss and margaritas.

6 Replies

I’ve been trying to get back on the weight loss wagon after our guests and then Memorial weekend.  I’m struggling.  Not with food but with cutting out the odd glass of wine.  I’ve been running more hoping that will compensate for the calories but no – I have seriously plateaued.  Last night I had a couple of margaritas while MM and I were getting into the serious territory of prioritizing our renovation projects.  It’s always easier to talk about money and projects with a drop of tequila inside you.  Take it from me I’m much more malleable and I think we came to a great consensus with no stamping of my feet or sulking – a huge success.  So given a few compromises here and there, come the week of the 11th June, we’ll be beginning work on a new master bathroom, new walk in closet, hardwoods in the currently carpeted rooms and new granite and back splash in the kitchen.  I am giddy with excitement – for the result – not the ensuing turmoil, dust and relocation of the family to the basement.  Thankfully 3 of us will be ensconced in Bury for a couple of the weeks – hopefully the dirtiest of them.  Now if the sun could just relocate to Bury again that would be freakin’ awesome:)

I’m struggling with the arrival of summer here and 90 degree temperatures.  I’m still craving boots and pants.  In order to at least look like I’m embracing summer and the passing of Memorial weekend I got the white jeans out today.  These are from Gap who seriously do the best, comfiest skinny stretch jeans ever, and at a great price – I couldn’t see skinnies on their website though, only cropped ones.  With them I’m wearing my new Frye Carson button short boots (the natural color is summery!), an oldish J.Crew tank that was a great sale purchase, and following the theme of yesterday’s post – my Boden jersey jacket from 2011.  I normally wear the sleeves down but the lining matched so well with the tank that I rolled them up – I’m feeling a little Miami Vice – but hoping to goodness that I get away without any predictable Don Johnson comments from MM.

Related articles

Enhanced by Zemanta

Summer jackets.

10 Replies

I was inspired to write this after Kat at Doesmybumlook40.blogspot.com highlighted the gorgeous Zara printed jogging blazer – which I admit I bought after seeing it in person yesterday – resistance was futile especially with a piece so versatile.  Kat has opened my eyes to Zara – it’s one of her favorite stores and we have one here in Atlanta but I rarely venture in, but as she has warned me I think I may now be hooked.  Even better news is there is a HUGE one at Barcelona airport so if I haven’t managed to spend my holiday money each year I know exactly where to head before the gate for the flight home:)

The jacket is simply gorgeous and such a vivid print – it will look amazing with jeans or white pants – or even these fabulous red Editor pants from Express that I’ve had a while and are now a steal at $36!  One tip – if you are in store looking at the jackets make sure you look at the back to see how much print is there – I picked a couple up and there was more white than print on the back which may be preferable for some – but I managed to pick one out that had a good balance of print on the back of the jacket.

So while I was in Zara I took a peak at their other jackets.  I love a great summer jacket, though it’s definitely more difficult to get away with in the 90 degree heat of the South.  Having said that I’m always in an air conditioned house, office, car, restaurant, mall etc. so I always seem to be carrying a lightweight cashmere cardigan around with me.  What better way to sharpen up a look than a fab lightweight jersey jacket instead?  Starting at $80 a pop these Zara jackets are great wardrobe staples and can be worn with shorts, skirts or skinnies for a great polished look.  My favorites are the following:

Fuchsia jersey jacket:

Jade jersey jacket:

Short blazer with pockets – gorgeous with just a white tee and jeans:

Piped Fantasy cardigan – I love the detail and lining:

Not surprisingly I did leave with one more jacket – I swear it literally accosted me and held me at gun point so I had no choice.  I’m wearing it here (Zara white jersey jacket) with J.Crew linen harem pants from a couple of years ago, a pink Loft tank and my ever faithful musk Tory Burch Eddies.  I love how sharp the jacket looks instead of a cardigan – very chuffed – thank you Kat you are a bad influence and I love it!

Oh and yes I ordered the blossom tipped blazer from Boden – shhh – I had some account credit sitting waiting to be used – I will model it as soon as it arrives!

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Back to ‘normal’.

3 Replies

After a few days off in the sun it’s back to the office for me today.  Quite nice in a way as I get to dress in something other than a bikini.  Even my 4 year old son mentioned yesterday that I needed to put some lipstick on and a dress – he’ll be asking me where his dinner is next.

So it’s back to cracking the whip at work and figuring out why some stuff isn’t being done.  It’s a tough time of year when most people, including me, just want to slow down and enjoy the summer, but with only 2 weeks left before I leave for England needs must when the devil drives.

To honor my son’s request I am wearing the Boden Fab jersey tunic in moss – I just love it.  It hangs perfectly and is the lovely stretchy jersey that made me fall in love with Boden tunics in the first place.  So comfortable to wear in the heat and yet I still feel really neat with a few accessories.  I’ve thrown the Boden cropped cashmere cardigan from last year over the top of it for the freezing air conditioning in the office.  Accessorized with H&M pink beads and Tory Burch navy Eddies.

I’m currently lusting over the Boden tipped blazer in blossom.  I know their sale will start soon but I’m so tempted to order now so I’ll have it in time for my trip back to the UK.  At $103 it’s still a bargain and the perfect color to wear summer into fall with white or blue jeans.  What do you think?

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

iPads to complement books.

Leave a reply

We caved and bought the children an iPad each, well actually Hugh inherited mine and Poppy and I got a new one.  Before you damn me and tell me how I am spoiling my children rotten let me give you our reasoning.  Yes they are only 4 and 6 but they have been using my iPad and an iPod Touch for some time playing games like Bejewelled, Cut the Rope and Angry Birds.  It amazes me how they pick up the objectives and tactics of these games so easily – I think they are brilliant for the development of reasoning and logic skills.  We are also soon to embark on a long trip back to the UK so instead of carrying 2 heavy DVD players and a selection of discs (the Manchester flight NEVER has consoles/screens in each head rest) I can carry 2 light devices on which they can play games, read, learn and draw – perfect!  After setting them up the other evening I am thrilled and a bit overwhelmed by the number of apps out there for preschoolers and 1st graders.  I’ve downloaded nearly every free ‘sight’ word and reading app there is and also a couple of books for Poppy.  I’m hoping to encourage her to enjoy her reading throughout the summer.  So far it has proved a challenge as swimming at the pool oddly seems to be a bigger draw.  I’m terrified she will forget everything over the summer so armed with the iPad and a new batch of library books every couple of weeks I’m hoping that she learns to see the fun in reading and not see it as ‘work’.  I’ve also encountered a site called iGameMom.com which is a great resource for apps and tools for children, plus it also eases my guilt in knowing that other Moms out there are embracing technology for their children.

So after reading this morning we are off to the pool to celebrate Memorial Day.  I hope all my US readers have a fabulous day in the sun – and I for one will be taking a moment to remember those who have lost their lives.

As promised here’s the Boden pool party tunic in yellow loopy – it’s a little more see through than the pavillion prints but still perfect for the pool.  I have the ruffle trim bikini on underneath in bluebell bud.

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta