Category Archives: Style

Grilling out.

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Even though we have been having temperatures in the 80s for some Memorial weekend marks the beginning of summer.  It’s always quite a  landmark and this year more so as Poppy is ‘out of school’ for the summer.  After the chaos of May the plan has been to do absolutely nothing except sit by the pool, grill out and enjoy the odd cocktail.  The plan is working out well and even if I say so myself I made some of the best burgers ever yesterday – Worcestershire sauce mixed in with the ground beef makes them delicious!  Our house is well set up for grilling – the grill is on the patio and we have outdoor speakers so I can boogie away (to Blunderbuss of course) while flipping the burgers and enjoying my mojito – it doesn’t even feel like cooking:)  Of course I had justified a little indulgence after an incredibly hot, sweaty 8 miles in the humidity early that morning though I’m not sure beer by the pool is the best way to rehydrate?

I had lots of questions about the pink pool party tunic the other day, and foolishly I omitted to take a photo of my aqua pavillion version that I wore yesterday.  I also have the yellow loopy colorway that I’ll try and model today.  The yellow and aqua were absolute bargains in the sale and you can still find all the colorways floating around on eBay – I highly recommend them – gorgeous, eye catching, easy to wear and great over a bikini in the heat.

Pool party tunic in pink pavillion:

Pool party tunic in aqua pavillion:

Pool party tunic in yellow loopy:

Enjoying a deserted pool with Mom:

Poppy and I went for a pedicure on Friday in preparation for the pool and I now have the gorgeous Opi Austin-tatious turquoise on my toes – I love it for summer!

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Rising temperatures.

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Are the forecast today.  Lovely – I’m going to head to the Y with Poppy in tow, workout and then hit the pool there so she can get up and down their slide a million times.  We had a fabulous time at the pool yesterday – it was quite cute how she kept telling me ‘I love it just you and me mom, no boys’.  As much as I love it when the the four of us are out there is something special when it’s just mommy and daughter time.  I hope it stays like that always – and it’s made me even more excited about spending some time with my Mum in June when I take the children back for a couple of weeks, the girls are beginning to be outnumbered with the birth of my nephew.

Our contrite contractor arrived yesterday apologizing for ‘getting carried away’ when taking us to look at fixtures and fittings.  Damn right – why he thinks I want to spend 10% of my house value on a new bathroom I’ve no idea…now of course if money were no object that would be fine, but I think the budget we have already set is pretty extravagant and we have no need for Italian designer taps nor marble flooring shipped directly from the Vatican.  I sometimes suspect that contractors arrive at your house have a good scan around and assess how much they think you really have to spend, rather than what we want to spend.  What he doesn’t realize is that I still want to get to Europe every year and maintain a bad clothing/shoe/bag addiction – I have no intention of being house poor.  So I’ve laid out what I refuse to compromise on – that being my tub, new big window, and the granite I selected for the vanity – we now have to cut corners elsewhere – which is fine especially if I get my new hardwoods and walk in closet.  Certainly no extravagant YSL handbags this year that’s for sure – maybe just a little splurge on the Boden Fall preview that should be here in a month or so!  Now if I can just get them to dig a hole outside for the pool while they’re here that would be perfect!

Pool bound in my Boden retro bikini and radish stripy tunic.  This tunic’s fit has improved with wear and wash – it’s much softer and a little looser.  Navy slim Havaianas.

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Sun and storms.

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That goes for the weather and my mood today…I decided to work from home as it was Poppy’s last day at school and I needed to get some chores done while I still had time on my own.  It worked out well – I managed a run and completed most of my work by lunch – I’m always much more productive at home.  So I rewarded myself and nipped off to the pool for a bit.  I was actually hoping I would be there most of the afternoon as Poppy was off to a friend’s pool party to celebrate the end of the school year.  How cool is that to be able to go to a pool party?  It’s times like these that I really appreciate being in Atlanta – I just used to hang out on the swings on the rec.  Her friend had even called MM’s cell phone to talk to Poppy and invite her personally.  She was over the moon at receiving her first phone call – I could see my 6 yr old transforming into a 13 yr old before my eyes – terrifying.  Anyway the pool for me didn’t last as the storms rolled in and I headed off to complete my chores.

While I was out I received an email from our contractor.  We’re due to start the renovations in the next couple of weeks and I’ve been SO excited about the planning and design stage and I’m just ready to get going with the dirty work now.  That was until today when we were told we’re over budget with our list of items we want to install.  I’m livid – he knew our budget before we started so why take us to the most expensive stores for fixtures and fittings? – I feel so deflated and of course don’t want to compromise on anything we’ve picked out.  MM feels the same way – so I hope Mr. Contractor has a good solution tomorrow that doesn’t involve us having to pay more or compromise too much on our choices.  Mad as hell…yes I am – plus I wasn’t going to drink this week but now find myself with a glass of red next to me to calm my mood.

Pool wear:  Boden Pool Party Tunic from Summer 2011, Havaianas slim, Boden retro bikini 2012 – I love this bikini by the way – it fits great and has ample support for a bigger bust!

 

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A birthday, some shopping, a proposal and a hangover!

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What a brilliant weekend!  SO much happened but I’m quite relieved it’s over now as my liver couldn’t take much more partying…my stamina isn’t what it used to be.  Simon and Karin (I now have permission to use names!) arrived on Thursday and of course we had fun catching up over wine and good steaks.  It was 1.30am when we eventually made it to bed which I knew was going to be bad news for Friday…and of course Friday was my daughter’s 6th birthday so I needed to have my game face on!  I dragged myself and her out of bed in time for the school bus thankfully, after opening gifts – the Barbie camper was very well received.  The day then began to unravel itself as one of rushing about madly – from dropping cupcakes off at school for the birthday girl, to shopping and lunch with our guests – to finally helping out at the end of year party held by our lovely school bus driver.  I had to engage brain and get my mouth to work properly chatting to all the other lovely moms who were there…I was beginning to run out of steam.  Fortunately the evening was finished off with a huge chocolate cake for the birthday girl and a Chinese takeaway – boy those dumplings were enjoyed!

Ready for shopping in AllSaints tank, Gap black jeans, AllSaints Bonny Cuban boot.

A very excited 6 year old.

This might be the time to confess that my diet was not maintained at all over the weekend…major fail…but I’m back on the wagon today.  I did get a workout in on Saturday morning and then I took Karin shoe shopping while Simon and MM watched the Champion’s League final.  After a very successful haul of 4 pairs of shoes for Karin and a new pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses for me, we cracked open some cava and began getting ready for a night out.

Glad rags: AllSaints Pipali tank, Express Zelda white cropped jeans, Levity shoes, Steve Madden clutch

We went to our favorite restaurant, Abattoir.  We’ve been often enough now that we are treated as regulars – the staff are so friendly, welcoming and patient thankfully, as we were quite a loud and raucous table.  Festivities took an exciting turn when Simon decided to propose to Karin!  I say decided – I do hope I didn’t force the situation – I have a habit of being a bit like a dog with a bone when I’ve had a drink – so I’m not sure if I cajoled, persuaded or forced a proposal but Karin said yes and everyone seemed very happy.  So I’m looking forward to a trip to Sweden next year for a summer wedding!  Simon texted me yesterday from Chicago with a photo of Karin wearing a beautiful diamond engagement band from Tiffany’s.  Good job Simon:)  Karin and I stayed up till 3.30am on Sunday morning chatting with mojitos…so yesterday was a little fuzzy to say the least.  Thankfully spent horizontal, parenting by the pool.

So back to normality today with only 2 days left of the school year – hurray!

 

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More eBay items listed!

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Just to let you know (especially if you’re in the US) after the successful sale of my first couple of items on eBay I’ve listed some more Boden items including a leather blazer and boots – all hardly worn and well cared for!

Please take a peak:) http://myworld.ebay.com/poppys_style

First test of eBay!

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I made my first foray onto eBay today.  Having bought a few items over the past week or so, and knowing that the Boden Fall preview will be released sometime in June (I think!) I needed to make room in my closet and increase my shopping funds!  It was hard to choose what to part with as I treasure all my Boden clothes like collectibles, but the items I listed just weren’t getting worn.  I adore the crinkle jersey shirts but I never wear them as I wear my tunics so often.  So I’m excited to see if they get sold or not – wish me luck!  (p.s. my eBay seller name is Poppys_style if you want to take a peak!)

S. and his girlfriend arrive today and what with Poppy’s birthday tomorrow I have a few errands to run to make sure everyone gets fed tonight and that my very-soon-to-be-6yr-old has presents to unwrap in the morning.  In honor of S. I am wearing more black – my black Frye Shirley strappy short boots, Gap camo jean leggings that I had on yesterday too, an H&M khaki top from a couple of years ago with a J.Crew black tank underneath.

I may be absent for the next couple of days entertaining and recovering so see you soon with lots of photos and updates on fun times!

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My Push Present.

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There’s been a lot of posts about bags recently especially given the launch of the new Mulberry Del Ray.  I realized that as I normally take my photos in the bedroom before leaving the house I never have my bag with me in my photos.  I don’t change bags often as I tend to have a couple of favorite, investment bags that I change by seasons.  MM is also a very good purchaser of bags so I tend to leave new handbags to him so I don’t ruin his options for birthdays and Christmas:)

Here’s my current bag in rotation – it’s a gorgeous hippy Coach bag that was bought for me by MM after my son was born in 2008.  It has a great fringe and a lovely braided strap and the color is perfect for spring/summer when I tend to wear less black.  It has worn so well and only gets better with age.  It’s also incredibly roomy so I can fit all my mommy gear in it too including a couple of sunglasses cases:)  These days I tend to steer clear of Coach as I see so many of them in the mall – it’s the perfect example of masstige, but this one isn’t obviously Coach and I love it more so for that.

Here’s my favorite collection of YSL bags and purses.  MM bought me the Roady for my 40th and then the clutch for our wedding anniversary last year.  The wallet and coin purse were a lovely surprise from him at New Year.  We had agreed not to purchase Christmas gifts for each other so he cheated and gave me these at New Year:)  I adore YSL and love how rarely you see the brand over here, at least in Atlanta.  I know the clutch and wallet are emblazoned with the logo, but I love the fact the Roady gives nothing away except for a tiny monogram on the handle.

 

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Boo hoo.

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A disappointing start to the day.  I was so excited to go for a run, especially given I will be imbibing all weekend, then as I was brushing my teeth I remembered I have to take my son to the dentist this morning.  An awful process – I leave with my ears ringing every time for he does NOT like the dentist.  I was also looking back on yesterday and the disappointing visit to AllSaints in Bloomingdale’s.  Disappointing as I left with just one item.

I had gone into the store to try the Petrel Brodies – a good job I did.  The lovely Charlie was as ever incredibly helpful and showed me his splendid new sleeve tattoo – if I was 20 years younger would I do it?  I don’t have any tattoos but Charlie’s looks hot – I’d be tempted.  Anyway the pants were SO skinny.  Now I don’t think I have particularly big legs but I needed a shoe horn to get in and out of a 30 inch and I normally wear a 27 in Gap and Hudson!  No vanity sizing here!  I was sweating in the fitting room – I guess it was a good workout in lieu of the run today!  So no Petrel Brodies but I did leave with the gorgeous faded ebony Pipali tank (I’ve ordered the chalk online)…

I tried a couple of other pairs of jeans on but they wear either too skinny in the leg or too big on the waist…or I’m just an odd shape?  I’ll have to keep searching but I’m tempted to try some cropped jeans from either J.Crew or Express, depending if I think the extra $40 is worth it – probably not for a very seasonal item.

Today I am wearing my AllSaints Tilly tee from last summer, Gap camo print legging jeans from last year, Nine West shoe boots that I haven’t worn FOREVER and found lurking in a box at the bottom of the closet – it was like opening a new pair – I was so happy to see them!

 

 

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The desk is built!

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Hurray!  The IKEA desk is now assembled!  After the exhausting weekend I have to say the last thing I felt like doing last night was battling my way through a flat pack but what with guests arriving from Sweden on Thursday the rest of the week is going to be filled with tidying and cleaning.  Last night was my only chance to get the desk erected before Friday.  The process began as expected with MM watching, pointing out the bleeding obvious and lining up the screws and pegs for me while I battled with huge, heavy pieces of chip board.  He was also very handy at taking photos of me.  I am actually glad he was around though, as I did need him to help do some of the heavy lifting – these things ain’t light!

The desk is now hidden under a sheet in the dining room until I can put it in Poppy’s room while she is at school on Friday.  The plan is to hang her new pictures, mirror and basically rearrange her room while she is out so she can be surprised with her ‘big girl’ room on her return!  I can’t wait to see her face!

Of course I did find time in between dinner and flat pack hell to do a little online shopping.  I had polled some friends earlier in the day on whether to jumpsuit or not?  Meaning is it something the every day woman can get away with?  I’ve avoided them so far thinking that only a 6ft skinny bird can wear them and look good, but then I stumbled on this stunner in the AllSaints archive.

It looks a lovely drapey, heavy jersey and I think it would look fab for a bit of evening glamour with heels, and it could be worn throughout the year, pairing it with a jacket in the colder seasons.  The poll results were divided so I decided to take the plunge and order it – I’ll let you all have your say when it arrives and I try it on.

I also ordered this gorgeous top in chalk blush which I’m hoping to pair with the vintage pink Petrel Brodies.  I decided against the Prey sequin vest as I remembered I had a couple of cheaper versions from Express that will do just nicely.  This top is much more unique and I love the colors.

Earlier in the day, on my way back from picking my little man up from daycare I happened to be driving by DSW and thought we could take a quick look before going home – what better place to take a 4 and 6 year old?  The only reason I wanted to nip in was that I had seen a pair of shoes on sale that I knew would go with my new items.  I’ve found that I’m a much better shopper these days.  I do procrastinate a little but online shopping definitely allows me to build a great capsule collection of new pieces instead of making impulsive mall purchases of lots of items that don’t coordinate.

Here are the lovely wedges that I got for a bargain of $50 – in store there was an additional 30% off!

We’re off to watch my daughter’s class perform the Three Piggy Opera today which should be fun, and then I am off home to start cleaning the house ready for S. and his girlfriend’s arrival – I am so looking forward to seeing them and partying all weekend!  I shan’t be cleaning in these but I’m wearing my AllSaints Phinius dress (here’s the top), Boden leggings and my Tory Burch black patent Eddies.  I love this dress and it’s also super cute with cowboy boots and bare legs.

 

 

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We did it…!

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…We got through the week and survived! The chaotic week ended on a high note with Mother’s Day and Poppy’s 6th birthday party.

Mother’s Day was celebrated with two beautiful notes from my children.  I was ecstatic with Hugh’s for the most part, especially only weighing 10lbs and eating salads…little does he know…but I’m a bit confused about the ‘visitor’?  MM thinks it’s the UPS delivery man:)

Poppy’s was lovely and made me well up especially as I could see how much time and effort she had taken in writing it.

“My mommy is the best mommy anyone can have.  I love you mommy.  I love going outside with you.  I love going to the beach with you.  I love spending time with you.”

What more can a mother ask for?

So then it was on to the birthday celebrations at a huge indoor gymnastics center with inflatable castles, slides, zip lines, swings and trampolines.  It was brilliant and everyone was thoroughly worn out afterward.  Thank goodness we went for the indoor option as it rained hard all day.  Previously we’ve hosted all the parties at our house with a bouncy castle in the garden, which just wouldn’t have been used today!

So it was back to sweaters again.  Not sure why I’m surprised as I remember taking Poppy to the Zoo for her 3rd birthday and it was freezing so I should be acutely aware that Atlanta’s weather is unpredictable till the end of May.  I wore my Hudson Collin jeans, Boden essential long sleeve scoop neck t-shirt from SS 2011, Boden Must have jumper from this season in quail egg and my favorite Adidas Gazelles.  I had a pair of green ones back in the 90’s and thought I was the bee’s knees wearing them around Notting Hill.

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