Parenting 101

2 Replies

My 8 year old son, Hugh, was miserable yesterday morning. Tired, grumpy and sulky. He listed off several grievances in the car on the way to school – ‘we boss him around, and don’t appreciate him’ being just two of them.

Normally I would react like this…

Parenting 101

My Husband, however, had a different approach. When I got to work he gave me this letter which he had written for Hugh. We co-signed it and when Hugh returned from school I handed it to him. He accepted it, read it and didn’t say much except ‘it’s a long letter’.

Since reading it he has been eager to please and all smiles. It might not last, but it gave me reason to believe that sometimes kids just want to have their grievances acknowledged, like any adult would. Thank you to my amazing Husband for balancing my quick temper and lack of patience with his thoughtfulness and abundant patience.

(Excuse the couple of typos – it wasn’t proof read before handing it over!)

Layout 1

Overalls or dungarees?

3 Replies

Festival time is here – whether it’s a music festival or a fun neighborhood festival (we have many here in Atlanta), it’s time to dig out the festival clothes. Dungarees are a perennial favorite. Comfort, style and versatility make them my choice. Admittedly for the larger chested of us, they can be problematic, but I have discovered a great pair from H&M with thinner straps and a looser fit that seem to work well. I like to wear dungarees as simply as possible with a plain t-shirt and sneakers or espadrilles. I’m definitely a proponent of the dressed down dungaree look as opposed to the dressed up look – though I did try them with heels back here and here – I was a very early adopter of dungarees!

pinterest 1 pinterest 2 pinterest 3 pinterest 4 pinterest 5 pinterest 6 pinterest 7 pinterest 8

(Images via Pinterest)

H&M are a great source of overalls – though be warned the sizing varies drastically! Some are teeny tiny and others need a size down. I think the pair I am wearing today are true to size – with a looser fit.

button overalls

I also have this pair in a medium – they are sold out here online but check out stores – they are gorgeous and a great boyfriend fit.

loose fit overalls

I tried this cropped pair on in London and they are small fitting – I probably sized up 2 sizes! Having said that ignore the size on the label – they are gorgeous.

cropped overalls

Again a pair that are unfortunately oos online – but I love the fit and flare cut of these.

flared overalls

Gap have a very similar style here. They are now on sale with an extra 35% off here in the US using code STYLE – certainly worth a punt!

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 11.48.14 AM

I’m also smitten with this style – I love Gap’s denim. These are an online exclusive – with 35% off using STYLE.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 11.51.10 AM

Finally another of my favorite stores for denim – Madewell. I just love this skinny cut and they get rave reviews.

Screen Shot 2016-04-12 at 11.53.00 AM

Here I am today in dress down comfort. My new Primark jacket also gets it’s first outing – thank you so much for sending Sue!! I’ve cut the label off the sleeve now after leaving it on all morning much to the amusement of my Husband!

dungarees CollageDungarees – H&M // Top – H&M (old) // Sneakers – Nike // Jacket – Primark (thanks to Sue!) //Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

 

 

Back to work

Leave a reply

And just like that spring break is over with. We had an incredible week with the best weather ever, topped off with the Masters this weekend and what turned out to be a fabulous last round resulting in an English winner!!

Re-entry really hasn’t been that bad today – the kids were happy to be back at school, and even happier to know that they only have just over 6 weeks left before school is out for summer!

It’s a bit chillier here in Atlanta this week so the cardigans are back out, but I’m thrilled to say, after another 3 miles on the treadmill this morning I am back in my Zara US 6 coated trousers! Yes they have a bit of stretch but I don’t care, I feel fit, healthy and strong! I’m alternating between watching Sons of Anarchy and Happy Valley on Netflix on the treadmill – I don’t even notice the miles when I get sucked into a series!

booties CollageTrousers – Zara (old) // Boots – Steve Madden (REALLY old) // Top – AllSaints // Cardigan – Zara (last season) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

I had a couple of parcels waiting on me when I got home. One contained these fab Mango trousers. They are quite Indochina – cropped, khaki and yet have a pattern embossed in them. Size down – they fit big – these are a US 8 and I bet I could have got in a US 6 as they give a bit on wearing too.

Mango trousersTrousers – Mango // Top – Zara (old) // Leather flip-flops – Gap

I’ll reveal the other items as the week goes on, with one very exciting item!

My picks of the Shopbop F&F sale – last day today!

Leave a reply

I LOVE Shopbop – I’ve mentioned them before. They do express shipping for Amazon prime and today is the last day of their Friends & Family sale – use code INTHEFAM for 25% off everything including sale items!

I recently bought my Soludos espadrilles from the Soludos site but they have them on Shopbop too – they are the most comfortable summer shoes ever and GREAT quality. If you’re in between sizes size up.

I have these gladiator sandals in tan and they are gorgeous – especially on sunkissed feet.

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 10.02.25 AM Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 10.02.38 AM

Sincerely, Jules first introduced me to this pair – they are gorgeous and perfect with boyfriend jeans. They also come in black here.

soludos

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 10.02.54 AM

If you prefer a heel – how about these?

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 10.03.24 AM

The other things to mention are the cargo pants I discussed the other day!

Just love these twill Current / Elliot pants with a slouchy, military-inspired profile. The crossover front is fabulous.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 11.52.06 AM

These utilitarian Etienne Marcel pants have a slouchy, cropped silhouette with distressing. I LOVE them.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 11.50.05 AM

Finishing with my favorite, which are very similar to the Zara pair I am wearing. These slouchy Citizens of Humanity pants have a military-inspired look with a button fly.

Screen Shot 2016-03-20 at 11.48.22 AM

Enjoy the code – be careful you can get lost on Shopbop for hours – they also stock Golden Goose and fabulous denim…

Spring Break 2016 – Fort Morgan

1 Reply

I’m afraid the blogging isn’t going to be very prolific this week. I am currently sitting on a deck with a coffee looking out to the Gulf of Mexico. Once again we are spending Spring Break in Fort Morgan – a beautiful, quiet strip of beach just to the west of Gulf Shores. This year we have a frat house next door to us – Poppy is fascinated and has suddenly expressed a real desire to go to college!

Before I left I decided to get my hair chopped again. The reaction has been mainly ‘at last!’, ‘thank goodness for that’, ‘it’s taken years off you’, ‘Joanna is BACK!’…why on earth don’t people want to tell you these things while you struggle to grow your hair long!? The Husband is thrilled it is short again!

hair Collage

I must admit I think it’s a state of mind too. When I had my septum pierced I really thought I needed to soften my look as the piercing is quite aggressive looking to some. However, now I am so used to it myself I feel more confident about the short hair paired with it. Plus I am running a lot again and that does wonders for my outlook, and don’t give a f*ck attitude 🙂

Before I had my hair cut I spent a few days debating – going backwards and forwards – but I am thrilled with it now and looking at my photos before and after I love it. If I ever say I’m growing it again – shoot me!

gap top CollageTop – The Gap (adore these and have all 3 colors – get 40% off in the US with code SPRINGFUN) // Trousers – Mango (old) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora // Shoes – Vince

Zara topTop – Zara // Trousers – The Gap (again adore these and have all 3 colors! 40% off with code SPRINGFUN in the US) // Shoes – Soludos (most comfortable espadrilles ever – UK here, US here) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

Otway boots collageBoots – Isabel Marant Otway (found them on eBay at the right price and right size at last!! All the way from Romania!) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Mango // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

For now it’s farewell from the sun and surf…

Screen Shot 2016-04-04 at 8.25.48 AMRunning top – Lululemon // Shorts – Lululemon // Sneakers – New Balance (I will never run in another brand again these are so perfect)

Screen Shot 2016-04-04 at 8.26.13 AM

 

Outfit round up

3 Replies

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend, and if you are in the UK that you are still enjoying your long weekend! We have had a lovely relaxing time – lots of family fun and good food!

On Thursday I headed out with some girlfriends for lunch.

Tippi CollageJeans – Zara (old) // Espadrilles – TopShop (old but similar here) // Jumper – J.Crew Tippi (several colors on sale here) // Bag – Stella McCartney Falabella

We don’t get Good Friday off here but it was still a treat to spend lunch with my husband before the kids got home from school. We only have a week left now before spring break and the beach beckons!

pinstripe CollageJacket – Mango // Boots – Chloé // Jeans – J.Crew // Bag – Proenza Schouler PS1 // Top – Mango (old but similar here)

On Saturday we hung out at home and then went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. I realized as I looked in the mirror that I was harking back to my days in Notting Hill and channeling the 90s – combat pants, camo and Air Max 95s!

camo CollageTrousers – The Gap (40% off with code PEEP) // Sneakers – Nike AirMax 95s // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Bomber jacket – TopShop

Today it’s back in the office, but as I mentioned just 5 days to go before we head to the Gulf Coast! We’re renting a house right on the beach again and the kids can’t wait to pack! We normally take a grill and cook on the beach all week – so much fun – so let’s pray that it stays dry and sunny!

jumpsuit CollageJumpsuit – The Gap (40% off with code PEEP) // Sneakers – Isabel Marant (some colors on sale here) // Bag – Proenza Schouler PS1 // Jacket – Mango (old – similar here)

Belted jackets

Leave a reply

Belted jackets have become a new staple in my closet. They cinch my waist to give me shape where I need it and they look great with jeans. It’s a signature look of my style heroine, Emmanuelle Alt. She belts all her coats – even puffa jackets in the winter.

pinterest 1 pinterest 13 pinterest 12 pinterest 11 pinterest 10 pinterest 9 pinterest 8 pinterest 7 pinterest 6 pinterest 5 pinterest 4 pinterest 3 pinterest 2

There are many choices on the high street starting with H&M who are on fire at the moment.

This grey jacket is so versatile and I love the bracelet length sleeves.

H&M jacket

This is one of my favorites – great colors – especially love the cream in it to wear with off white jeans.

H&M jacquard

This one is described as a cardigan – great for spring and cooler summer evenings – I love the rope belt and it has cashmere in it. The more I look at it the more I want it in my closet.

H&M cardigan

This pile coat is fabulous and now on sale at $24.99. Buy it and keep it for Fall!

pile jacket

This is the grey that I am wearing in the image below. It also comes in a black and grey pattern – both bargains at $39.99.

patterned coat

Finally a coat in the sale – just lovely – again a great color too. Reduced from $69.99 to just $19.99 with most sizes available.

boucle coat

Now another of my favorite stores, Mango. I have these first two coats as I thought they were so ‘Emmanuelle’ as soon as I saw them. The first colorway is currently reduced.

mango 2 mango 1

This coat is very reminiscent of ‘safari jackets’ – it’s beautiful for the summer. It’s lyocell so will be soft to wear.

mango 5

I’m head over heels with this cotton wool mix coat – just beautiful colors and currently reduced by 30%.

mango 3

This navy blue jacket from River Island will look brilliant with white jeans and tan sandals. It also comes in pink, black and a black and white pattern.

Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 1.22.54 PM

Dressier now – this TopShop Unique jacket is a beauty. It’s a longer, smoking jacket style and would look incredible with black wide leg trousers.

Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 1.22.41 PM

Last but not least – this is fabulous, quirky and fun from & Other Stories – the tigress quilted jacket.

& other stories

Now while we’re talking about belted jackets, when I was back in the UK I wanted a belt that I could wear over any coat. This is perfect – mainly because it has elastic at the back of the belt so it gives to fit around any coat, even with a sweater underneath.

Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 3.34.18 PM

So what are your thoughts on the belted jacket? I do think they give a fabulous shape. I’ve worn one on each of the previous two days.

Topshop shoes 1Jacket – H&M (on sale) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – TopShop // Shirt – oversized cuff shirt H&M // bag – Stella McCartney Falabella

H&M jacket and gucci shoesJacket – H&M (sold out online) // Jeans – H&M // Shoes – Gucci (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney Falabella

Fringe boots

1 Reply

Occasionally I will see an image and recognize that I have at least one of the items required to recreate the look. Sometimes, as in this instance, the other item, or similar, suddenly makes an appearance – I do believe in fate!

I bought the Sam Edelman Taylan boot back before Christmas in the sale, knowing they would be the perfect spring boot with dresses. Today is their first outing. They are still available on sale here, here, and in the UK here, and the flat version – the Josephine boot is available here.

Taylan boot

pinterest 4 pinterest 3

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

This is the image that inspired today’s outfit:

pinterest 1

The dress above is Isabel Marant, but look what I found in the Mango sale…

 

Mango dress 2Boots – Sam Edelman Taylan // Dress – Mango (sold out) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Of course I’m afraid this dress is now sold out but here are some great alternatives that would look equally fab with the boots.

Mango dress mango dress eg 2 mango dress 4 mango dress 3 mango 5white 2 white 1

 

Cargo pants

Leave a reply

Yes! It’s the first day of spring today! It feels wonderful here in Atlanta though I have to admit March 20th seems to have arrived extremely quickly. We’ve just had an amazing weekend in Nashville where Poppy was competing in an AllStar Cheer competition so, after a long drive back yesterday, we’re having a lazy Sunday with a late lunch out at our favorite BBQ joint.

I happen to be wearing some of my favorite pants today – they are best described as a harem cargo pant. They were from Zara a couple of years ago and each time I wear them I wonder why I don’t wear them more often. They are really comfortable and the shoe choice is endless. They are easy to dress up or down and wear day to evening. I think they are the perfect spring trouser – lighter weight than jeans and they pair perfectly with flip flops and sandals.

pinterest 1 pinterest 2 pinterest 3 pinterest 4 pinterest 5 pinterest 6 pinterest 7 pinterest 8 pinterest 9 pinterest 10

(images via Pinterest)

Here are my picks from lower end high street to high end designer.

In the US The Gap is currently offering 2 day free shipping PLUS 40% off using code FASTBUNNY. I have just ordered these tencel joggers, they also come in navy and black.

tencel jogger

Not cargo pants, but the color is similar at least – I need to throw this jumpsuit in the mix. I have it and adore it and with the 40% off right now it would be foolish to miss out. I love it for traveling in and it is also available in grey and black.

jumpsuit

I love how louche these girlfriend chinos look – perfect paired with sun bleached espadrilles. They are wonderfully soft too.

girlfriend chino

Going now with the current trend of the crop kick flare. Sometimes I can’t be faffed with rolling up my pants – or my OCD gets the better of me and I spend far too long rolling and unrolling to get each leg even! These would save me hours over a year 🙂

crop kick pants

Now onto Mango – so many choices with these being my absolute favorite – a great length and I LOVE the pockets and the wide leg.

cotton cargos

Now I admit I would style these differently but with simple leather flip flops and a plain white tank I think these would be the perfect vacation trouser.

cargo palazzo pants

These are more of a culotte and I love the tie waistband.

palazzon trousers

If you have never used Shopbop.com I urge you to check them out. You can check out with your Amazon Prime membership and get free speedy delivery, plus free returns and they offer a huge variety of brands.

These utilitarian Etienne Marcel pants have a slouchy, cropped silhouette with distressing. I LOVE them.

Etienne Marcel

This pair is cuffed at the ankle if you prefer less harem and more jogger style of pant. They are the NSF cargo pants with a hint of fading.
NSF cargo

Another cuffed version from Velvet, with a tie waist – comfort and style.
Velvet jogger

These slouchy Faith Connexion cargo pants in classic camo are fabulous, in the sale and still really pricey!!

faith connexion cargo

Just love these twill Current / Elliot pants with a slouchy, military-inspired profile. The crossover front is fabulous.

Current Elliott

Finishing with my favorite, which are very similar to the Zara pair I am wearing. These slouchy Citizens of Humanity pants have a military-inspired look with a button fly.

Citizens of Humanity

While we are talking about cargo pants I want to share these fab leather flip flops from The Gap. I love wearing a very simple sandal with cargos, but sometimes a rubber flip flop is just too casual. These flip flops are available in silver, gold, tan, black, blue and pink. I love them all.

Gap leather flip flop

So here I am today on a chillier than desired first day of spring!

Zara cargo pantsTrousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose

Gorgeousness from The Gap!

3 Replies

I can’t even remember the last time I shopped at The Gap. Probably for denim shorts a couple of years ago. I don’t even know why I headed to their website today – I think it was to look at these fab dungarees, but I got side tracked by their stunning summer tops.

I’ve just ordered these – they are so Isabel Marant – just beautiful colors too.

Gap top Gap top Gap top

This eyelet top is stunning too and I particularly love the grey and the white. In the USA you can get 35% off these today with code STYLE.

cn10451370 cn10617715

This yoke top is beautiful too and is available in the following four colors.

cn10451424 cn10451364 cn10576796 cn10507379

I just love this mesh top – so cool paired with denim shorts. It also comes in blue and navy, and a couple of floral prints if that is your thing.

cn10514698

This off the shoulder top is again 35% off today with code STYLE.

cn10703965

I love this railroad chambray shirt – a twist on the classic denim shirt.

cn10490680

While I’m here I spotted this gorgeous new top in Mango – available in black and off white. I need both!

Mango black Mango off the shoulder

Finally if you have been lusting after the Mansur Gavriel spring collection of bags they are now back in stock here on Net-A-Porter – be quick they are like gold dust!

Mansur Gavriel tote Mansur Gavriel tote Mansur Gavriel bucket bag