24 years later and we’re still giggling

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Yesterday was a little anniversary that my husband and I like to celebrate! It was 24 years since we first became an item and had our first kiss in The Central Bar, St. Andrews. I lost a year too somewhere – I spent all yesterday saying it was 23 years!

To celebrate we headed out to our favorite Mexican joint. I had too much tequila 🙂

Husband and II wore my fabulous new TopShop sandals – I LOVE them – I was nervous about the flatform but they feel great on and I love the extra height – they feel dressy. The jeans are new from J.Crew – a lovely light summery wash and they are super soft and stretchy – size down – I’m in a 28″! The detail in this top hasn’t come out very well in this photo – but take a look here it’s beautiful and gorgeous quality linen.

J.Crew 1Top – J.Crew // Jeans – J.Crew // Sandals – TopShop

I also wore my simple septum ring for the first time – I love it and fortunately so does my husband. My kids are staying firmly on the fence about it – I think I’ve put them off piercings for life 😉 You can check out my Pinterest board here for some beautiful images that inspired me.

SeptumEarlier in the day I was running around with various errands and after my AllSaints post I decided to wear another of their dresses that I adore. This is the Pia from a couple of years ago. So easy to wear and it generated plenty of compliments. This one is very similar and is in the sale plus an extra 20% off with code Extra20.

AllSaints Pia dressDress – AllSaints // Boots – Rag&Bone Newbury

Okay I’m off to walk off the margaritas with the dogs – it is a stunning day here in Atlanta – enjoy your long weekend if you are in the UK!!

 

Extra 20% off AllSaints sale – my picks!

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I adore AllSaints. Beautiful drapes, fabrics and cuts that flatter any figure. I went full on Roman Empire on Thursday in one of their dresses from last year’s sale.

AllSaints dress, Ancient Greek sandalsSandals – Ancient Greek // Dress – AllSaints

Their sales are amazing and I rarely buy anything full price. Right now they have an EXTRA 20% off sale prices using code EXTRA20 at check out. All my picks are dresses – you will love them all. Their draping conceals any lumps and bumps and I always feel so sexy in them!

First the Noir dress – just beautifully simple with zip detail on the shoulders.

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The Milla dress is just stunning and I particularly love the detailing at the back. Available in anthracite and black.

Milla dress Milla black

Love the Lana shirt dress in midnight. I have ordered the size down as it looks quite oversized on the model.

Lana midnight

The Relian dress is one of those beautiful simple dresses that can easily be worn day or night. The perfect holiday dress when you want something easy to wear while still making a statement. Available in grey and burgundy.

Relian burgundy Relian grey

The Isa dress in petrol is just stunning – I adore this color instead of black – it looks far more glamorous.

Isa dress petrol

Finally the Pari dress – just so beautiful – the halter around the neck is attached to the inside of the dress which is what gives the dress it’s shape and drape at the front. It’s available in grey, black and petrol – my favorites being the grey and the petrol. Perfect for wearing all year round.

Pari dress grey Pari dress petrol

If you’ve never tried AllSaints before I urge you to give them a go. Once you’ve worn one of their dresses nothing else beats it. They have several stores in New York, and in most major towns in England – here in Atlanta we have a concession in Bloomingdale’s. Their online orders and returns are great too, and they are super fast, so no need to hesitate about trying an order!

 

 

On Cloud 9

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I’m feeling slightly giddy today – it’s going to be a good end to the week. We only have 3 1/2 weeks left of the school year and the kids are already counting down to our fun summer that we have planned, plus Poppy turns 9 on May 18th. I’m slightly befuddled as to how I ended up here with a 9 year old and a 7 year old! Not to mention on Saturday it will be 23 years since I had my first ‘romantic encounter’ with my Husband! 23 years dang it! That’s more than half my life! We’re planning a low key celebration with margaritas and tacos. I cannot wait 😉

Yesterday was glorious here – I walked the dogs and I swear we all had a spring in our step. I got the legs out to celebrate the presence of the sun. This dress is from last summer from ASOS. I had forgotten how much I love it. I was hesitant at first about the drop waist but I actually think it gives me some shape, and the asymmetrical hem emphasizes my legs. It’s one of those dresses that I always feel great in.

ASOS, drop waist dress, Zara sandals ASOS, drop waist dress, Zara sandalsDress – ASOS (old – similar here) // Shoes – Zara

Today I’m going for comfort with the ecru overalls/dungarees from H&M. Super stretchy and an utter bargain at $20! I am totally smitten with the shoes. In fact this season Zara has amazing shoes but, for me, the rest of the collection falls a bit flat. I’m loving Mango’s SS15 far more!

overalls 1Shoes – Zara // Overalls – H&M // T-shirt – J.Crew (on sale PLUS 40% off with SALETHERAPY)

So the reason for the giddiness and being on Cloud 9? Well I am thrilled, flattered and incredibly grateful to have been featured on two amazing style websites today. I am sure you will love reading both sites – they are packed with inspiration and tips.

Take a peek – YouLookFab.com and 40PlusStyle.com. It makes the ups and downs of blogging all worth while. If you have found me through these articles welcome, and I hope you enjoy my posts and return often!

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Thank you everyone for your continued support – it means the world to me.

Summer makeup

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I’ve had a few requests recently related to which products I use, and how I apply my makeup – mainly after I shared my ridiculous haul of paraphernalia on Instagram a few weeks ago. My summer makeup is very different from my winter makeup – I pretty much stop using eyeshadow and foundation. Here’s a brief guide to my morning routine!

1. I wash with the Body Shop Vitamin C cleansing polish (it smells fabulous) and a flannel for a little exfoliation.

2. I apply a Hyaluronic Acid serum – from either Peter Thomas Roth or Indeed Labs – I really have noticed plumper skin since incorporating it into my routine.

3. I apply a little moisturizer – the brand varies and at the moment I am using Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic cream.

4. I then use a high spf sun block on my face and neck – normally from Neutrogena and my current favorite is from their Ultra Sheer range as it is lovely and dry to the touch with no greasiness.

5. A lot of the time during the week that’s it – I just add a little concealer under my eyes and my favorite is Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind – I love the consistency and the applicator.  If I’m heading out on the town somewhere special I will use a bronzer CC cream from the Sephora Collection.

6. Then it’s a little blush and I am obsessed with cream blush at the moment – I love the sheer color it gives without being cakey. I apply Maybelline’s Master Glaze stick in Coral sheen or Just-pinched pink with the stick in a line across the apple of my cheeks, and then I use a Real Techniques stippling brush to blend it.

7. I keep my eyes simple with either a liquid liner (I always prefer a brush applicator and love Dior Addict liner) or felt pen (Marc Jacobs Precision pen is my favorite) along the top lash line with my favorite Tarte Gifted mascara once I’ve curled my eyelashes with a Shiseido curler.

8. Finally a red lipstick. I always apply with a a lip brush – but sometimes skip the lip liner. My favorite liner is MAC redd and my favorite red lipsticks are MAC Lady Bug, MAC red and NARS Hyde Park pencil – I don’t like matte reds.

9. All dusted off with Rimmel bronzer in sunlight – I love this as there is no shimmer in it.

For summer that is it! I love a glow with a retro red lip! Easy and hassle free on a warm morning.

Does your makeup routine change in the summer? On vacation I never wear it and it’s so nice to let my skin go natural for a while.

Madewell, J.Crew, boyfriend jeans, sandals, NextShoes – Next (also ship to the US here) // Jeans – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 40% off with SALETHERAPY) // Top – Madewell (on sale PLUS an extra 40% off with EXTRA40) // Bag – Marks & Spencers (old)

 

A lazy weekend at last

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This is our first weekend at home for 3 weeks and we are all ready for it! We’ve had school testing for the past two weeks too so as a reward, and an early birthday present, I took Poppy to get her ears pierced on Thursday. I offered Hugh the opportunity too but oddly he wasn’t interested. My piercings may have put him off forever 😉

I wore my new Zara culottes which I love, but I’m not keen on this Zara top with them – I think a simple t-shirt would look far better. Hindsight and all that…These booties are awesome – they are slip on and run true to size and the heel is the perfect height to wear in the day. I plan to wear them a lot this summer with skinny jeans and crops. They remind me of the peep toe booties that Emmanuelle Alt loves to wear. They are currently on sale here.

Denim culottes, Zara, Nine West peep toe bootiesShoes – Nine West Glyn // Culottes – Zara // Top – Zara (old)

Yesterday I treated myself to a pedi and headed out to lunch. Some well deserved ‘me time’ before having fun with a house full of children in the evening. I love the lighter evenings and warmer weather – it’s great to see the kids playing outside with friends while I catch up with their moms! I kept it simple and I absolutely love this drapey Splendid top. Flip flops were required for the pedi!

Black Splendid topFlip flops – Havaianas // Jeans – J.Crew (30% off with TIMETOSHOP) // Top – Splendid

Today we were all a tad tired and cranky after the late night shenanigans. Even the dogs get pissy if they don’t go to bed at their regular time! We ended up having a lovely lazy day and went to the movies to watch Home. I loved it – tears, laughter and a great soundtrack. Then we filled our stomachs with BBQ – mmmm baby back ribs all round thank you. A perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday. I know the sandals are love or loathe but I had at least 5 compliments wearing them today – they are certainly eye catching!

Edited Ancient GreeksShoes – Ancient Greeks // Dress – Asos // Jacket – Mango

I’ve just landed on the sofa after a lovely bath and plan to spend the evening with a cup of tea and a few episodes of Mad Men. I’m dreading the day I finish all the episodes!

Possibly the best save vs. splurge of the year

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I’ve lusted after them for some time. Even if I could justify $1100 on a pair of shoes they sold out in days on NAP. Well just for you I bring you the best save vs. splurge of the year. Meet the TopShop Webster in black or tan – the best Chloé tribute I have seen. I actually think I prefer the TopShop platform version too!

If you’re in the US use code FIRST10USA for 10% off to celebrate the opening of the new TopShop stores!

Black chloe save vs splurge Tan save vs splurge

Don’t say I never do anything for you 😉 Be quick as they will sell out fast – I’ve just placed my order!

Wedge espadrilles

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Espadrilles will always signify great summers for me. I still remember the pair of red, sun washed espadrilles that I cherished and wore to death in France on one of our first European holidays. They were proper espadrilles, bought for 10 Francs or so off a market – none of these fancy $100 pairs that are on the high street these days!

With the 70s in trend wedge espadrilles are back in vogue. A slightly dressier shoe than my French market version, but still a great summer shoe, that can be worn on vacation or in the office. Today I am wearing the Sam Edelman Harmony that I bought last year in the sale – they are available this year here at Anthropologie. I particularly love the suede front on them.

Sam Edelman Harmony

J.Crew Factory have a gorgeous version, without the buckle, at a great price too with an extra 30% off with code ADDITUP. They are available in flax, red, navy and black.

Jcrew factory flax espadrillejcrew factory red jcrew factory navy Jcrew factory blackThe J.Crew version is currently 30% off too with TIMETOSHOP and comes in bright blue, sandstone and black.

Jcrew blueIt also comes in this gorgeous silver canvas that has to be my favorite. It’s hard to see here but there is a very subtle silver thread running through them.

Jcrew silverI adore Mint Velvet and it’s one of the first concessions I head for when I am back in John Lewis. Their shoes are fabulous this season. Their espadrilles are gorgeous, at not too bad a price either. The awesome news for us on this side of the Atlantic is that they now ship to the US with free shipping and free returns!!! My bank balance is in trouble!

I love the rose gold Gigi – rose gold is my favorite metallic.

Mint velvet rose gigiIt is also available in black.

Mint Velvet Balck GigiThe Bryony is a slightly higher version.

Mint velvet ByronyThis isn’t a wedge but I couldn’t resist including it as I just love it!! The Brooklyn espadrille in grey snake print.

mint velvet BrooklynFinally I just love the wrap ankle ties on these Carina wedge espadrilles on Net-a-porter.com.

carina brown Carina blackHere I am in my Sam Edelmans today and it’s just dawned on me that I am wearing the same color combo as yesterday – I need to switch it up tomorrow!! This dress is on sale at just £14.90 – I just love it – this is a medium and it is super soft! I think I need the other colors. It’s the perfect spring dress for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons with it’s short sleeves.

edited 1 edited 2Shoes – Sam Edelman Harmony // Dress – Uniqlo cotton cashmere // Jacket – J.Crew (old but similar here and here)

 

 

 

More khaki

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Khaki is having a moment this season and it wasn’t till I started looking in my closet that I realized how much khaki I actually already own. It’s a great color that suits fair and darker complexions. I particularly love a khaki trouser – like a loose cargo pant. These were an absolute bargain from J.Crew and I love the knitted cuff on them.

khaki trousers and newbury bootsBoots – Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Trouser – J.Crew (on sale plus extra 30% off with TIMETOSHOP) // Tee – J.Crew (30% off with TIMETOSHOP)

There are lots of midseason sales on currently including AllSaints, Zara and Mango and my favorite spring top is included in Mango’s reductions. Enjoy!

Trusty travel attire

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Yes we’re off again – back down to the Gulf! This time just for a weekend for a cheer competition for Poppy – 6 hours there and 6 hours back on Sunday uuuurrgggh! It will be fun however, and I’ve packed my wine as the forecast is for rain all weekend!

Once again I can’t resist the comfort of my Splendid jumpsuit – this time accompanied by the amazing River Island espadrilles. I worried about the color as they are green snakeskin but they actually go with everything khaki! I can’t see them online anymore but I bet they are still in store  in the UK. Sue pointed them out to me on Instagram a month or so ago so I am glad I ordered them then! I have just stood in the pouring rain for these photos – be grateful.

IMG_0953 IMG_0955Espadrilles – River Island // Jumpsuit – Splendid (similar here) // Jacket – Gap (30% off online using APRIL)

Overalls and Gucci loafers

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You know me and my shoe collection…of all my purchases my shoes are my most indulgent. As I’ve said many times previously your shoes will love you regardless of those few extra vacation pounds, or that pizza and wine last night, so when I feel like a pick-me-up the best way to do it is with a pair of fabulous shoes!

Today I have taken inspiration from this image, that I first saw in Grazia, of Mytheresa.com Senior Fashion Editor Veronika Heilbrunner.

overalls and gucci loaferI love the simplicity of the outfit which means my eyes are immediately drawn to her shoes! So here is my interpretation today, with the same black Gucci loafers, only with black dungarees and the addition of a jacket – spring seems to have done a runner here this week.

overalls and Gucci loafers v1Shoes – Gucci fringe loafers // Overalls – H&M // Tank – J.Crew (25% off with THEBEST) // Jacket – Mango (similar here) // Bag – H&M

p.s. I just received notification that the ASOS sale has started with up to 70% off enjoy!!Â