Spring footwear

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Okay so by now you all know I have a special love affair (my only acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day!) with boots and sneakers. I’ve recently indulged in some new work out sneakers, as after my melanoma diagnosis I was spurred on to get fitter and healthier and nothing motivates more like a new pair of running shoes! I love them – they are the Nike Lunaracer and they are incredibly light and comfortable. Size up half a size though as they are quite snug.

lunaracerAfter my huge success with the Adidas Stan Smiths, which seem to go with everything, I got suckered into the Adidas Superstar. To be honest it is a shoe I have never really liked till now. I was put off by the huge rubber toe cap, preferring the sleeker look of the Adidas Samoa or Gazelles. Well after trying the Superstars I can officially say I am hooked – they look fabulous on and are as comfy as the Stans.

superstarsI wear boots all year round. I think an ankle boot can be really flattering with shorts or a dress in the summer. I love my Newbury tan canvas boots for that very reason. Here I am wearing them in a previous summer.

IMG_4087Well this spring I shall be getting my hands on these beauties. The Newbury boot in off white.

off white NewburyThey’re already selling out in a lot of stores so I better not procrastinate too long. I love the idea of these with cropped jeans and a jacket, or with denim shorts and a white t-shirt.

They are also available in a gorgeous tan leather – again their heel makes them incredibly leg lengthening and yet they are so comfortable.

tan newburyMy fellow cheer Mom and friend has these stunning Dolce Vita Haku boots that I am lusting after! I saw her wearing them the other week with white jeans and they looked amazing. The backless/mule design makes them perfect for spring and summer. Again just fabulous with shorts, which is probably why these are selling like hotcakes too! They come in tan, taupe and black.

Haku street style Haku tan

 

haku boot Haku blackI’m going in for the taupe as I already have these in tan from Zara:

fringe bootI think shoes are always worth the investment – I might not need new clothes but shoes can help an outfit switch gears immediately.

Finally I want to take the time to thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. I am healing nicely and the tenderness from the incision has gone. The healing body really is quite remarkable. Last night I was even able to wear my 4″ heels to dinner!

IMG_0492 IMG_0488Shoes – J.Crew // Jeans – Cigarette jeans from Zara // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – Lace blazer from Mango

On Thursday I headed to the mall to treat myself to some new lipsticks and skincare – perfect post surgery indulgence. This cheapo scarf from ASOS garnered so many compliments!

 

IMG_0478Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in petrol (old) // Trousers – J.Crew // T-shirt – J.Crew // Jacket – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – ASOS

Loose pants have really been the order of the week to avoid aggravating my stitches. Here’s my outfit from Wednesday.

IMG_0472 IMG_0468Sneakers – Adidas Superstars // Trousers – J.Crew (on sale plus an additional 40% off with code WEEKENDMUST) // Jumper – Everlane // Jacket – Mango (similar here)

We have a long weekend for President’s Day so hopefully in between cheer competitions we’ll have some fun in the sun!

 

 

No more cancer

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So the melanoma is gone! This morning I underwent a procedure under a local anesthetic where a large circumference of skin was removed. Pretty freakin’ freaky when you can see and hear him snipping away a massive area of skin and then the needle and thread pulling everything together again! My palms were sweaty and I kept focusing on the ceiling! I have to say my surgeon was amazing, and he reassured me that it was on the cusp i.e. just turning to Stage 0 melanoma, so my frustration over previous checks ignoring it was probably unfounded. I now have a good 4-5 inch long incision that will hopefully heal fast! Thank goodness I worked out like a banshee last week as I can’t do anything now till the stitches are removed. For updates and gory photos check me out on Instagram!

Needless to say I opted for comfy clothes today.

IMG_0463Sneakers – Nike Lunar Air Max // Pants – Nike Avant // Top – Mango // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks

As I have been working out so much over the past week I have spent most days in workout gear. Saturday was one of the few days I ‘got dressed’ and we took the kids out for a ‘fancy lunch’ 🙂

mango CollageSneakers – Adidas Stan Smiths // Trousers – Mango leather (currently 50% off in sale) // Jumper – Zara (old) // Scarf – Asos

See you all soon! Off to recuperate on the sofa with a slice of pizza and Netflix!

 

A diagnosis

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What a week! I am thoroughly relieved to get to Friday. After my skin check the other week at the dermatologists, I heard on Tuesday that the mole on my left thigh that I was concerned about is actually in situ melanoma. Thank goodness I persisted and kept getting it checked – though I am furious that after 3 years and 3 annual checks, where I repeatedly asked for this particular mole to be looked at, I was continually told it ‘looks fine’. Eventually my dermatologist biopsied it and my gut was right. So on Tuesday I will be heading in for a procedure done under a local where they remove a circle of skin from around the mole. I’ll have some scarring – but nothing a fun tattoo won’t cover up:) Please, please, please always persevere and get a second opinion if you think your concerns are being ignored. I daren’t even think what could have been if I hadn’t. I’m certainly a little shaken as cancer is always something that happens to other people not you, plus my brother has just had testicular cancer removed at Christmas. Fortunately his scans gave him the all clear though he has opted for a dose of chemo, which he gets on Monday, just to be safe. I am praying that these things come in twos not threes. I am determined that this diagnosis will only make me stronger, fitter and a better version of me.

boots CollageBoots – Stuart Weitzman Lowland in currant // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper

cap CollageSneakers – Adidas (old – similar here) // Trousers – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 40% off with HELLOSALE) // Shirt – Mango (on sale 50% off) // Jumper – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 50% off with HELLOSALE) // Cap – J.Crew (old)

A weekend of cheer!

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If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen that my entire weekend was taken up with AllStar Cheer! Poppy had a competition with her team, here in Atlanta, on Saturday and then they performed at half time for the Georgia Tech women’s basketball yesterday! It was so much fun but my little girl is rather tired today, and a little bruised after taking a face plant from a stunt in practice! A rite of passage – her first sports injury – all teeth intact thank goodness – just a bloody nose and a bust lip! Can I just say too that boy, Georgia Tech has some amazing facilities! St.Andrews had little more than a football pitch and a gym back in 1990. The facilities at Georgia Tech are incredible – walking into the basketball arena is like walking into a pro facility. College here certainly isn’t what I grew up with!

In keeping with yesterday’s basketball theme I dressed the part and wore my Nike Af 1s for the day 🙂 Unfortunately as my Husband and I were driving off we realized much to our amusement that we were both in black harems and grey sweatshirts, his and hers outfits coordinating nicely!

jacket 1Sneakers – Nike Af 1s // Trousers – Zara // Sweatshirt – AllSaints decay top (old) // Jacket – AllSaints leather jacket (sale last year) // Scarf – ASOS

On Thursday night I was supposed to be heading out for a girls night. Unfortunately due to various situations it got cancelled at the last minute. Talk about all dressed up with no where to go. I ended up back in my onesie with a bottle of wine at home!

tux collageShoes – J.Crew // Trousers – J.Crew // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (old) // Jacket – Mango tux jacket (similar here)

After killing myself at spin on Friday I had little planned so I nipped out for lunch and then had a fun evening at home with a couple of girlfriends and their children.

scarf collageSneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Uniqlo cashmere tunic // Scarf – ASOS

Today there are plenty of people nursing hangovers. I, of course was very sensible and feel wonderful – and I am not being sarcastic! Crushed though I am for the loosing Seahawks, I am still replaying Missy Elliott on YouTube – she absolutely killed it at the halftime show!

So finally here is my comfy attire for today – plenty of knits required here!

boots CollageBoots – Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck // Cardigan – ASOS (in sale) // Scarf – ASOS

That’s Superbowl weekend done and dusted for another year and I managed to stay away from the beer, nachos and wings – result!

 

Dusting the flares off again

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Yes they are back, though for me the great flare never went away. This is me from almost exactly a year ago wearing my Hudson Woodstock flares that I love so much!

jacket-and-flares-386x1024I find flares super flattering especially with a heel – really leg lengthening and slimming with a great bell bottom. The more flared the better as far as I am concerned!

Here’s me in the same jeans from March 2011!

2011Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos from Pinterest – there’s an abundance of great street style photos for flares!

flares 7 flares 6 flares 5 flares 4 flares 2 flares 1I love that this season’s flares also encompass wide legged trousers too, so if you aren’t comfortable with the tight thighs you can always try a pair such as these from Zara – so boho! I love the idea of these with flat, minimal sandals in the summer.

wide leg jeans zaraI’ve recently ordered this pair as I love the idea of a black pair of flares and Zara’s jeans always have a lovely stretch to them too. They’ll be perfect with Stans or heels.

black flaresUnfortunately I can’t find the Hudson Woodstock anywhere these days but they now stock the Ferris flare here which look identical with the hem stitching. I particularly love my Hudsons for the stretch denim and the flap back pockets – they really give your butt a great shape!

ferris flareIf you don’t like the flap pocket then Nordstrom stock the Hudson Angel flare with a classic pocket.

angel flareYesterday, instead of classic flares, I wore a pair of old Zara wide leg jeans. I haven’t worn them for a while and I had forgotten how comfy they are. They are super ‘Mom’ jeans with a really high rise – they keep everything held in!

Cardigan 1 cardigan 2Jeans – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Adidas calf hair (similar here) // Jumper – Boden Off Duty (on sale) // Cardigan – ASOS (now on sale)

Today I am back in the skinnies but I’m off out with the girls tonight and might just dig out my Hudsons for the occasion!

shirt and swaeter mango coatShoes – Vince Nina // Jeans – Zara // Shirt – Mango (on sale) // Jumper – AllSaints (old) // Coat – Mango (on sale 50% off!)

So how do you plan to wear your flares this Spring?

Love Sephora lip glosses?

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Be quick to stock up – they will go fast!! Several of my favorite Sephora lip glosses, that last forever and are not sticky, are on sale at just $7 instead of $14!!!!

Get them here while supplies last!

PLUS use code NEWBEAUTY at checkout for 2 free samples!

lip gloss

Get the big coat out

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I don’t think Atlanta is going to get the snow that the North East is expecting but it certainly feels like deepest, darkest winter out there today! After a weekend of glorious sunshine I woke up this morning feeling like we should all just stay in bed. Unfortunately not an option for any of us, so I steeled myself and headed off to the gym after the school run. I feel quite virtuous now 🙂

This weekend I did a little online shopping, before we headed out for a family lunch followed by fun at our neighbor’s house. I’d been cruising the Uniqlo site for a few days checking this beauty out. I finally convinced myself that I need it for my trip back to the UK.

camo trenchI don’t have a trench and I have always wanted a shorter version. I was torn though between the classic neutral or navy and this camo version. In the end I went for the camo version as it is so unusual and I think it will look great paired with all black – which let’s face it – I have an abundance of in my closet. I am sure I can track down a more classic version at a later date if it becomes a wardrobe staple for me!

As for what I wore this weekend – here is my Saturday ensemble – I switched the boots for Converse when we headed to our neighbor’s for beer and football. Not a great idea after the strongest margarita ever and an enormous chimichanga!

shawl 1 shawl 2

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in burgundy (in sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck (similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew denim // Cape – ASOS

Today I’m off to my Ob/Gyn annual so opted for a dress for easy on and off! I instantly regretted this as the wind whipped round my legs while I took my photos!

Teddy 2 teddy coat

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s tan (on sale here)// Dress – Uniqlo Urban Sweats collection // Coat – Warehouse // Scarf – Mango

If you’re in the North East stay warm and indoors!

 

 

A quiet week at home

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Sorry for being AWOL this week – MLK day, 2 days at home with a sick child and Drs appointments have meant that I’ve worn little else but my cashmere onesie and workout gear.

January is when I like to get all those pesky annual check ups out of the way, so make sure you remember to do the same! Yesterday was my annual skin check, today is mammogram day and Monday is my ob/gyn annual. None of them are pleasant appointments but boy it feels good to get them out of the way!

The one day this week I did get dressed properly was on MLK day when we went to watch Paddington at the movies – best family movie I have seen in a long time, by far!

I’ve had a haircut since thank goodness – it was starting to look a little unkempt!

IMG_0307Boots – Navy Newbury boots // Trousers – coated chinos from Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo cotton cashmere navy tunic – LOVE these and they are now on the UK site! // Jacket – AllSaints Monument jacket (old – similar here) // Bag – Alexander McQueen (sale)

While downloading photos I found this one from weeks ago that I hadn’t posted – not wanting it to go to waste here it is 🙂

IMG_0299Shoes – Zara // Trousers – Zara // Jumper – J.Crew (similar here) // Jacket – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Zara (on sale)

We’re now so close to February I am starting to get very excited about my annual trip home to see my family and friends. I need to start a packing list! Woo hooo!

 

My neck is starting to look like my labia

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Yup it’s happening. 25 years of drinking, smoking and sun is finally taking it’s toll. Chicken waddle, neck labia or loose skin under your jawline – whatever you care to call it – it is happening to me. A ‘friend’ told me it only happens to ‘old people’ – thanks. I have tried Strivectin neck cream in the past but to be honest it was a total waste of time and money.

After surveying many said ‘friends’ the majority (all younger than me) have suggested a good moisturizer is all you need. Well there are plenty of moisturizers out there to try and if you read any beauty blogs, like I do you, will only end up as confused as I am. I have decided to take a very random, yet brand focused approach. It’s a bit like clothes shopping there is JUST TOO MUCH OUT THERE. Making a choice by reviews is almost impossible – as you may have guessed there are lovers and haters of every brand out there. I decided to pick 2 beauty bloggers that I trust for their honesty. I also love how concise and to the point they are. Having said that I have never met them in person and I am only going on what they say online so go judge for yourselves and visit ViviannaDoesMakeup and CarolineHirons.com. I have to say I also love them as there is nothing better some days than listening to a good English gal chat away.

OK so first up the brand – Peter Thomas Roth. Anna first mentioned this brand after her recent visit to NYC. She bought the pumpkin mask. Even though my skin has few wrinkles it feels loose and dull – as I mentioned especially around my neck and jawline. This mask and the way she describes it sounds like the perfect antidote.

PTR pumpkin

So I ordered it. While I was online at Sephora I decided to take a peek at the rest of his line. All, I hasten to add, are highly rated on Sephora. I was particularly interested in serums. I really believe that these products are the solution to many a skin crisis, and can easily enhance the effectiveness of a much cheaper drugstore moisturizer when applied before you moisturize. I have ordered these – the VIZ-1000™ 75 percent Hyaluronic Acid Complex for it’s ability to hydrate the skin, and the Glycolic acid gel for it’s ability to turnover cells and diminish the signs of aging. I plan to apply both, on alternate days, under my regular moisturizer and makeup primer.

hydralonic glycolic acid

Caroline is a big fan of hydrating spritzers. I have used The Body Shop Vitamin C energizing spray for years on and off, especially when flying, but I have never considered using it daily. Today I ordered The Body Shop Vitamin E spray along with the Vitamin E serum to try – both highly rated and they have been around for years. I take that to be a good sign.

vitamin-e-face-mist_l vitamin-e-moisture-serum_l

Moving into Spring false tanners caught my eye too. I have read a lot about the God of self tanning, James Read. After researching on Sephora I discovered that his products are available tax free on NAP – no Rouge points, but tax free trumps points in my eyes! I have ordered the sleep mask to try – I cannot wait after reading the great reviews. Even Marks and Spencers stock it! If this works I plan to try the body version.

james read

So do you have a solution I need to try, or even better a problem area you need to share? 😉

 

A night out, a day off and off out shopping

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It’s MLK Day here on Monday so we have a lovely long weekend. I wasn’t looking forward to it earlier in the week as it was so cold and lashing it down with freezing rain. Now though I am thrilled as the skies are blue, the sun is shining and my windows are open. Spring is taunting us.

On Thursday night I had a lovely dinner with an old friend from my corporate days. It was so much fun to catch up especially as she has got married and is now in the process of changing jobs – my stories felt comparatively dull!

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Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Yesterday was my day off and after completing another grueling work out (I will be 20lbs lighter by the summer!) I was lucky enough to have the afternoon with my Husband chatting and walking the dogs in the sunshine.

DSC_0307Sneakers – Stan Smiths in navy // Trousers – J.Crew drapey wool trousers in navy // Jumper – Everlane cashmere v-neck

These Stan Smiths are pretty awesome – yup if you’re counting that’s another new pair.

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Today I took Poppy to the mall. It’s always so much fun to treat her after a good week at school and right now her favorite store is The Body Shop and who am I to discourage cleanliness and personal grooming!?

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DSC_0317 DSC_0330 DSC_0321

Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

And I got to take my new baby out. Really? Who for one moment thought I wouldn’t buy it? I am in love.

IMG_1693

After hitting The Body Shop, where of course we had to buy the limited edition Smoky Poppy product line, we headed to Sephora where I bought the travel sized Hourglass Veil Primer to try. I’ve heard amazing things about this stuff. Lets see if it delivers.

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Tomorrow is my Blogversary – 3 whole years! I still love this little creative outlet as much as ever and my world would be empty without all the amazing friends I have met through it. What will year 4 bring?