Silver and grey.

I decided to work from home today – a lovely indulgence that allows me to get a few chores done at the same time.  I just had a break and nipped to Trader Joe’s to stock up on the wine for the celebrations this weekend!  As much as I want to throw on sweats and t-shirts when I’m working from home I still try to ‘get dressed’ – it makes me feel more accomplished for some reason.  Given the heat and humidity here right now I opted for a cool maxi dress from Asos.  You may recognize it as the grey version of this black one, and yes I have the khaki too…you know how I can’t resist multiple colors of an item if I love it!  The sandals are last year’s from Zara – I love metallics they are such a great neutral.

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Dress – ASOS (currently on sale) // Sandals – Zara (old)

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4 days to go till…

…I turn 43!  Crumbs!  How DID that happen?  I still feel 21 and act like it most of the time, much to the chagrin of my children.  When I look back life so far has been kind to me, though I often wonder what roles fate, destiny or pure luck have played.  When I was 21 I never imagined I’d be an American citizen living in Atlanta, or that I would end up working in magazine publishing of all things, never mind working with my Husband!  My dreams back then were of becoming a high flying financier or consultant.  I started on that ladder for a while and then quickly realized I was most unsuitable for it – I don’t care for hard work 🙂  Having fun, indulging in my hobbies (errr clothes and wine…), chatting with dear friends, and having adventures suits me far better.  So here I am about to turn 43 and wondering where my 40s will lead me.  All I wish for is health and happiness for my loved ones.  Can you tell I feeling a little introspective?

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Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Jeans – H&M // Top – Zara

 

You can’t beat a great dress.

Dresses have been my go to item in the summer – they are so easy to throw on and dress up or down.  This season I have been obsessed with scuba material dresses – they hang so well, don’t crease, and I find them really comfortable to wear.  My favorites have been from River Island via ASOS.  This coral reptile print dress is really fun and I am wearing a UK size 12 which fits perfectly.  The stretch in the material means it’s great across my bust without being too wide at the hips.  Oh and did I mention it’s currently on sale 🙂

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Dress – Asos // Shoes – Nine West Kurrious (on sale)

 

Back to school.

Off they headed this morning with a skip and a jump to the bus stop.  It never ceases to amaze me how they both adapt to school so quickly.  Maybe the new alarm clocks helped – but there was no arguing, no complaining and no whining.  They were ready after 8 weeks off!  So I now have a 3rd grader and a 1st grader – how did that happen?

Due to heading back to school today we decided to have a fairly lazy weekend around the house.  On Friday I invited some of our fabulous neighbors over with their kids, for wine and nibbles.  It was great fun – kids really are fabulous resources for meeting new people.  The rest of the weekend was spent eating pizza and watching movies, with a few “Orange is the New Black” thrown in for me, once the kids were in bed of course!  It was perfect – the kind of weekend that required no make-up and a comfy dress.

Asos dress.jpgDress – Asos (navy) // Sandals – Sam Edelman Gabriela (on sale)

After packing the kids off to school I headed back to the office – routines are lovely.

zara.jpgTrousers – Zara (old) // Shoes – Nine West Oslo // Cami – TopShop // Jacket – Zara (now in sale)

 

 

The ‘new do’

I spent a lovely couple of hours at the salon yesterday and I absolutely love my new do!  Here is my inspiration photo…

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And here am I – smokey eye and nude lip included 🙂

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I’m now off back to the salon with the kids for their ‘back to school’ cuts so this a post of minimal words!!

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Shoes – Avarcas Pons // Jeans – H&M // Top – Mango sale

Have a fabulous weekend y’all!

 

Normality – sort of.

I actually woke up feeling amazing this morning – which is impressive given my poor daughter was throwing up all night 😦  She feels a lot better thankfully after – as she put it – ‘just getting it out of me’ – uuurgh!

Anyhow they are hanging out with their Dad while I go off and get rid of 5 weeks of hair and get the grays covered.  I even felt brave enough to wear jeans today!

IMG_8664 IMG_8670 IMG_8673Shoes – DSW (old) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Bag – YSL Roady (old) // T-shirt – AllSaints (recent sale purchase)

 

Just about over the jetlag…

The laundry is done, we’ve caught up on sleep, I’ve worked out and had a good sweat, drank copious amounts of tea, and I can safely say I am starting to feel human again.  2 days of travel and gaining 6 hours completely knocked me sideways!  The kids always cope admirably and they were up with the sun on Monday morning ready for their last day of camp before school starts next week!

I really need to get better at packing – I took way too many clothes again – but I find it so challenging when you are traveling for 5 weeks, in two different climates, with little idea about what you might end up doing from one day to the next!

Anyway it is fabulous to be back home after a great break – sleeping in my own bed and showering in my own shower.  Everything works how it is supposed to, and I know where everything is once again!

As for what to wear with jetlag it has to be comfort that wins every time!

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T-shirt – Zara // Culottes – ASOS // Sandals – Zara // Bag – Alexander Wang (similar here)

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Trousers – Mango (old) // T-shirt – ASOS Forever t-shirt (on sale) // Belt – Target (old) // Shoes – Nine West Kurrious in the sale

These new Nine West sandals are SO comfortable – they are just over 3″ high so super easy to wear.  I have resolved to wear more heels and this is a start.

 

25% off all shoes and bags till tonight!!

Piperlime is having a 20 hour flash sale that includes 25% off ALL shoes and bags using the code SHOPFAST – this is unusual as there are normally some brands excluded from their promotions – not this time though so be quick!!

Here are my picks!

The Vince Nina is still one of my favorite shoes and this year it is more easily available in several different colorways too – I love this oxblood pony hair version.

Vince Nina

 

The Vince Claire is my ‘going out’ shoe for this Fall/Winter – I have ordered it in the above oxblood but I really would love the nude cappuccino pair too!

Vince Claire

 

Finally, get these now while there is 25% off – they are rarely found on sale!  The blue suede are already in the sale so with the extra 25% off they are a steal!  I love mine from last year so much and went with my true size of US 8.5 – The Stuart Weitzman 5050:

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Last vacation day.

Well sort of.  Today is our last day at the beach – tomorrow we drive to Madrid for our flight back.  I’ve been away from Atlanta for 5 weeks!  I’m sad that it’s all over, but at the same time I’m ready to return home and see my dog, sleep in my own bed and rifle through my closet:)

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Jumpsuit – Oak Dhoti // Glass – half full of Cava

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Sandals – Ancient Greek // Harems – Orgiva Market // T-shirt – ASOS

We’re already planning next year’s adventure.  Harems will be needed for sure:)

 

Beach days.

We’re planning on spending our remaining week on the beach – lounging, getting too much sun, eating too much food, reading more books and soaking up all aspects of the beautiful Mediterranean.  I’ve read more than on any other vacation (probably a sign the kids are older and entertaining themselves!).  I’m on book 5 now, and if you are searching for a great beach read, the best to date has been “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.  Nothing high brow about this book, just a great, page turning thriller that is easy to pick up and put down when the children beckon!

My beach attire has mainly consisted of my J.Crew bikinis, and yes I have dared to go topless – the kids don’t seem too scarred…with one of my ASOS dresses to throw on for coffee and lunch.  I have, however, also fallen in love with the ‘romper’ or ‘playsuit’.  They just seem to be far less mutton on a beach, and they are so easy to throw on over a swimsuit.  Here are some of my favorites – some are in the sale right now too – perfect timing for all of you starting holidays in the UK and Europe!

Possibly the best bargain of the bunch is this Liquorish Tiger print playsuit.  The print is super fun and it is currently reduced from $123 to $53!

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This River Island playsuit is cute with a layered/tiered top.  I love the print with monochrome and florals.  Given my love for their jumpsuits I know this will be just as easy to wear.

River island

I love this palm print romper – it is a great color and really comfy – yes it is in my closet…

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Another steal at $34 – I have this and love wearing it – fun, comfortable and leopard, it looks fab with a tan!

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At just $38 this floral version is great – I just love the bandeau top and the shape it gives.  Super flattering for an apple or a pear shape.  It’s also 5% elastane so has plenty of stretch for those nature breaks!

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This is the jumpsuit version which I will admit to having ordered.  I went for the full length mainly because my beach vacation is winding down and this will be more appropriate for wearing back in Atlanta.  It’s currently reduced to $41!

floral jumpsuit

This flamingo version is so much fun – I love it for by the pool with a cocktail!  All sizes are available and it is just $15!!

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I have seen lots of items labelled ‘Festival’ recently and it always turns me off somewhat given my age, however, I LOVE this playsuit.  The longer sleeves make it so easy to wear, revealing less flesh, so you can easily wear it off the beach too.

Festival

This denim playsuit with straps is lovely and it has a great shape with no waistline, so it will be super comfortable and unrestrictive.

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This cami playsuit is beautiful and I am torn between the black and the green – the green possibly edges ahead.  It’s a beautiful lightweight jumpsuit that will take you from beach to bar to club (I know you all still do!).

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Finally – another jumpsuit – not in the sale but I couldn’t resist – I just adore this print.

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Do you have a romper ready to pack in your case?  Here’s my M&S playsuit from today, worn with my Sam Edelman Reeves, accessorized with a bottle of San Miguel:)

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Some snaps from the past two days!:

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