Sensible Sandals.

Let’s talk spring, summer and sandals.  Sensible sandals.

I have succumbed to the Birkenstock trend I’m afraid.  A little late to the table, but it has taken me since last summer to convince myself that they can be both comfortable and ‘trendy’.  I’ve had a pair of Boston Birkenstocks for years as they are very much part of the Georgia summer uniform here, but I have rarely worn them in recent summers, opting for my Havaianas instead.

Here are some of the images that convinced me they were worth trying again.

Ashley Olsen loves her black patent Gizeh birkies.

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And Heidi Klum is also a big fan of the Gizeh.

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They look fab on a dude too – he looks so cool here.

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Gizeh

 

I have the white patent which I love.  They are super comfortable and for my ‘funny feet’ they are amazing offering great arch support.

I also love the traditional Arizona, but in this blue – it seems a little more feminine than the black if that is possible.

Arizona wtf

I’ve just received the Mayari in black to try too – very feminine and I love the toe piece on this style.

Mayari

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Another favorite of mine is very similar to the Mayari – the Yara – this time with an ankle strap.  I think they are so cool looking in this neutral brown.  Great with tanned feet on the boardwalk!

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The other style of sandal that I have fallen for in a big way is the traditional Menorcan Avarca Pons.  Made in Spain, the leather is super soft, with no seams to rub on hot feet, and they conceal my crazy toes perfectly.  The soles are made of recycled bicycles tires so they are non-slip and I like the idea of ‘repurposing’ for my feet!  I find them incredibly flattering on – actually quite slimming on my wide feet.  The only downside is choosing which color to buy.  I have the taupe, but I’m thinking about a brighter color too – and maybe an ankle strap version🙂  I LOVE them and haven’t taken them off all weekend.

As for sizing it says they come up small but I am usually a US 8 – 8.5 and I went for a US 8.  I was nervous as often I am a EUR 39 and the US 8 here is labeled as a EUR 38.  The 8 is perfect though – the leather is so soft that it gives and stretches quickly to mold to your foot, so I would stick with your normal size as they may end up too big otherwise!

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Just to assure you I haven’t gone completely ‘sensible’ on you I’ve also ordered these Ancient Greek sandals…with wings…oh yes indeed how awesome are these?!

Ancient Greek

 

For those of you that prefer something a little less embellished how about this version?

Ancient Greek 1

 

Now if the rain clouds could just move to the Atlantic I’ll be a happy girl.  Get those pedicures done and the sandals on…sensible or otherwise!

 

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Bad ass dog.

On Wednesday morning, after returning from dropping the kids at school, I was confronted with a guy in our yard trying to break into the house.  I immediately went into fright or flight mode and just started yelling “F*ck off! F*ck off!  What the f*ck do you think you’re doing??!!!”.  I was very eloquent.  I’m not sure if he was more scared of me or Tennyson, my fabulous, loyal, protective, boxer who immediately went into attack mode.  I was slightly impressed by the dude’s agility and speed at getting back over our fence.  I suddenly realized he may be armed so I headed back inside to call 911 while Tennyson told him in no uncertain terms that he would not be welcomed back.

Tennyson now has his new sign in the front yard which really should say “Beware of the big, bad ass, dog”.

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The hero of the hour who has been spoiled rotten since.

Tennyson

 

It took me the day to recover from the adrenalin – I was shaken to say the least – but I felt I dealt with it appropriately and I’m moving on now.  I think they could hear me yelling in Florida!

Tuesday I headed to H&M to exchange some clothes for Poppy.  I took the opportunity to take a look at this gorgeous fringed top I had seen online.  I needed to understand why it is priced at $349!!  It is a lovely blue, but crikey I wouldn’t pay $20 for it.  The tassles feel really cheap and were already tangling and getting knotted on every top in the store.  Not to mention the top must have weighed 100lbs.  You’d need to be a line backer to wear it for more than 10 minutes.

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Here’s my outfit for the day – I felt really comfortable, it’s great to wear skirts again – crap photo – I blinked:)

 

IMG_5660Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Here are some other outfits from this week – a bit of a mix due to going from 70 degrees to 50 degrees throughout the week.

IMG_8057Dress – Mango (kindly bought by my sister – similar here) // Shoes – M&S Limited 

IMG_8077 IMG_8074 IMG_5666 IMG_5665Jumper – TopShop (stealing Frances’ style again) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Trousers – H&M // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Nail polish – Essie Play date

And then after a bang trim, ready for a fun night out at dinner with my Husband on Friday night where I drank too much Port with my cheese…I went full on ’80s – big hair and lots of silky flowy fabric.

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Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

Today I plan on doing not much else but sitting here – Hugh helped me assemble it – we’re the logical ones of the family:)

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The Breakfast Club.

After leaving the AllWornOut girls on the Friday evening in London, I went clubbing.  On my own.  Completely safe – and I did in fact meet a companion.  A Chechnyan, who was very kind and very honorable.  We chatted about politics, the Ukraine, Chechnya etc.  as you do on a Friday evening.  I made it home about 3am-ish.

The morning after the night before I was feeling a little rough around the edges.  I knew I had to liven myself up before heading to meet the other blogging ladies at lunchtime.  At first I thought about cider and ice cubes at Langan’s, but they were closed.  As I wandered up towards Bond Street I suddenly realized that I could try and head back to Aubaine in Selfridges for a mimosa or likewise.

As I entered the handbag department I noticed several people sitting on a balcony eating – a good sign at 10am.  As I rounded the corner I discovered HIX.  A fabulous little champagne bar that happened to do a champagne breakfast – result!  It felt incredibly decadent sitting on my own eating scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and toast, and sipping a bellini (or 3).  Not the cheapest breakfast ever, but how often do I get to do it?  I even saw Charles Saatchi and Trinny Woodall wandering the store below me – I wasn’t quick enough with my camera unfortunately!

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Staying in Mayfair was a new experience for me.  Not one of my usual haunts at all.  While I was there I knew I had to have some fun.  After leaving the girls on Saturday night, and being told to head straight back to the hotel, I wandered past the private members club Annabel’s.

“Sorry Miss, private members only” said the doorman, as I explained I was on my own and just wanted somewhere for a night cap.

“Just say my name downstairs” a girl called out as she was stepping into her taxi.

A bit of liquid courage and before I knew it I was waltzing into Annabel’s like I was a regular.  As I told the front of house the girl’s name he didn’t bat an eyelid and just motioned me in.

“F*ck, f*ck I’m in” I said to myself suddenly panicking as to what to do next.  I wandered nonchalantly to a table by the dance floor.  What a sight to behold.  Not just women in designer gear, but proper, haute couture designer gear.  The dance floor was full of 100lb girls, with spray tans and waist length hair, dresses barely covering their butts.  The guys were all in suits dancing awkwardly in some bizarre mating ritual.  Large men were sitting at dining tables with magnums of champagne, eating steak and laughing loudly.  I felt like I was in some kind of Martin Amis novel.  How I was getting away with it I have no idea – I ordered a vodka and tonic.  If I got found out what more can they do but throw me out?

I left without paying for my drink – I assume the lovely kind girl who gave me her name paid for it on her account.  Sorry – I owe you one, but no one gave me a check and by that time I knew I had to get out before I saw another girl shuffling in her 10 inch Laboutins.

A great story to have, and great confirmation that I am no West End Girl.

It also appears I broke the dress code wearing ALL leather, and the Club Rules trying to take a photo.

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Sam Edelman does Rockstud

You have all seen images, I’m sure, of the beautiful Valentino Rockstud.

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In my opinion it is a shoe that is a simply stunning combination of edginess, simplicity and refinement.  But expensive.

Now you can get a version at high street prices thanks to Sam Edelman.

First I tried a version of the stiletto in Nordstrom – unfortunately the vamp is too low and narrow for me, and my pesky little toe wouldn’t oblige.  Still they are gorgeous and I was very sad to have to leave them behind.

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I have, however, ordered the sandal version.

Here’s the Valentino:

Rockstud sandal

And the Sam Edelman Gabriela, available in nude, black and pewter:

Sam Edelman Gabriela

This next sandal that caught my eye is actually incredibly reminiscent of this Isabel Marant sandal from last year:

Isabel Marant sandal

The Sam Edelman Dion is available in black, nude, tan and off white.  I love the thong strap and I’ll be trying this as soon as I see it in store:

Sam Edelman Dion

So there we go – call it a copy or a tribute, I’ll be rocking the Sam Edelman version of the Rockstud this summer!  I’m more than happy to wear a good imitation and Sam Edelman’s shoes have always served me well.

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T-shirt – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Pants – Zara (old) // Bag – Boden Canonbury clutch (on sale)

 

Leopard print sneakers 

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Jet lag.

Jet lag is crippling – I end up in a complete fog for 2 days.  This will be exacerbated this year because our clocks change tonight.  Thrilled about Spring being almost here, but I know the kids will be bouncing out of bed at 5am tomorrow morning, and after a party for 25 6 year olds today I might not be too keen on that!  Hugh turned 6 on the 6th and I have never seen him so excited before.  He has written a list of all the things he wants to do for his birthday and the party along with a trip to his favorite BBQ joint will complete it.  Think of me this morning while I am bouncing on trampolines and whizzing down zip lines…

The outfits over the past couple of days have revolved around comfort – essential for jet lag recovery!

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Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

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Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Celebrating Hugh’s birthday made me reminisce about this time last year – look at me a year ago!  It makes me want my hair short again!

 

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Great Boo’s Up.

Last Friday began with a train journey to London town.  I love the journey through the English countryside.  It always makes me think of the hymn Jerusalem that we sang at school – I used to love belting it out in morning assembly.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mayfair.  What a fabulous location!  Right across the street from Green Park tube and The Ritz.  One criticism though – stop charging for in room wi-fi – £28 for 2 days – a bloody rip off if you ask me!  My heart was beating out of my chest with excitement as I came out of the tube.  Arriving in London always feels like coming home, yet still so foreign, especially staying in Mayfair.  Let’s be honest I never had the money or the inclination to head there in 90’s!

I headed straight out to meet Sue and the girls from AllWornOutBlog.com.  A little wander up the road through Berkeley Square, past Rolls Royce dealerships and haute couture boutiques, and I was at Selfridges.  After chasing Sue around the menswear and shoe salon we eventually met up – talk about amateur tourists!  We then met the lovely Eve, Gina, Belinda and Ann in Aubaine – a fabulous little eatery where we talked, giggled and drank copious amounts of wine.  Security turfed us out at 9pm – how much fun was that skipping through an empty Selfridges!?

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Double Trouble

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We went to the pub too. 

Saturday started early, with the inevitable hangover – but there’s another story behind my recovery for a later date…

I wandered North to meet the girls at the Mayfair Pizza Co – another great spot where the staff were amazing!!  They tolerated us from 12 to 12 and kindly put us in our own little room.  After 8 magnums of prosecco between us I think the other diners were quite relieved.

We talked and talked and then the beautiful Marlene (www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com) somehow had the patience to photograph us all while we nitpicked at our images – too fat, too orange, crooked smile, wonky eyes – you can read how she put us right here.

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Marlene

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Michelle

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Donna

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Sue

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Avril

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Fiona

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Kat

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Frances

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Natalie

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 Helen

Here’s one of my outtakes that Sue took – I had a fit of the giggles!

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And here is my fabulous souvenir from Marlene.

Joanna London

An amazing weekend with amazing friends, brought together by our love of clothes and writing.  I have found an eclectic, smart, driven, funny, loyal, kind group of women who I hold dear and cherish every day.  I wish I got to see them all more often.

There were no comedy breasts you’ll be pleased to hear.

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Where do I start?!

What an amazing week it has been!  Lots of shopping, lunches, and FAR too much prosecco! After recovering from jetlag and a trip to the soft play center with my nephews, my Mum, my sister and I headed to Manchester on Thursday.  I love shopping in Manchester – it is great to be outside instead of a mall, and the sun shone for us all day.  I am really impressed with how they have cleaned up the city center and even the Arndale is a pleasant experience these days.  AllSaints was my first port of call and I cannot say enough great things about the staff there.  They were brilliant and really helpful. I love the Emi Freesia top that continues to feed my black and navy obsession:

Emi Fressia top

The Tiko t-shirt is a classic AllSaints draped cut – perfect for spring.

Tiko

The Leyla t-shirt is beautiful – I have the dark grey with navy sleeves – really soft and drapey and it feels fabulous on.

Leyla

We then headed to M&S, of course!  I was not planning on buying anything…but then my sister spotted these lovelies.  I love a biker boot and these are really ‘neat’ looking – the sole isn’t too heavy – plus 20% off – a bargain!

biker boots

Then a lovely dress.  Remember this VB dress?  I loved it, most hated it.

VB dress

The Limited range has this quilted dress, tailored for the high street.  I tried a UK10 and a 14 in store – too small and too big, but the 12 is perfect – I will love it with some sun on my skin!

Quilted dress

This photo is not the most flattering – it makes me look like I have no shape – but I assure you the drop waist is fab and it gives me shape around my backside from the back and sides.  I’m really happy with it.

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I came away from M&S really impressed – it’s a long time since so much has appealed to me.

Finally I stocked up on my Molton Brown body wash – this Bushukan scent is sold as a men’s fragrance here but it is wonderful and works for us ladies who prefer scents without too many floral notes.  The scent lasts all day – I just love it.

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Not a bad haul hey?  The great news is after playing mule for some friends here I have plenty of space in my bags now I’ve handed their goods over!

The best bit of the whole day though was lunch in Harvey Nicks.

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I’ll leave my weekend shenanigans to another blogpost – needless to say it was fun and prosecco fueled!  Here’s an amazing photo that my very kind friend, Marlene from www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com took – what a great souvenir to have!

 Joanna London

Jacket – AllSaints // Top – AllSaints // Jeans – JBrand leather jeans // Boots – Navy Newbury boots (out of shot)

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Back to Black.

I have always loved leather.  Real leather.  I remember Mum and Dad buying me my first leather jacket while we were on a day out in Chester.  I think it was from Lakeland Leather.  I thought it was beautiful – a blouson style in ivory – it was the 80s remember.  In sixth form I got a beautiful black, bat-winged sleeved blouson jacket (still in the 80s) from Whittakers in Bolton.  I got it nicked the first time I wore it.  Gutted.

My taste in leather has hopefully evolved but my love for leather has not changed.  You cannot beat real leather.  There are some good pleathers on the market and I have a couple of pairs of pleather leggings in my closet, but they just aren’t the same…sorry PETA.

I had a great pair of AllSaints leather trousers for a few years but with my constantly fluctuating waistline they didn’t hold their shape well.  My glutes are non-existant and I always felt like I had a saggy arse in them – not a good look.  They went to a good new home via eBay last year.  Since then I have been looking for another great pair of leather jeans – jeans meaning they must have a button and fly, no elastic waists, plus patch pockets at the back – essential for giving shape to that saggy arse.

So, as I mentioned, I stumbled on a pair of J Brand moto leather jeans in Neimans the other day and I had to take the opportunity to try them.  Thinking about them, I cannot stop (Yoda eat your heart out).  I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about J Brand leather – J Brand, Helmut Lang and Theory always seem to top the lists.  No wonder – they are breath takingly beautiful.  I started with a 29″ with crossed fingers, holy smokes Batman they were too big!  The 28″ was perfect on the waist – there is so much stretch in the leather it’s certainly worth squeezing into a size down as they will give.  For the record I take anything from 27″ to 30″ in jeans depending on brand, and I’m normally a US6 in Zara trousers.  Now the only issue with this style was the seam that runs across the top of the knee – sausage links sprang to mind.  Still for those of you with no squidge above your knee they are stunning, and less than $1000 – my absolute limit for leather jeans, which yes is still shit loads, but think about what you can spend on a handbag.

JBrand moto

Having fallen in love with the J Brand leather and now knowing my size I have found what I consider to be the perfect style.  Fly – check, pockets – check, zippered ankles – check, zero sausage casing seam – check.  Here they are – I SO want them.

JBrand jeans

They also come in grey which I think is stunning.

JBrand grey

Compared to J Brand these AllSaints leather pants are almost cheap at $525 (all sense of reality and magnitude becomes warped when looking at items with 3 figures behind the dollar sign), but for me they don’t quite do it as they are missing that all important back patch pocket.  AllSaints are well known for their leather work so worth checking out for almost half the price of the J Brand jeans.

AllSiants

So what do you think – is real leather a colossal waste of money or worth the investment?

As for my attire over the past couple of days I am completely in my comfort zone again – back to being a brunette – I really do have more fun as a brunette, and certainly feel more comfortable, almost radiant:)  To celebrate the visit back to the salon I embraced my favorite color palette – black, black and black.

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Boots – Newbury suede boots // Trousers – Zara coated chinos // Sweater – Uniqlo men’s cashmere crew neck

And the result….a very happy brunette.

brunette

Last night we went out for dinner with dear friends – totally amazing night, 4 hours of great conversation, 1 glass of champagne, 4 bottles of Tempranillo, 5 courses, 1 amaretto and a taxi cab home.

Totally chaotic in my bedroom and closet due to the ongoing packing debacle – please excuse!

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Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Dress – AllSaints charcoal Pia dress // Jacket – AllSaints // Clutch – Target

Leaving on a jet plane tomorrow so please continue to follow me on Instagram till I get back online with my shopping exploits in the UK – mwah!

 

 

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Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you imagined…

So the blonde hair…it’s going tomorrow.  I am going back to my roots.

After a week of scaring myself in the mirror and trying to make my complexion look less jaundiced, I’ve given in and I am going back to my roots tomorrow.  Glossy, dark chocolate locks here I come.  I wanted a change which is why I thought I’d try the lighter locks but, to be honest, with my skin tone I feel so washed out, and my hair is so dark that I already can see root growth.  The maintenance would kill me!

It was really after seeing the following photo that I decided not to persevere any longer.  I love this jacket but I look so drab and dreary in it with lighter hair.  I’ve also binned the shoes – I loved them once but again I think the pink/nude color does me no favors whatsoever.  If it ain’t broke don’t fix it – I should know by now to stick with my dark palette – in fact I should ask Donna over at I Won’t Wear Sludge Brown to do a color reading for me.

RI jacket

Shoes – Clarks Hamble Oak // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Sweater – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old)

I am of course eternally grateful to my hairdresser for squeezing me in tomorrow before I leave on my trip this weekend!

Yesterday I was running some errands and I happened to nip into Neiman Marcus – as you do.  I rarely go in department stores as I think I’ve mentioned before I can find them overwhelming.  However, my eyes were opened by Neimans – what have I been missing!?  I had a quick look around the contemporary store – CUSP.  So many great brands like Vince, Rag & Bone, Alice & Olivia, Helmut Lang and even Isabel Marant – I had no idea there was a stockist here in Atlanta!  I may have found myself trying on some J.Brand leather jeans…just for size of course…for the record they fit big…I got into a 28″ because they are so beautifully stretchy.

I then headed to the shoe department – again I found my favorite Rag & Bone Newbury boots along with the Vince Nina flat that is back in an array of colors this Spring.  I was totally smitten by the sale shelf – I nearly cried with joy when I saw Isabel Marant boots and Chloé Suzanna boots less than half price!

Beautiful hairy Newbury boots in the sale:

Newbury

These Saint Laurent boots made me stop in my path – just stunning and they totally remind me of my Zara boots (yet to be worn).

SaintLaurent

 

So now I know what an Aladdin’s Cave Neiman Marcus is it could truly be catastrophic.  It’s a good job I don’t like mall shopping…

Today I had one last go at dealing with the blonde but headed back to my comfort zone when it comes to colors.

HM dress

 

Boots – H&M // Leggings – H&M (old) // Dress – H&M // Scarf – H&M (old) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (TheOutnet.com)

 

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Spotted this week…

Following on from my previous post, and just to prove that procrastinating can sometimes pay off – I present to you my sequin skirt that is now on its way to me!  Not grey or blush – but a perfectly beautiful shade of indigo.  I hope it is as gorgeous in the flesh – especially as it was already in the sale and is currently an extra 50% off with code EXTRA50.

J.Crew sequin skirt:

jcrew sequin skirt

Unlike a lot of people I know I have very little blue/navy in my closet but I have definitely noticed myself being more and more attracted to navy items.  It’s such a classy color and many clothes look far more expensive, or even better quality, in navy than they do in black.  Not to mention that it is now no longer a fashion faux pas to mix navy and black.  Hence while browsing on Net-a-porter.com this morning I found myself uncontrollably besotted with these beauties.  My Newbury boot fetish continues.

newbury navy suede

It’s been an odd week to say the least.  An entire week off unexpectedly can certainly mess with your head – I feel slightly jet lagged and totally discombobulated!  We’re off tomorrow too for President’s Day, then I have 3 days at work before I’m off to the UK wooo-hooo!  Having the week off has been lovely as it has meant lots of time with the kids before I go and leave them.  Hugh even fell asleep on me yesterday – it was lovely – I hope he still wants to snuggle like that when he is 18;)

Poppy and I braved the snow the other day – I needed to return some stuff to Zara.

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Me – Sneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara coated blue jeans // Coat – Zara // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco navy nubuck (TheOutnet.com – now sold out, but similar here) // Poppy – Boots – Sam Edelman Louie // Pants – H&M harems // Coat – H&M // Hair band – Crewcuts

Friday I enjoyed a day of pampering, though to be honest 2 hours in the salon followed by a 2 hour facial was probably a little too much in one day!

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Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – H&M grey boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – ASOS forever t-shirt // Jacket – Zara (old) // Scarf – Zara (old)

And here is the finished result – much lighter hair – still not convinced – but a nice change regardless.

AS sweater

Boots – Rag and Bone Newbury boots petrol (old) // Jeans – Boyfriend jeans Zara // Sweater – AllSaints Portland Jumper (old)

And finally a new ASOS dress to share with you.  It was in the sale and I’d been umming and ahhing about it all over the Christmas period.  I love the lace sleeves – just enough for me – and it reminds me of the lace sleeves on my wedding dress.

asos dress

Off to clean my mirror…!  🙂

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