Back on track with the running.

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I’ve taken some time off running but now I have the itch again. My lack of interest in running was due to a combination of injury, dark mornings and a new found love for spin classes. Now, as much as the spin keeps me moving, I still don’t believe anything is as effective for maintaining tone, cardio strength and stamina, and eliciting the post work out euphoria, as a great run.

I was nervous to get going again, but I had a relatively fun run on Sunday morning and ended feeling pretty good – not too much running stamina lost then? Maybe. Today however I went out on the same route and nearly died. The 75 degree heat at 8am didn’t help – not that you’ll ever hear a Kenyan complain about the heat as they finish a marathon in 2 hrs.

I even had new running shoes, new running shorts and a new sports bra. Still they didn’t do what they said on the box. I didn’t run faster and I didn’t keep cooler. No one was going to miss me though in my neon yellow that’s for sure!

I’ve been a loyal New Balance wearer for some time now and I have loved every pair of W890s that I have owned. This time, however, something made me head back to Nike. Maybe I fell for the hype around the new Nike Flyknit? Well hype or not – the rave reviews all ring true so far. It is a magnificent shoe – light, cushiony and supportive, without any rigidity or stiffness. It is simply like putting on a supportive sock with a cushioned sole. So even though I didn’t run faster today – I’m pretty sure I will be running faster in these soon. My only critique of the shoe is that the heel comes up a little high on my achilles. I noticed my New Balance are cut out at the heel like an ‘M’ shape – whereas the Nike is an inverted ‘V’. Not sure if this is intended to support the achilles – but my fear was that it would rub. With my Balega socks though, there was no rubbing, and the Flyknit provided the perfect comfortable ride. Now if Atlanta could just adjust the morning temperature for me I’ll be on my way.

Off to the Braves!

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Not really pool weather here today so we’ve decided to head off to watch the baseball. I love going to Turner Field. It’s even more fun now the kids are old enough to sit through the whole 9 innings – as long as I take enough snacks to feed an army. I ran this morning so I’ve earned my pretzel and beers:)

It’s hot here but last time I wore shorts to the Braves game I sweated like a very sweaty thing on the plastic seats – nasty – I walked out looking like I’d had an accident…so today it’s neon jeans in an effort to stay cooler, or at least drier on the plastic seats! The planning that goes into an outfit can never be underestimated!

Jeans – Gap neon flamingo // Sneakers – Golden Goose Francy // T-shirt – Zara (old)

Before I start chanting at the Ted – as I was perusing the Boden Preview (20% off PRV3) yesterday, I thought I’d take a gander at the clearance section for this season. There are so many fabulous items currently discounted. I grabbed three sweaters that, in my eyes, are absolute bargains for the coming Fall.

This Cashmere crew neck in almond is divine – reduced from $148 to $88.80 – a bargain for cashmere. If it works out I may order more colors.

I’ve had my eye on this drop shoulder jumper in yellow all season and now it’s reduced to just $34 so I snapped up the yellow and the silver thank you very much.

Finally today is a very important day for a very dear friend – Happy 40th Birthday Mrs. School Gate Style – you’ll love your 40s I promise!

Boden Fall Preview!!

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Oooh it’s a while since I’ve been SO excited about Boden’s preview! They are really changing things over in West London. The first thing I noticed on the preview were the colors – lots of fabulous pinks, oranges and greens, along with some beautiful neutral tones. Classic Boden is still there for the loyal followers, but there is definitely a younger, contemporary vibe to appeal to those more ‘on trend’ shoppers.

Here are some of my top picks that are sitting in my shopping cart – don’t bother adding it up – it’s a lot! There is however 20% off the preview right now (code PRV3) and it’s always nice to get items you REALLY want before anyone else has tried them and returned them, though you will have to wait till the end of July if you can!

You all know how much I’ve loved this season’s folded clutch – well next season’s version is a dream too, in some amazing colors. It’s quite large as you can see from the above photo. I have the following colors in my cart:) Again it can also be worn cross body – I love the versatility for day to evening.

Next up are these amazing Chelsea boots – look at the details and trim! The pewter would be amazing with some black wool trousers – if only I still worked in the City I’d wear them every day!

These fuchsia desert boots are fabulous – just imagine them with a grey cashmere jumper and boyfriend jeans!

The Chic ankle boot is a dead ringer for the Sam Edelman Petty boot – so it’s not in my cart as I have the leopard print version sitting in my closet – but you know Boden’s quality will be amazing.

There is plenty of cashmere again this season. I have J.Crew and Boden cashmere – and Boden’s is far superior – so much softer and better quality – in my eyes anyway. This year I want a simple black crew neck.

This cashmere sweater is gorgeous – more expensive because of the pattern, but for a statement jumper it can’t be beaten.

Finally (for now) I adore this short sleeved sweater – again perfect with boyfriend jeans, which it looks like I’ll be wearing through to Christmas this year!

My only critique is PLEASE don’t become just another J.Crew – there are a couple of items that are completely J.Crew – stop it Boden and stick with your own creativity please.

This necklace is a smaller version of the ubiquitous J.Crew bubble necklace:

…and this sweater is either J.Crew or Joules…not keen I’m afraid.

What are your favorite picks for next season? Just try and save some pennies as I expect there will be a lot more added throughout the season again as they have done this summer!

Bowie.

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There’s a bit of a theme developing here. Normally my Husband accuses me of channeling the 80s all the time – well not at the moment – I’m all about the 70s. Remember this photo of Gwen Stefani I shared the other day?

Well as soon as I saw Asos were offering 20% off over Memorial weekend I snapped up the Bowie t-shirt! I’m thrilled with it. I’ve bought more from Asos this season than ever before, and everything has been great quality, with free shipping and returns whats not to love? Right now they are offering 30% off accessories and shoes and there are some great deals!

Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers // Skirt – Zara // T-shirt – Asos // Jacket – Zara // Watch – men’s G-shock

Unintentionally my Essie ‘DJ play that song’ nail polish was the perfect match for the t-shirt!

While the kids were at camp this morning I snook into the mall. I know I should never do this – especially when I know the sales are starting soon. I had been casually admiring this jumpsuit on the Zara site and just assumed that there was not a chance in hell that both the bottom and top half would fit. The large would be too big in the butt, and the medium too small across the boobs. Well they had a medium hanging there – new on the rack – so what the hell I tried it! OMG it was perfect – it’s a lovely crepe material – really light for the summer, and it is much more of a strawberry color than the website pic suggests. SO 1970s – so Saturday Night Fever – where’s my mirror ball and John? It’s coming on vacation with me – damn that means I need to bring a pair of heels too!

No rest for the wicked.

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I’m sneaking in 5 minutes to myself to do this post. Remind me – the other day I said things slowed down in the summer? Not so today – camp, dentist appointments for the kids, lunch, then a play date here for Poppy. Doesn’t sound too much does it, but I feel like I’ve already earned my wine. I’m telling you stay at home Moms/Dads are goddesses/gods in my eyes. I do not have the requisite levels of patience to do this every day:) Having said that I’m having much fun watching them wear each other out in the paddling pool outside.

Pants – Matalan (old) // Sneakers – Converse charcoal // T-shirt – Zara (old)

Feeling groovy.

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I hope you all had an amazing long weekend. Mine was spent by the pool chilling and having lots of fun with friends. It feels a bit odd being back in regular clothes today.

I’m convinced my hair is benefiting from taking Biotin combined with the sunshine – it feels pretty long today – well long for short hair if you know what I mean. I am determined to grow it over the summer and see how close I can get to a bob by Fall. In the meantime it requires plenty of wax for tucking it behind the ears. As I dried it this morning I felt inspired by the 70s and tried to make my flick as Farrah-like as possible at the front. Gosh she was beautiful wasn’t she?

Going with the 70s theme I went with my Lotta from Stockholm clogs. I love these shoes – they are incredibly comfortable and at $85 they are far cheaper than Swedish Hasbeens. You can buy them here on Amazon or via the Lotta site. I applied a couple of treatments of olive oil to these nude ones to age them a bit and make the leather a tad darker. They also have a great Facebook page with regular updates on new styles here.

Jeans – Asos // Shirt – The Shirt from Boden // Clogs – Lotta from Stockholm // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco

Summer picks from Boden.

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It’s been a while since I bought from Boden – I think I had too much of a good thing for a while. The last items I bought were a couple of shirts (last seen here), which I have to say are amazing quality and the detailing is far superior to any other brand at the equivalent price point. I have the seaspray and lemon curd gingham – gorgeous summer colors.

Well it’s now that time of year, now summer has well and truly arrived, that I start lusting over the amazing Boden tunics. I am a sucker for a great Boden tunic. The ease of wearing them in the heat can’t be beaten. The jersey ones are my favorite – they can be worn poolside, out for dinner or for travel. They wash and pack super easily. So as I have only 3 weeks before packing for England and N. Cyprus I thought I’d have a little peek.

Boden have switched up their product launches this year. Instead of only the main Spring range, with Summer items added at a later date, they seem to be drip feeding more items throughout the season. It makes sense – it keeps the consumer going back more often. At the start of Spring there were only 3 tunics to choose from. Now there are many more – and they are gorgeous!

The Breton this year is lovely – personally I prefer the traditional blue and white, but I have a soft spot for the charcoal and soft red too.

The Biarritz is just fabulous – I will wear this for cocktails. I LOVE the guava print – it’s got such a glamorous vintage feel to it.

The knitted kaftan is this year’s version of the Florence tunic that I have a couple of (here and here). I love the pattern this year – again it gives it a great vintage feel.

Finally I’ve just ordered all 3 colors in this one – I just couldn’t choose – the plait detail tunic. It will be perfect for traveling and I can wear it day and night – I love the fact it is sleeveless too.

I prefer a tunic to a maxi as I like to show my legs. Do you like tunics? Which are your picks for the summer? If you decide to try don’t forget that Boden have a great discount right now – get 20% off with free shipping and returns using this link before Thursday!

Love your body.

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So I know I am bound to get mixed comments regarding this – but you all know I’m a bit daft sometimes…Plus I have an important message.

I’m doing this to demonstrate that whatever your shape or size we are all fabulous. Last year my friend was nervous about wearing a bikini for the first time in years. I was amazed. I told her to stop worrying, have a glass of cava and get the bikini on. At the pool I certainly don’t analyze women from head to toe, so I’m pretty certain they are not eyeing me up and down – and if they are who cares? I have never worried about wearing a bikini even after kids, and I certainly do not have a perfect body. In France I can’t wait to go topless (or Norwich even, as my Husband has just reminded me!!). I have some gorgeous flesh on my tummy, with the stretch marks from both pregnancies – they make me smile every time I see them. I can push the flesh around on my tummy and contort all sorts of images. My legs are rock hard from running and cycling, which is why I love wearing short skirts and patterned trousers – you have to emphasize your assets. I am the perfect apple shape.

So ladies – I see the sun is shining in the UK, and it’s Memorial weekend here in the US, so get your bikinis on and flaunt everything you have!

Bikini – Boden Ruffle trim bikini (LOVE this bikini and there are similar here with 20% off using my banners – enjoy)

Buying cheaper can backfire.

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Do you remember earlier in the year I was considering buying the Alexander Wang Rocco in tangerine? Sharron at StyleAtEveryAge had also blogged about her love for the neon Rocco and I was that close to ordering it. At $850 it is not crazy expensive, but it was still more than I wanted to spend on an every day bag. So I was over the moon when I saw the Alexander Wang Diego on TheOutnet.com at half price!

I bought it and have had a love hate relationship with it ever since. I love the style and the color, but the leather was laser cut – it almost felt like velvet. It meant that it lifted dye from every item of clothing it came into contact with. I tried using baby wipes – apparently a fool proof way of removing clothing dye from bags – but the leather – as it was like a fabric – did not respond. So sadly I returned it for a store credit this week. Just goes to show trying to make a ‘saving’ is not always the best approach. TheOutnet.com were brilliant about the return, as I had bought it way back in January, – and you know what – I knew immediately what to spend my credit on!!

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the Anya Hindmarch shoulder bag in mushroom on sale at $472 reduced from $1350.

I personally refer to this bag as the “Kat” bag, as Kat over at DoesMyBumLook40 got hers late last year from the Bicester Village outlets (which I cannot wait to visit one trip back to the UK!). I think it is the same shade as Kat’s – if so it will be perfect with my Acne Pistols, and of course most of my other boots! It is winging it’s way to me as we speak thanks to the lovely Ashley at TheOutnet.com who held it for me until my Diego return was processed. There are, however, still some left on the US site along with a lovely red color. I’m not sure it is a brand that is well recognized over here yet, so they haven’t flown out of the door as quickly as I had anticipated. For me it adds something special to it because the brand isn’t seen everywhere, unlike Coach for example.

You’ll never guess what too? The lovely Husband, knowing about my disappointment over the the Diego, and hearing my ‘need’ for a summer bag, walked in today with this for me. Spoiled, me? Oh yes.

School’s out for Summer!

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Yes it is the last day of school today!!! Early here, but we go back on the 7th August, plus we always seem to finish before Memorial Day which is this Monday, and the unofficial start of Summer. The pools are open and summer camps begin – the rhythm of life changes. I love it – less routine, with far lazier starts to the day. I woke Poppy this morning to the gentle refrain of me singing ‘School’s Out’ – nothing but encouragement to get her out of bed – though, as she had lost a tooth yesterday, she was pretty spritely looking for her gift from the tooth fairy. Is it wrong that I had to take cash out of her piggy bank for the tooth fairy? That’s what I call recycling:)

Once she was up, and had written her thank you card for her teacher – she burst into tears poor thing. I thought she was going to be excited about the end of school, but it must be bittersweet. The fact she was so sad to finish 1st grade confirms we’ve had a brilliant year, with fabulous friends and a wonderful teacher. Now I just have to convince her that 2nd grade will be twice as much fun!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Back on track with the running.

Off to the Braves!

Jeans – Gap neon flamingo // Sneakers – Golden Goose Francy // T-shirt – Zara (old)

Boden Fall Preview!!

Bowie.

Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers // Skirt – Zara // T-shirt – Asos // Jacket – Zara // Watch – men’s G-shock

No rest for the wicked.

Pants – Matalan (old) // Sneakers – Converse charcoal // T-shirt – Zara (old)

Feeling groovy.

Jeans – Asos // Shirt – The Shirt from Boden // Clogs – Lotta from Stockholm // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco

Summer picks from Boden.

Love your body.

Bikini – Boden Ruffle trim bikini (LOVE this bikini and there are similar here with 20% off using my banners – enjoy)

Buying cheaper can backfire.

School’s out for Summer!

Shoes – Vince Nina // Trousers – J.Crew café capris // T-shirt – Gap // Jacket – Zara (old)

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Jeans – Gap neon flamingo // Sneakers – Golden Goose Francy // T-shirt – Zara (old)

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Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers // Skirt – Zara // T-shirt – Asos // Jacket – Zara // Watch – men’s G-shock

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Pants – Matalan (old) // Sneakers – Converse charcoal // T-shirt – Zara (old)

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Jeans – Asos // Shirt – The Shirt from Boden // Clogs – Lotta from Stockholm // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco

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Bikini – Boden Ruffle trim bikini (LOVE this bikini and there are similar here with 20% off using my banners – enjoy)

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Shoes – Vince Nina // Trousers – J.Crew café capris // T-shirt – Gap // Jacket – Zara (old)

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