May Madness.

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I know March Madness has passed (college basketball finals for the non-American readers) – but for me the real madness sets in in May. May is the end of the school year here, and with my daughter’s birthday (and it seems every other child in her class!) and the excitement of overseas visitors, it is a crazy month.

On Saturday we made our first, and hopefully last trip to the American Girl Store. I have delayed it as long as possible – but it seems the 7 year old birthday is the one where the burning desire for a ‘mini me’ kicks in. It turned into the perfect trip for Saturday morning as it was miserable weather here – persistent rain all weekend! The mall was empty when we arrived – I soon discovered why – EVERYONE was in the American Girl store. Moms and daughters had traveled from all over the South East seeking their perfect doll – it was terrifying. Poppy, however, was thrilled and we left with Saige – an artist and animal lover apparently. Poppy’s birthday isn’t till the 18th, and normally I vehemently disagree with the notion of ‘early’ birthday presents – but her friend is having her birthday tea party at the American Girl store this week – so Saige was required a week or so early so she can accompany Poppy for tea – I will not be.

The rest of the rainy weekend was spent painting the basement. For some reason the Husband has become rather gung ho about decorating. I’ve no idea where this new found enthusiasm has come from – probably from the ridiculously high painting quotes we’ve had. Anyway I’m rather pleased with the progress we have made though my hair currently looks like it has been used as a paint brush.

Finally here are some improvised rainy, Spring outfits – I am hoping the legs can be bared again by the end of the week!

Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old – similar here) // Shirt – J.Crew Indian voile popover (some sizes available in the sale here) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker in Camel (similar here)

Jeans – H&M tapered boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Clarks Hamble Oak // T-shirt – Target (old) // Jacket – Zara

Jacket – Boden Limited Edition Chic Leather Biker Jacket (old) // T-shirt – Zara long sleeved with zip at the back (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Boots – Acne Pistols

Fun in Forever 21

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It was a wet, drizzly morning here so after spin class I didn’t quite know what to do with myself. What I should have done is finish painting the spare room for when our guests arrive in 2 weeks – what I did do was head to the Mall. Now it is always dangerous for me to head to the Mall when I am on a spending freeze (self imposed after the Golden Goose purchases). It is rare I can escape the Mall without something getting lodged in my head screaming ‘buy me! buy me!’. In order to try and mitigate a complete failure I thought Forever 21 would be a safe destination, firstly because everything is so young I would be in complete mutton territory, but secondly if there was to be something screaming at me it might just be a teeny tiny $20 scream that no one would notice.

Friday morning is the BEST time to be in Forever 21 – full racks and empty changing rooms. It is essential to try everything as they don’t do refunds here – only exchanges – not sure if this is the same in the UK? Of course, after muttering ‘spending freeze’, within the first 2 racks I found items that I thought I should try – for the sake of research of course – I’m helping you girls out! Half way around the store a lovely man said ‘you look like you need this’ – and handed me a bag. Now some of what I picked up was honestly just for a giggle – if I was going to try things I might as well have some fun.

First up was this denim dress – now I did quite like this when I picked it up – I thought it might be fun with my Dickers or with sandals. Hideous on and the poppers gaped with my boobs.

But wait it gets worse – next up was this ‘dress’ – on putting it on it has to be a tunic – you could even see it was time for a bikini wax again! And yes – just confirmed it is a tunic looking here on the Forever 21 site – I’m obviously losing my mind. Regardless it still made me look incredibly top heavy…

Now I didn’t try the following with the intention of wearing them together, but I had to nip and get my bag of other items, and I wanted to spare the other customers the sight of me in my control underwear. I do really like both items separately. I probably need a large in the top – but it was a great sweatshirt material with embellished shoulders – great with jeans. I also loved the skirt – a gorgeous pattern – but Forever 21 are cheap for a reason – the quality was not good. The pattern wouldn’t sit straight – for some reason the waistband was crooked, it would have driven me nuts.

Now we’re getting to the ridiculous – a playsuit. I started to sweat when I realized getting this off was more difficult than getting it on…panic set in when I knew there was no over the head option.

Now this skirt – you may think is complete mutton – but there was something about it that made me take a second look. With the right top and shoes I think it could be quite nice – I just really struggle to like lace. The leopard print top with it makes me look like I should be behind the bar at The Rovers.

Next are two tops I LOVED and damn it I can’t see either online – which is probably good as I may have ordered them. I really liked these t-shirts and I would have bought them were it not for not wanting to spend money. This one was lovely but I needed a medium – the large was just a tad too big, though would probably shrink in the wash – just $10 – brilliant. (Update online here).

This was my favorite – a gorgeous drapey knit. Sorry about the rubbish photo – I got all excited because I liked it so much. It drapes at the back too and the marks are on the mirror not the top.

So a lot of fun was had by me this morning. I did go and buy more paint so maybe that can be considered painting progress?

Finally I must thank School Gate Style – she very kindly went out of her way to buy and send me this dress from Ted Baker. It arrived yesterday and is simply gorgeous. It helps to have good friends around the globe:) It is sold here but is completely sold out online. Some Bloomingdale’s do have concessions though. There is also a gorgeous scarf available in the same print here.

Some punk inspiration.

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I walked into the kitchen this morning to the sound of ‘You’re my favorite waste of time‘ – not sure if it was the Owen Paul version or the original version, but here’s the Owen Paul version from ’86, which I remember well.

After a bleary couple of seconds wondering why Nick Jr. wasn’t on the t.v. yet – I realized it was my lovely Husband’s way of reminding me that 22 years ago today, over a couple of Newkie Browns in The Central Bar, he announced he was ‘infatuated’ with me. I remember the whole day so vividly – from bumping into him in the library, to the Moscow Mules, to the shock and delight of discovering he ‘was into me’ (I told the story here last year). He was, and still is, the antithesis of every other guy I had dated – non-conformist, smart, sensitive and charming (not sure how many of my exes read this – they might not anymore!) – I had a pretty good feeling this one was a keeper.

As the summer of ’91 progressed, our relationship hit the fast track. Within a couple of months we were planning our first vacation together. He was studying for his PhD in Byzantine History so it seemed natural to head for Turkey – somewhere I had never been before – but I was excited to have my personal tour guide. Our first overseas adventure was thrilling – back packing down from Istanbul, via various Roman ruins (and bars), to Side on The Mediterranean, where we drank Efes in the sun. It was the trip that sealed the deal for me – he was the ‘one’ – oh and he was hot too – look at the hair and those soccer playing legs!:))

These next photos made me giggle. They are some of the very few we have from the early 90s as most of our photos were stolen, along with other items, from the container when we moved here. My love of harem trousers must have come from him – here we are at my Graduation Ball in 1992 – he was dressed in Turkish, tailor made, harem trousers with a tailcoat – and had more jewelry than me:)

Love the photo bombers in the back:)

So today, unintentionally, I realized I could be accused of channeling one of his favorite bands – The Clash. Happy ‘when we started dating’ anniversary my lovely…

Jacket – Zara // Trousers – Zara tartan trousers (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Polo shirt – Matalan

Where’s my whistle?

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So it’s a special day today – I’m wearing my new Golden Goose sneakers. For many of you, when you see the price, you will think I have gone absolutely stark raving bonkers, you might even consider it irresponsible to spend so much on a pair of sneakers. But before you start tssking let me just say this – I am fortunate that my work/life situation means I don’t need to wear suits anymore. When I was in the corporate world I would have to buy suits and then clothes for outside of work. Now I can wear all my clothes for any occasion – nothing is deemed inappropriate in our office – anything goes basically, as long as you can handle the ridicule that may ensue if you take it to the ridiculous. So I feel am able to justify spending a little more on items that I know I can wear everyday and anywhere. These fabulous sparkly shoes will be worn for work and play – with jeans, dresses and shorts – I am actually struggling to think of an item in my closet that I can’t wear them with. In addition to this they bring me pure simple joy. Justification done.

These glitter Golden Goose were bought from Barney‘s and they have some sizes left. I went for a Eur 39 and they fit perfectly – I’m normally a US 8-8.5 so ignore the fact that all the GG size charts claim that a Eur 39 is a US 9. One of my favorite retailers, James Perse (best known for their fabulous tees and cotton clothes), has also started selling Golden Goose and they have just received a shipment of the new SS 2013 collection. I personally LOVE the Francy in peach – gorgeous with sun kissed legs and shorts.

The Husband muttered something about refereeing as I walked in the office, I ignored him…

Trousers – BlankNYC faux leather trousers Madewell (some sizes left on sale) // Top – Zara // Jacket – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose Barney’s

Silver shoes.

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So after saying the other day that cropped trousers are better with heels, I have completely contradicted myself – I think they look fabulous with flats too! I actually saw the J.Crew café capris styled with Supergas in a recent J.Crew catalog that landed in my mailbox. Given how impeccable their styling is, I figured if J.Crew can do it so can I. I quite like the result – I feel stylishly casual:) I’m of two minds about still wearing wool capris on the last day of April – happy I’m getting some wear out of them, but confused by the lack of heat here in Atlanta. There are still a few sizes available in this modern red color at just $34.99.

Trousers – J.Crew wool café capris // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Target // Sneakers – silver lamé Supergas

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The best leggings ever!

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I love leggings, and as you know I have the TopShop faux leather leggings that I bought from Nordstrom, which I last wore here – but I have found some even better ones!

Dear Ruby is a boutique located in Utah – a long way away from Atlanta – but I have known about them for a while. I discovered them last year while looking for jewelry – of which they have a great collection of extremely pretty items, all at fantastic prices, especially their bib necklaces. Anyway, I had ‘liked’ them on Facebook and the other day in my newsfeed I saw that they were giving away some faux leather leggings. I took a peek and found these on their site for just $14!! They also have them in oxblood, and all their prices are amazing.

Their styling online could be better, and requires a little imagination but trust me – I just love these leggings. They add a little pizazz to a simple outfit and are great for day or night. The absolute best thing about them is the waistband. Instead of being a narrow piece of elastic, like most leggings, that can pinch in your waist and create a fabulous muffin top – these have a wider band around the waist that is smoothing and contours to your shape. It reminds me a bit of the belly bands I wore when I was pregnant. It’s not a high band – just very smooth and removes any risk of muffin top – so much so I wore mine here with a very tight long tank dress without any fear of lumps or bumps. These leggings are great value for money, wash well and are super comfortable and flattering – what more could a girl want?

Faux leather leggings – c/o Dear Ruby // Tank dress – H&M (old) // Cardigan – AllSaints plume cardigan (old) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury charcoal suede boots (old)

A weekend tinged with sadness.

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We adopted Rosie, our Boxer, back in 2001, and we’re guessing she was about 2 years old then. So we knew the chances of her seeing it into 2014 would be slim – we knew she was slowing down. On Friday morning, given some symptoms and tests, the vet advised it was her time, so with heavy hearts we said farewell to her. The end of an era. Rosie was one of the few constants in our lives over the past 12 years, she was gentle and loyal and we loved her so much. RIP Rosie xx

Rosie when we adopted here – she had no hair on her back bless her but it all grew back:

Rosie with MM – living the dream with a t-top Camaro (2002):

On one of our adventures in North Carolina:

The children were sad but quite pragmatic so we aimed to keep the weekend as normal as possible. Yesterday we headed out to the mall and then to their favorite BBQ joint for a treat. We talked about angels, old dogs and puppies, and now they seem quite at peace with the outcome. We still have Tennyson here, and Poppy has requested that when we get our next girl dog that she has a tail – so we’re moving on…

It was a gorgeous day so I decided to go full on with the spring attire:)

Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys

Last night was date night so we toasted Rosie before eating.

Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-Shirt – Express (old) // Shoes – DSW // Cuff – Tiffany (MM bought me this Xmas of 2001 and I’ve no idea why I wear it so rarely!)

Miami Vice.

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MM called me Tubbs this morning and I wasn’t sure if he was referring to Miami Vice or The League of Gentlemen (a reference some US readers won’t appreciate – sorry!). I am guessing it was the former given my white ensemble today.

This is a case of poor preparation. I was planning to wear skinny jeans and then remembered I was having a pedicure later so I needed to wear a skirt, shorts or jeans I can roll up. I went with the jeans – but tried to substitute my distressed white skinnies from H&M for shiny white 501s and it really hasn’t worked – the proportions are all wrong. Even after a jacket change I’m still not happy. But after faffing around with photos etc…I didn’t have time to start again. So here I am. When it warms up later I’ll be taking my jacket off, and adding flip flops after the pedicure – a much better ensemble I think – and at least my feet will be looking good. I’m trying to distress these 501s slowly with a razor – I keep shaving threads off a couple of patches, hoping that with some washing they will split, but it’s not happening fast enough so I may just have to resort to the sandpaper trick.

With the first Zara jacket:

Jacket – Zara // Jeans – Levi 501s // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys // Top – Zara

After changing the jacket (White jersey blazer from Zara – old):

A quick note too – as many of you know I churn my closet often and I’ve been selling gently used items that are all in excellent condition here on eBay. Given my ‘power seller’ status and 100% rating I’ve decided to try out my own store front here on the blog. If you click ‘Shop‘ on the menu you will see a couple of items listed. I’ll be adding more here, instead of eBay, to see how it goes. Payment is still easy and secure through Paypal.

A new jacket.

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Sticking with my formula for feeling great, i.e. jeans + jacket, I have been trawling online store fronts, perusing jackets at every opportunity. I’ve convinced myself that now I know what works for me, at least for daily ease and work attire, surely I can justify more items that adhere to the formula?

This jacket looked NOTHING on the Zara site (a little better now with the new model and styling) – but based on plain black jacket I have that is a similar style I decided to try it. I am so glad I did – I love it! It is really lightweight and has lovely wide, bracelet length cuffs. I think the cropped style works great with these Asos Saxby jeans. The jeans were an absolute bargain and my favorite boyfriend jeans to date. They have low slung pockets at the back and are loose fitting throughout the leg. Not too distressed either – just enough. If you use 30ASOSRMN you can get $30 off $150 with free shipping till April 28th.

Oooh and my current favorite nail polish was applied last night – China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy that I first saw on Eve on AllWornOutBlog.com. It is a gorgeous neon peachy pink that glows next to a tan – LOVE it!

Jeans – Asos Saxby // Shoes – Vince Nina // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap sunwashed t-shirt

I wanted to leave you with this – remember the Dove sketch commercial I shared last Friday? Well Avril sent me the parody that is now circulating – I found it so funny…

Chinos and leopard.

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I love wearing cropped trousers, though you really have to be careful with them as they can make you look really short! As much as I like wearing flats during the day, especially as it warms up here, I really think a heel looks better with these J.Crew chino café capris. I have these trousers in red and black – they are super comfortable – lightweight with lots of stretch. There’s currently 25% off every J.Crew online order, and in stores, using code SPRINGBEST. Of course this cardigan is the cream version of the Marks & Spencer biker cardigan that I got back in February. I still love the versatility of this knitted piece for layering. I can’t see the cream jacket online at the moment, but I bet it can still be tracked down in stores – the black version is still available online here. M&S are currently offering free shipping to the US too – no code required – stock up on your underwear! As an aside I swear by these bodies and wear one almost daily.

Trousers – J.Crew café capris // Shoes – Nine West Austin // T-shirt – Express (old) // Cardigan – Marks & Spencer biker cardigan

Don’t forget too about the Boden mid season sale!! Up to 40% off! Those coats may be mine:)

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

May Madness.

Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old – similar here) // Shirt – J.Crew Indian voile popover (some sizes available in the sale here) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker in Camel (similar here)

Jeans – H&M tapered boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Clarks Hamble Oak // T-shirt – Target (old) // Jacket – Zara

Jacket – Boden Limited Edition Chic Leather Biker Jacket (old) // T-shirt – Zara long sleeved with zip at the back (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Boots – Acne Pistols

Fun in Forever 21

Some punk inspiration.

Jacket – Zara // Trousers – Zara tartan trousers (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Polo shirt – Matalan

Where’s my whistle?

Trousers – BlankNYC faux leather trousers Madewell (some sizes left on sale) // Top – Zara // Jacket – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose Barney’s

Silver shoes.

Trousers – J.Crew wool café capris // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Target // Sneakers – silver lamé Supergas

The best leggings ever!

Faux leather leggings – c/o Dear Ruby // Tank dress – H&M (old) // Cardigan – AllSaints plume cardigan (old) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury charcoal suede boots (old)

A weekend tinged with sadness.

Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys

Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-Shirt – Express (old) // Shoes – DSW // Cuff – Tiffany (MM bought me this Xmas of 2001 and I’ve no idea why I wear it so rarely!)

Miami Vice.

Jacket – Zara // Jeans – Levi 501s // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys // Top – Zara

A new jacket.

Jeans – Asos Saxby // Shoes – Vince Nina // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap sunwashed t-shirt

Chinos and leopard.

Trousers – J.Crew café capris // Shoes – Nine West Austin // T-shirt – Express (old) // Cardigan – Marks & Spencer biker cardigan

Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old – similar here) // Shirt – J.Crew Indian voile popover (some sizes available in the sale here) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker in Camel (similar here)

Jeans – H&M tapered boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Clarks Hamble Oak // T-shirt – Target (old) // Jacket – Zara

Jacket – Boden Limited Edition Chic Leather Biker Jacket (old) // T-shirt – Zara long sleeved with zip at the back (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Boots – Acne Pistols

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Jacket – Zara // Trousers – Zara tartan trousers (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Polo shirt – Matalan

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Trousers – BlankNYC faux leather trousers Madewell (some sizes left on sale) // Top – Zara // Jacket – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose Barney’s

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Trousers – J.Crew wool café capris // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Target // Sneakers – silver lamé Supergas

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Faux leather leggings – c/o Dear Ruby // Tank dress – H&M (old) // Cardigan – AllSaints plume cardigan (old) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury charcoal suede boots (old)

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Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys

Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-Shirt – Express (old) // Shoes – DSW // Cuff – Tiffany (MM bought me this Xmas of 2001 and I’ve no idea why I wear it so rarely!)

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Jacket – Zara // Jeans – Levi 501s // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys // Top – Zara

Related articles

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Jeans – Asos Saxby // Shoes – Vince Nina // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap sunwashed t-shirt

Related articles

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Trousers – J.Crew café capris // Shoes – Nine West Austin // T-shirt – Express (old) // Cardigan – Marks & Spencer biker cardigan

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