I’m a lucky girl…

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…because I got another night out with MM last night!! That’s two nights out this month already, and a couple of lunches – I should plan solo trips abroad more often! I leave for Blighty in just over a week and to say I am excited is an understatement. I’ve already started laying out my clothes in the bedroom to try and plan my capsule travel wardrobe. Never fun – there’s always more I want to take. I wish I was a good packer. The UK weather also complicates matters as I need layers and I want to take suede boots – but that’s just madness for Bury in February no? How do you pack? Do you have it down to a fine art? Tips please! You’d think I’d be a pro by now but not so.

Yesterday I was begging for more warm weather – the sun shone but I think I was overly ambitious in my J.Crew shirt (some colors, including this neon rose, are in the sale) – it was still pretty chilly. The scarf is an old H&M one and the jeans are Gap. The flats are the VInce Camuto Fawna that I got in the sale. I had to return the pink ones as the glitter came off after one wear – let’s hope these last a tad longer.

So last night we headed to our favorite bar that overlooks the downtown skyline. I ate oysters and drank prosecco – it was lovely. I wore my Hudson Leeloo jeans that I got on sale at Zappos.com. I LOVE them – so stretchy and comfy – the ‘bone’ color is perfect – not too white if you know what I mean – cream in fact! The blouse is Zara as is the jacket, and the boots are the Nine West Buster that I got on sale. The clutch is and YSL Belle de Jour, a present from MM for our anniversary a couple of years ago:) Oh and my nail polish is Chanel black satin – gorgeous color but doesn’t wear well, regardless of a great base coat and top coat.

Okay back to the packing while the kids are at the park – wish me luck!

A man’s best friend.

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I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned before but MM and I are currently watching the entire collection of The West Wing. I bought it for him a couple of years ago and it’s only now we’ve had the courage to start watching it all again. I am flabbergasted how so many issues that Aaron Sorkin wrote about are still relevant today. We watched an episode on gun control last night and I had to keep reminding myself that The West Wing is fictional – it was uncanny.

I’m about to head out for a tacos and margarita lunch with MM. I can’t wait. While I do wait though, we just had a power cut here – it must be all the rain making trees keel over in the soft ground. So the dogs and I passed the time with a little photo shoot. Tennyson couldn’t resist getting in the action – he’s a bit of a diva, Rosie stayed out of it – she’s not too proud to admit her heydays are over – so she directed off camera.

I’m layered up today as it is cold but keeps threatening to warm up – I’m ready for it – come on sunshine stop hiding away! I’m wearing one of my first ever AllSaints jumpers – so old I can’t remember the name – over a Forever 21 color block long sleeve t-shirt. The jeans are H&M coated jeggings and the boots are the AllSaints Bonny Cuban. Oh and the scarf is H&M from last year – I love the lips. I think lips are almost better than hearts for Valentine’s Day – so I might drag it out on the 14th again – though I do still despise Valentine’s Day!

Wait for me!!

Come on pat my head!

Aaaaah thank you:)

We’re looking good!

Woof!

A natural high.

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So I paid a visit to see Charlie yesterday at the AllSaints concession in Bloomingdale’s here in Atlanta. The lovely Charlie went above and beyond the call of duty to help and advise me. I tried on everything I could in the limited time available. Rubbish me didn’t get any photos – I just didn’t think sorry! I was too busy chatting with Charlie about the brand, and admiring the new, improved layout of the store and the fabulous new collection.

I can report back on the following items though:

1. The Sago jumper dress is gorgeous – sexy, drapey and SO flattering with leggings or jeans. I’m waiting for the black to come in and then it will be mine – make sure you size down.

2. The Riviera dress – now in jersey it just didn’t work – the slits are so high at the thigh and the jersey falls so that ALL my thigh was on show. Now my legs ain’t bad but showing them up to my hoo-ha at my age just ain’t decent. The Riviera in the silk peony print, however, was DIVINE! The silk means it falls a little more conservatively at the front. Yes there are still splits at each side – but I felt sexy in this, not mutton. I am sorely tempted by the peony print but I’m not really a navy girl so will be waiting for the mono print. I have VERY high hopes for this dress.

3. The Camille jersey dress – hmmm I sized down and it still felt a bit blah – just too shapeless I’m afraid.

4. The Venice tee dress – I bought this! In Charcoal, and wait for it – in a size UK 4!!!! No way am I a 4 (US 0) but I’ll take it! (Lovely Charlie massaged my ego telling me how much weight I’d lost – no wonder his sales numbers are up!).

5. The Ggt Daiaki dress – I really loved the silhouette of this dress – and it would look so cool, edgy and sophisticated with leggings. Unfortunately my boobs meant that the buttons gaped – it would have been mine were it not for that – sizing up would have made it too sack like:(

6. The Peony sleeveless crew neck – on the hanger this looked perfect – on me it looked dreadful. AllSaints here is a plea to you – stop making your armholes SO big – I don’t want to show my bra never mind the roll of flab that sits above it – smaller arm holes would be far more flattering and protect others from viewing far too much, thank you.

As I walked out of Bloomingdale’s I was delighted to see a new Ted Baker concession. My sister loves Ted Baker and we often have a look when we’re at the Trafford Center. Since my visit yesterday I have been thinking longingly about this beauty – the Rainbow Viewpoint dress. Loud yes, but it reminds me so much of London I might just have to have it.

Without wanting to sound completely self righteous, I had the most amazing run on the treadmill this morning so I was still high as a kite when I took my photos today…I’m wearing the AllSaints Godiva sweater, from the sale last year, layered over an H&M tank dress, with the Zara snake print trousers and my Acne Pistols.

Another wish list.

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I am a complete brand obsessive – meaning once I find a brand I love I can never have enough. I am currently obsessed with J.Crew, Boden, Zara, Rag & Bone, Hudson Jeans and of course AllSaints. I tend to go through stages with each where I am totally lusting over everything on their website. It’s an eclectic mix, it has to be said, but oddly enough it all seems to mesh together quite well in the closet, and can be mixed appropriately for various occasions.

I’m currently obsessing over EVERYTHING on the AllSaints website. Their new collection is perfection. I have managed to stay away for a while but my cart is now up to $1500. It is a wish list of sorts. I certainly won’t be ordering all of it, but right now I have no idea how to cull it. I WANT IT ALL.

First I HAVE to have this Kayo sweater dress – with a silk body it is just divine. I’d wear this with leggings or bare legs in the Spring with my Newbury boots.

Next the Sago sweater dress in black – I just love the drape and the open shoulder. Again perfect with skinnies or leggings and ankle boots.

For summer I would live in the Camille jersey dress and Venice tee dress. Both perfectly versatile for the hot Atlanta summer – I love the grey in both – perfect with sunkissed legs.

Finally I have a casual wedding to attend in Stockholm in August and I plan to be wearing this. I just adore it – it’s only available on the UK site right now – the Mono Riviera dress. This print is amazing.

There is more in my cart – the Kayo dress and the Oran top, for example. It seriously is one of the best collections of clothes I’ve seen from AllSaints. I’m smitten. I’ll let you know what I order after I’ve nipped to Bloomingdale’s to see my friends at the AllSaints concession there:)

Here’s today’s outfit. The Zara tartan crops which, be warned, are VERY slim fitting, worn with the AllSaints Char jumper (in honor of my current obsession), with the Zara court shoes.

A new obsession.

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So I like to work out. I also like to ‘dress the part’ and ‘look cute’ while working out – if possible when sweating buckets, huffing and puffing and as red as a beetroot – I don’t do ‘low impact’. My favorite brand of work out gear for some time has been Lululemon. They do fabulous fabrics for wicking and support, great colors, cute prints, and I LOVE their skorts. Over the past few months though there has been some concern over their colors ‘bleeding’ in the wash. There have been LOTS of comments on their FB page and their CEO even addressed quality issues. I have noticed the trim on a couple of my beloved skorts that have changed color:( Now I’m not ready to abandon Lululemon, but the quality concerns and their more mainstream presence i.e. seeing everyone in the same gear, has made me question whether the extra cost is worth it at all.

So I ventured out the other day to Atlantic Station to investigate the Athleta store. I always receive their catalog and to be honest haven’t paid it much attention till now. Flicking through it, what really appeals to me is the variety of clothing they offer – not just capris and tanks for gym wear – but they also have – dare I say it – ‘lounge wear’ and ‘travel attire’. Don’t shoot me, but here is why I love it. Sometimes I do just want to hang out at home in sweats – BUT not sweats that have a brand emblazoned across my butt, or elsewhere for that matter. I still want to look cute in my, here we go again, ‘lounge wear’. As for traveling – there is nothing worse than sitting on a 9hr transatlantic flight in skinny jeans, no matter how stretchy they are. But I refuse to wear sweatpants and Uggs. Plus on my trips abroad – especially for summer vacation I love to have something easy to throw on that can be packed rolled up, and will not reach it’s destination completely creased.

They don’t have too many bricks and mortar stores right now (though owned by Gap I expect real estate will be no problem, and they seem to be popping up stores where ever there is a Lululemon close by!). The one here at Atlantic Station is HUGE. It is beautifully merchandised, has great spacious changing rooms, and the staff are fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble. No pretentious yogis here.

These Allegro pants were what I really wanted to try. They are super light weight, have a great stretchy waistband and I walked away with a black pair. Ideal for travel and at home. I love them. As a note I got in a US 4 bottoms and size small tops so I suggest they fit on the larger side!

I also love these capri skorts – the ‘seamless skirts got legs‘ – and will be trying them as soon as they are in store.

Their dresses are also great – especially for hot Atlanta summers and for summer vacations. I have my eye on this ‘Twist and Turn maxi‘ for Cyprus this summer.

On another note – my paranoia about the sun is growing annually. I’ve heard too many horrifically sad stories recently and so I plan to be more guarded on the beach. I have completely fallen in love with their rashguards. Perfect protection, and also pretty darned cute too!

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As for today, well it seems a long way to go till beach weather that’s for certain. I’m wearing the Boden velvet trim blazer from 2011, Boden Must Have Jumper in blackberry layered over an H&M tank, Hudson skinnies and my Newburys. The scarf is also Boden from 2011.

Boden are currently having a Spring Trim – 15% off selected items – and this stacks when you use my banner ads! Enjoy:)

A fun weekend!

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Wow, considering I packed so much in, I feel like it was actually a long, restful weekend. Friday afternoon I headed to a friend’s house for a play date for the kids and a wine date for the Moms. Lots of fun indeed. It’s a wonderful feeling when the children are old enough to play amongst themselves and the Moms can catch up…we were supervising – promise – bundled up in our puffer coats watching them play in the yard! I did feel a bit guilty as I made my friend aware of some websites that were new to her – I think she had ordered a shirt, shorts and pants within 10mins of clicking:)

Saturday night MM and I went out together. It was lovely. He is lovely. I’ve been enjoying my recent ‘girls nights out’ but there really is nothing better than a night out with the Husband, enjoying some great food, wine and conversation. As I’m off back to the UK in a couple of weeks we decided to plan a few ‘date nights’ before I abandon ship. I over indulged with oysters, shrimp and grits and a fine Rioja – perfect:)

I did, however, get a couple of jibes about my attire. MM has a very wry sense of humor:) For those of you familiar with British culture you will be more than aware of Blackadder. Anyway MM wanted to know where Lord Melchett was when he saw me – cheeky s*d:)

The dress is Converse for Target, the fabulous fur vest is Skaist Taylor for the Neiman Marcus/Target collaboration from Christmas (no longer available on the Target website), and the boots are the Rag & Bone Newburys. Really a dreadful photo but I was in a hurry – the cab had arrived!

Here’s a close up of the vest – the shoulders are fab-u-lous:

Sunday was of course Superbowl and I am thrilled the Ravens won – I’m completely crushing on Ray Lewis – he is so psyched before a game – and I will miss his pre-game dances next season. Beyoncé killed it with her half time performance – totally amazing – she certainly silenced her critics. How awesome to see Destiny’s Child back together too!

As for the ads – hmm – hated the Audi Prom ad – I thought it was totally irresponsible:

Loved the Dodge Ram Farmer ad though I’ll never buy a Dodge Ram:

I wanted to dislike the Budweiser ad as it was so sappy, but I saw it again this morning and it actually made me tear up – I think it has more to do with Stevie Nicks than the Clydesdale though.

The Doritos ads were hilarious.

Which was your favorite ad? Any that irked you or moved you?

A new luxury.

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So a couple of unusual events took place this morning and it isn’t even 9am here.

1. I actually waited till payday to make a purchase

2. I bought myself a handbag

You may say number 2 isn’t that unusual given the couple of Boden leather folded clutches I have recently bought, BUT it is VERY unusual for me to buy a bag over $100 for myself. My everyday, tote-it-all bag since August 2011 has been my YSL Roady. Now I adore this bag, even though at the time I thought it was a crazy amount to pay for a single item. But MM’s logic was vindicated – investment pieces really can be just that, and it has bought me great joy, and continues to.

In the YSL store in NYC – can you tell I was excited?:

Now the only draw back of the Roady is it is black. Being a seasonal gal and like to transition into the new seasons with new colors, fabrics and attire that is appropriate. Hence, the black Roady just wasn’t going to cut it for SS 2013. I had therefore promised myself an Alexander Wang bag.

Initially I had my eye on this beauty – the Rocco in tangerine.

Yes it’s $850, but compared to many ‘it’ bags it really could be considered ‘reasonably priced’ – MM just balked at that idea…I guess my threshold for ‘reasonably priced’ is changing! I adore the color and with all the brights this Spring it would be perfect. But the conundrum is shouldn’t I have the basic, neutral colors in my bag collection before adding accents?

Then the moment arose when I stumbled on TheOutnet.com – not a site I frequented – but I am now smitten. Created by the folks at Net-a-porter.com it is a virtual designer outlet. And what was there waiting for me with my name on it saying ‘buy me, buy me’? This stunner:

The Alexander Wang Diego:

So not wanting to disappoint it I bought it at 45% off. It’s the perfect color, shape and has two straps – it is now wending it’s way to me.

The tornadoes from last night are gone leaving awful damage in some parts of the State. We just got lots of rain and wind, and this morning is the calm after the storm – gorgeous blue skies but cold. Still I ventured outside for you this morning for a change of scenery.

This is the Boden Fairisle jumper from AW 2012 – so snuggly and quite a few sizes and colors left in the sale – I sized up 2 sizes for a less fitted look. I’ve layered it over an H&M fitted tank/dress, the jeans are Hudson Collins, and the boots are the Sam Edelman Louies.

Don’t forget it’s another Catch of the Day for Boden – today it is 25% off selected tops.

Fun stuff on eBay…

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Time to churn the closet so be quick to take advantage – it’s going fast! LOTS of Frye boots!

Poppy’s Style eBay

The pantone of 2013.

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“Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty
that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.” PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald color of the year 2013

Now I’m not typically a fan of ‘green’ though I have noticed that I am more and more drawn to it, in fact all bright colors in general. I am in love with the color blocking trend for spring. J.Crew and J.Crew Factory have some great, wearable options that follow the trend, for great prices too. I’m currently lusting over this beautiful yellow mini skirt – a much cheaper option to the one seen in the Michael Kors Spring collection at $695! I’ve promised myself it when I return from the UK, assuming I haven’t squandered all my earnings in Primark.

J.Crew Factory:

Michael Kors:

My new found obsession with J.Crew led me to these lovely café capris, again sale bargains at $30. They were a risky buy as I purchased my ‘wannabe size’ and they’ve been hanging in my closet for a few weeks. With some trepidation I tried them today and they fit!! Hooray!! Given it’s going to bounce up to the 70s again today, and that we are now in the last throws of January, I decided to celebrate and bring Spring forward on the calendar.

The blouse is Ann Taylor. I NEVER shop there these days as I don’t have a ‘proper office job’ anymore. As I wandered past the other day this blouse caught my eye. It’s actually really similar to a J.Crew collection printed top that was crazy expensive (the photo floral print that is no longer available). This Ann Taylor version was just $78, and currently they have a buy one get one 50% off on their new collection. I was really impressed with what I saw – lots of great black and white prints and bright colors.

J.Crew Collection version:

So here’s me today wearing the pantone of the year accessorized with the Zara black court shoes and my fabulous Boden folded leather clutch.

Finally don’t forget it is Boden’s Catch of the Day again and today it is the turn of selected knitwear and jackets – you can get 25% off today so don’t delay!

Preppy in pink.

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First there is very exciting news from Boden – this week they are offering a Catch of the Day! Each day, this week, a new category of clothing will be on offer at 25% off! Today the deal is on women’s dresses, and boy’s and men’s shorts – grab them while you can! The drop waist dress that I love is included so it may end up in my shopping cart today:)

Other emails that appeared in my inbox this morning included one from Net-a-porter.com. It can be quite a dangerous thing being on email lists. Sometimes I just try not to look – this morning I looked. Fatal. Rag & Bone have some beautiful new grey nubuck Newbury boots that I am lusting after. I love how they have styled them on Net-a-porter.com with a dress.

I also adore these Rag & Bone brogues in white. Very cool looking for Spring.

At $495 though, for the Rag & Bone brogues, this Boden option maybe better value – plus with the 15% off using my banner ads they are just $142.80. Tempted, very tempted.

Today I’m switching gears with my look. After the 80s look from Friday I’m shifting today to a more refined, preppy look. It’s nice to change it up a bit occasionally:) The trousers are J.Crew café capris that I got for $30 in the sale, and the blouse is Target and absolutely fabulous for $20! The belt is also Target and the shoes are Nine West from Zappos.com – currently on sale at $56, reduced from $69.

So what do you think of the more refined look?

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

I’m a lucky girl…

A man’s best friend.

A natural high.

Another wish list.

A new obsession.

A fun weekend!

A new luxury.

Fun stuff on eBay…

The pantone of 2013.

Preppy in pink.

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