Green and tan.

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I’m loving having nothing to do.  Right now I’m sitting drinking a delicious coffee while the kids are sweeping out the garage – and they’re giggling while they do it!  Perfect!  Radio 2 is blasting out Maroon 5, the sun is out and we’re off to the park shortly to practice riding bikes without training wheels – let’s hope that doesn’t start any tears of frustration from the children or the grown ups!

I have a lot of khaki in my closet and I’m really enjoying wearing my fatigues:)  These are the Zara skinny cargo pants that are lovely and soft and really comfortable.  I’ve layered a Zara khaki t-shirt under an H&M square cut grey sweater.  The camouflage scarf is also Zara and it is so soft and snuggly – my local store resembles an army supply store right now!  The jacket is the Boden leather jacket, from a Spring 2011 I think – I love this color and the leather is so soft – it also coordinates perfectly with my Ash Bowie sneakers.

Zara may have a lot of khaki right now but they are now starting to get their new items in store and online.  I’ve got my eye on this tartan suit – and yes I would wear it as a suit, with my new black Dickers – more on those later:)

This coat is also on my radar – I love it.

Look out for their color blocking too – especially in black and white – it’s stunning – really eye catching.

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Off to join the circus.

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We had the most amazing day yesterday.  To start the Thanksgiving Holiday I got tickets for us to see Totem by Cirque du Soleil.  Each year they put up a Big Top down in Atlantic Station, and I’ve always wanted to go, but in previous years I’ve been aware that the children were just too young to sit though it.  This year though at 4 and 6 – I thought it was worth taking a chance.

I got the cheap seats – which as it turned out were not bad seats at all.  As it is in a Big Top it is really intimate and wherever you sit you have a great view as everything takes place in the ring below and in the air above.  It was a thrilling show.  Years ago my Mum and Dad used to take me to Blackpool Circus, and it took me back to the good old days of acrobats and clowns, like Charlie Cairoli.  In fact I was reminded of the year we went for my birthday and I was invited down to the ring to meet Charlie – fantastic until panic set in when I had to find my seat again – I had no idea where my Mum and Dad were sat when I looked up at what seemed like a million spectators!  A couple of years ago I took Poppy and Hugh to see Ringling Bros. circus – I have to say I HATED it.  The use of animals and the look of sheer misery on their faces turned me completely off it.  I swore I’d never go to another circus with animals again.

I left Totem wondering why we had left it so long, the four of us watched the whole show spell bound.  At some points in the show I was so in awe of their performances I was moved to tears – yeah I’ve said before I cry easily.  The whole performance including the music was incredible.  When they gave their encore at the end, all dancing together and grinning ear to ear, it took all my will power to stop me jumping up and running down there to join them.  Surely there’s a job for me with them doing something?

It turned out to be a stunning day here too – and MM giggled asking me whether I was off to the circus or the opera when he saw me wearing my new faux fur from Target🙂  I love it and wore it over my Boden slouchy merino jumper and Gap black jeggings (of which they now have some gorgeous colored jegging cords).  The boots are my favorite Fryes – the Jane Tall Cuff – which I never wear cuffed and the scarf is from Zara.

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Another swim meet…

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So I’ll be sitting in the gym all afternoon waiting for events #21 and #33 again!  At least I’ve bought my tailgating chair this time so I won’t get corners in my bum sitting on the floor.

Before I dash out to cheer her on I have time to quickly share my outfit with you today.  I just love this jumper – it’s H&M – one of my favorite brands of this Fall season – their knitwear has been especially good in my opinion.  This is just 20% cotton and 5% wool with the rest a mix of viscose and polyamide – but it is remarkable soft and warm (if a bit creased here!) – and at $25 a pretty good buy in my eyes.  I love the contrast pockets – and even MM remarked how he liked them.  Unfortunately I can’t see it online but it will be in the Divided section in store. I’ve layered it over the H&M black tank dress – which I have in a couple of colors – it’s perfect for layering and smoothing bulges:)

The leggings are my favorite black pants right now – they are faux leather at the front and ponte at the back.  Now I never thought I’d wear faux leather – some of it is just too plasticky – but these Zara leggings are great – really comfy and perfect to wear with a big knit.  I love how they can be dressed up or down.  Today I chose to wear them with the Ash Alex wedge – well I will be in a gym so I need to wear sneakers surely?

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It’s Holiday Time!

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Yay my Thanksgiving break starts today!  I will no doubt be doing bits of work from home over the next week but it’s lovely knowing the children will be home and we are schedule free for a week!

Today I have to plan my shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.  There’s only four of us admittedly but we all have different ‘favorites’ that we want with our Turkey, whether it be roasted beetroots and shallots (MM), roasted parsnip (me) or carrots (the kids!).  We always make too much but somehow it all gets used in the following days as turkey butties or turkey curry!  As fairly new Americans we are enjoying creating our own family Thanksgiving traditions and that includes cheesecake for dessert:)  Fortunately we always head out for a long walk on the Friday to work it off.

I was in Target the other day buying craft supplies for Hugh’s Thanksgiving Turkey project (yes – I know – I do not craft – but I am now armed with glitter, pom poms and felt).  I happened to wander through the clothing section as you do.  For a split second I removed the blinders (blinkers – for the UK readers) and spied this beauty.  OK I didn’t just spy it I bought it.

It’s a gorgeous blush pink, fake fur jacket – and looks lovely on.  It certainly looks more than the $49.99 I paid for it – but don’t stand near any naked flames in it.  I have some blush pink jeans and with taupe boots it will work a treat.  Even with regular blue denim skinnies and a white t-shirt it will add that little something different.  They also have it in cream but I love the blush color and it will go with lots in my closet – justification done.

Today I’m wearing comfy clothes for a day of pottering around town and running errands.  I love the H&M knitted dress – the stripes are great colors and it is really quite warm.  I’ve worn it with my Boden brown leggings and Zara burgundy scarf.  Today’s boots are last year’s Steve Madden Carlsen taupe boots.

What are your novel Thanksgiving traditions?

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Why I love Boden.

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I’ve been wearing Boden since summer of 2009 and was, like many, introduced to their women’s line when I started buying Mini Boden for the children.  Their fabulous patterns and easy to wear cuts were what first appealed to me, and all my initial purchases were tunics, perfect as summer dresses here in the summer heat.  I have to say I was completely oblivious to any of the negative connotations that tend to be associated with the brand in the UK.  Some adjectives I’ve heard used are a long the lines of ‘frumpy’ and ‘mumsy’ – we all know the stereotype.  In my opinion though – and I am as guilty of this as anyone else – any item of clothing can be worn badly, or in an unflattering manner.  The art to dressing and keeping clothes stylish is in choosing the right shapes for your body and then styling them so they represent you.

I’m not convinced I’ve articulated myself well, but let me use myself as an example.  I am definitely not what I would consider ‘frumpy’ or ‘mumsy’ (feel free to shatter my illusions) but I wear A LOT of Boden.  Sometimes I wear all Boden, sometimes just an essential t-shirt layered under another brand’s sweater.  I pick items that I know can be styled and worn in what I consider to be a more ‘on trend’ fashion (in danger of disappearing up my backside here but bear with me).  Other times however, I want to look a little more conformist and will intentionally dress a little more staid, a prime example is for a PTA meeting when I want to ‘blend in’ (though I am feeling less and less like conforming for these events, and being more and more the ‘eccentric English bird’ that I am).  Boden works for all scenarios.

When I select an outfit I tend to pick one key piece that I want to wear then build the outfit around that item.  Today I wanted to wear my lovely Boden stripy jumper.  I had no idea that the entire ensemble would end up being Boden – in fact come to think of it brand plays little or no part in whether an item is picked from the closet that day.  The grey jumper led me immediately to look for some colorful trousers – of which I have many – but I picked out the Boden cyclamen skinny jeans (SS 2012) today, because randomly I had already applied a purpley pink lipstick!  The grey chic biker jacket (SS 2012 – sold out online) seemed like a no brainer with these two items.  The only non-Boden items are the H&M vest dress layered under the jumper for warmth, the Guess Cardio boots and the scarf which I was a Christmas present from my sister-in-law a few years ago.  Together I think this is a really fun outfit and a great way to take summer jeans into winter.  I feel anything but frumpy.

So again Boden I thank you for providing great quality, stylish, classic items that can be worn by women of any age and in her own style.  Your prices aren’t too bad either with a discount code;)  I’ll always have a soft spot for you – I just hope to see more tunics appear for SS 2013!

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Grrrrr.

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A couple of my Boden orders arrived!  The first – the slouchy merino jumper is gorgeous.  I normally order the larger of my two sizes in knitwear and did so with this, ordering the US8.  It is perfect.  Lovely and oversized with drapey dolman sleeves, but lovely and snug around the bottom and the cuffs.  It is long too and sits on my bum perfectly.  I think it can be worn with long skirts or skinny jeans equally well – as long as your lower half is fitted this jumper will be flattering.  I ordered the silver melange and love it so much that with the 25% off (code Q753), and some account credit begging to be used, I have just ordered it in sunset too.  Grab one now while there are plenty of colors and sizes left.

The second order is the washed red Fairisle jumper.  Hmmm – I do like it – but MM’s look was one of complete surprise – ‘that is so not you’ – was his comment – which I have to say is why I like it.  I have returned it though as I think the red was too Christmassy (yes ignore what I said the other day), and also the US8 was fitted.  If there is one thing I don’t like it is fitted knitwear.  So I have returned and I’m exchanging it for a US10 in the Fudge melange.  The jury is still out but again with 25% off it is worth a try.  I think I like it as it makes me think of cold, winter walks that end up in front of a roaring fire in a country pub eating steak and kidney pudding.  Not many of those here in Atlanta.

I do like a bit of animal print.  Today I am going for it in a big way.  The outfit initially started as red and taupe but quickly became overwhelmed by leopard print.  The taupe top is from Zara in the sale and the cardigan is the radish effortless cardigan from Boden SS 2012 and it still pops back into stock occasionally.  I love this cardigan – the color just makes me happy.  Serendipitously I discovered my H&M leopard print scarf coordinates perfectly with both.  Yes there is a lot going on here so I attempted to tame it with my Hudson Collin jeans and Sam Edelman tan (really taupe) suede Louie boots.

Then I went and over did it completely and threw on my best purchase ever from Marks & Spencer – last year’s leopard print coat.  Words cannot express how much love I have for this coat.  Oh how I wish you shipped to the States.

Odd experiment here too – always far happier with photos taken of myself in the mirror rather than with the tripod – must be because that is how I always see myself rather than how others see me?

Stay warm and let me know if you order anything from Boden with this fab deal!

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Just so I can learn the words.

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I have to confess.  I have just bought Taylor Swift’s new album Red.  I can justify it though – I’ve bought tickets to take Poppy (yes for my daughter – not for me) to see her in April – and you can’t go and see a show without learning all the words can you?  And yes, I do love her new anthem/song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”.  You will see me quite happily, belting my lungs out to it in the carpool line.  Needless to say I’m very excited and I’m desperately trying to keep it a secret so I can surprise Poppy come April.

Tis freezing here in Atlanta today so it’s time for layers.  I started with the H&M t-shirt dress and layered the AllSaints Godiva jumper on top.  The black jeans are Gap from a while ago, and I’m wearing my Acne Pistols.  I am completely in love with these boots.

Before heading out I put on my Boden leopard print scarf from last year and Boden shrunken leather blazer from a couple of years ago.  I love this jacket even though most people complained about it being too short.

Off to get my headphones out to listen along to Taylor – must remember not to sing along in the office…:)

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A week of family fun?

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I’ve no idea how it got to the week before Thanksgiving.  All of a sudden I am panicking about the children being home for a week and needing to organize activities, food, and of course prepare for Thanksgiving Day itself.  Since being in the US Thanksgiving has become our favorite holiday.  You get to eat, drink and be merry without any of the material aspects of Christmas.  We love it.

With a 6 year old and 4 year old I find a week at home for the four of us requires planning in order to avoid the cries of ‘I’m bored’ – and that’s just from me.  For the first time we’ve bought tickets for Cirque du Soleil.  We went for the cheap seats in case the children can’t sit still through the whole show.  I’m really looking forward to it so let’s hope it’s good!  MM and I are planning an itinerary of all sorts of trips and adventures for the week, heading North, South, East and West from Atlanta, and avoiding any kind of retail outlet.  Thanksgiving Day will consist of the usual – watching the Macy’s parade, some football and then a fabulous meal of roast turkey with all the trimmings and some good wine.  No Atlanta half marathon for me this year due to injury, lack of training and laziness – but I’m quite looking forward not having to be up at the crack of dawn.

I mentioned MM and I went to Atlantic Station on Friday – an outdoor mall in midtown.  It has a huge H&M and I nipped in to get the kids some hat and glove sets, which unfortunately they didn’t have.  Not wanting to waste a trip I had a quick peak at the Grey Concept that was just arriving.  To be honest I was disappointed with the choice available – they told me they were expecting more – but I did manage to grab the grey long skirt in my size for $18.  I rarely wear long skirts – I had a Diesel one back in the 90’s that I bought from Harrods – a complete splurge back then – but I lived in it.  This H&M one is great for the price – perfect color, fits well, has good stretch so it’s not restrictive.  It’s a little thin but with grey tights underneath it works well.  Keeping with the grey theme I’m wearing my AllSaints grey Godiva cardigan bought in the sale back in June from the Trafford Center.  The white top is Zara and the scarf is my animal print favorite from H&M.  I have a couple of pairs of boots that would have worked but I opted for comfort and chose the Frye Jenna studded in grey – love these.

How do you keep the family busy when everyone is home?

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Back to basics.

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I am on the other end of the spectrum from “Domestic Goddess”. I rarely cook – as in a home made meal from scratch – and never bake.  All this is changing though and I’m actually finding some pleasure in it.  Yesterday I found myself in heaven with a Saturday afternoon at home all by myself.  A highly unusual situation.  After being ill this week I have been craving some real comfort food – more specifically some good red meat.  So I decided to make a beef and ale stew.  It wasn’t until I actually put it all in the oven that I appreciated what a ridiculously easy, yet deliciously rewarding, meal this is to make.  The house smelled incredible and yes the stew tasted pretty darn good too!

Next up is to bake my favorite cake that my Mum makes when I’m home.  It’s delicious – and even better with custard when I can find it over here – Delia’s very sticky prune and date cake.  Maybe we need the equivalent of The Great British Bake Off over here for some additional inspiration?  If Dancing with the Stars can work here then surely a baking show can?

Looking for comfort again I decided to take advantage of Boden‘s diminishing discount offer and order some great basics for the coming winter months (WAFF is the best code I could find that is current and will give you 15% off).  I love knitwear and I would wear it all year round if I could.  Boden has the best quality and selection of classic shapes I have found.  They’re not cheap but reasonable when bought with a discount.

My wardrobe right now seems to revolve around patterned or colored trousers – whether they be of the jeans, skinnies or harem variety – so I chose some lovely neutral sweaters that can be worn with all of them.  My favorite is unfortunately delayed but, fingers crossed, it may turn up early.  It is the black Off Duty Jumper – a lovely roll neck, boxy jumper that will look great with skinnies and will layer well.  I normally order US 8 in their jumpers but went for a US 6 in this based on reviews.

Next up for a bit of sparkle I ordered the sparkle Skye jumper in parchment.  I had ordered the regular Skye jumper early in the preview and returned it in the charcoal as 1) the 8 was huge and 2) the charcoal seemed a bit blah for the price.  I do love the cut though and hope that this lovely nude in a 6 will be a good choice.

Finally for a splash of color I’ve ordered the washed red Fairisle jumper.  I think this will look gorgeous with jeans and a white shirt underneath it, with my Pistols.  I love this red and yes it may be verging on a Christmas jumper but what the heck – I’ll happily wear this on Xmas Day in NYC!

Ooops I did just say finally didn’t I?  Not quite – I ordered the Iona coat too – in fact 2 of them.  I couldn’t quite make my mind up – red for fun and color or black for versatility – so I’ve ordered both colors to compare and get MM’s opinion.  Some of the UK reviews complained about this coat being too light – which here in Atlanta – could make this the perfect coat for me.  I’m really hoping it works more like a heavy cardigan that I can throw on over a top or light sweater.  I love the drape of it and think if styled right it could look really fun and stylish.

I’ll keep you posted as they arrive!

Today we headed to the Zoo – one of our favorite places to spend Sunday mornings – yep another way we differ from the majority of Atlanta.  MM took great amusement in my camo gear – it really wasn’t intentional to look like I was heading out into the wild with the rhinos, but a bad choice of outfit in hindsight!  The camo trousers are Zara – I can’t say enough about how comfy these are.  The top and scarf are also Zara, worn with my JohnnieB leather jacket from last winter, and the Ash Gwen studded sneakers.

Oh and I have a budding hairdresser in the house – my daughter decided to cut Hugh’s hair today – he won’t need his fringe trimmed for a while that’s for sure…

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Lunch date.

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This week has dragged!  The cold probably hasn’t helped but I sure am happy to get to Friday.  The added bonus today is that MM got to take some time off too.  Of course his idea of a fun morning is shopping – NOT – but I persuaded him to nip down to Atlantic Station with me to the local West Elm to look at vanities/dressing tables.

For nearly 20 years I have been in search of the most perfect dressing table.  I see it in my head but cannot find it anywhere.  I want a modern design, clean lines, drawers for storage – but it must also allow for a chair to be pulled up like a desk.  Now all the vanities I can find here are very traditional and ornate, with large overwhelming fixed mirrors.  Surely us contemporary girls need somewhere to apply our make-up too?  I thought, online, I had found the perfect answer – the mirrored Parsons desk from West Elm.  Unfortunately, having seen it in real life, $599 is ridiculously expensive for this piece.  I don’t mind paying $600 for the right dresser but not for something that looks and feels cheap:(  So on we go, hunting for my perfect dresser.  Maybe I need to just get a carpenter out to create my vision?

The Parsons desk, West Elm:

We have just got back from lunch at Houston’s – my new favorite lunch spot.  It’s lovely and cosy and dark…perfect for a Fall lunch.  Two crab cakes and a glass of suavignon blanc later I am feeling remarkably chipper.  As I was having ‘a day out’ I decided to make a bit of an effort clothes wise.  I chose the Zara grey harem pants, Zara animal print t-shirt (no longer online), Sam Edelman Louie boots in rose taupe and finally the Boden blossom tipped blazer (some sizes left in clearance) from SS 2012.  My favorite combination of colors – grey and pink – and yes I LOVE harem trousers right now – so comfy:)

 

 

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