Tag Archives: Acne

Stubborn as a…

4 Replies

…Mule – only we’re talking about the trend for the flat leather variety that seems to be with us to stay in 2016, not the ass.

(Images from Pinterest)

FMN 1 FMN 2 FMN 3 mules 1 mules 2 mules 4 mules 5 mules 6 mules 7 mules 8 mules 9

15 years ago, one of my first purchases on this side of the Atlantic, was a pair of Kenneth Cole leather, flat mules. I LOVED them. They were cheap as chips from a shoe outlet, beautiful leather, and the perfect shoe for my new US ‘business casual’ attire. They hid the toes in the absence of a pedicure, yet were cool enough to wear in the heat here. I have to say I am rather pleased that they are back on trend.

My favorite pair are these from Rag & Bone. I have some Net-a-porter.com credit to use and once I’ve returned from my UK trip I’ve a feeling these may be ordered. I adore the suede and leather combination.

Rag and Bone

This croc effect shoe from Robert Clergerie is gorgeous, and similar to those in one of the images from Pinterest. Much more masculine than the Rag & Bone mule.

Robert Clergerie

The Pierre Hardy mule in tan suede is stunning. Very chic and minimal.

Pierre Hardy

For some high street options take a look at the TopShop Kola – I understand it fits small – but it is beautiful and I especially love the bordeaux.

Screen Shot 2016-02-17 at 10.39.33 AM

Or in black –

Screen Shot 2016-02-17 at 10.41.04 AM

These from Camper are a little more out there – but I have to say I quite like their quirkiness – they look super comfy too!

Camper

The Lauryn mule from Via Spiga is a classic. I love the toe shape – also it is currently 40% off!

Via Spiga

Another of my absolute favorites that I stumbled upon are these Moroccan Tia slippers from Dolce Vita. They also come in caramel.

Dolce Vita Tia

Urban Outfitters carry them in this fabulous black and white print too.

Tia black and white

Anthropologie has the Rachel Comey Brie slides which are beautiful and so neat. Pricey, but classic.

Rachel Comey

Finally, just for the hell of it, – how about the classic brown leather Gucci Princetown?

Gucci princetown

Or in a fabulous print?

Princetown print

So what do you think – have you bought into the pedi saving mule or are they too much like house slippers for you?

As for my weekend it was a leisurely one at that – lots of dining out and little else while the kids were on Winter break. The countdown to my transatlantic trip on Sunday has now begun!

Screen Shot 2016-02-17 at 10.13.52 AMJacket – TopShop // Boots – Acne // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Zara

Screen Shot 2016-02-17 at 10.14.04 AMCoat – AllSaints (last season) // Shirt – Mango (similar here on sale) // Scarf – ASOS (similar here) // Jeans – ASOS (similar here)// Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury (similar here) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Screen Shot 2016-02-17 at 10.14.15 AMBoots – Sam Edelman (on sale here)// Dress – AllSaints (old) // Cardigan – Acne // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Advertisement

Fantasy shopping.

8 Replies

I know what you’re going to say.  I just shop, shop, shop and most of the time I figure out a way to get what I am lusting after – whether it be through saving a few pennies or selling some fabulous items that just don’t get worn as much as they deserve to be.  I do, however, have a threshold of what I consider to be an okay amount to pay for an item.  It may seem a little warped that I will happily spend $500-$600 on a pair of boots and yet wince at the thought of paying $300 for a pair of jeans, or more than $200 for a jacket.  It probably comes down to me accepting how fickle I can be.  My style has evolved radically over the past 18 months and I expect it to continue to do so.  It’s dangerous territory then to fork out mega bucks on items of clothes that I may shun to the back of the closet next year.  My Rag & Bone, Marant and Acne boots still make me giggle with pleasure every time I lift the lid off the box.  These will always be in my style ‘comfort zone’ – so I can splurge happily with no remorse.

I love to create a fantasy lists.  If money were no object what would I buy?  As I was browsing the other night I stumbled upon more than a few items that set my heart a flutter.

Of course the list had to include some leopard print.  This Jérome Dreyfuss purse is stunning – but for now I’m happy to make do with my Boden Canonbury clutch (p.s. it’s the last day of the Boden 20% diminishing discount tomorrow!).

Jerome dreyfuss v1

What greater indulgence is there than a ridiculous Louis Vuitton scarf that will be worn again and again – just the $800 then?  I am in love with this print.  This is something that eventually I may be persuaded by – one day.

LV scarf

 

I don’t wear pumps/courts nearly enough to justify these – but if money were no object – these YSL Janis Escarpin pumps would be mine.

YSL Janis Escarpin

Finally, for now, I have always wanted some perfect leather trousers.  Of course they need to be Balmain.  Just the $4,560 then.

Balmain leather trousers

I expect I’ll be creating more secret compilations like this now football season has started!  What’s on your lust list?  How would you fill your closet if you won the lottery?

It’s still hot, hot, hot here so yesterday I opted for shorts again.  I had a lovely lunch with a handsome man.

IMG_7508Shoes – Vince Nina // Shorts – J.Crew Factory // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap

IMG_4564

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Where am I and what time is it?

11 Replies

Jet lagged.  Very.  Why does it affect me more coming back this way?  Managed to survive Hugh’s party yesterday though, only just, then devoured a mountain of pizza to feel better.  Very fuzzy today and I have a drum kit to assemble tonight for the birthday boy!

IMG_4761

IMG_4769 IMG_4789 IMG_4762

Jacket – Boden tweed jacket (old) // Trousers – J.Crew wool café capris in guava // Jumper – Boden sparkle Skye jumper // Boots – Acne Pistols.

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Just so I can learn the words.

7 Replies

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…:)

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Back to basics.

8 Replies

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…

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Sweden, douze points.

7 Replies

Some days you just know you got it right.  Even if others don’t agree it doesn’t matter because you know you nailed it.  Whether it’s the way a scarf picks out the colors, the new shoes you’re wearing, or even just the right piece of underwear – you feel damn hot when you walk out of the door and there ain’t no shame in that.

I’m having one of those days today.  It’s an outfit I threw together last minute as I was initially envisioning brown leggings but then discovered they were in still to be washed.  Thank goodness for that – what a dowdy outfit it could have become!  Instead I was inspired by the blush trim on my H&M scarf and went for my favorite blush Express Zelda jeans.  The sweater dress is the incredible bargain from H&M that I got at the weekend – just $25 and SO soft.  I adore the tulip shape and the asymmetrical hem.  Now the boots maybe what make the outfit – at least I feel like I’m in heaven wearing them – and it’s their first outing!  The amazing Acne Pistols.  Now I know what all the fuss is about.  They are a ridiculous indulgence but they are freakin’ cool.

So now for the explanation of the title of this post for my non-European readers.  In Europe we have a fascinating phenomenon known as the Eurovision song contest.  Held every May, qualified European countries enter a ‘singing’ competition in order to be ridiculed by the rest of Europe.  Don’t get me wrong, there have been some amazing success stories – ABBA being the most prolific (and they’re Swedish, continuing to prove the point I am trying to make).  However the vast majority of us watch it to see which country has the most eccentric entry – and believe me there have been many as seen here.  Anyway in the 2 hour long voting process that takes place afterward where each country awards points, based sometimes on political agendas, the highest awarded is 12.  Point distribution is read in English and French – hence “Sweden, douze points!” from this little ole judge here:)  Phew…was it worth it?  Anyway douze points goes to the Swedes because they really are quite clever – not only do they have a fantastic standard of living, a great education system and fabulous childcare facilities –

1. Where would I be without H&M this Fall?

2. My IKEA Pax closet is the best invention ever and is taking shape in my closet as you can see in today’s photo – beyond thrilled I tell you.

3. Acne – well what more can I say about my beautiful boots?

4. Our great friends Simon and Karin live in Stockholm.

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

A new hue.

4 Replies

Mainly photos today as I am shattered after polishing off a bottle of cava last night while watching the final 3 episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’.  How sad am I?  Though actually it was quite a relaxing way to spend an evening.

Today has been exhausting – after almost 4 hours in the salon I now have red – yes very red hair.  I was going to go for something tamer but then questioned why.  With no corporate job to worry about and an understanding boss (My Husband) why shouldn’t I try something a little wilder?  So no half measures here we went for red.  Here’s the finished product – VERY red in the sun.  I love it – though Husband just waffled something about ‘Camden Market’ and ‘a dog on a piece of string’ so not sure he is entirely taken with it yet – but I don’t style my hair for him so there.

Before I headed out I decided to wear all khaki and my Ash Gwen sneakers.  In hindsight there may be signs of some mid-life crisis arising – studs and red hair – hmmm – that or I need to move to Berlin.  The hairdresser said I looked ‘very European’ whatever that means.

Then off for tacos with the children for some required R&R and a margarita before the long weekend – Monday is Columbus Day so the children are off school Monday and Tuesday for Fall break.

On my return home I was thrilled to find my Net-a-Porter.com parcel had arrived – the Acne Pistols are divine and darker than online which is a good thing.  They also fit fabulously.

Now here’s the thing – I didn’t quite tell the whole truth about my order as I also ordered the Rag and Bone Newbury.  Unfortuntely these are equally divine and if anything comfier – with a padded foot bed and ultra soft leather – so they are keepers too.

My Sam Edelman Lisle boots had to be returned unfortunately due to faulty stitching but with these beauties I don’t think I’ll be wearing anything else this Fall…Both boots will work for me for day and night and I have to say it’s nice investing in shoes which will get used year after year.  Coats, boots and bags are definitely worth a few extra dollars – a lesson I am learning slowly.

I’m a happy lady with red hair and new boots.

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta