Tag Archives: Adidas

Spring footwear

Okay so by now you all know I have a special love affair (my only acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day!) with boots and sneakers. I’ve recently indulged in some new work out sneakers, as after my melanoma diagnosis I was spurred on to get fitter and healthier and nothing motivates more like a new pair of running shoes! I love them – they are the Nike Lunaracer and they are incredibly light and comfortable. Size up half a size though as they are quite snug.

lunaracerAfter my huge success with the Adidas Stan Smiths, which seem to go with everything, I got suckered into the Adidas Superstar. To be honest it is a shoe I have never really liked till now. I was put off by the huge rubber toe cap, preferring the sleeker look of the Adidas Samoa or Gazelles. Well after trying the Superstars I can officially say I am hooked – they look fabulous on and are as comfy as the Stans.

superstarsI wear boots all year round. I think an ankle boot can be really flattering with shorts or a dress in the summer. I love my Newbury tan canvas boots for that very reason. Here I am wearing them in a previous summer.

IMG_4087Well this spring I shall be getting my hands on these beauties. The Newbury boot in off white.

off white NewburyThey’re already selling out in a lot of stores so I better not procrastinate too long. I love the idea of these with cropped jeans and a jacket, or with denim shorts and a white t-shirt.

They are also available in a gorgeous tan leather – again their heel makes them incredibly leg lengthening and yet they are so comfortable.

tan newburyMy fellow cheer Mom and friend has these stunning Dolce Vita Haku boots that I am lusting after! I saw her wearing them the other week with white jeans and they looked amazing. The backless/mule design makes them perfect for spring and summer. Again just fabulous with shorts, which is probably why these are selling like hotcakes too! They come in tan, taupe and black.

Haku street style Haku tan

 

haku boot Haku blackI’m going in for the taupe as I already have these in tan from Zara:

fringe bootI think shoes are always worth the investment – I might not need new clothes but shoes can help an outfit switch gears immediately.

Finally I want to take the time to thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. I am healing nicely and the tenderness from the incision has gone. The healing body really is quite remarkable. Last night I was even able to wear my 4″ heels to dinner!

IMG_0492 IMG_0488Shoes – J.Crew // Jeans – Cigarette jeans from Zara // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – Lace blazer from Mango

On Thursday I headed to the mall to treat myself to some new lipsticks and skincare – perfect post surgery indulgence. This cheapo scarf from ASOS garnered so many compliments!

 

IMG_0478Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in petrol (old) // Trousers – J.Crew // T-shirt – J.Crew // Jacket – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – ASOS

Loose pants have really been the order of the week to avoid aggravating my stitches. Here’s my outfit from Wednesday.

IMG_0472 IMG_0468Sneakers – Adidas Superstars // Trousers – J.Crew (on sale plus an additional 40% off with code WEEKENDMUST) // Jumper – Everlane // Jacket – Mango (similar here)

We have a long weekend for President’s Day so hopefully in between cheer competitions we’ll have some fun in the sun!

 

 

No more cancer

So the melanoma is gone! This morning I underwent a procedure under a local anesthetic where a large circumference of skin was removed. Pretty freakin’ freaky when you can see and hear him snipping away a massive area of skin and then the needle and thread pulling everything together again! My palms were sweaty and I kept focusing on the ceiling! I have to say my surgeon was amazing, and he reassured me that it was on the cusp i.e. just turning to Stage 0 melanoma, so my frustration over previous checks ignoring it was probably unfounded. I now have a good 4-5 inch long incision that will hopefully heal fast! Thank goodness I worked out like a banshee last week as I can’t do anything now till the stitches are removed. For updates and gory photos check me out on Instagram!

Needless to say I opted for comfy clothes today.

IMG_0463Sneakers – Nike Lunar Air Max // Pants – Nike Avant // Top – Mango // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks

As I have been working out so much over the past week I have spent most days in workout gear. Saturday was one of the few days I ‘got dressed’ and we took the kids out for a ‘fancy lunch’ 🙂

mango CollageSneakers – Adidas Stan Smiths // Trousers – Mango leather (currently 50% off in sale) // Jumper – Zara (old) // Scarf – Asos

See you all soon! Off to recuperate on the sofa with a slice of pizza and Netflix!

 

A diagnosis

What a week! I am thoroughly relieved to get to Friday. After my skin check the other week at the dermatologists, I heard on Tuesday that the mole on my left thigh that I was concerned about is actually in situ melanoma. Thank goodness I persisted and kept getting it checked – though I am furious that after 3 years and 3 annual checks, where I repeatedly asked for this particular mole to be looked at, I was continually told it ‘looks fine’. Eventually my dermatologist biopsied it and my gut was right. So on Tuesday I will be heading in for a procedure done under a local where they remove a circle of skin from around the mole. I’ll have some scarring – but nothing a fun tattoo won’t cover up:) Please, please, please always persevere and get a second opinion if you think your concerns are being ignored. I daren’t even think what could have been if I hadn’t. I’m certainly a little shaken as cancer is always something that happens to other people not you, plus my brother has just had testicular cancer removed at Christmas. Fortunately his scans gave him the all clear though he has opted for a dose of chemo, which he gets on Monday, just to be safe. I am praying that these things come in twos not threes. I am determined that this diagnosis will only make me stronger, fitter and a better version of me.

boots CollageBoots – Stuart Weitzman Lowland in currant // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper

cap CollageSneakers – Adidas (old – similar here) // Trousers – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 40% off with HELLOSALE) // Shirt – Mango (on sale 50% off) // Jumper – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 50% off with HELLOSALE) // Cap – J.Crew (old)

Dusting the flares off again

Yes they are back, though for me the great flare never went away. This is me from almost exactly a year ago wearing my Hudson Woodstock flares that I love so much!

jacket-and-flares-386x1024I find flares super flattering especially with a heel – really leg lengthening and slimming with a great bell bottom. The more flared the better as far as I am concerned!

Here’s me in the same jeans from March 2011!

2011Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos from Pinterest – there’s an abundance of great street style photos for flares!

flares 7 flares 6 flares 5 flares 4 flares 2 flares 1I love that this season’s flares also encompass wide legged trousers too, so if you aren’t comfortable with the tight thighs you can always try a pair such as these from Zara – so boho! I love the idea of these with flat, minimal sandals in the summer.

wide leg jeans zaraI’ve recently ordered this pair as I love the idea of a black pair of flares and Zara’s jeans always have a lovely stretch to them too. They’ll be perfect with Stans or heels.

black flaresUnfortunately I can’t find the Hudson Woodstock anywhere these days but they now stock the Ferris flare here which look identical with the hem stitching. I particularly love my Hudsons for the stretch denim and the flap back pockets – they really give your butt a great shape!

ferris flareIf you don’t like the flap pocket then Nordstrom stock the Hudson Angel flare with a classic pocket.

angel flareYesterday, instead of classic flares, I wore a pair of old Zara wide leg jeans. I haven’t worn them for a while and I had forgotten how comfy they are. They are super ‘Mom’ jeans with a really high rise – they keep everything held in!

Cardigan 1 cardigan 2Jeans – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Adidas calf hair (similar here) // Jumper – Boden Off Duty (on sale) // Cardigan – ASOS (now on sale)

Today I am back in the skinnies but I’m off out with the girls tonight and might just dig out my Hudsons for the occasion!

shirt and swaeter mango coatShoes – Vince Nina // Jeans – Zara // Shirt – Mango (on sale) // Jumper – AllSaints (old) // Coat – Mango (on sale 50% off!)

So how do you plan to wear your flares this Spring?

A night out, a day off and off out shopping

It’s MLK Day here on Monday so we have a lovely long weekend. I wasn’t looking forward to it earlier in the week as it was so cold and lashing it down with freezing rain. Now though I am thrilled as the skies are blue, the sun is shining and my windows are open. Spring is taunting us.

On Thursday night I had a lovely dinner with an old friend from my corporate days. It was so much fun to catch up especially as she has got married and is now in the process of changing jobs – my stories felt comparatively dull!

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Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Yesterday was my day off and after completing another grueling work out (I will be 20lbs lighter by the summer!) I was lucky enough to have the afternoon with my Husband chatting and walking the dogs in the sunshine.

DSC_0307Sneakers – Stan Smiths in navy // Trousers – J.Crew drapey wool trousers in navy // Jumper – Everlane cashmere v-neck

These Stan Smiths are pretty awesome – yup if you’re counting that’s another new pair.

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Today I took Poppy to the mall. It’s always so much fun to treat her after a good week at school and right now her favorite store is The Body Shop and who am I to discourage cleanliness and personal grooming!?

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Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

And I got to take my new baby out. Really? Who for one moment thought I wouldn’t buy it? I am in love.

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After hitting The Body Shop, where of course we had to buy the limited edition Smoky Poppy product line, we headed to Sephora where I bought the travel sized Hourglass Veil Primer to try. I’ve heard amazing things about this stuff. Lets see if it delivers.

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Tomorrow is my Blogversary – 3 whole years! I still love this little creative outlet as much as ever and my world would be empty without all the amazing friends I have met through it. What will year 4 bring?

 

My sneaker obsession

Weren’t those sneakers in my last post awesome? I cannot wait for them to arrive. For some reason I seem to have developed a New Year sneaker obsession. Maybe it is my desire to simplify and opt for simple classics as opposed to wild one hit wonders?

I made lots of sartorial errors last year but one major improvement I made to my closet was to add some navy and blue pieces. I love neutrals but I was getting tired of grey and black. Some navy pieces added a little extra something to my closet, and it is another style pointer that is endorsed by my new handbook “How to be Parisian…”. So why not add another pair of sneakers that also happen to be navy…and classics…? Introducing the navy Stan Smith from Adidas.

navy and snakeOr if you prefer leopard print how about the black?

black leopardOr a spin on the classic white?

white and zebraMy Husband is a fan of classic sneakers having worn red hi-top Converse and Adidas classics all his life. He’s often encouraged me to seek out the classic Nike Air Force 1 hi-top and I have so far been reluctant as they always looked so big and awkward. That is till I saw these on NAP. A new, slimmer, more feminine version of the classic. I totally adore them.

AF1 classicIt’s always dangerous on NAP at this time of year when new season stock is arriving daily. I also fell in love with this cobalt pair. Just stunning.

Adidas cobaltThis neutral pair remind me of my Isabel Marant Bobbys, a much cheaper option and yet maybe even cooler?

AF1 NYCI can’t buy these as they are patterned. But if they adhere to your 2015 fashion rules go for them – they are fabulous. Adidas originals by Mary Katrantzou:

MK adidasAs for my wardrobe choices over the past couple of days it has all been based on warmth. With temperatures at 10 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday it called for fur, boots and polo necks.

5050s furBoots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Zara coated jeans (old) // Jumper – J.Crew (40% off with SALENEWS) // Coat – Marks and Spencer (last year)

Yesterday I was bombing around from school run, to gym, to dentist, to shopping so comfort was the order of the day.

 

AsosSneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (old but similar here) // Cardigan – ASOS (currently on sale plus an extra 10% off with GIMME10)

One last note – if you have seen Kat’s Instagram you will see she received her lovely Dorothy Perkins satin navy boots today. They look amazing. Well if you are in the US you can also get them here with free delivery and 15% off the sale price! Just use these 2 codes at check out INTDP15 and DPTREAT – they also come in black too. Just saying. Both are reduced from $69 to $27 and $35 respectively.

 

4 days to go till…

…I turn 43!  Crumbs!  How DID that happen?  I still feel 21 and act like it most of the time, much to the chagrin of my children.  When I look back life so far has been kind to me, though I often wonder what roles fate, destiny or pure luck have played.  When I was 21 I never imagined I’d be an American citizen living in Atlanta, or that I would end up working in magazine publishing of all things, never mind working with my Husband!  My dreams back then were of becoming a high flying financier or consultant.  I started on that ladder for a while and then quickly realized I was most unsuitable for it – I don’t care for hard work 🙂  Having fun, indulging in my hobbies (errr clothes and wine…), chatting with dear friends, and having adventures suits me far better.  So here I am about to turn 43 and wondering where my 40s will lead me.  All I wish for is health and happiness for my loved ones.  Can you tell I feeling a little introspective?

IMG_8755 IMG_8756 IMG_8760 IMG_8761

 

Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Jeans – H&M // Top – Zara

 

What I’ve been wearing.

May is the busiest month on our calendar every year.  What with anniversaries, birthdays, the end of the school year, school recitals, school field trips, visitors from abroad etc…it is non stop here.  I’m just coming up for air after an amazing weekend of catching up, eating and drinking with Simon – our friend from University, who now lives in Stockholm.

We  had a very late night on Thursday talking and drinking good wine, and then we were off out for dinner on Friday.  The kids and I hung out in front of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday afternoon, streaming it live via SVT.se, the Swedish tv channel.  This made it even more fun and Eurocentric listening to the Swedish translation:)  I found it all as surreal as ever, but I loved the drama – and in the end the right diva won!  For all you American readers who have no idea what I am talking about the Eurovision Song Contest is the annual competition that rocketed ABBA to fame in 1974.  Here’s Conchita, this year’s winner from Austria, a drag queen with more diva in her than Celine Dion.

Before Simon arrived I had another hair cut and went even shorter – thanks to Chadd I am now sporting a magnificent undercut.  I LOVE it.

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Magno top.jpgJeans – Zara TRF (old) // Shoes – Avarcas Pons // Top – Mango

On Friday morning we headed out shopping and I treated myself to a couple of NARS lip pencils – Yu and Cruella.

YUcruella

The color of both is so intense and bold and I feel really feminine wearing them with such short hair.

shopping.jpg ASOS dress.jpg

Dress – ASOS (currently on sale) // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Glasses – Oliver Peoples Wacks // Handbag – Marks and Spencer (on sale)

Then Friday night it was off to Abattoir again where Simon proposed to Karin a couple of years ago now!

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Dress – Marks and Spencer (old – similar here) // Shoes – Nine West

Yesterday was Mother’s Day here in the US and my fabulous kids presented me with great handmade cards.  This one from Poppy made me grin especially – there is no greater compliment she could have paid me than describing me as ‘odd’ and ‘risky’…

IMG_5865Today I’m off to watch her recital so decided to wear a dress again.  I started off with the canvas Newburys.

River Island dress.jpgHowever, with the jacket I decided the grey nubuck pair coordinated better – not much in it to be fair…

M&S jacket.jpg

Dress – River Island // Boots – Rag and Bone Newbury boots // Jacket – Marks and Spencer

Finally – shhh it’s a secret – but we’re having a surprise disco for Poppy this weekend for her 8th birthday!!  Here’s an idea I stole from Pinterest – all her friends will be VIPS!

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Stocking up on the essentials.

I hate spending money on underwear.  No one sees it and these days I opt for comfort rather than style.  Once in a while though I start to get embarrassed about the state of my knicker drawer.  Currently it is stuffed with more knickers than any girl can wear in a year – all a different shade of grey, faded colors or fraying elastic.  Oh and there’s still the odd pair of thongs in there which I think I can safely say will never be worn again.  So it is time to purge and restock.

Now here is where I promise not to model my new attire if you promise not to giggle about the size of them.  I did used to wear thongs ALL the time.  How I ever did it I have no idea.  The thought of wearing one now makes my eyes water with discomfort.  They were perfect of course for tight pants when a VPL is an absolute no no.  Thankfully good old M&S came to the rescue with a whole range of no-VPL underwear.  Yes after 15 years in the USA I STILL buy M&S underwear.

My favorite style is their famous Brazilian cut.  Sales of underwear at M&S soared by 64% the year they were introduced.  They are just a little cheeky – quite literally – being a little higher cut on the butt cheeks – but a hundred zillion times more comfortable than a thong.

no vpl brazilian

 

And as we’re stocking up they do multipacks too which are great value.

Brazilians

 

I also ordered a multipack of their ‘boy shorts‘.  I love to wear these when wearing a shorter skirt or dress and want to keep my modesty intact after a couple of glasses of prosecco.

lace shorts

 

 

Okay – now don’t laugh – I bought some ‘big knicks’ too.  Sometimes comfort really does trump (oops) style.  Thankfully these do have a little bit of lace detail so they aren’t completely Nana knickers.  Trust me no one will know and you will be so thankful wearing them!

high rise briefs

 

Finally just to prove I can still do ‘sexy’ I ordered a couple of these lace bodies from their Limited Edition.  Just gorgeous for the summer under a maxi dress.  I love the cross back detail too.

Limited lace body

 

So now you know what I wear underneath here are my outfit pics from the last few days!

Today I’m back in a skirt as the sun shines again.  I started the day in heels.  It feels so fab to have bare legs again!

Mango skirt.jpgShoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

I later changed into flats for running errands around town.  I LOVE these – they are a great Miu Miu tribute with a lovely shaped toe.

M&S flats.jpg M&S flats 2.jpg

 

Yesterday I was in one of my favorite simple ASOS dresses.  Must remember to clean my mirror when photographing black!

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Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

Then finally from the other day when it was still damp and cool after the storms.

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T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

So who else out there will admit to wearing big knickers? 🙂

 

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Graphic t-shirts.

Isn’t it odd how something you once hated with a passion can become something you yearn for?  For me those things include heart shaped jewelry – once I though this was tacky but make it an Elsa Peretti piece and all of a sudden things change.

Logo and graphic t-shirts also fall into this category for me.  The thought of wearing my favorite tour t-shirt, or wearing a slogan emblazoned across my chest seemed so puerile and again tacky – maybe I just overdosed in the 80s?

chooselife Frankie

 

Well all that has changed, as many of my style stereotypes have, with my love for Pinterest.  Pinterest is fabulous for providing inspiration and tips on how to style items that may not even have crossed your mind before.  These images made me think twice about the graphic t-shirt.

RAmones Pinterest images CC #1

 

Pretty cool looks hey?  I did wear my Bowie t-shirt quite a bit last year and I must recycle these outfits over the coming weeks.

Bowie Collage Bowie tee

 

Here is a selection of my favorites that I am collecting in various virtual carts!

We just got our new SMART tv – what a revelation Netflix streaming is!  I’m already well into Season 2 of Breaking Bad and this t-shirt is a must for any fan.

Breaking Bad

I adore this one – it should be my motto.

Dance

This one by Wildfox made me giggle and will make you cringe – my Husband calls me ‘dreamy’:)

Dreamy

I think this Coke t-shirt is super cool – especially living in the home of Coca-Cola.

Japan Coke

For something maybe a little more understated – this NY t-shirt is perfect for wearing with jeans or shorts.

NY

Here’s another one of my favorites – I have this and wore it a lot over Spring Break with denim cut offs – it’s currently on sale too.

Reckless

There have been a lot of Run DMC t-shirts out and about recently – maybe something to do with the Adidas revival?  I’d love this – my favorite tune of all time is Run DMC and Jason Nevins ‘It’s like that’.

Run DMC

Finally one for all of you that want to give peace a chance.

Yoko and LennonAnd here I am today experimenting with the logo t-shirt, wearing one of my most favorite items in my summer closet from J.Crew – currently 30% off in the US with GOSHOP.

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T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

 

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