Tag Archives: AllSaints

Window shopping.

With the impending house renovations I REALLY am trying to curb my personal spending. It’s hard though. Sometimes I try to ‘bulk’ buy at the start of a season and tell myself ‘right I’m done now, I have this season’s closet, no more purchases needed’. It never works. I should know by now that the canny retailers keep us coming back month after month, or week after week in some cases, as their new items hit the stores. I thought that by ceasing my visits to the mall this would stop me from seeing anything new and therefore my austerity measures would be intact. Only problem is I use my computer every day and for some reason when I need a break I find myself visiting BodenUSA.com, US.AllSaints.com or today it was Zara.com. I’m an online window shopping addict – or should that be just shopping addict?

Several things unfortunately caught my eye today that I am now lusting after. This gorgeous top is from AllSaints and is the perfect little number for summer cocktails.

Paired with these Petrel Brodie jeans in vintage pink it would look fabulous. I actually want these jeans in all the colors available and I’m planning a little trying on session soon with my favorite AllSaints employee, Charlie, at the Bloomingdale’s concession in Lenox Mall!

I was inspired to visit the Zara website after visiting Doesmybumlook40.blogspot.com blog by Kat back in England. She also got a mention in the Daily Mail article and I love her style – very urban chic and she accessorizes brilliantly. She loves Zara and though we have one here in Atlanta I rarely go in there. Now unfortunately I have discovered that their website is brilliant and what’s even better is that free shipping is standard – hooray!

It’s their shoes I have particularly fallen in love with. These black pumps are just gorgeous and are on my wish list.

Now these sandals were on my wish list but as I kept flipping back to them this morning I managed to convince myself that $50 for a pair of fabulous looking sandals was too good to miss – so they are now heading my way courtesy of UPS. I need to earn more money as I want them in every color. I hope they fit as I find sandals really hard to buy – I have funny sticky out toes and they get stuck in strappy sandals and hang out of the sides – an appalling look, so I’m hoping this single strap at the front will keep my little toes safely ensconced.

I now feel horribly guilty about ordering them as we just went to pick granite out for the new bathroom and kitchen counter tops. Of course the granite we like is the most expensive – surely $50 sandals won’t stop me getting the granite of my choice?

It’s raining here today so a bit cooler than it has been. I decided to take advantage of it and wear some jeans while I can. These are dark green legging jeans from Gap, worn with a snake print tee shirt from Express and my black patent Tory Burch Eddies. My studded cuff is also Tory Burch. I car pooled with MM today so was lucky enough to have a photographer – thanks honey:)

My new goal weight.

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After deciding to embark on my first marathon I have been assessing everything I need to do for optimal training and preparation. So far I have identified the following:

1. Find a running group so I can benefit from the camaraderie of a group of runners with similar objectives

2. Strengthen my knees and hips so they are less prone to injury

3. Use my foam roller daily and stretch thoroughly after every run to prevent injury

4. Use Fartlek techniques to get faster

5. Settle on a pair of running shoes that I like and keep me injury free

6. Improve my diet for optimal energy and try and lose 15lbs to get leaner and faster

Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are pretty much all in hand and I’ve been doing my clam shells and squats, and using my roller in front of the t.v. each evening:) I found out that our local running store, West Stride, has a summer series of runs that should help cover 1 and 4 – though I might have to grab my running partner too in order to do some speed training on the local school’s track. After reading Runner’s World I’m already confused with distances, rest intervals and paces to run at – not having a background in track and field makes me feel like a complete amateur – though I guess I am!

Number 5 is a trickier one. I’m currently running in my Newtons but I’m not sure my form has perfectly adapted yet and in order to stay injury free I’m considering buying a pair of New Balance W890 v2 to alternate with. Of course this does mean spending a silly amount of money on running shoes until I find my perfect pair but maybe I just need to shift my clothing budget over the next few months into a line entry for ‘running expenses’?

Number 6 is one I didn’t think I need to plan for, but if anything I have found my weight gradually creeping up due to all the running I have been doing. I have taken ‘carb loading’ to heart unfortunately and have lost all sense of portion control. So knowing that I need to fix this fast I headed back to my Jenny Craig center non Friday. It’s only the other week I was telling Running in Mommyland to treat it like hitting the ‘reset button’ and now I find myself heeding my own advice. I already feel much better after just 3 days back on the plan. I know there are cynics out there (I used to be one of them) who think diet plans are money making, quick fixes that don’t generate long lasting results, but in 3 years, excluding the past couple of months, I’ve managed to pretty much maintain my weight and I am confident that I can reach my new goal weight quickly and stay there again once I’ve convinced my mind and body again that I can survive and run strong perfectly well, even with smaller portions.

I just successfully passed one of the biggest tests in my new weight loss journey. We have just taken the children to a fund raising fair at the elementary school and on the way home we called for frozen yogurt. Normally I partake with the kids and get a huge lashing of yogurt covered in crushed peanuts, white chocolate chips and syrup – yum! I’m very proud of myself that I avoided all temptation – even though I did have to go and lock myself in the restroom while they served themselves!:) It’s 90 degrees here today so I’m wearing my lovely J.Crew gingham shorts, AllSaints tee and navy slim Havaianas. This weather is playing havoc with my attempt to grow my hair – the humidity is adding volume and frizz – nice! I might have to opt for a selection of hats and headscarves throughout the coming months!

Sinks, tubs and faucets (taps!)

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Thoroughly exhausted. I woke last night to the panicky feeling that I needed to do something, though I had no idea what and then couldn’t get back to sleep – and that was at 2.45am! I can’t complain though as I have a feeling that my sister is feeling more tired than I am after a marathon labor that produced my new nephew at 6 minutes to midnight last night. He still has no name which makes me giggle. It demonstrates how different my sister and I are as I had both my children’s names picked before my third trimester – I think I’d even practiced writing them down and Googled them to check there were no criminals or weirdos with the same names.

This morning was spent having fun picking out tiles, tubs, sinks and faucets for our new master bathroom. Talk about overwhelming – I had no idea there were so many types of white subway tile, never mind worrying about picking the right kind of sink for the modern aesthetic we’re aiming for. I even had to get in tubs to check them for comfort which was a tad embarrassing given the unsightly state of my feet after losing a toenail after the weekend’s race! Anyway I feel like we’re on the right path to the desired end result, though I’m dreading the weeks of turmoil, dust and workmen ahead.

Needing a bit of color I opted to wear my radish Effortless cardigan over my AllSaints Tilly Tee, with my Hudson jeans and Tory Burch navy Eddies. I love the cardigan and had several complements throughout the day – this color really is one of my favorites.

Calories burned > calories in.

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Yesterday started early with a 10 mile run – my last long run before the Zooma half marathon next weekend. I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for it as I woke at 7am but by the time I’d fueled myself with pancake and coffee I was excited to get going and the weather was perfect for 2 hours outside. I was frustrated though as it took me a while to find my rhythm – sometimes I wonder why I don’t see the huge improvement I want over the course of several runs. I find running is definitely mind over matter and once you feel out of sync it’s difficult to pull it back. I can set out feeling exactly the same and run a scorcher one day and fall completely flat another. Anyway I managed to get going and forced myself to floor it going up the long hill which we like to torture ourselves with. I have a new mantra which I keep reciting in my head since I got my Newtons, ‘land, lever, lift’ – it’s quite a good rhythm to run to! We set a good pace but I wish I’d finished stronger – I guess I’ll keep that with me as I run along a nice flat course next week aiming for a PB:)

I was very grateful to MM who not only watched the kids while I was running but then allowed me to have a nap for an hour to recharge before we headed out to dinner with Mike. I felt like a million dollars after a good sleep and knew I could indulge guilt free after all the calories burned that morning! I chose to wear my new AllSaints Dissolve dress. I just love it. It is a simple t-shirt dress with a little bit extra – and I love the long sleeves but it’s still light enough to wear on a warm evening. I think all AllSaints clothes run big and this is a UK size 8 which I could never get into in other brands. The Economist had this interesting piece on size inflation the other week – talk about vanity sizing! The skirt is lovely and kicks out perfectly – I have to say I felt dead sexy in it (without wanting to sound like Samantha Brick – though I recently heard a friend had labeled me a narcissist for my blogging…not bothered lol).

We had a great evening, with good conversation. Abattoir is always one of our favorite spots and last night they had lots of my favorite vegetable on the menu – rhubarb. My cocktail was a Rhubarb Ricky – delicious!

So a little tired today but looking forward to a fun day in the sun again. Maybe the paddling pool will come out for the first time, and then we’re grilling out later. I have the perfect Boden stripy tunic to wear. This dusk stripe was actually my least favorite color of the four I bought, but I have to say I love it on – even MM said he loved it and he initially preferred the darker radish and French blue ones. My dermatologist will be mad but everything does look a little better with a bit of sun on the skin – don’t worry I’m still wearing my SPF 30!

My summer makeup.

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So summer is here to stay by the look of it. Not only does this mean switching out my closets, but also my makeup bag. I don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup – just foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip gloss normally. I sometimes use a bit of loose powder too but I am starting to get more paranoid about it as I once read you should stay clear of it as you get older as it can settle in fine lines and age you. I don’t remember where I read this or even if it holds true but it stuck with me. I also don’t like a shiny nose and chin though, so that can present a dilemma. That is until I discovered my new favorite product – Boots No.7 Shine Free.

For my US readers Boots is a fabulous UK retail store which I miss greatly. They are probably best described as a cross between Ulta and CVS. They began as a pharmacy, but I miss them for all things cosmetics plus their lunchtime sandwiches! They have great store brands and my favorite is the No.7 line of cosmetics. I always considered No.7 a splurge when I was younger especially compared to their 17 brand, which is cheaper, targeted to a younger market and as far as I am aware not available in the US. Well I’m older now, plus living in the States where everything seems cheaper, including Boots No. 7 makeup, which can now be bought at Target and Ulta – hoooray!! As I was tracking down my favorite No.7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum, a white tube caught my eye that promised to leave me shine free – it’s now become a staple in my summer makeup. I apply it after moisturizing and it goes on smoothly, though you can definitely feel it’s non-greasy and it has a different consistency to anything else I’ve tried. As soon as it’s applied you are instantly shine free, with no discoloration or chalkiness, so you don’t even need to apply foundation if you, like me, prefer to be low maintenance in the summer. It’s perfect and highly recommended.

So as I wander around shine free I’ve had two vastly different temperatures to deal with. Yesterday was in the 80’s and today was only mid 60’s so it was back to the jeans. As I’m growing my hair I’ve taken to just sweeping it back with some pomade while it’s still wet. MM likes it but then a friend at the bus stop said I was channeling Pat Benatar – not sure that is a compliment.

Yesterday’s outfit was a fab Target dress from 2 years ago bought for probably $15, a J.Crew lightweight cashmere cardigan, my Frye Carson pull ons in fawn, and some lovely Ralph Lauren turquoise earrings that I got dirt cheap at Nordstrom Rack.

Today I was out and about in my Hudson Collin jeans, AllSaints plume jumper and Tory Burch Eddie flats in musk. I love this plume jumper it’s really lightweight, super easy to wear and conceals any imperfections around the midriff – what more does a girl need?

Oh and I love the earrings I wore today. Kenneth Cole does great quality, ‘urban’ style jewelry that is easy to wear and not overly distracting.

Day of rest.

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After 4 days of manic workouts to try and shift the Tybee indulgences I opted for a day of rest. It has been welcomed by my body though my mind is restless – I think I’m just plain tired. I’m glad I did rest as it was freezing cold at the bus stop this morning then sweltering as I arrived home this afternoon – neither option tempted me out for a run. Plus I got to rest my foot which is still bugging me after rolling it playing tennis 3 weeks ago. I can’t have broken anything as I’ve run on it, but it’s stiff and bruised on the top near the ankle making me aware of every step. Frustrating to say the least with less than 2 weeks to go to the Lake Lanier Zooma half. Anyway I’ve been following RunningInMommyland‘s advice and writing the alphabet with my big toe which seems to be loosening the tightness – and of course the ice pack helps. All due to prancing around on a tennis court for the first time in 12 years! On the bright side I have a back pocket excuse in case I choke on the 22nd:)

I did get out for a quick 4 miles in yesterday which was fun in my new Newtons! All around I’ve seen more and more people opting for them and raving about them…so I caved and bought some to make me run fast. I’m glad I visited the running store as I discovered I’d been wearing shoes at least 1/2 size too small – hence the nasty blisters in the Georgia half – which I’d attributed to poor fitting socks. That news gave me all the justification I needed to buy these beauties and on my first outing in them I’m optimistic – they felt great even with the stiff foot.

No one in this house wanted to get up this morning – first Monday back after a fabulous spring break was a tough one. Thankfully I’d chosen my wardrobe quickly last night before jumping in bed. It always saves me at least 10 minutes, which are crucial at 6am when I have an almost 6 year old deliberating over her attire each day.

So today I opted for my old faithful French Connection polka dot tee, my favorite AllSaints Cerulean cardigan (I SO want the grey in this too!), Hudson Collin jeans and Sam Edelman Alvin shoes in black – perhaps the most comfortable shoes I own.

A visitor from afar. (poppysstyle.wordpress.com)
Calories burned > calories in. (poppysstyle.wordpress.com)
My summer makeup. (poppysstyle.wordpress.com)

10 more miles.

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I must start by thanking Elaine, my pacer, for running with me yesterday morning. We had an amazing 10 mile run. I normally run on my own and it is so nice to have a partner on a longer run. Somehow we both seem to know when the other is struggling a little and needs to kick it up a gear. We sprinted up the hills and really dug deep with what seemed like a great pace. Unfortunately we didn’t time ourselves – it was intentional – but now I wish we had done as I feel like we were flying. Maybe it was my pre-run chia seed drink? Coincidence or not I’ll definitely be drinking it before the half on Sunday. I LOVE my CEP compression sleeves too. I ran in them then wore them all day and I had no swelling at all, I really appreciated the extra support they give my calves. Maybe I need some compression tights? It has to be said that I was fit for nothing for the rest of the day – I was completely drained. After consuming my body weight in carbs I spent the day shuffling from one sofa to another and then hit the sack at 9pm which was still really only 8pm due to the clocks changing!

I nipped into Ulta this morning – luckily for me, unluckily for my bank balance, there is one around the corner from the office. They are having their 21 days of Beauty event, and though I don’t usually need an excuse to shop there, there are some fabulous deals on which I don’t want to miss. Today they are having a Philosophy event and I grabbed myself a Peel Party kit for $39 plus I got a free Philosophy gift with it too, on top of that you get $3.50 of any $10 purchase so I walked away with an arm full of goodies for some spring pampering. Keep an eye out for the flyers and the various offers each day – there are some real bargains to be had.

I can pat myself on the back too as I have remembered Mothering Sunday in the UK is this Sunday! I’m so excited I remembered. Normally I forget and my poor Mum has to wait till May for the US one, but something triggered me to remember this year and I’ve successfully ordered a gift – can’t tell you what as Mum reads this – Hi Mum!!

This morning I was still hobbling around with sore thighs so wanted something comfy to wear. It might also be my last day in a sweater for a while as the forecast is for 80 degrees for the rest of the week. I’m wearing my Hudson Signature Collin jeans and AllSaints Itat shrug in black (I have it in vintage marl too), with my Tory Burch Eddies in black. I tried to create a little quiff with my bangs this morning too – it must be okay as MM immediately noticed an paid me a compliment…not a bad start on a Monday morning:)

Oops I did it again.

A quickie…

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A hectic day after a dental appointment, work then cleaning in preparation for Saturday’s party…so here is a quick post with my choice of clothing for the day…Hudson Collin jeans, Tory Burch black patent Eddies, Boden white scoop neck essential tee and AllSaints Serpent jumper. I love the cropped Serpent cropped jumper though I have to be careful that I wear it on a ‘skinny’ day as it does absolutely nothing for a muffin top! After some debate I added my JCrew pink linen scarf – the forecast was for 70 degrees Farenheit but the nasty storms we’ve got coming this way didn’t fill me with confidence…which do you prefer?

The inner geek.

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Even though I have shared my disdain for Valentine’s Day I still managed to have a pretty good 14th February. MM and I met up for lunch with an old friend who was in Atlanta for business. We hadn’t seen him for probably 5 years so it was lovely to catch up over some good food at one of my favorite places to dine, Canoe. I could have sat there all afternoon but of course had to go and collect my sugar fueled daughter from school ready for ballet. I was quite relieved that she was going to dance off some of the Valentine’s Day sugar buzz. It was freezing here so wore my AllSaints Char cashmere jumper to keep me snug, along with my Hudson Collin jeans and Tory Burch flannel Revas.

I’m feeling a bit nerdy again today as I’ve been doing some Facebook development for our business page. Years ago I did some coding as an IT consultant and I still love to get my hands dirty occasionally. I’ve discovered a fantastic application called ShortStack that allows you to develop custom forms and tabs on a Facebook page. I’ve even managed to put a tab on Poppy’s Style Facebook page where you can see new blog posts and the RSS feed! I LOVE it and I feel like I’ve had a very productive day customizing some tabs, so let’s hope both pages get an uptick in fans thanks to my inner geek.

My daughter is having a play date this afternoon with a ballet buddy and I love her Mom so I’m looking forward to having a natter. Her Mom is a runner too so I’m hoping I can convince her to run a couple of half marathons over the next year or so. Unfortunately I have been a bit lazy over the past few days and have been lacking motivation due to the weather here. I’m so ready for spring to return so I can get back outside once again, pounding the pavements.

The sun is shining today so I chose a bit of color with my Boden aqua wrap jumper. I was pretty uninspired this morning so went for the easy button again with my jeans and flannel Revas, all topped off with JCrew‘s boyfriend blazer from a couple of years ago.

My nail polish at the moment is Chanel’s Madness but I think I’m going for a change tonight with something a little lighter – decisions, decisions….

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Tag Archives: AllSaints

Window shopping.

My new goal weight.

Sinks, tubs and faucets (taps!)

Calories burned > calories in.

My summer makeup.

Day of rest.

10 more miles.

Oops I did it again.

A quickie…

The inner geek.

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