Tag Archives: Atlanta

A week today.

I cannot believe we are here – June 4th, meaning a week today we will be flying to our new home in Leeds. I’m tired – emotionally and physically. Not surprisingly I’m not sleeping well. We’re all happy and excited but every day there is a milestone. Last week we had the inspection for our house sale here, yesterday we had our yard sale, today the appraisal, tomorrow there are other things we need to check off the list. It’s kind of eerie – I’m sitting in an almost empty house – with just mattresses for us to sleep on this week. It’s like being a student again but with more stress!

My Mum and Dad are kindly heading to Leeds tomorrow to receive our IKEA delivery for our rental, and let the cable guy in so we’re ready for the World Cup! I’m so thankful to have people there who can help while we manage the loose ends on this side of the Atlantic.

The dogs’ crates for flying have arrived, though that process is still incredibly stressful as we have to make sure paperwork is in order so that they are accepted as freight on Monday, and then allowed through customs on arrival in Manchester on Tuesday. Our dogs are both 60-80lbs, so the crates are enormous and that means we need to rent a truck from Manchester to Leeds that will hold the 4 of us and luggage, plus the dogs in their crates! The logistics are crazy!

The good news is we may have school places for the children. Leeds has an over subscription problem right now – too many children for too few places. In order to secure places for Poppy and Hugh we might have to send them to school for the rest of the UK school year, which they aren’t going to be happy about as their school year here ended last week! I’m not going to win any Mum of the Year awards for that am I – especially as I told them they will have a lovely long summer? On the positive side it means they can acclimatize quickly and meet new friends before the UK summer holidays start. I’ve got a hard sell on my hands.

So as I say I’m tired, and it’s not surprising, but at least last week we got to have a lovely last hurrah in NYC with my Father in Law and Brother in Law’s family. It was wonderful to see them over here, and great for Poppy and Hugh to hang out with their cousins. It was reassuring how well they all got on as I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of them over the summer down in London!

The Beginning

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It’s hard to know where to start. I guess it makes sense to start at the beginning. In late 1999, a year into our marriage, Dave and I had just purchased our first home – a tiny flat in the heart of Spitalfields. We had literally just finished furnishing it when Dave returned home from work one day and asked ‘how do you like the idea of moving to Atlanta?’. At 28, no kids and a career I wasn’t married to, I LOVED the idea.

Me outside our Spitalfields flat in 2011

‘Well you can always come back can’t you!’

‘You’ll never know till you’ve tried it!’

‘Better to have regretted trying than never try at all!’

These are all things we said to ourselves as we both landed firmly on the side of moving. Our friends thought we were mad or brave. Either way I think most were pretty surprised when Dave headed over to start work in March 2000. In the meantime I was working for an investment bank in the City and obviously getting a transfer visa with them wasn’t going to happen, though they did offer me a position NYC – still quite a commute from Atlanta! So I hedged. I had started my career with Price Waterhouse as an IT consultant – that’s Price Waterhouse with an office in nearly every major city in the world, including Atlanta. So I took the risk of leaving my job with Dresdner to return to Price Waterhouse – claiming I’d made a huge mistake leaving, and knowing in the back of my mind there was still no guarantee that they would help me get to Atlanta. However, it was the best chance I had of going with a job, and more importantly back then, a visa. After just a month back in the job I announced that my Husband had been relocated…and errrr….is there any chance you can relocate me too? Incredibly it all fell into place. I traveled over to Atlanta to interview with the office here – the Partner happened to be English too which helped a lot – and within a month I had a Visa, a job, a one way ticket to Atlanta, and a flat to rent out in London. It all happened so quickly that a friend of ours even sold our car for us, as we weren’t there to do it ourselves!

We came with no plans to stay or leave…basically no plans at all except to have LOTS of fun and relish life in the sun. It was like being on a constant vacation. That was 18 years ago. Little did I know then that 3 houses, 2 kids, countless cars, several dogs and a business later we’d be considering moving back to the UK.

The times they are a changin’

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It’s been a while since I’ve felt compelled to blog. The last few days have been particularly difficult for me. Yesterday I had to talk to my 9 year old and 11 year old about how to take cover in school from an active shooter. It’s made us assess certain aspects of our life, and after 18 years here in Atlanta we’re making some changes. Watch this space as I’ll be documenting it all – the highs and lows. For now suffice to say our house of 10 years is on the market.

Dressing for Spring

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Yesterday we had a ‘teacher work day’, meaning that there was no school for the children. Instead we had the most wonderful day shopping and at the movies. The weather was incredible and the 3 of us had so much fun. They even enjoyed IKEA and we were in and out in record time having located storage boxes for my winter jumpers and new beach chairs for spring break. The highlight of the morning though was visiting their favorite H&M store!

Poppy was thrilled to find Sue’s top. It looks perfect with her new Zara shorts that she is wearing!

After H&M we headed to the movies to watch Cinderella – highly recommended – we loved it and I even shed a couple of tears!

For the casual day out and about I wore little makeup – a real treat in the spring sun – plenty of spf though of course!

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Jeans – H&M // Tunic – J.Crew (25% off with SaleLove)

Today it’s back to work with a bump – none of us were rallying to get out of bed this morning. After blogging about it the other day I decided to wear my Mango top for the first time – I love it – I am wearing a US 8.

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury (similar here on TheOutnet.com QUICK!) // Jeans – Zara // Top – Mango // Jacket – Mango (50% off on sale) // Bag – H&M // Sunglasses – Oliver Peoples Ria

At least the sun is still shining for us!

Urban sweats from Uniqlo

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I have to say I am fairly new to Uniqlo – mainly as they haven’t been selling online long in the US and we don’t have a store here in Atlanta. When I am in NYC I always pop in to the SoHo store and I adore the simple, unbranded, classics that they sell. Many of my blogging friends love their silk shirts, merino sweaters and cashmere and last year I bought 3 of their men’s cashmere crewnecks. The quality and price point of Uniqlo is fabulous – I just wish we did have a store here as their sizing can be hit or miss making online shopping a bit of a gamble.

Recently I was online looking for cashmere and stumbled across the Urban sweats collection. Unfortunately it is pretty much sold out in the UK but there is still plenty of stock left of most items in the US.

The sweatpants are great with a cross over crotch and the sweat fabric is thick and soft.

I love the cut of the sweatshirt too – cropped yet with a little something extra – I love to wear mine with a tank underneath with jeans. I actually had to replace mine as I was wearing it for the first time when I smashed our neighbors’ glass door!

Today I am wearing the dress/tunic from the collection. It is a medium and fits beautifully. I really do love the thickness of the sweat – it is warm for a chilly Fall morning. I’ve tried to show you the cut at the back – it’s lower than the front.

Sneakers – Adidas Samoas floral // Dress – Uniqlo Urban sweat // Jacket – J.Crew (25% off with STYLETREAT) // Bag – H&M (similar here)

I think I might be getting the cashmere out tomorrow – temperatures are falling ready for Halloween!

Hot as Hell

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Hot as Hell – not just in hot yoga this morning where I thought I might actually pass out, but also in Atlanta – anywhere in Atlanta. The humidity is such that you sweat as soon as you leave the house and the temperature is 94 degrees Fahrenheit. I need no reminder that I live in the deep South. We’re off to a pool party soon so I think some very icy white wine may be in order – it is Friday after all!

Top – J.Crew on sale plus extra 25% off with SHOPNOW // Shorts – J.Crew 25% off with SHOPNOW // Shoes – Arizona Birkenstock

Beach Jumpsuit – ASOS on sale – just $20! // Bikini – J.Crew (top and bottom on sale plus additional 25% off with SHOPNOW) // Flip flops – Havaianas

Happy Weekend one and all!

xxx

Health kick

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It was a VERY indulgent weekend. Gifts, cards, food, spirits, wine and cigars…uuurgh I paid for it yesterday. I had a fabulous birthday thanks to the generosity of friends and family, but now it’s time to begin my 44th year with some healthier choices. I just signed up for the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. I’ve done it a couple of times before and it is great fun, a lovely way to earn your Thanksgiving dinner. Only problem is 13 miles seems an awfully long way right now. I need to get my training plan written – oh and then actually execute the plan 🙂 I have a while to contemplate it, before I start adding the miles to my little 2 mile jog with the dog.

My birthday started with a run – I was well impressed! Then I was drinking prosecco and eating red velvet cake by 10.30am! We headed out for lunch to one of our favorite spots – Nuevo Laredo – where I ate way too much and was surprised with a birthday shot. Yep you read right – no cupcakes here – a shot of tequila with a cherry on top at 2pm. I had to drink it all in one while the rest of the restaurant sang Happy Birthday. Fun times…

For lunch I decided to wear an old, favorite AllSaints dress (similar here) with my nude Sam Edelman Yazmines (on sale here).

The Yazmines are high but really comfortable given the block heel.

Today we’re being covered by cloud and it really feels quite Fall like here.

Jeans – H&M // Shoes – Sam Edelman (on sale) // Cardigan – AllSaints (old – similar here) // T-shirt – French Connection (old)

I’m off out with the girls tonight to continue some celebrations – yeah that health kick might wait till tomorrow.

Tornado alley.

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I’m sitting here watching the local news coverage that has been extended due to all the threats and warnings of tornadoes and severe weather. It looks like it’s heading straight for Atlanta. Here’s hoping everyone stays safe tonight – they do have a habit of over dramatizing the weather here, but it goes without saying that tornadoes are no trivial matter.

The kids are bathed and safely in bed so I thought I’d distract myself with a quick outfit post! On Friday I had a hot yoga session followed by a hot date with my Husband. Needless to say the hot date negated any of the benefits of the hot yoga!

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Today I went for monochrome and leopard – two of my favorite picks when it comes to clothes!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Please stay safe if you’re in the path of these storms and hold your breath for blue skies on the other side xx

Yes…a sneaker post…

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Sneakers, trainers, tennis shoes – whatever you call them they are everywhere right now, and nothing could make me happier. In my closet I have Adidas gazelles, Converse sneakers and classic Chuck Taylors, Nike hi-tops (worn way back here) and of course my ridiculous Golden Goose.

Many recent sneaker posts have focused on the classic New Balance sneaker. They’ve had somewhat of a renaissance recently. I remember blogging about my New Balance running shoes back here and thinking what a ‘nerdy’ brand they were. But now that nerdiness seems to be cool. I love the fact that they have become so mainstream – I still have a lot of love for the brand and J.Crew have some amazing colors available for the Spring.

Back in 1995 I dragged my family around the streets of London looking for Adidas Gazelles in green. You couldn’t get them for love or money after Ms. Moss made them such a style statement. I eventually tracked a pair down in Harrods of all places!

(Image: http://deadhypepropaganda.tumblr.com/)

Since that first purchase I have always been an Adidas girl. The fact that Run DMC made the brand so freakin’ cool did not escape me either.

I now have a pair of men’s navy Gazelles. Buyer beware – buying men’s sneakers presents all sorts of sizing issues. Not only is UK sizing different from US sizing but the men’s and women’s sizing is different too! Please can someone standardize shoe sizes globally – thanks. I am a US women’s 8.5 and I buy US men’s 7.5 in Adidas.

I also have a pair of Adidas Samoas – I love how ‘neat’ this shoe is and the leather is beautiful.

These silver women’s Gazelles are amazing and on sale. Just imagine them with tanned ankles and boyfriend jeans – lush!

The Samoas are also available in silver – I love the metallics – a far cheaper option than the metallic/sparkly Golden Goose.

For something a little more neutral I adore the grey men’s Samoas.

Yesterday I just had to get out of the house. With the crazy weather here in Altanta (we spent Tuesday night pushing cars along our road) we’ve all been housebound. This has now resulted in us all getting sick, irritable and tired. Great. So yesterday I bundled up and headed to the mall for 30 minutes to a) try and remember what day it was and b) blow some germs away. I ended up popping into the Adidas store and look what I ‘treated’ myself to.

These Stan Smiths can’t be found anywhere online – at least where I have looked – they do have some of the red trim available on the Adidas site. I really didn’t think they would be me – but when I tried them on I was smitten. Super comfy and I love the simplicity of them.

Of course everyone else in the store was buying them so they will be on all the cool kids this Spring – me, Phoebe and Marc included of course:)

These Samoas were a complete curve ball. I immediately cringed when I saw them – flowers on sneakers – totally wrong. But again I tried them on and wow – I love them! So different, and yes girly, and they will look great with denim shorts or my ASOS t-shirt dresses. Again I’m sorry I can’t find them online but here they are in the flesh

As a complete aside from ‘proper’ sneakers, while I was re-ordering my Limited Edition shoes (flowers again – what is happening to me?!) I spotted these fabulous ‘slip on sneakers’ – similar to the Next versions that were available last summer. These Marks & Spencer versions are a great price too. I can vouch for them as they happened to fall in my cart – no idea how that happens – very strange – must be a bug on the M&S site.

I’m afraid I don’t have much to report on the outfits of recent days – it really has been crap stuck at home, but not nearly as crap as it was for those stuck on the Interstates for 24 hours. I’m sure we’ll continue to hear more about the good Samaritans who have helped those in need over the past few days. The thaw is here and hopefully we can get back to normal again – though our politicians will feel a little beaten up for a few weeks to come no doubt…

It’s SNOWING!

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Yes Atlanta has come to a standstill – a frozen standstill. We’re expected to get 1-3″ of snow which is quite something for us. So as I sit here waiting for the kids to make their way home from school I thought I’d get a quick blog post written as I’ve a feeling I’ll be required to play countless games of Uno and Chess over the next few days. I’m sure we’ll be housebound tomorrow but thankfully I have wine, cheese, paté and bread so I’ll be alright thanks (taking a well earned break from the Paleo diet!).

I need to be careful out in the snow as I am still shuffling around like a 90 year old on a bad day. I ran the 15k on Sunday – it was an awesome run and I felt strong all the way round, even managing a quick sprint across the finish line cutting valuable seconds off my time 🙂 I didn’t feel quite as strong after my celebratory Mexican and margarita – an ice pack on the knees was required along with a long nap…Now I’m trying to summon the enthusiasm for the Georgia half in March…we’ll see!

This is an outift I forgot to post before I had my bangs cut – I just found it on my camera so here you go – my favorite red jacket from last year.

Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – Uniqlo // Jacket – Zara (old)

Then from the last couple of days – it has been cold for sure here in the deep South…

Coated skinnies – Zara (old) // Jumper – Off duty jumper Boden (in clearance) // Boots – Sam Edelman Martina // Coat – Marks and Spencer Per Una (currently 20% off clothing, home and beauty)

Boots – Boden // Socks – Boden (old) // Jeans – Fayza Diesel // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (in clearance) // Scarf – Boden (old)

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Hudson Collin // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – Verna Gilet AllSaints

I may be in my cashmere onesie for the next few days so I’ll see you once we’ve dug ourselves out!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Tag Archives: Atlanta

A week today.

The Beginning

The times they are a changin’

Dressing for Spring

Urban sweats from Uniqlo

Sneakers – Adidas Samoas floral // Dress – Uniqlo Urban sweat // Jacket – J.Crew (25% off with STYLETREAT) // Bag – H&M (similar here)

Hot as Hell

Health kick

Tornado alley.

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Yes…a sneaker post…

It’s SNOWING!

Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – Uniqlo // Jacket – Zara (old)

Coated skinnies – Zara (old) // Jumper – Off duty jumper Boden (in clearance) // Boots – Sam Edelman Martina // Coat – Marks and Spencer Per Una (currently 20% off clothing, home and beauty)

Boots – Boden // Socks – Boden (old) // Jeans – Fayza Diesel // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (in clearance) // Scarf – Boden (old)

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Hudson Collin // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – Verna Gilet AllSaints

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Sneakers – Adidas Samoas floral // Dress – Uniqlo Urban sweat // Jacket – J.Crew (25% off with STYLETREAT) // Bag – H&M (similar here)

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Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

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Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – Uniqlo // Jacket – Zara (old)

Coated skinnies – Zara (old) // Jumper – Off duty jumper Boden (in clearance) // Boots – Sam Edelman Martina // Coat – Marks and Spencer Per Una (currently 20% off clothing, home and beauty)

Boots – Boden // Socks – Boden (old) // Jeans – Fayza Diesel // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (in clearance) // Scarf – Boden (old)

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Hudson Collin // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – Verna Gilet AllSaints

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