Tag Archives: Boden

Entitled to a response.

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So my friend told me not to look but I did and I suddenly remembered why I never visit Mumsnet.  People are rude and mean from behind their laptops.  All of us who blog know we don’t appeal to everyone – we don’t intend to.  We don’t take ourselves too seriously – it really is just for fun – and we know we don’t always, by any means, get it right.  Poppy’s Style is written to give you a light hearted look into my fashion, and sometimes life, choices…nothing more than that – I am no authority.  To those of you who read and enjoy – thank you!  We really appreciate your comments and friendship.  Given I put myself out in the cyber world every day I guess a lesson for me is to toughen up a bit and appreciate some value in the negative comments.  I’ll try, or I’ll just ignore them.

Okay rant over and I shall not be paying any more attention to the Mumsnet forums thank you!

Yesterday we had a fabulous time with a gymnastics recital in morning and a Halloween party in the afternoon – I still can’t get excited enough about Halloween to dress up but I did wear a dress!  It’s the H&M tunic dress which I dressed down for being outside and teamed it with my Boden cashmere wrap from AW 2011, Target tights, Frye Phillip studded harness tall boot, and my Zara bordeaux scarf.  Closet assembly is still in progress as you can see!

Enjoy your Sunday:) xx

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Building the closet.

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Friday was spent in IKEA.  MM and I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy part of, if not most of our closet.  We’d decided that based on price and aesthetics the IKEA PAX system is the way to go, and yes we had discussed the potential chaos and crankiness that will inevitably result from the 2 of us spending the next 20 years sitting in a windowless walk in closet assembling flat packs.  But we still bought it.  After dragging the enormous boxes off the shelves ourselves we opted for the delivery option, and unsur-freakin-prisingly they only delivered half the boxes last night.  Now we have to wait for the second half to be delivered today.

MM thinks we can have it built in a week – I’ll be ecstatic if I can hang stuff before Christmas.  I might have to start drinking again (I’ve not imbibed since Louisville – a record for me).

Yesterday I ran for the first time in a while and felt great – foot feels healed and I sweat buckets – it was great to be out there again…The weather was perfect too – really cool but sunny.  Unfortunately by 3pm it’s back to 80 degrees F so deciding what to wear is a real conundrum.  Layering seems to be the way to go.

Yesterday I wore my Zara cargo pants, Zara owl t-shirt and AllSaints Cerulean cardigan.  I did have to swap it out for a heavier knit last night while watching the debate.  I refuse to put the heating on yet!  Shoes are Tory Burch Eddies.

Today it’s a completely random look and though comfy I don’t really feel ‘me’.  The idea was to wear a short sleeved dress so I’m prepared for the warm afternoon – but I feel a bit too girly in this H&M skater dress.  I added a Boden cashmere cardigan (the most superior cashmere knits I’ve ever found), Boden leggings, a copy of the Anthropologie necklace that was huge a couple of years ago, and my Banana Republic round toe pumps – yes heels!  I haven’t worn heels in the day since I quit the corporate world!

 

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A visit to H&M.

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H&M has had a huge store here in Atlanta for a few years now down at Atlantic Station and I recently discovered there is also one at Cumberland Mall.  I never used to shop there much when I lived in the UK, but having been introduced to their children’s clothing I found myself appreciating their cheap, disposable fashion more and more.  When MM and I used to venture out more often (we’re much happier watching t.v. and cuddling on the sofa these days) I could always count on H&M for a fabulous, cheap dress that would work for a one off occasion.

Having reviewed some of my recent posts I realized that my uniform of skinny jeans and patterned pants was getting a bit old, and with the onset of colder weather I find myself pining to wear snuggly tights and a dress.  Now Boden tunics have always been my go to, but I fear I have OD’d.  I’ve recently had a great clear out of all my tunics, and though I did order the collared tunic recently, it worked on me like a lead balloon – NOT flattering in the slightest on my busty, waistless, hipless frame.  So I am still in search of great weekend/day dresses that aren’t too long, are jersey or knitted so they work on my frame, and can preferably be worn with leggings or tights.  Hence I took a rare wander through H&M at the weekend.  I felt like I was cheating with a Swede behind my Spanish lover’s back…but it was fun:)

Here’s what I found – it’s neither jersey or knitted, nor do I think it will work with leggings but it is a stunner!  Above the knee, full of fabulous colors and it will work with black or burgundy tights, plus at $35 it is a steal!

There’s also a cute tunic version of the dress for those days when a fitted dress is not going to be comfortable enough!

These t-shirt dresses are fab – though I would venture to say too short with tights – better with leggings worn as a long t-shirt.  The website only shows this color but in store they had grey, burgundy and green stripe too.  At $14.95 they are worth one in every color.

Finally this knitted dress was perfect – I love the asymmetrical hem, again though a little too short at the front for my years to wear it as a dress – but I particularly love the black and the brown melange – both would look great with black leggings – again a great price at $25!

Very impressed I have to say H&M…I will be back for a gander soon once I let Zara know about us.

 

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One less life.

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Just read the title to this post again and I assure it isn’t as morbid as it sounds!  MM and I just returned from the ABC Kids Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky.  I’ve only been once before when it was based in Las Vegas.  When we both go it means that we have to get a sitter for the children and I really don’t like leaving them for 2 nights.  Don’t get me wrong – I like the adult time away but I miss my little ones like crazy.  The reason for the ‘one less life’ is that there is always far too much partying involved and I really feel like a cat with one less life on my return to normality!

I was rubbish at taking my outfit of the day photos – which is madness really as they would have been fun with a great mirror, well thought out packing and no one trying to get me out of the house quickly – but I had other priorities!  I did get some fun shots of the party animal that I am though…On the first evening I wore my AllSaints Dita t-shirt dress, Zara bordeaux skinnies, Zara jersey jacket and my Rag & Bone Newbury boots.  Here’s a photo from the loo in the exhibition center – people really do think I’m weird when they catch me photographing myself!

Now the incriminating photo…dead classy:)

The cure the following day included:

Today I’m just about feeling human again so managed to pick out something other than sweatpants from the closet.  These are Zara cargo pants which I love – really comfy with lots of stretch, a Zara camouflage top, JohnnieB leather jacket from a couple of years ago and my Ash Bowie sneakers in camel.

Now off to sweat out the toxins at the Y.  See you tomorrow!

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The Newburys.

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Oh yes – the new boots are fabulous – as one would hope – I have Paolo Nutini ringing in my head as I strut around in them.  They’re higher than you think but with the padded foot bed they are incredibly comfortable.  I am in love with them.  Really does now make me question why I have all those other boots in my closet…I guess my daughter will grow into them one day.

I’m loving the red today – funny how some mornings I question it and other mornings I feel like I am totally rocking it.  I really do think it all depends on the clothes – I have to choose wisely around the hair.  It’s not restrictive – but some things just feel ‘more right’ with it.  These clothes today feel perfect with it – the Newburys may of course have something to do with the joy.  I’ve since thrown a scarf on as it is a little nippier here today.  The leather quilted jacket is Zara, and this is one of my first AllSaints purchases from about 4 years ago – it’s a jumper dress and I can’t for the life of me remember the name of it – think it began with ‘v’?  The leggings are Boden – possibly the best leggings in the world, and then – ta da – the boots are Rag & Bone.  Due to the colorless outfit I went full on with the red lips today too:)

 

 

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Muddy Faces.

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I got my photos from Karen today – the amazing photographer from Muddy Faces.  She made the shoot fun for all of us and you can see the joy in the the children’s faces.  I am thrilled with the outcome.  If you are in the Atlanta area and need some photos don’t hesitate to contact Karen – she’ll do an amazing job!

I’m not so happy with my self portrait today.  I got these jeans from Target and don’t like them at all on – maybe I just feel it’s a bit too much with the red hair and boots…remember what I said about not letting it be trashy – well I think this outfit takes it all the way there…oh well – I think I’m in need of a dress day again soon to feel a bit girly again.  Jeans are worn with Gap men’s t-shirt, AllSaints Boston cardigan and Frye Shirley strappy boots.

Unfortunately the Loulou dress I ordered from Boden is going straight back – it looked ridiculous on me – again maybe the red hair – but it was completely unflattering – my boobs looked enormous in it and the pleats just emphasized my stomach.  Not a good look.  The new AllSaints Amei dress has worked a treat though and will look fab with leggings or tights.  I promise to model it soon.

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Casual Sunday.

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Saturday was so much fun – the weather here was amazing and as it is a Holiday weekend there were no appointments like swimming lessons to rush to.  I had a lovely relaxing morning with a good workout followed by an afternoon with the kids playing in the sun.  We then headed off North to Roswell where I have rarely been – but it was beautiful.  We were off to some stables for a photo shoot for the children.  As I’ve mentioned we really don’t like the stiff school portraits with fake backgrounds, and Karen at Muddy Faces takes some amazing shots so I’d rather giver her my money.  The location was idyllic – sunset at the stables with horses everywhere – it was hard to believe we were only 45 mins from Atlanta.  I could have sat there all evening.

Today we headed to the river to get some fresh air again.  I should have been running in a half marathon, but with a sore foot and zero mental focus for training I just couldn’t.  I wasn’t too bothered at missing it until I heard my running buddy ran it in 2hrs!! You go girl…and now you’ve given me the motivation to get going again!

I am still scaring myself everytime I look in the mirror and see my red hair but it’s growing on me – I do like it – I just think I need to be careful it doesn’t look trashy.

I’m wearing my Boden Must Have Jumper in radish from SS 2012 in radish, Hudson jeans, a grey Target tank and my Clark’s desert boots.

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Some love for J.Crew.

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My style isn’t at all preppy but I love J.Crew for certain items.  I’ve received a few inquiries about my shorts and they are all from J.Crew.  Their cashmere comes in great colors and I also have a couple of classic blazers from there.  Recently, each time I get a new catalogue from them, I find there is more I love.  There are some amazing jewel tones and lovely plush fabrics for winter.  The great news for all you in the UK is that J.Crew will ship to the UK and they are available through Net-a-porter.com, plus they are planning to open their first store there in 2013.

Some of my current favorites include the following.  These toothpick jeans in velvet mauve blush are just gorgeous.

Their ever popular Minnie pant is now available in the color of the season – cabernet.

The school boy blazer in boulevard green is stunning – I love this color – and I think I need this jacket especially as the model is wearing glasses too:)

Their flats are lovely and come in an array of colors, prints and styles – this might be the time to try something other than my beloved Tory Burch flats.  The Mila is gorgeous and would look fab with those velvet trousers!  I just wish there were reviews online for how the shoes fit – reviews really help for those of us between sizes.

My outfit today is very autumnal – lots of muted tones.  The Must have Jumper is one of my favorite items from Boden – I love the cut and the 3/4 length sleeves are great for layering over a long sleeved tee.  The one I’m wearing today is a Boden essential t-shirt from last Fall.  Jeans are Hudson and the boots are Sam Edelman Lisle in British Burgundy.  I love these boots – they are a very similar shape, if not the same, as the Louie boot, but these have a lovely rose gold zipper at the back.  Back zippers seem to be very popular this season on boots.  The leather is quite distressed which I think looks great in this color and will look even better after a few wears.  An added bonus – they are incredibly comfortable.  Sorry my photos have come out dark today – must be the impact of the dark Atlanta skies.

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Remembering.

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I cried this morning.  Listening to ‘Imagine’ on the radio just made it worse.  As I took Tennyson out for a walk it dawned on me that it was 9/11 again.  I immediately had a flash back – I remember it all so well.  I was driving to work here in Atlanta, running late, it had just gone 9am and the radio announcer said they were getting reports that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.  I was shocked but somewhat dismissed it as a dreadful, unfortunate accident.  As the morning unfolded it turned out to be far more sinister than that.  I remember feeling guilty because I was so irritated when all air traffic was grounded as my sister was supposed to be flying out here on the 13th and I so wanted to see her.  There were many people who would now never see their siblings again.  Even for those of us who were no where near NYC that day it still feels very raw, we will carry memories of that day forever.  So peace and love to all, and we will never forget.

Shifting gears now to something far more trite and inconsequential – clothes and hair.

Inspired by Miley’s new look (totally wrong for a 41 year old to be inspired by Miley Cyrus) and Pink’s hair at the VMA awards (again totally wrong of me) I decided to try and go for bigger hair up top today using a bit of pomade – I quite like it for a change:)

I’m wearing my Zara floral jacket and in attempt to transition it to Fall I wore a darker blue Boden long sleeved essential tee from last Fall.  I love these t-shirts – they are so soft and stretchy and great quality.  I’m in my Gap boyfriend jeans and my Tory Burch Revas in hibiscus pink – the necklace is an old J.Crew Factory store one that I bought years ago.  I’m making an attempt to be more thoughtful about accessorizing – accessories are the first thing to be forgotten about if I’m in a hurry in the morning.

My final order from Zara arrived yesterday – final for now anyway – remember I am going cold turkey.  It’s a stunning blue jacket that I just love – it will look great with jeans and tan ankle boots.  I love the gathered shoulders too – I know I will wear this a lot.  Question is do I get the most out of it and start wearing it now or wait to wear it in October when MM and I are off to a trade show in Louisville (oh the glamour!)?  I’m thinking if one really likes something then surely it makes sense to wear it and enjoy it – but nervous about that approach as I know I will want something new to wear come trade show time!

 

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Guilty as charged.

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I buy too much.  I’m a hoarder.  I buy things because I like them, not because I think I will wear them or use them.  I think I’ve been aware of this for some time but since I’ve been trying to reduce the number of items hanging unworn in my closet I have been stunned at just how much I have bought.

I am an online shopping addict.  I love the buying experience online – I can browse, compare prices – so I think I’m getting a bargain, my size is almost always available, I know it won’t have been tried on by 500 people and all I have to do is click a button and I’m done.

This weekend I made a vow to myself to 1) stick to a monthly clothing budget and 2) be more discerning about what I buy.   I’m already putting this into practice – having returned all my Boden preview order for the Fall I know there are just 2 items that I really would like to reorder – both knitted tunics – and neither will be worn here till November.  I am determined to wait till November to order – I know it’s a risk but by then I may have reappraised what I need/want and changed my mind…if I buy them now I could end up with 2 more tunics hanging in my closet unworn.  I think this is how I’ve ended up with so many rarely or never worn items – I buy them in the preview before the weather is appropriate to wear them – so I either forget about them or have moved on to another item I want!

Here’s one of the tunics I ordered and returned – it’s the Boden smocked tunic dress and it is gorgeous – so soft and works perfectly as a dress with tights and boots.  Fortunately there is a long wait right now for my size to be back in stock so that is helping me to stand my ground and wait to order until it is cool enough to wear it.

The second is from the Winter preview – and it is the bottle green collared tunic.  I am actually just in love with this photo too – it makes me think of Twiggy every time I see it, not to mention the setting reminds me of my old haunt Notting Hill.

I will wait to order I swear.  In the meantime I am going to try and go cold turkey and stop browsing the Zara website and Zappos.com – let’s see how it goes.

Fall arrived here this weekend – we’ll still have temperatures up in the 80s each day but this morning I actually had to wear a jacket at the bus stop – it was in the low 60s – just gorgeous!  I took Tennyson, our boxer, for a long walk – another promise I made myself this weekend – I will walk him every morning!

I’m wearing my Hudson Collin jeans, Zara animal print t-shirt, Zara black jersey blazer and my Tory Burch black patent Eddies.  I love wearing a jacket with jeans – and these jersey ones are so comfy and easy to wear.

To those of you who are helping me purge my closet I want to say a huge thank you and USPS are going to be busy with shipments of fabulous items all day.  I am trying to be ruthless and have posted more items over the weekend on my Facebook store.

 

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