Tag Archives: Gap

I’m a lucky girl…

…because I got another night out with MM last night!! That’s two nights out this month already, and a couple of lunches – I should plan solo trips abroad more often! I leave for Blighty in just over a week and to say I am excited is an understatement. I’ve already started laying out my clothes in the bedroom to try and plan my capsule travel wardrobe. Never fun – there’s always more I want to take. I wish I was a good packer. The UK weather also complicates matters as I need layers and I want to take suede boots – but that’s just madness for Bury in February no? How do you pack? Do you have it down to a fine art? Tips please! You’d think I’d be a pro by now but not so.

Yesterday I was begging for more warm weather – the sun shone but I think I was overly ambitious in my J.Crew shirt (some colors, including this neon rose, are in the sale) – it was still pretty chilly. The scarf is an old H&M one and the jeans are Gap. The flats are the VInce Camuto Fawna that I got in the sale. I had to return the pink ones as the glitter came off after one wear – let’s hope these last a tad longer.

So last night we headed to our favorite bar that overlooks the downtown skyline. I ate oysters and drank prosecco – it was lovely. I wore my Hudson Leeloo jeans that I got on sale at Zappos.com. I LOVE them – so stretchy and comfy – the ‘bone’ color is perfect – not too white if you know what I mean – cream in fact! The blouse is Zara as is the jacket, and the boots are the Nine West Buster that I got on sale. The clutch is and YSL Belle de Jour, a present from MM for our anniversary a couple of years ago:) Oh and my nail polish is Chanel black satin – gorgeous color but doesn’t wear well, regardless of a great base coat and top coat.

Okay back to the packing while the kids are at the park – wish me luck!

A new obsession.

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So I like to work out. I also like to ‘dress the part’ and ‘look cute’ while working out – if possible when sweating buckets, huffing and puffing and as red as a beetroot – I don’t do ‘low impact’. My favorite brand of work out gear for some time has been Lululemon. They do fabulous fabrics for wicking and support, great colors, cute prints, and I LOVE their skorts. Over the past few months though there has been some concern over their colors ‘bleeding’ in the wash. There have been LOTS of comments on their FB page and their CEO even addressed quality issues. I have noticed the trim on a couple of my beloved skorts that have changed color:( Now I’m not ready to abandon Lululemon, but the quality concerns and their more mainstream presence i.e. seeing everyone in the same gear, has made me question whether the extra cost is worth it at all.

So I ventured out the other day to Atlantic Station to investigate the Athleta store. I always receive their catalog and to be honest haven’t paid it much attention till now. Flicking through it, what really appeals to me is the variety of clothing they offer – not just capris and tanks for gym wear – but they also have – dare I say it – ‘lounge wear’ and ‘travel attire’. Don’t shoot me, but here is why I love it. Sometimes I do just want to hang out at home in sweats – BUT not sweats that have a brand emblazoned across my butt, or elsewhere for that matter. I still want to look cute in my, here we go again, ‘lounge wear’. As for traveling – there is nothing worse than sitting on a 9hr transatlantic flight in skinny jeans, no matter how stretchy they are. But I refuse to wear sweatpants and Uggs. Plus on my trips abroad – especially for summer vacation I love to have something easy to throw on that can be packed rolled up, and will not reach it’s destination completely creased.

They don’t have too many bricks and mortar stores right now (though owned by Gap I expect real estate will be no problem, and they seem to be popping up stores where ever there is a Lululemon close by!). The one here at Atlantic Station is HUGE. It is beautifully merchandised, has great spacious changing rooms, and the staff are fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble. No pretentious yogis here.

These Allegro pants were what I really wanted to try. They are super light weight, have a great stretchy waistband and I walked away with a black pair. Ideal for travel and at home. I love them. As a note I got in a US 4 bottoms and size small tops so I suggest they fit on the larger side!

I also love these capri skorts – the ‘seamless skirts got legs‘ – and will be trying them as soon as they are in store.

Their dresses are also great – especially for hot Atlanta summers and for summer vacations. I have my eye on this ‘Twist and Turn maxi‘ for Cyprus this summer.

On another note – my paranoia about the sun is growing annually. I’ve heard too many horrifically sad stories recently and so I plan to be more guarded on the beach. I have completely fallen in love with their rashguards. Perfect protection, and also pretty darned cute too!

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As for today, well it seems a long way to go till beach weather that’s for certain. I’m wearing the Boden velvet trim blazer from 2011, Boden Must Have Jumper in blackberry layered over an H&M tank, Hudson skinnies and my Newburys. The scarf is also Boden from 2011.

Boden are currently having a Spring Trim – 15% off selected items – and this stacks when you use my banner ads! Enjoy:)

A compelling read.

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I love it when I pick up a new read and can’t tear myself away from it. There is no better way to spend some down time than with a fabulous book. American Psycho is just that – I truly can’t put it down. Yes it is a controversial book, containing scenes of graphic violence and sex, but the narrative is breathtaking. It was published in 1991 and is set in a narcissistic, greedy world of New York investment bankers (think Wall Street) and their ‘hardbody’ girlfriends. Brett Easton Ellis’ talent lies in his ability to set the scene and and make it tangible through paragraphs filled with adjectives and detailed descriptions. For a brand lover like myself it is heaven to be able to visualize every item a character is wearing, down to their Oliver Peoples. It’s a book I’ll be sad to finish and I highly recommend it if you can stomach a few grisly scenes!

The Arctic blast has reached us here in Atlanta so time for some cashmere and fur (though fake!). I was hoping to change it up a bit and take the tripod outside this morning, but bbrrrrrr you’ll have to wait for that! The jeans are my old faithful Gap black Always Skinny jeans – unfortunately my ability to describe the comfort of these jeans is not on par with the descriptive talents of Ellis – but believe me they are probably the most comfortable fitting jeans I own. The jumper is a Boden cashmere roll neck from a couple of years ago but they still have plenty of options in their current clearance section. The Dickers are out again and Net-a-porter.com has just received all their new stock so be quick!! The belt is Gucci, which now fits perfectly hooray!

Before heading out I threw on the relatively new Forever21 jacket – I think these fit to size and this is a Medium. It’s really pretty good quality for Forever21 and even has a suede trim with pink lining – very cute. Unfortunately I can no longer see it online to link to.

And here’s the inspiration for the outfit, the splendid Ms. Moss:

Let me know if you pick up American Psycho and tell me the best books you have read recently – I have a couple of transatlantic flights approaching soon!

MLK weekend.

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Just 2 weeks have passed since we all went back to school and work and now we have a long weekend. I respect everything Martin Luther King Jr. accomplished, but I wish he had been born later in the year. Fortunately we have had a weekend full of activities ranging from haircuts to birthday parties to NFL games to walking up mountains.

Friday was very indulgent and 3 hours of it was spent sitting in the hair salon. You wouldn’t believe how much hair came off – when you have short hair it’s still amazing how much shorter it can go!

Saturday started with my ‘free weights’ orientation at the gym. My very buff instructor obviously knew what he was doing. The way he threw the weights around looked easy. I’m glad he is a gentle giant – he genuinely suppressed his amusement when I tried to emulate his moves, and even when I struggled just to change the weights on the bars. Everyone has to start somewhere I guess! He did offer to ‘spot’ for me as it can be ‘dangerous if you get stuck under the weights’ – heaven forbid that level of embarassment ever occurs!

Later that afternoon, with arms still feeling like jelly, we went off to a party for the children. Now earlier in the day I swear I had ballet flats on, but once the sun started to lose its heat my feet were so cold I committed the fashion sin of wearing ankle boots and socks with cropped trousers. Forgive me – I was past caring at this point. So here I am wearing my J.Crew sale bargains that I got in NYC – the herringbone café capris (currently there is 40% off final sale prices using the code Get40). I wore them with lots of Boden including the Must have jumper, the chic leather jacket and the Lightweight scarf in Multi Meadow is from the Spring collection. I love the combination of bright and nude pinks. The boots are the Guess Cardio – currently in the sale on Zappos.com! (Remember to check out the Boden site again this week as there are new items with 20% off from the Spring collection that will stack with the 15% off with my banner ads).

Yesterday the Atlanta Falcons had a major game to play – victory would result in a trip to the Superbowl for the first time in years. Of course we didn’t win – but for a while it was fun believing we might. I enjoyed a couple of beers watching the big screen and holding the sofa down – the game was closer than we thought it would be, which made it harder to lose:(

There’s been a lot of discussion on my friends’ blogs regarding boyfriend jeans recently and the quest for the perfect pair. Kat at Doesmybumlook40 has written a couple of great posts with some good reviews, and Sue at SusieSoSo has also just posted on them – we’ve all added our 2 cents worth in comments. I have 2 pairs of boyfriend jeans, both bought from Gap, bought in the sale about 3 years ago. They still have the ‘sexy’ boyfriend jean – but I haven’t tried them on so can’t compare the cut to the ones I own. I sized down in mine – a US 2 – there is no way in hell I am a US 2 – but it still makes me smile when I put these on:) I just noticed too that Gap here in the US have a 30% off online code that ends today – GAPDEAL is the code. I love my jeans – I roll them a couple of times at the ankle, and they are slouchy enough around the waist and butt without being, in my eyes, unflattering. The Heartbreaker jumper is another J.Crew sale bargain, worn over a Boden Hampton t-shirt. The ballet flats are the fabulous VInce Camuto fawna flats – again a sales bargain from over the Holiday period. The croissant/pink color is still available in the sale in some sizes here at Nordstrom.

Now off to enjoy this extra day at home we have…I’m going to start it with a run then who knows what fun will ensue!

A new bag.

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So yes I have the new Boden leather clutch in sunset…and now I have it in driftwood. My logic/justification was that these bags are so beautiful they will sell like hotcakes. I’ve already put in a request for them to make a larger tote version with handles, and a long strap too for next year – how perfect would that be! Something along the lines of these Foley & Corinna Mid City totes that I am currently lusting after.

No more bags for me though till I have saved for my bag of the year – the Alexander Wang Rocco. There are two on the Net-a-porter wish list I just emailed to MM:)

Today I opted for some color – the Zara knitted jacket from last year’s sale. It’s a fun color with a great Zebra print lining. To balance out the vibrancy of the jacket I opted for a simple square cut black H&M jumper, black Gap jeans and my mocha Pistols which coordinate fabulously well with the bag! The scarf is Boden from AW 2011.

What bag is top of your wish list for 2013?

Inspiration from an icon.

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There are several style icons around the globe who inspire me, but the woman who makes me weak at the knees with her effortless chic and je ne sais quoi is Emmanuelle Alt. Wikipedia says she was born May 18th 1967 which is interesting not only because my daughter’s birthday is May 18th but also because she’s heading for her 46th birthday this year! She looks phenomenal at 46!

Her uniform is pretty standard fare – if you ignore the fact that it is compiled of designer pieces – you’ll recognize plenty of Isabel Marant when you look at photos. You’ll often see her in a blazer, t-shirt, skinnies or harem trousers with pointy pumps or ankle boots. Regardless of what she wears – it somehow always looks amazing and also looks like she hasn’t given her wardrobe that day a second thought. She has a formula and she sticks by it. If you saw a headless shot of her you’d be able to tell who it is instantly.

I think blogging is starting to make me over think what I wear, leading to some dubious decisions and combinations. It’s time to pare back and simplify. So here is my attempt at jeans, t-shirt and a blazer. I actually feel really comfortable like this and it’s one of MM’s favorite looks on me. InStyle magazine also dedicate a page this month to the blazer and jeans look – so I must be on to something.

The blazer is Zara from last summer – it’s hard to see the detail but it doesn’t have lapels – I love it – it has great strong shoulders! The t-shirt was a tenner from Target and is probably suitable for Valentine’s Day and the earrings were cheap as chips from Forever 21🙂 The jeans are Gap grey jeggings and the Carlsen boots were $40 from Steve Madden about three years ago, and I think look very Marant. Oh the irony, given I didn’t choose the only Isabel Marant I own – my Dicker boots.

On my wrist I decided to add a bit of embellishment to my standard Elsa Peretti open heart bracelet.

So go on then – who is your style icon?

Back to normal.

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So with school going back on Monday I was a bit worried about short tempers and bad moods in our household this week – but all in all I’m pleased to report we’ve all eased back into a routine relatively easily. So far no homework grumbles or getting out of bed complaints (I just huff and puff a bit – hate it!). I’ve started trying to plan my clothes the night before again, as at 6am I am totally lacking inspiration. The only problem is our weather is so wacky right now. It looked freezing this morning so I was planning to wear my Boden Off Duty jumper in grey that finally arrived, but on my way back from the gym I realized it was in the 50s and the forecast is now for the 60s this afternoon, climbing up to the 70s next week! It’s still January!? So back in the closet went the polo neck and out came a t-shirt and jacket.

The t-shirt and jeans are both really old, but really comfortable Gap items that have worn and washed incredibly well. It’s odd – some of my longest lasting items are from The Gap yet I never shop there these days – it just all looks a bit bland to me. The jacket is the oriental print bomber jacket from Zara (no longer online). I love this print and actually own the scarf (reduced to $20) and the trousers (reduced to $40) in it – never to be worn all together mind you! I think it’s the pink, grey and black combo that I love. The belt is Gucci – a present from MM a couple of Christmases ago – the fab news is it fits again! That spare tire is deflating! The boots are of course my Newburys that I keep harping on about…

I started the week in Zara too. Both the cardigan (reduced to $50) and the trousers (reduced to $40) are Zara, t-shirt is the same Gap one as above (washed I promise) and the boots are the Isabel Marant Dickers.

Yesterday I got the Vince Camuto boots out – I’d better wear them often before these temperatures rise! The jeans are Hudson Collin skinnies and the tunic is H&M – a bargain when I got it – I think they were on sale buy one get one free, and I got a black one too. The scarf is a REALLY old Accessorize one that I used to wear for work in The City – see I’ve always loved leopard print! The jacket is Boden‘s leather jacket from Spring 2011.

I’ve been struggling with a cold this week and there are lots of warnings on the news regarding the flu outbreak here – so better late than never I’m off to take the kids for flu shots later – dreading it…send me some good vibes!

Embracing routine.

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I always know that I’ve had a great break when I wake up wide eyed, bushy tailed and ready to get back into a daily routine. I’m not denying that it was tough getting out of bed at 5.45am this morning but after a strong cup of java I was ready to rock and roll. Now can someone just explain to me why children sleep in when they need to get up and yet get up with the birds when they can stay in bed? My two had to be well and truly peeled off their beds this morning but I’m always thankful when there is no grouchiness – adults and children were all smiles this morning…it won’t last.

I’ve already had a very exciting morning – I’ve just bought tickets for myself – yes just me, myself and I – to head back to the UK in February. The first quarter of the year is always a great time to plan a trip as it is normally quite an uneventful time of year after all the frivolity of the Christmas period. I’ll be spending my time with family and friends and traveling between the North West and London – I cannot wait! There is something so freeing traveling alone. I love my family vacations, but traveling under my own steam, and doing what I want and when I want is very indulgent. Oh and there might be some shopping to do too! Yay!:) It’s going to take me till then to decide what to pack too as I’ll be meeting up with a bunch of very stylish ladies – more on that at a later date I promise!

On Saturday night MM and I had a lovely date night – well it started out lovely. We went to see Skyfall which I have to say was amazing – Mr. Craig with a bit of stubble was quite luuurvely and Javier Bardem was the best baddy ever! We then had plans for dinner – unfortunately a flat tire made it a tad more stressful than anticipated so my appetite had dwindled by the time we sat down to eat. The pinot noir and sticky toffee pudding made everything better though. Oh and the new Isabel Marant Dickers put a spring in my step too. I wore them with some Gap camouflage jeans bought a few years ago – but I love them as the camo print is really dark and very subtle. The sparkly jumper is the Skye jumper from Boden – perfect for a bit of snuggly bling and a night at the movies, and I layered it over an H&M t-shirt dress for warmth. The scarf is also an oldish H&M purchase. Boden, by the way, have 30% off till tonight!

Today ’tis freezing again so I opted for my coated skinny jeans, black knitted tunic dress and scarf all from H&M (and none of which I can find on the rubbish US site), with my Rag & Bone Newbury boots – yes my feet are very happy with me right now – though my pocket book not so much. Better do some work and earn some money before that trip to the UK:)

I’ve had some great emails for Cyber Monday but as I clearly don’t need any new clothes or boots I have not indulged. Have you treated yourself yet?

Just so I can learn the words.

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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…:)

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.

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Tag Archives: Gap

I’m a lucky girl…

A new obsession.

A compelling read.

MLK weekend.

A new bag.

Inspiration from an icon.

Back to normal.

Embracing routine.

Just so I can learn the words.

Muddy Faces.

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