Tag Archives: H&M

On ice.

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So it’s my birthday soon – I’m a fiery Leo – probably no surprise to most that know me, as we are renowned for our lack of modesty, patience and ability to be quiet – I make no apologies.  In the 20 years I have been with MM he has been overwhelmingly generous on my birthday and regardless of our circumstances he has always gone above and beyond to make it a special day for me – without any prompting I hasten to add.  This year, after my VERY extravagant 40th last year, I have asked him not to buy me anything – partly because of the huge expense of the house renovations and partly because I’d like any extra cash to go on furnishing my new walk in closet (so yes still all about me).

I did happen to be browsing though on some other WordPress blogs and found my birthday present for NEXT year!  I have been very lucky to have been gifted a couple of items from Cartier in the past few years – both from MM so he has raised the bar substantially.  I love their unusual, statement rings.  One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my Cartier Trinity ring in white, rose and yellow gold – he bought this as a random, surprise gift – just because he loves me – I presume:)

So for next year I’m already hankering after the Juste un Clou ring.   I love it in silver – it’s an iconic 70s piece and looks fabulous with a little bit of ice:)  He reads my blog occasionally so nothing subtle about this ‘hint’!

Keeping with the ice theme I took Poppy to see ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ at the movies yesterday – cute as kids movies go, but I know I must be getting old when I sit and dissect a movie analyzing all the bits that have been stolen from other movies – there were the ubiquitous pirates and even Guinea Pigs that resembled Eewoks.  Ah well – Poppy isn’t to know yet and she seemed to enjoy it.  Knowing it was going to be icy in the movies with the crazy air conditioning most public places have I opted for another scarf.  This one is a gorgeous H&M scarf – great colors – really nude pastels – a little green, peach and pink in a very subtle rose print – I love it.  I wore it with my Top Shop asymmetrical t-shirt and Boden quail egg skinnies – these jeans are just fabulous and fit me perfectly.  The quail egg is like a mint color without being too green.  For a bit of neutrality I added my Tory Burch tan Emmy sandals.  Oh and two pieces of great news for us shopaholics – Top Shop is opening in Nordstroms throughout the country and H&M will start selling online in the US in October!

Today I know I am definitely flogging a dead horse with the scarf thing – this is a new scarf from H&M.  I nearly didn’t get it as I rarely wear blue but the blue in this scarf is so vivid and contrasts well with the nude/peach in the scarf – plus it’s animal print – so as with my addiction to all things grey marl I had to have it.  The photos show me wearing it with my new Boden Florence tunic from the sale.  Now I love these linen knit tunics, yes they are a little sheer but they’re not indecent and here in the heat and then frigid air conditioning they work a treat.  A bargain to boot at $26.40.  Again worn with my Tory Burch Emmys.

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Channeling the ’80s

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Poppy is at first grade camp this week – I can’t believe that school starts back in 2 weeks!  The summer has flown by but it will be nice to get back to a regular routine again and she is so ready to be back at school – she’s really excited to see her friends and teachers again this week.  The only draw back of this camp is that it is only from 9am-12pm so barely time for me to get to the office.  Instead I’ve been working from home which is lovely as it also means I can get a short run in around Chastain Park after dropping her off.  It is fair to say it is NOT running weather here – humid and in the 90s does not feel good at 8am, or at anytime really – but I’ve been twice this week so can feel quite satisfied that I’m actually doing it.

Yesterday afternoon we went to the pool but it really was too hot to be enjoyable so today I think we’ll find an air conditioned activity – unfortunately I don’t think she will agree to shopping which is a shame as I am dying to head to H&M to buy myself these two pairs of jeans.  Both are a blush color but one is snakeskin and the other leopard print – I love them and unfortunately there is no online store for H&M here in the US:(

Today I am definitely channeling the 80s in my pink and grey.  The t-shirt is H&M and has a bright pink exposed zip at the back – it’s a great length t-shirt and was only $13.  I am wearing it with my J.Crew linen scarf from a couple of years ago – wrapped as demonstrated by Avril at School Gate Style – love it!  The boyfriend jeans are Gap and the silver diamante encrusted sandals are Steve Madden from a couple of years ago.  Still taking photos in the basement with a very dusty mirror – the tiling starts this week!

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Damn the Zara sale!

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It’s hot as Hades here in Atlanta and humid to boot – but after MM reminding me that I have a half to train for and them a full marathon in January I headed out for a run this morning.  Miserable? – Yep.  Imagine running in a steam room or a sauna.  I started thinking I’d do 8miles, then changed my mind to 6miles after heading out of the door, then after 2miles decided 4 would be just manageable.  Ah well as Nike say ‘you either ran today or you didn’t’ and I did.

It helped a little that I had some super cute Lululemon attire to wear.  Not sure what is going on with Lululemon at the moment – their Facebook page has been covered in complaints about colors bleeding and changing after wear – not good – especially at their price points.  Their response is a little fishy stating that it depends on the wearer’s pH – hmmm – Nike don’t seem to have this issue so seems fairly odd to blame imperfections on your paying customer.  We’ll see how it evolves.  I have one incidence of color bleed on my blurred blossom pace setter skirt where the flash pink waist band bled into the skirt at the back during a wash – not happy as I always wash sports gear on cold.  Having said that I adore the pace setter skirts and have yet to find anything more comfortable or flattering to run in.

Pre-run this morning – Lululemon pace setter skirt in seaside dot, run swiftly tank in black, Newtons and bed hair:

After sweating my t*ts off I had an hour to fill before picking Poppy up from tennis camp.  Foolishly I decided to head to Zara to ‘browse’ their sale racks.  I had palpitations the moment I walked in.  The racks were packed with huge mark downs on items that I hadn’t seen before as I only started shopping in Zara around May time.  Within 10mins my arms were laden with tops, pants and jackets to try…it was like the Krypton Factor, or It’s a Knockout for more hilarity – I kept looking at the time worried about leaving my daughter stranded with her tennis racket.  In the end I decided that jackets were not needed as I have bought quite a few, especially my favorite Zara jersey jackets.  Prioritizing I decided to try the tops – I wear jeans so often that having a great selection of tops to wear for casual and ‘going out’ is beneficial (nearly wrote essential – but they’re not really!).  Plus the tops were dirt cheap – the most I paid for one was $25 – the others were $15 or $10 – brilliant!

The first is this lovely black long sleeved tee with skinny arms and a zip up the back – the zip is a bit too yellowy gold right now but it should fade with wear.  It will look great with jeans or my leopard print crops.

Then I got this lovely off white top – it’s knitted at the front and has a longer silky back – great for a night out with the girls!

This pink long sleeved tee is gorgeous and so soft – I can imagine wearing it under a jacket for work or with shorts around the house.

Here’s my favorite purchase – I think it is some sort of animal print at the front – and it is silky with a matte/stretchy material at the back – again a little longer at the back.  It’ll look great with black jeans or under a black jacket.

Now I’m off to take Hugh for a haircut – this could be the day all his locks go – he has been asking for it short for a while and I’ve resisted as he has such gorgeous long hair but I’m getting so irritated with people mistaking him for a girl…you’d think no guys in the US ever had long hair – it only happens over here and I am completely befuddled by it as to me he is obviously ALL boy!

Today I wore my new H&M purchase – the bird print dress I got back in England for a bargain of 12.99 GBP – it’s lovely and stretchy and has a cute flirty skirt to it.  I’m wearing my pink Tory Burch Revas with it for a splash of color.

Happy weekend y’all!

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Jet lag.

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Uuuurggh suffering from jet lag and my 4 year old is waking up at 3am thinking it is 8am aaarrrgggh!  Thankfully tomorrow is the 4th so we have a day off to enjoy the pool and fireworks and celebrate our Independence as all Americans do – just a tad odd that it was independence from the Brits.  When both children asked to wear red, white and blue today I did think about their England shirts – but only for a moment.

So tomorrow we’re up early (or late if you are my son) to go and cheer on the runners in the Peachtree road race which will no doubt have me desperate for a run – so a good job I just registered for another half marathon!  Then off to the pool followed by burgers on the grill and then peering over the trees to watch the fireworks.  I always enjoy Independence day but not so much when it falls on a Wednesday – it’s harder to justify taking two days off work…

On my return I have been amazed to see how much work has been done on the house – new windows are in, new floors are stained and the tub has even arrived!  Only about 4 weeks of work left hopefully so we are off to IKEA on Friday to investigate closet fixtures and fittings – very exciting.  I’m ashamed to say my new walk in closet is almost as big as my old bedroom in the UK:-/

Due to the ongoing work I found myself this morning with no full length mirror so my lovely daughter kindly obliged – I think I need to get her to stand on a stool next time – photos are never flattering when taken from below chin level – I look a bit startled!  Today I am wearing my Zara off white jersey blazer (their sale has started but to be honest I don’t think the reductions are great so I haven’t been tempted by anything), H&M spotty skirt from a couple of years ago and a black tank from Express, along with my Tory Burch black Emmy sandals which you can barely see.

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Last supper.

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Two weeks have flown by and tomorrow we will be leaving on a jet plane to return to soaring Atlanta temperatures.  We’ve had a fabulous vacation seeing family, days out, shopping trips and great food so it is bitter sweet that we head home to see Daddy and the dogs who have been missed greatly.  The bags are packed and yes I managed to squeeze in my ‘souvenirs’ though I have sacrificed MM’s tea bags – though we can buy them over there!

My brother and his family are heading over for dinner again so Mum is making one last family dinner for us all before we return next year – we’ve had lamb and beef so of course today it’s time for roast pork and crackling mmm!

I wish I had a long mirror to show you the Primark jeans in their full glory – they are definitely growing on me – especially now I have styled them with my white AllSaints Tilly t-shirt and my H&M linen top – more muted colors are definitely required with these jeans!

So see you soon back on the other side of the Atlantic!

Addendum:

Okay asked Poppy to take a photo for the legs – she would only take it sitting down while watching CBeebies so it is hideously unflattering and dark but here you go:)

 

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Shopping with no kids!!!

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After the harried shopping trip at the Trafford Center the other week I was determined to have a trip to the shops without the kids so this morning my sister and I ventured into Bury without 3 of our children but decided not to overwhelm Mum too much so took baby Tom with us – who was an absolute joy and slept the whole time!  Bury has been somewhat transformed in recent years and now hosts a Primark, H&M, Oasis and Top Shop so I was excited to experience some UK style and buy a couple of ‘souvenirs’:)

I have heard a lot about Primark‘s renaissance from my blogging buddies but had yet to visit a store myself.  I must admit I was a bit overwhelmed when I entered but knowing time was on my side I started to work through the store systematically.  I actually entered the changing room with quite a few tops – I think I was just terribly excited about seeing all the five pound stickers!  Some of it, I hate to have to say it, was just too ‘young’ for me – way too much mutton dressed as lamb going on.  I did leave however with two fabulously patriotic t-shirts that I can have fun wearing under a blazer or with shorts back home – I just wish the London bus was going somewhere more glamorous than Croydon.  The floral jeans that I have seen Doesmybumlook40 and Suburban Style endorsing were in the sale, also at five pounds, and I even though I am still extremely skeptical about them, I bought them – who can put a pair of jeans back on the rack that only cost a fiver??  That’s less than a margarita!

On then to H&M which of course I have access to in Atlanta but I wanted to do a compare and contrast.  If anything the prices are pretty similar when converted, the selection in Bury of course was just a wee bit limited.  Ever the conquering hero I still managed to walk out with 3 items.  I’d tried on a similar top to the grey one shown below in Express back in Atlanta – I love the ruching that is very flattering over a ‘yes I’ve had babies’ tummy.  The one in Express was $49.90 which I thought was pretty pricey and these in H&M were only 12.99GBP (have you guessed yet that I can’t find the pound sign on my laptop!).  Anyway I walked out with it in this gorgeous grey and a white one – both will pair perfectly with my Zara harem pants.

This dress caught my eye due to my love of prints and also the fact it’s a jersey dress with a fuller skirt – snapped up for just 12.99GBP – what a bargain!

Finally on to Top Shop.  I used to love going into their flagship store at Oxford Circus in my London days and had the best silver skinny trousers from there circa. 1995!  Anyway again the mutton radar kicked in so I avoided anything shiny but fell in love with this asymmetrical t-shirt and only 16GBP!

My final purchase was another risky one – they could make me look like a complete hippy or they could be the coolest, comfiest pants ever – I’m going to wear them to travel in on Sunday just so I can gauge MM’s reaction when he meets us – he was wearing pants like this in 1990.  Oh how fashions come around again.  Speaking of which the late 80s/early 90s are in full swing in Bury – I’ve never seen so many pairs of pants with elastic ankles paired with espadrilles – and that’s just on the boys – very Howard Jones:)

I headed out in my Express cropped black jeans which are super comfy and my AllSaints plume jumper, worn with an old H&M scarf – it started of fairly warm here but there are plenty of clouds rumbling over us!

Oh I forgot – there was one more purchase – a bag of Holland’s steak and kidney puddings – I can’t really leave the North West without having one can I?  So a fabulous haul and a fabulous morning with little sis.  Now on to an afternoon of drinking Pimms – well Wimbledon is on isn’t it?  I just cannot wait for the Tour de France to start this weekend!!

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First test of eBay!

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I made my first foray onto eBay today.  Having bought a few items over the past week or so, and knowing that the Boden Fall preview will be released sometime in June (I think!) I needed to make room in my closet and increase my shopping funds!  It was hard to choose what to part with as I treasure all my Boden clothes like collectibles, but the items I listed just weren’t getting worn.  I adore the crinkle jersey shirts but I never wear them as I wear my tunics so often.  So I’m excited to see if they get sold or not – wish me luck!  (p.s. my eBay seller name is Poppys_style if you want to take a peak!)

S. and his girlfriend arrive today and what with Poppy’s birthday tomorrow I have a few errands to run to make sure everyone gets fed tonight and that my very-soon-to-be-6yr-old has presents to unwrap in the morning.  In honor of S. I am wearing more black – my black Frye Shirley strappy short boots, Gap camo jean leggings that I had on yesterday too, an H&M khaki top from a couple of years ago with a J.Crew black tank underneath.

I may be absent for the next couple of days entertaining and recovering so see you soon with lots of photos and updates on fun times!

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The real me.

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Okay so I know I said I was trying to grow my hair and many of you were very good at encouraging me but I have no staying power.  Actually I polled a couple of people who I knew would give me their honest opinion.  One being MM who said even though he likes my hair long he prefers it short.  This kinda made me question my sanity.  Why would I go through the hell of growing my hair, especially in the heat and humidity of an Atlanta summer when MM prefers it short?  In addition to that, and more importantly I think, I actually prefer it short – I feel like the real me with it short if that makes sense…?  So instead of opting for a painful summer of bouffant frizz I booked myself in to see my favorite hairdresser O’Neil at Van Michael in Virginia Highlands.  He seemed quite happy to see me back and though we agreed that as short as my previous cut was not for me, he also agreed that he favors short hair on me – so he proceeded to de-mullet me.  I now know for sure that I am a short hair kinda gal as I immediately felt groomed, sassy and a little more urban and a little less mumsy.  Hurray for that hey?

I told you yesterday that I had ordered the Zara Basic sandal – sad news folks I had to cancel the order.  On a whim I popped into the store here to see if they had the black in my size but it turns out no size is my size.  My feet are too wide to get in them so my little toes were left perching over the front strap – not a good look.  The search for the perfect sandal for my feet continues.  It has to be said though if you have narrower feet and regular toes the sandals are gorgeous.  In order to raise my spirits again I headed into H&M for a ‘browse’.  Now in my case there is no such thing as just a browse in H&M – I always see something worth buying.  Today I got 3 fabulous linen blend long sleeve tops from their Basics line – coral, cream and brown – at $17.95 each they are perfect for throwing on over a tank.  I’ve trawled their website and can’t find an image so will post a photo soon.

To help take me from 40 year old mom to 40 year old hot chick (tongue in cheek here Daily Mail readers!!) I wore my AllSaints Coli top, Gap black legging jeans and my lovely Sam Edelman Alvin loafers.

So what do you think of the new haircut?

 

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Remove brain and relax.

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Now I am a sucker for reality t.v. – all the Housewives franchises and anything else that is on Bravo, I love HGTV and of course now I am hooked on American Idol again.  Gosh writing that sentence felt like part of a rehab program – I’m cringing reading it back!  Last night American Idol had their last episode covering the first round of auditions – normally the most excruciating to watch, as I hate it when they show the crappy singers for the purposes of ‘good t.v.’ – but you know what – I think I ‘appreciate’ Steven Tyler a little more each time I see him – that’s so wrong isn’t it?  It has to be said that on a Thursday evening (my ‘Friday’) there is nothing more relaxing than curling up on the sofa with Tennyson, one of our boxers, sipping a glass of vino, removing my brain and watching American Idol.

Tennyson

Tennyson, my love bug.

Friday is the first day of my weekend.  I must say if I were President (not feasible – and not only because I wasn’t born here) I would make a 4 day week mandatory.  Probably not great for the deficit or GDP – but it would be great for morale.  Working that 1 day less a week has had a huge impact on my personal happiness.  Oh, I should mention that school would absolutely remain a 5 day week – otherwise my 4 day week might not be so great!  These days my Fridays are spent procrastinating a little longer with Matt Lauer and my coffee, indulging in a long shower and taking my time deciding what to wear, then I normally run some fun errands around town like Target and Trade Joe’s, followed by a long lunch.  Even after the school bus has arrived I manage to fit in a nice short workout while my daughter does swim team.  When spring and summer come around I like to skip the errands and head off on my bike for a good ride while everyone else is off the roads and I can’t wait to get in the saddle more often again.  Mondays to Thursdays allow me to use my intellect and enjoy adult company in the office, then my ‘free’ Fridays provide some ‘me’ time, ultimately meaning that I enjoy the ‘family’ time more at the weekend.  I feel very fortunate – and sane most of the time thanks to this schedule.

So today, before heading to Trader Joe’s to sort out some food for Superbowl Sunday, I picked out my Boden straightleg wool capris, a fairly old but hardly worn Marks & Spencer Per Una pink sweater, last year’s Boden cropped washed leather jacket, Tory Burch black patent Eddies and a necklace from H&M.  Even though it is my ‘day off’ I still like to make a bit of an effort every time I head out of the house.  The wool capris keep popping back into stock in the clearance and I think they are well worth the $38.  They fit a little higher in the rise than I would ideally like but I find them very comfortable and flattering.

Boden straightleg wool crops, Per Una sweater, Boden leather jacket, Tory Burch Eddies

This week has been busy at work for both of us so tonight MM and I are having a lovely home cooked Thai curry.  I love Friday evenings when we can just put some music on, enjoy a glass of wine and cook together.  Let’s hope the children cooperate!

Thank you H&M…

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It’s 69 degrees in Atlanta today and we’re gripped by Spring fever.  Everyone around me in the office seems to be planning trips somewhere – except for me…I’m getting itchy feet listening to them book their flights and chatter about sunshine, hotels and cocktails.  This time last year I was getting ready to head off to London for a week of fun and frivolity – I think I need to plan another city break with some girlfriends!

Sunday is Superbowl and while I’m not a huge football fan I, like many others, enjoy the partying, the food and the general sense of occasion.  This morning The Today Show gave us a sneak peak of some of the Superbowl commercials that will air and all I can say is thank you H&M I shall be replaying this often on YouTube!

Last night between the parenting and party planning for my son’s birthday, I managed to paint my nails – this time Smokin’ Hot by Essie – a lovely deep purply/grey.

Smokin' Hot

Mr. UPS swung by as well to deliver my new Boden Essential wedges.  I ordered the red and truffle and they are cute, but not only do they fit small, I do think they are a tad pricey for what they are.  I love the suede but I think if I am going to get some wedges I may get the now famous L.K. Bennett Maddox…so off they go back to Boden.  Another influencing factor is that there is a 14 week wait for the next size up – what is going on with Boden’s stock levels this season?

Boden Essential Wedges

The springlike weather influenced my clothes today and I am wearing my Boden Pretty Top, Boden LE sparkle pocket cardigan (which is SO soft – I love it), Hudson Collin jeans and my grey flannel Tory Burch Revas.

Boden Pretty top, Hudson, Tory Burch Revas

See you tomorrow – I’m ready for Friday!