Tag Archives: H&M

The humble sweatshirt

Where would we be without the sweatshirt? In recent years it has morphed from athletic wear to day wear to going out wear – that even allows you to share opinions with motifs and messages. Personally I prefer a simple sweatshirt with no graphics, although I do own a couple of motif sweatshirts. They are perfect for layering, or just throwing on when you lack inspiration. The sweatshirt can be worn with anything from denim shorts and jeans through to leather trousers and skirts, and you can’t beat a simple grey sweatshirt paired with sequin leggings.

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(images via Pinterest)

First up some exciting news from H&M – a fabulous source for sweatshirts. There is up to 60% off online today PLUS the US can now return online purchases in store!!! Hooray!!! At last! Previously we have had to mail them back and were consequently charged a restocking fee – so I am thrilled now we have the option of returning in store.

The sweatshirt I am wearing today is H&M and I love it – it is really substantial and the quality is great. I think I paid around $30 for it. I sized up too as I can’t stand tight fitting sweatshirts! For me they have to be slouchy and oversized.

I love this one with the zip detail – slightly cropped too and perfect for layering.

H&M zip sweatshirt

The lacing detail on this one gives it a unique twist.

H&M lacing

This one is very similar to mine, it may even be the same and is just $24.99 – it comes in pale pink and black too.

H&M 24.99 sweatshirt

This little number is currently just $5.99 in the grey and $9.99 in other colors!!!

H&M 5.99 sweatshirt

Rebecca has this red sweatshirt and I love the washed red – it is currently reduced to $9.99 with all sizes available.

Parson sweathsirt

Now if you are in the UK you are probably aware of Selfish Mother. They are committed to genuine sustainability through their supply chain. Their tees and sweatshirts are made at a Fair Wear Foundation certified factory in Bangladesh, which means it is vetted for good working conditions and fair wages. The designs are all screen-printed in London and each different design contributes profits to a different charity. They ship to the US too.

Purchasing the Maman sweatshirt contributes to Help Refugees UK. £10 from every MAMAN tee and £15 from every MAMAN sweatshirt will go to support this cause.

maman_grey_scoop_sweat_with_red_grande

I love the logo on this one – so appropriate for me 😉 All profits* from sales of WINGING IT designs go to KIDS CHARITY UK, who do amazing work with disabled children and their families. KIDS not only helps young people age 0-25 but also the people caring for them on a daily basis More info here. *When they say ‘all profits’ this means £15 from the sale of each sweat going straight to help others!

grey_cerise_winging_it_scoop_neck_sweatshirt_grande

This is the version I own – I did say I had a motif sweatshirt in there somewhere! All profits* from sales of Mother designs go to Women for Women International – an charity that helps women in 8 war-torn regions rebuild their lives through training programs. More info here.  *When they say ‘all profits’ this means £15 from the sale of each sweat going straight to help others!

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Now Zara have some fun offerings this season – though they may be causing a little trouble with this Elle Macpherson sweat – it is very similar to Reformation’s Cindy Crawford sweatshirt that retailed for $118!

elle macpherson sweatshirt

I love this oversized motif sweatshirt which is available in other colors too.

oversized sweatshirt

Mango of course have some great options to choose from – plain or graphic. These are my picks.

I need one of each color in this sweatshirt with motivational quotes!

Mango perfect sweathsirt

I love the shape of this one and the fact it doesn’t have cuffs.

Mango oversized sweatshirt

If you quite like the idea of a motif, but not emblazoned across your chest, this is a great alternative. It comes in white and black too with different copy.

Mango message sweatshirt

I adore the lower neckline on this and the slight pleating at the sides. Perfect for layering and the grey is also gorgeous.

Mango cotton sweatshirt

I love the lace detail on this one and it is currently 35% off.

Mango cord sweatshirt

Here they are going with the Bella Freud year thing – at some point I will find a 1971 version – I can’t bring myself to wear one that isn’t my birth year!

Mango 1976 sweatshirt

Now finally TheOutnet.com who have several items on clearance too right now, including this Zoe Karssen number which is just $25! I’m tempted to buy it even to sleep in at 80% off!

zoe karssen clearance

Another Zoe Karssen with 50% off.

theoutnet zoekarsson

This Etre Cecile number is so much fun! Love it! Just $81.60 too.

parisienne

Only XS left in this Markus Lupfer sweatshirt – but how cool is it!?

Marksu lupfer

You can’t go wrong with a simple James Perse sweatshirt – always fabulous fabric and 60% off on TheOutnet.com.

james peres

Possibly my favorite – this Etre Cecile number is gorgeous – I LOVE the colors and it is just $86.70.

etre

So here I am in my little H&M number today! Spring is blooming in Atlanta so hopefully I will get to sit out in the garden later once I’ve dragged the kids to their dentist appointment!

SweatshirtShoes – Kurt Geiger // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – J.Crew popover (25% off with code SHOPNOW) // Sweatshirt – H&M (similar here) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

 

 

 

 

Pretty tops

It’s definitely warming up here in Atlanta, and I was actually quite surprised how mild and sunny London was while I was there. The sun has got me thinking of all things spring – especially now we’re in March – our spring break is only a month away! The perfect – dare I say transitional – attire in spring is a light top, jeans and a jacket. I have always loved a feminine top, something that can be worn with jeans and later with shorts. They are perfect under a blazer too on a cooler day.

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(images from Pinterest)

My go to store for tops is Mango. I find their fit more generous than Zara and the choice more varied. This season Mango and H&M have hit the ball out of the park with their selection of feminine tops and blouses.

If you’re not into full on lace this is the perfect compromise. It is available in black too.

openwork trim blouse

This openwork detail top is so pretty. It is the perfect shape with loose sleeves for those of us that no longer want to wear sleeveless tops. It will be perfect with distressed denim shorts and simple thong sandals.

openwork detail top

I particularly love this lace edges top – firstly it has no buttons which tend to gape on me, but also because it is beautifully simple with just the trim detailing. Love it.

lace edges top

This embroidered cotton top is probably my favorite. I love the square cut and the neckline. It also comes in black. I have them both in my cart!

embroidered cotton blouse

This crochet top is stunning – I would wear it with a white cami underneath with straight legged, distressed jeans. I think it is the perfect throw on for a spring evening heading out for a cocktail.

Crochet poncho

This is just beautiful. The sleeves are so delicate. I think it is the perfect holiday top worn with black skinnies or black shorts. It’s also in my cart! Mango I hope you do a code soon!!

Blonda panel blouse

This beaded chiffon blouse comes in three gorgeous jewel tones. Dress it down under a long cardigan, or wear it out under a black tuxedo blazer.

beaded chiffon blouse

Moving on to H&M – now they sell out fast online – but these are my favorites.

This shirt is super popular and I couldn’t find it in any of the London stores I visited. There are some sizes left online and I would size up so it can be worn loose over jeans.

H&M lace blouse

This jersey lace top really appeals to me as I like a little stretch in tops, but it is still more feminine than a regular long sleeved tee.

Hm jersey top

Finally – this is new online here and I just love, love, love the bell sleeves. An absolute dream at just $29.99!

H&M lace top

So will I be able to hold out for some discount codes!? If the weather continues to improve I fear not!

As for what I’m wearing today – I’m afraid I am still going for ultimate comfort while the jet lag passes. This morning’s gym session may have helped or I’ll be snoozing on the sofa by 3pm!

Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers, Hill & Friends bag, J.Crew joggersShoes – Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers (anthracite version on sale here!) // Pants – J.Crew wool joggers (old) // Jumper – TopShop (similar here) // Bag – Hill & Friends (Instagram competition prize!)

 

Don’t shop in the US right now if you’re traveling to Europe!

A while ago I wrote a post that had actually been requested by quite a few readers – What to buy in the UK vs. he USA. Sitting on the loooonnnngg flight home yesterday I thought it was time to update you all in case you are planning a trip from one side of the Atlantic to the other.

I think there is still a common misconception that the USA is much cheaper than the UK. Right now it isn’t! A pound will currently only buy approx. 1.4 dollars. Two years ago it would buy about 1.75, and even last year it was around 1.6. When you remember to add the approx. 8% sales tax to the US sticker prices, on top of the current exchange rate, it means that several, in fact many items are much cheaper in the UK!

Take for example my incredibly indulgent purchase in Selfridges on Friday. A Givenchy Pandora bag. In the US it retails for $1950 + 8% sales tax. In the UK it is £1155 – approx. $1625 – significantly cheaper!

Cosmetics are also cheaper – admittedly many of they high street brands that I buy are British – such as Nip + Fab and Soap and Glory. As Boots always seem to do a 3 for 2 deal or some sort of discounting make sure you stock up there and not here in the USA. Having said that it is still the case that many high end cosmetics are cheaper in the US – a Mac lipstick is $16 here and at least £16 in the UK.

High street brands are much cheaper in the UK. A pair of jeans cost me £29.99 in Zara – the same pair here is $49.99 + the sales tax (sales tax varies state to state, and even county to county here).

So while there is so much uncertainty about the UK Brexit I would encourage you to do more sight seeing than shopping on your trip to NYC! Your pounds aren’t going to buy you many dollars!

I’m back in the office today – albeit very jet lagged. After a 9 hour flight yesterday (highly recommend all 3 films I watched – The Big Short, Black Mass and Carol) I went straight to the polling station to cast my vote. I still get tremendously excited about the privilege of voting with my new citizenship. My lovely Husband treated me to a huge Thai takeaway and I hugged my children tightly. It’s lovely to go away, but it’s really lovely to come home, especially when the sun is shining and the blossom is blooming!

Hill and Friends bagBag – Hill & Friends (won in an Instagram competition with Sue!) // Jeans – H&M (on sale!) // Shoes – ASOS (20% off certain items now) // Top – AllSaints // Coat – Zara (old)

Back to the grindstone!

The flu bug has left the house! Hooray! All have returned to school which means I have to drag my sorry arse back to the office! Wasn’t sure what to wear today and in the end I opted for what I am calling ‘polished comfort’! Stretchy crepe flares which have an elastic waistband – so they are basically tailored sweats, sneakers and a shirt and jacket. Trying to channel Emmanuel Alt again with my tie waisted jacket which was a complete bargain in the sale at H&M.

flaresSneakers – Golden Goose // Flares – Asos // Jacket – H&M // Shirt – Mango (old but similar here)

A must have coat that is now 50% off!

I much prefer Mango these days to Zara. Zara still grab my attention with their shoes, but for coats, tops and dresses I always have far more luck with Mango. I find their sizing more generous.

This coat is now 50% off in their sale. It’s a beautiful cocoon shape and not too long. Yes, yes I know I have the M&S checked coat (which is now also in the sale with lots of sizes left!) that I also love (and wore here) but trust me this purchase is warranted as the two coats are very different! Take note of the coated jeggings too – cheap as chips (just $12.59 on deal now!) and wonderfully stretchy and comfortable from H&M – I highly recommend them! I’ll certainly be buying the gray while they’re on special offer – I’m comfortably in a US 10 and H&M tend to fit tiny in my experience.

Still at home with a poorly girl so hopefully will have time to blog more than an outfit soon! In the meantime today we are binge watching old Survivor series!

Mango coat

Back of coatCoat – Mango (now 50% off) // Jeggings – H&M (on deal now)// Boots – Toga Pulla // Blouse – Zara (old)

Get the glow in January!

I’m sitting here looking out of my office window and it is GREY! In fact almost dark. There is a Nor’easter heading towards us. Fortunately, I think, we are only going to get pummeled by rain as our temperatures are rising. In weather like this I always love wearing my darker greys and blacks, but when it comes to makeup I want my skin to glow with health! I am drinking a lot of water which helps – but you can’t beat some good moisturizer and makeup products at this time of year! I love treating myself to some little ‘feel good’ cosmetics to beat the January blues.

Here are my favorites which I am using constantly at the moment!

Hourglass have become one of my go to cosmetic brands. Not cheap, but their products last forever and do what they say on the tin. So many people have mentioned recently how good my skin looks and I attribute it to this palette. You can use the powder to highlight and apply it intensely on the cheek bones, or apply it more liberally to give an overall glow.

ambient lighting pallette

Buxom lip cream is a favorite of mine. It has an amazing tingly sensation when you apply it which apparently helps to plump your lips. I adore White Russian – it’s a lovely nude gloss that brightens your face.

Buxom lip polish

Recently I’ve gone what I consider to be ‘old skool’ with my skin care. I’ve tried more expensive options but believe me they ain’t worth it. The good old Body Shop comes out tops in my book time and time again. Especially with their Drops of Youth and Oils of Life skincare ranges. I apply this essence every morning after washing and before I put any serum or moisturizer on. It kind of prepares your skin to absorb the moisture.

drops-of-youth-essence-lotion_l

This serum is lush. I apply it in the morning and before bed. Super hydrating and it smells divine.

intensely-revitalizing-facial-oil_l

I also love the gel cream from the same range. I love the texture – it’s not greasy at all and absorbs in an instant ready for you to apply foundation.

intensely-revitalizing-gel-cream_l

The body shop Vitamin C range has always been a go to line for me – especially when traveling. Nothing gives you a better boost than applying some of this in flight (I often decant into smaller pots for travel). This one really does make me giggle because it is perfect for ‘grumpy skin’!

vitamin-c-glow-boosting-moisturizer_l

I’ve just reordered this (if you join the Body Shop rewards program it gives you a 10% discount off each purchase.) I love this and use it each day, with or without makeup.

vitamin-c-instant-glow-enhancer_l

I don’t wear a lot of foundation – sometimes I just apply a little concealer on after the above glow enhancer. When I do wear it Hourglass is my brand of choice – I love their Illusion skin tint – it is a little heavier in consistency than the name suggests and you only need a tiny amount for a flawless finish.

hourglass illusionjpg

Most important to me at this time of year is a fab, fab lip color! I am wearing Mac Pink Pigeon today, and my favorite nude color from them MAC at the moment is Kinda Sexy.

Mac matte lipstick

I doubt I will ever wear another blusher than this – NARS orgasm – it’s just the perfect hue for a glow winter or summer.

Nars blusher

A new discovery this season, for me at least, is the NARS multiple stick. I’ve always been a tad scared about application. I run Copacabana gently along my cheek bone and then Portofino in a line slightly below it, BEFORE applying my blush on the apples of my cheeks. I use a firm angled brush to gently blend the multiple and it leaves a gorgeous dewy sheen.

Nars multiplt

And that folks is how I get my glow on this winter! Along with buckets of water!

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What are your favorite products this winter? A great hand cream is always a necessity and I am still searching for the perfect hydrating, non greasy formula!

Finally here are a couple of outfits from the past couple of days. It’s been pretty chilly here!

ASOS coatCoat – ASOS on sale // Jumper – H&M on sale // Jeans – Zara (old) // Boots – Isabel Marant by H&M (old) // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

Leopard print coatCoat – Mango on sale // Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Everlane // Scarf – Asos (similar here) // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

Planning for my trip

My trip to England each February is now a regular occurence – I look forward to it so much, and it is perfectly timed to battle the January blues. I have 5 or 6 weeks post Christmas to look forward to seeing my family and friends, and spend the dark, cold evenings with my excel spreadsheet planning what to pack! I actually don’t do too much shopping when I am back in England, except for my pilgrimage to M&S, so it’s always quite a challenge packing lightly for the cold and inevitable rain. I need ‘going out’ clothes, cool yet comfortable footwear for tramping around London, comfy loungewear, and enough layers and good shoes for a couple of long walks with Mum and Dad.

Of course in writing my list a couple of additional ‘wants’ have arisen. The first is this spectacular coat that I spotted on The Telegraph fashion pages online. It’s so Emmanuelle Alt with the tie belt and checks. It comes in two color ways – I’ve ordered both to try but LOVE the mustard. I’m thinking about it for London. I get so hot in and out of stores but I need a coat/jacket. It would be perfect with my JBrand Selenas and TopShop sock boots.

Mustard Mango coat Checked coat

Now it’s FREEZING here today and I’ve been living in my Uggs in and around the house. Mum and Dad have been sending me images of the deep snow in Bury and to say they’ve made me shiver is an understatement. I need to take my Uggs with me – but mine are a very light sand suede. Not made for Bury mud. These however are – and I can even venture out in them – the zips make them a little edgier than regular Uggs. They’ll be perfect for the airport too…justifying purchase….I know….They must be cool as Eve and Michelle both have them too.

Uggs

Now I really don’t need another pair of jeans. At all. How I adore these though. The Diesel Krailey coated joggjeans. I still love my Fayza joggjeans – so comfortable – and the coated Krailey is a little more elevated, yet still super cool.

Diesel jeans

Finally – as an option for wandering the Big Smoke in comfort – how about these stunners? I love flatforms and have a silver lace up pair from Zara last year. This season they have introduced these gold brogue Prada tributes.

Zara gold

So there you go. My spreadsheet list, needless to say, needs some refining. Helped along hopefully as we get closer to departure date and the weather forecast becomes a little more reliable! The first year I went it snowed in London and was FREEZING, but last year I was sitting outside and it really wasn’t that cold at all!

As I mentioned it is the coldest day of winter here today. It’s also MLK day so we’ve all been home. I started the day with a cold, brisk, invigorating run! Then we headed off to watch Norm of the North and out for a late lunch. Much fun was had! I got my new glasses too – I love them – they’re so comfortable!

Here’s my outfit round up from the past few days for those of you not on Instagram.

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Winter whiteJumper – H&M // Jeans – Zara (old in sale) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury // Bag – Anya Hindmarch (old off TheOutnet.com)

Haff dress (1)Dress – AllSaints Haff dress // Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Bag – Alexander McQueen De Manta

1_15 Poppysstyle (1)Jumper – H&M (similar here on sale) // Trousers – Zara pleather leggings // Scarf – Zara (old) // Coat – Zara (sale) // Shoes – Adidas Superstar slip ons (similar here)

Be quick with this Extra 20% off sale code!

Following on from my post the other day regarding H&M I noticed last night that in the US we have an extra 20% off code that is valid through today. Something to do with our long weekend for MLK day – but basically an attempt to clear their stock – and it just might work – there are some gems!! The code is 3298, and in the UK there is a free shipping code which is 6407.

Here are my picks for your quick smash and grab!

I paid full price for this sweater back in September. I adore it – it is one of my favorites. In fact I’ll be wearing it later today if you check out my instagram feed. It is the ultimate, oversized, snuggly jumper. It comes in grey too. I have a small so it is super oversized! Perfect with leggings and skinny pleather jeans. I cannot rave enough about it!

mohair sweater

I saw this sweater in store back in September but bought the one above instead. Frances showed it on her IG feed the other day and with the extra 20% I have ordered this teal version. I love the shirt tail sewn in as I hate to wear a shirt – I fiddle with the buttons all the time!

maohair shirt sweater

This off the shoulder sweater is beautiful. It’s such a soft knit. Again it’s sitting in my closet and I may even wear it for dinner out with my husband tonight – still debating my attire:)

off the shoulder sweater

I get so many compliments when I wear this cardigan. It reminds me of the big granddad cardigans I used to wear at university. The color is perfect too!

mohair cardigan

I wanted this sweater so badly for Christmas but it sold out in a day! I saw them on eBay for $50! I’m tempted to buy it for next year!

elfie selfie

I have this knit in the black and white fleck – this stripe is gorgeous – and the knit is lovely and slouchy. An absolute bargain with the extra 20%!

knit sweater

I wear this cashmere dress as a tunic over leggings. The quality of the cashmere is fabulous.

cashmere dress

This cowl neck sweater is great with jeans or sweats and I love it for lounge wear at home.

cowl neck sweater

These three jackets are fabulous value – so Marant – really beautiful tied or untied. I ordered the first two the other day and have just reordered with the extra 20%. The pile one is in and out of my basket at the moment!

patterened coat patterned coat grey pile jacket

Don’t forget the Extra 20% ends today! There’s also lots of great sportswear in the sale too to stock up on!

Finally my outfit from yesterday. Bloody love these JBrand jeans!

Zara cardiganJeans – JBrand // Boots – TopShop // Cardigan – Zara (sale) // Jumper – Uniqlo cashmere (old) // Scarf – ASOS // Bag – Stella McCartney

A brand that’s gaining my love again….

I’m talking about H&M. My local branch here usually looks likes a jumble sale. If I see something online I can guarantee I will NEVER find it in store, and vice versa. However, recently when I have taken the chance online without trying, I have more than often been pleasantly surprised. I swear the in store merchandising can make everything feel SO cheap. Trying it in the comfort of your own home, with your own accessories etc. can make the world of difference. My biggest gripe though is the restocking/return fee – that is just wrong – hide it in the price – don’t penalize me for returning something!!

So here goes – things I want to take the chance on, or already have, from H&M this season!

I will go a million miles for a great pair of harem pants and here are THE perfect pair of harem joggers. I am waiting patiently for the charcoal grey to come into stock.

H&M harem

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.51 AM

I’m sure you have already all caught on to the new cropped flare jeans. Super flattering and they look perfect with sneakers, ankle boot and sandals. Not looking for the J.Brand price? Well check out these two options from H&M – I rate their jeans highly – and both these styles are available in blue or charcoal denim.

high flare kick flare

And this jacket…I ummed and ahhed over this Marantesque jacket yesterday. Needless to say my Facebook pals all told me I was foolish to leave without it…

jacket

H&M coat

I have to say I have bought high and low with workout gear. I LOVE dressing up for the gym. It really helps motivate me…shallow I know…but H&M’s sportswear performs, looks great and is a great price point.

sports tights sports tights 2

Finally – I posted this on instagram the other day – for me it is the perfect blend of masculine tailoring and feminine detailing. A shirt with a tie waist.

tie blouse

So do you shop at H&M – online or in store? I personally find UK stores just as overwhelming but with a much better selection of stock…?

As for the past couple of days I have  been enjoying freezing cold weather thanks to my M&S coats!

M&S coatCoat – Marks & Spencer (sold out online) // Sweater – Everlane // Pants – ASOS // Sneakers – Nike Air Force 1s // Bag – Proenza Schouler

M&S checked coatCoat – Marks & Spencer // Jeans – Zara (old) // Boots – Toga Pulla // Bag – Proenza Schouler // Sweater – Boden (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

RIP David Bowie

We hear about celebrity deaths all the time in the media. My normal reaction, such as when Lemmy died, is ‘Oh that’s sad, such a shame’, and we move on. We didn’t know them but we may have admired their art, and we take a second to acknowledge the world without them. Something was different this morning though when I learned of David Bowie’s death. It was so, so shocking, tragic and it knocked me sideways. Maybe it’s because he was always reinventing himself we were just waiting for his next guise? Maybe because we’d just celebrated his 69th birthday by listening to his new album? Maybe because as I grew up there had ALWAYS been David Bowie. David Bowie can’t die!? The last time I cried over someone’s death who isn’t a friend or relative was when Diana died. This morning as I read my Facebook newsfeed I was overwhelmed by a sense of loss. I watched his Live Aid appearance and burst into tears. Poppy and Hugh wondered what was wrong – I smiled and told them I was sad about an amazing singer dying. We all know he was much more than a singer. ‘Let’s Dance’ was the first album I bought and I wore it out. When I listen to it on Spotify it evokes so many emotions of love, fun, drama and teenage angst. I’ll be playing it all day today.

David-bowie-lets-dance

Thin white duke

There wasn’t much debate over what to wear today – my Bowie t-shirt was out.

pistol 1Boots – Acne Pistol (on sale here)// Jeans – Zara // T-shirt – ASOS (old) // Jacket – AllSaints // Bag – PS1 // Scarf H&M (old)

Back on Thursday it was a day for leggings – I’m all about comfort right now!

Leggings and shearlingSneakers – Nike // Leggings – ASOS // Jumper – H&M // Jacket – AllSaints (similar here on sale) // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (TheOutnet.com)

 

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