Tag Archives: H&M

MOT month

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Every January I get my MOT done (for the US readers an MOT is a reference to cars that get their road worthiness checked every year – it’s called the MOT test!). This includes my dermatology skin checks, ob/gyn visit, and my annual eye test! I encourage everyone to get into the habit of it – it’s a pain to make all these appointments, but I would never have had my melanoma identified this time last year if I hadn’t had my annual skin check.

I was thrilled this morning that my blood pressure reading was just 111/69. I’m convinced this is due to my change in diet. I normally have blood pressure at the higher end of normal and it can shoot up at the doctors due to white coat hypertension. Skin check was all clear too thankfully. Now I can look forward to new glasses on Monday!

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.03 AM

Ok enough with the health lecture. On to some shopping. It’s brass monkeys here at them moment and I’ve been cruising the coat sections. This coat from ASOS is gorgeous, and even better it’s reduced! I’m torn between the khaki (keeps popping back into stock) or the grey.

khaki ASOS coat ASOS coat with seam

Also I must tell you about these fabulous harem joggers from H&M – new in, and I am wearing mine today. Super comfortable, great quality and just $29.99 in a variety of colors. I’m wearing a medium.

H&M harem

Perfect for on and off at the doctors!

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.51 AMJoggers – H&M // Jumper – Zara (sale – can’t see online) // Coat – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby (old) // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (off TheOutnet.com)

Finally – yes I got out there again – it was freakin’ freezing but the sleeve says it all…

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.39 AMShoes – New Balance Vazee (best running shoes I’ve ever worn!) // Tights – Nike (on sale) // Top – Nike

Starting 2016 the right way

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I was reading Nikki over at Midlifechic.com the other day. Her Project Happier really struck a chord with me.

I am a naturally outgoing person, being a Leo, and mostly love being around other people. I would say 90% of the time I am naturally happy and I always tend to take things in my stride. Over the past couple of years though that remaining 10% has raised it’s ugly head more regularly than I’d like.

I think I’ve always felt a sense of loss since moving to Atlanta. As much as I love living here, grief at having ‘lost’ my life in the UK can occur. It’s a sense of ‘loss’ and ‘being lost’. In 2015 I think it was exacerbated by my melanoma diagnosis. As amazing as my husband and family are, it was trying going through something so traumatic away from ‘home’. I went on anti-depressants for a while which ultimately led to a 40lb weight gain in a very short period of time. At the end of the year I decided the pills weren’t really needed and that the weight gain was probably exacerbating any ‘sadness’ I was experiencing. So I am starting 2016 with my own ‘Project Happiness’. I’m going to tackle that troublesome 10% and flip it to HAPPY!

I’ve started with a clean eating program – Whole30. I’ve always exercised frequently – if you follow on Instagram myself and a few others still use #PSFitClub for motivation. It’s now time to fix my food intake. I yo-yo a lot and I LOVE food. Living in the South with fried grits, biscuits and fried chicken does not help! So instead of following a ‘diet’ I have immersed myself in what I hope will be a ‘lifestyle’ change. In fact I have just taken the kids to their favorite diner for breakfast before school resumes tomorrow, and as torturous as I knew it would be watching them consume pancakes and syrup and vanilla milkshakes, I actually really enjoyed my omelette with sliced tomato. Honest! Whole30 isn’t supposed to be about weight loss – more to do with resetting your digestive system and ridding yourself of sugar cravings, but I’m hoping with the workouts I will be on the right path to regaining my svelte figure in a healthy manner. It’s also supposed to help your mind too – it really is compelling reading. I’ll keep you posted and my Instagram will give you a glimpse of my daily eating and challenges if you are interested!

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 12.00.07 PMJumper – Everlane // Coat – Zara // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Jeans – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Nike Air Max

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 12.00.20 PMSneakers – Nike Thea in Olive // Pants – Reebok (on sale here) // Jumper – H&M // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Hat – Nordstrom (old but blue on sale here)

New Year, New Plans, New Books

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2016 is going to be the beginning of a decade of travel for our family. We’ve been gradually building to it with longer summer vacations, further afield, and now the kids are turning 10 and 8, we reckon we can resume the some of the adventures we planned pre-kids!

We already have Turkey booked for the summer – lots of travel and Byzantine sites (I have my own personal tour guide in my Husband PhD Ancient History!) and I cannot wait! After this Christmas, we have also planned to travel at this time of year next year. I was so disillusioned with the anti-climax of Christmas Day this year. Probably because we have no family here, but also we consume, relax and gift most of the year these days! We are no longer in a post-War climate where Christmas was once a welcome day of rest, a chance to eat chocolate and forget rations, and enjoy the delights of family! My most favorite day was Christmas Eve when we had our annual visit to Church. Even my agnostic husband is enjoying this trip more and more and values the spirituality, regardless of religion, at this time of year. Next year we plan to be backpacking in Thailand via Hong Kong – well that’s the plan so far…

Oh and last night we went to see Lloyd Cole, which came a close second to my chat with the Father this year. He was epic. I was literally a meter away from him and yes I did yell across a very quiet, singer/songwriter type audience, ‘I LOVE YOU LLOYD!’. He thanked me graciously.

Yes you can hear me singing along…sorry…

Very unflattering photo of myself but we were SUPER excited! I wore the H&M sparkly jumpsuit with my Golden Goose and leather jacket. Lloyd wore a denim suit:)

D and me LLoyd Cole

I have a keepsake too – a guitar pick used by the man himself:)

Finally a few outfits from the holiday – I’ve been rubbish at taking them and to be honest – it’s been quite nice not needing the tripod xx

zaraJeans – Zara // Shoes – Ash // Sweater – H&M (cashmere and now 50% off!) // Jacket – Zara // Bag – PS1

Then later in the day I just switched out the bag and shoes for my Stella McCartney (now 40% off) and my Lowlands.

Lowlands

Sequin trousersTrousers – J.Crew // Shoes – Vince (on sale PLUS an EXTRA 60% off here!) // Bag – Gucci // Top – Mango (on sale here)

Now I’m going to get stuck into this lot.

New books

OOTD catch up!

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Yes it’s chaos here! Last week of school done – with the odd day off sick for Poppy – uuurgh. All healthy now thankfully so we are ready to throw ourselves into the festivities! So far we have tickets for Star Wars, and an intimate gig with Lloyd Cole lined up – I’m not sure which I am more excited about. Lloyd possibly – especially after singing his greatest hits full blast in the car yesterday! So before we all sink further into the festive mayhem here is a quick outfit round up from the last few days!

H&M fur coat, Everlane, Proenza Schouler PS1, Golden GooseJacket – H&M // Jumper – Everlane // Jeans – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose (40% off here) // Bag – Proenza Schouler (some colors on sale here)

jumper dressJumper – H&M // Faux leather trousers – Zara (similar here) // Boots – Isabel Marant x H&M (old) // Bag – Proenza Schouler (some colors on sale here)

zara blouseJeans – ASOS // Blouse – Zara // Cardigan – Zara // Boots – Acne Jensen (some colors in sale) // Bag – Proenza Schouler (some colors on sale here)

Bells are ringing

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Bell bottoms that is…Every so often I tire of my skinnies and boyfriend jeans and crave the leg lengthening, slimming bell bottom. flares 7 flares 6 flares 5 flares 4 Flares 3 Flares 2 flares 1

Here are my picks of the season to help you emulate these amazing Pinterest images.

These were the first to catch my eye from Zara

Zara flare

For not much more you can have a pair in leather.

Zara leather

I settled with these from ASOS as they all have elastic waists – not much to complain about there!

These are Blank NYC pull on cotton mix and come in waist sizes so you can be more accurate with fit.

Blank NYC pull on

Sods law the ones I am wearing today are now reduced – Blank NYC faux leather pull ons. I’m in a 29″ and they are perfect.

faux leather Blank NYC

These crepe flares are fabulous – super comfortable and swishy!

crepe flares

I also ordered the jersey ones to try – I found these slightly looser in the thigh with less of the extreme bell bottom cut. Also now reduced! I tried a US 8 in both of these and again they were spot on.

jersey flares

I nearly got sucked into the sequin legging crew again this Christmas, but I have to say I far prefer these H&M glitter flares on me. I bought a medium and they are amazing. Lovely and fitted through the thigh and that elastic waist will be a life saver over the festive period!

glitter flares

These are similar but gold rather than silver sparkle – also more of a wide leg trousers than a true bell bottom. Again fabulous in a medium on me and the elastic waist makes them like pajama bottoms for Christmas day! I think both would look super with sneakers or a dressier shoe.

Glitter wide leg trousers

And finally here’s how I’m wearing the Blank NYC faux leather pair today. I certainly need a heel with these – my Newburys are high enough but my Sam Edelman Bradleys will be perfect.

Flares - JoannaFlares – Blank NYC from ASOS // Jumper – H&M // Boots – Newbury from Rag & Bone

You may have seen this on Facebook and Twitter but I want to thank Deborah from Fabulous after 40 for my lovely feature. I am truly honored and flattered! You can read my interview here.

Finally some outfits from the past week – it’s too bloody warm here!

culottes 2_edited-1Boots – Sam Edelman Bradley (on sale) // Culottes – Faux leather River Island from ASOS // Top – AllSaints (old)

IM sneakesrJacket – AllSaints // Shoes – Isabel Marant (TheOutnet.com) // Jeans – J.Crew // Shirt – J.Crew (old)

Zara knitShoes – Stella McCartney (NAP Sale) // Knit suit – Zara (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney (NAP Sale now further reduced)

 

 

Partywear!

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Yet again I have very few Christmas parties lined up. Something for which I am truly grateful for – especially when vague memories of drunken Christmas parties from my City days rear their ugly heads! Free wine, dancing and 25 years old – a messy, messy recipe – especially when London black cabs disappear off the streets at midnight, and cell phones are not common place. Yes, yes, yes I am much happier with a lovely dinner out with friends these days!

However, that does not mean to say I don’t like to get the glad rags on still! I’m all for dressing up for the season! This year H&M have knocked it out of the park with sequins and sparkles at great prices, so you can indulge in a one hit wonder for the festive season!

I am all about jumpsuits and boy do they have some amazing ones on offer. Don’t be scared of the romper either – with opaque tights and ankle boots they can be a winner at any age!

This halter neck jumpsuit is stunning – so 70s and very sexy.

glitter jumpsuit

I adore this sequin romper – imagine with opaque tights and some block heeled ankle boots.

sequin romper

How divine is this one shoulder jumpsuit? Again super sexy with a little 80s thing going on. At just $59.99 it’s in my cart as we speak!

one shoulder

I haven’t hit the order button yet as I am torn between that one and this one – it looks incredible comfortable and is just $39.99.

glitter

Another romper – it looks far more expensive than it’s price tag. Just love, love the lace and the high neck – it might not love my boobs though.

black and lace

Finally how stunning is this little number. I so badly want to wear this but fear the neckline is too high for my chest. If you have less up top than me – you lucky girls I implore you to try it!

Jumpsuit red lace

I’m wearing a bit of daytime sequin too from H&M today – this jumper is only $19.99. I’m wearing an XL as I wanted it oversized. I’ve already had compliments a plenty on it at the gas station this morning!

mansur gavriel carine roitfeld Uniqlo Golden goose sequins and furJumper – H&M // Jeans – J.Crew // Sneakers – Golden Goose (several on sale here) // Coat – Carine Roitfeld x Uniqlo // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Yesterday was spent getting the garden dressed for Christmas. I have spent all morning trying to tell a daft, deaf dog that no matter how loud or often she barks, the ‘intruder’ in the red hat in the garden will not leave as he is inflated, staked in the ground and plugged in!

navy bomber jacket Toga Pulla bootsBomber jacket – TopShop // Jeans – Zara // Boots – navy Toga Pulla // Jumper – AllSaints

My NAP sale picks!

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Bags and shoes – that is where my heart lies when it comes to Net-a-porter.com. A reliable online store, great delivery times and great customer service. Not a lot that is ‘cheap’, but if you are after that special present, or just an ‘I got through 2015’ treat here’s what I would pick!

I’m just a little bit obsessed with the Stella McCartney Falabella bag. I used to be one of those that just didn’t get it – faux leather but designer prices? However, since holding one in my hands in Saks a few weeks ago, I completely get it. The ‘pleather’ is so soft and beautifully made, the shape is perfect -a great size for everything, and the chain gives it that edginess that I look for. Not to mention I can wear it as a shoulder bag or tote. I am just in love. NAP has several styles in the sale. My heart is set on the Leopard print that is reduced by 30% but I bloody adore the fur one too!

This fringe one is just beautiful, and possibly, a fabulous upgrade from my H&M bags that I use frequently enough to justify an upgrade! Reduced by a significant 30%.

fringe falabella

This tiny fur is a great evening bag and is reduced by 30%.

fur falabella

Oh be still my beating heart – can I justify a fur bag?

fur large falabella

This is the one I adore – extremely versatile. I love it. 30% discounted.

leopard falabella

More leopard print but this time McQ Alexander McQueen – I love the tote I have and I am sure the quality of this will be equal, and it is 30% off.

Mcq leopard pring

Finally I think this Alexander Wang camera bag is a great ‘about town’ bag, not to mention it provides me with my ‘I love everything grey’! Reduced, again, by 30%.

AWang camera bag

Yes – this is still eye-wateringly expensive in the sale – but I LOVE the Givenchy Pandora so much and this cobalt blue is so statement – it could carry you through the summer too worn with reds, purples and corals. My Husband says he refuses to buy bags for me, so maybe I will just have to buy it and get on with it! Reduced by 30%.

givenchy

Ok so now footwear. Of course the Golden Goose are my first choice/recommendation.

I have these and love them – a perfect neutral but with a little pearl effect on the toe and tongue – just beautiful.

tan GG

The sparkly low tops are gorgeous. I am a convert to the low top – I still prefer the ‘slide’ style above but these in blue are stunning and 40% off.

sparkly GG

Stella McCartney again now – these platforms are SUPERB.

velvet stella McC snakeskin Stella

These are glitter – how pefect!?

glitter SM

For those of us with simpler tastes there are also some Nikes and Adidas in the sale. I have both of these styles and they are fabulous!

toptens

blue air max

Finally how cute are these star converse?

star converse

So pipe dreaming or not it’s still fun to have a look!

We’re having a quiet day today after a fun Thanksgiving. I’m sitting here eating cheese on toast, with a mug of tea listening to BBC Radio 2. Bliss:)

Thanksgiving sparkles balancing on a rock with my prosecco – we’re just mad here;)

thanksgiving 2Leggings – H&M (last years but similar here) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jumper – Boden Off Duty (30% off everything now with code 7J4Z)

Then out for lunch on Friday, when I was determined to wear my shearling even with temperatures in the 60s!

shearlingJeans – Zara // Jacket – AllSaints (30% off with code CYBER) // Boots – Newbury boots (25% off here with code BF25) // Jumper – Everlane

 

 

What to wear now the cold is here!

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I’m so excited! Atlanta is COLD! Yay!! At last I get to wear some of my winter clothes – of which I have far too many for our climate! I’ll be in flip flops by March again…but I won’t rub it in!

So what am I wearing now the cold is here? Well I have my eye on several of these beautiful faux fur stoles. Even though it is cold here, with our car culture, I can pretty much get away with a leather jacket and scarf. So why not dress up a great biker jacket with one of these beauties?

Sue first noticed this one in TopShop and I have it in my closet – it looks far more expensive than it’s price tag of $60.

colorblockThis green stole is beautiful – much more subtle, but again it looks more than it’s price tag of $52.

19R51IBRN_2_thumbI love mongolian furs – this takes me back 20 years when I had a black mongolian fur jacket that I bought on Portobello Road with my measly student funds.

ombreThis New Look stole is gorgeous – it keeps going in and out of stock on Asos – but be persistent their website updates real time. At just $36 it’s hardly surprising it’s selling out!

image1xxlThis is another option from New Look – super fun and perfect with a black leather jacket.

image3xxl

Talking of leather jackets, I’m so, so excited to be able to wear my AllSaints jackets at last!

AllSaints leather jacket Earnest Sewn jeans Golden GooseSneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Earnest Sewn // Jacket – AllSaints // Tee – AllSaints

Then yesterday I wore this to head to the Georgia Dome to watch the Falcons!

AllSaints leather jacket Zara jeans Adidas Top Ten FlaconsSneakers – Adidas Top Tens // Jeans – Zara // Tee – Falcons // Jacket – AllSaints (similar here) // Scarf – ASOS

Falcons tee Falcons game

On Friday I popped into Target for one thing. I left having blown the budget on the kids’ clothes. They have some amazing items in right now – especially for tween girls, plus save 40% on girls’ sweaters online!

H&M Splendid Zara Nike Air Max Target Balenciaga City bagSneakers – Nike Air Max // Jeans – Zara // T-shirt – Splendid // Cardigan – H&M

On arriving back home laden with goodies for Poppy and Hugh, I was thrilled to find my Carine Roitfeld coat from Uniqlo had finally arrived. Their customer service has been atrocious – no one picking up in their call center, orders being cancelled with no explanation, and delivery taking an obscene length of time. Not good, not good at all for a global retailer. Thank goodness I love it!

carinne roitfeld for Uniqlo coat

Finally today has been blissful – just stunning weather for our first day on holiday and we headed to the local park deer spotting. Our boxers loved it!

everlane uniqlo Golden GooseSweater – Everlane // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // Coat – Uniqlo

One last thing – we all know it’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday this week, and the offers have already started pouring in! One to take note of that has 18 hours left to run, is at TheOutnet.com – use Twenty15 at checkout to get an extra 20% off their already discounted stock – some amazing bargains to be had!!

Slouchy straight jeans?

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I love jeans. My favorite are skinny jeans – mainly because I think they are easier to wear with ankle boots, but also I feel a little less put together in boyfriend jeans, which admittedly may be the whole idea of them…

I may have found the perfect compromise though – the new slouchy straight jeans that seem to be appearing on shelves. It’s funny I had ordered a couple of pairs from Zara hoping they would work and then I saw the fabulous Tiffany Wendel wearing an Earnest Sewn pair, so I must be on the right track?

tiffany wendel

Here are the Zara pairs that I ordered – my preference seems to be grey and black right now!

Grey slouchy black slouchy

The fit really depends on how slouchy you want them – they have lots of stretch in them and I have them in a US6. I absolutely love them. The blue denim pairs are selling out so hopefully they will restock.

So here I am in mine today – I feel so comfortable and cosy for this crappy weather (which secretly I enjoy!).

Helmust lang 1 rain dayJeans – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jumper – Boden (25% off all knitwear until Thursday!) // Coat – Helmut Lang (LOVE this – the perfect lightweight parka – discounted here – I’m in a medium)

Yesterday I was at home with a snotty 7 year old so lived in sweats all day! Monday was a red jacket day – or Butlins day as my hilarious husband suggested.

red blazerJacket – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara // Boots – Toga Pulla // T-shirt – Madewell // Bag – PS1 (similar here)

And a similar outfit from Friday.

tweedSneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – H&M // Jacket – J.Crew (on sale) // Sunglasses – Prada

Finally, on Saturday I went for a trip to H&M with Poppy – her favorite place to shop. I tried on this gold tone sequin top and loved it, left it behind, and then ordered it! The more I thought about it the more I liked the length of the sleeves – no wobble to show! I am in a large here.

sequins

Poppy came back with this jumpsuit – perfect for Thanksgiving day – ‘comfortable and glitzy’ as she says:) The navy is gorgeous – so different from the usual black – however the black one has already been requested for Christmas!

jumpsuit

 

20% off AllSaints with code!

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I love getting these emails in my inbox – especially when they arrive from AllSaints! Use NOVEMBER at checkout and there is 20% off all items except handbags. So this even includes their amazing leather jackets.

I bought this little number a week ago – far cheaper than the Acne Velocite – and even better today when they credited me the 20% discount over the phone this morning! Always worth asking if you have just bought something and then a code arrives – far better than kicking yourself!

Beck

I adore this leather jacket – so rare to see a navy/ink biker jacket and for AllSaints it is a great price with the 20% discount. Their leather jackets are just out of this world (Flic loves hers too!).

Bleeker

Their knits are always lovely and unusual. I adore the cold shoulders on these – cosy jumpers, but sexy enough for a night out too. I’m never afraid to show a little flesh:) This Cecily roll neck is perfection.

cecily

The Elion jumper in ink – again totally love the navy color of this!

Elion

I have the Amei top from years ago with long sleeves in a petrol color (seen here). It is beautiful to wear and extremely comfortable – this sleeveless version is a gorgeous party top with skinny jeans and heels!

amei

My final pick is my favorite top ever – I have 4 in fact! The Wave top – a great comfortable long sleeve tee – but again it has that something special with the split at the back of the arms.

wave

So go forth and enjoy your AllSaints. If you ever need to speak with CS there ask for Chantalie – she was lovely this morning, so helpful and cheery!

Here are a couple of outfits from the start of the week. I’m off for a nap now after ending up in some ridiculous drinking game last night watching the Republican debate! xx

bardot jumperSneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – J.Crew // Sweater – Marks & Spencer (sale now on here) // Lipstick – NARS Audacious Charlotte

hm jumperBag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here discounted) // Jeans – Coated skinnies Zara (old) // Sweater – H&M // Jacket – Mango (old) // Boots – Rag & Bone