Tag Archives: H&M

A little bit retro

When you write a blog you tend to read a lot of blog posts too. From frequently reading style, fashion, street style blogs etc. it is fairly easy to garner great advice on what should work or shouldn’t work for your body type – assuming of course you know what body type you are!

My body has been described as apple, triangular and most recently rectangular. All I know is I have quite a small frame but bulk up around the face, chest and arms fastest when gaining weight, yet I can comfortably fit into a US 6 jean if the waistband has some stretch – I have no hips or backside to speak of. So whatever shape category I fall into I know that I need to be careful up top and enhance down below. Sometimes however a garment comes along that I know I should not touch with a barge pole, but somehow I just can’t resist it.

Meet my ‘masculine style’ Mango jacket:

Mango jacket

 

It’s worn over a cardigan here but the silhouette is basically cocoon. It has dropped shoulders and is oversized – I have a Eur Medium which works as I will be able to wear it over sweaters. It is so 80s retro I adore it – names like Limahl, Simon Le Bon and Spandau Ballet have all been associated with this jacket. If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll be no stranger to my passion for the 80s. This jacket is so evocative of that glorious decade that I couldn’t return it, even though it breaks all my personal ‘shape rules’. Once in a while we have to wear something purely because we love it.

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Jeans – Zara // Boots – Sam Edelman Louie // Top – Everlane // Jacket – Mango

Today I am all about the monchrome. It’s brass out this morning which is fabulous news – roll out the scarves and jackets!!!

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Shoes – Stuart Weitzman Leman // Jeans – H&M // T-shirt – ASOS // Jacket – Zara leather jacket (this season but not online) // Scarf – Zara

Don’t forget that Mango currently have 30% off coats and sweaters till October 22nd! In the US use 5MNG4 and in the UK use 5MNG.

 

The celebrations continued…

How did it get to Monday again? My weekend flew by as they always tend to do these days with all the activities we have to cram in for the kids! Friday night, however, was just for me and the Husband. Another wonderful celebration of 16 years of marriage – great food, great company and great wine at Abattoir – our special place where we love to celebrate our special times.

anni collage IMG_0957I wore my AllSaints dress that I bought back in the sale. It is a deep navy and the silk feels so perfect for a date night. There was some BIG hair going on too! The shoes are currently 33% off at Nordstrom – get them while you can – they are the MOST comfortable heels I own.

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Shoes – Sam Edelman Anastasia // Bag – H&M // Dress – AllSaints

Today it’s back to work and the beautiful Fall weather has arrived in Atlanta – gorgeous sunshine with no humidity. To celebrate I decided to air the Stuart Weitzmans for the first time. These are the Leman that I harped on about back here. I love these shoes. They are true to size and fit perfectly, not to mention the leather is gorgeous.

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Shoes – Stuart Weitzman Leman // Trousers – Mango (now on sale) // T-shirt – J.Crew (similar here on sale plus extra 30% off with SHOPFORFALL) // Jacket – J.Crew (25% off with SHOPFORFALL) // Bag – H&M

Do you have any new Fall favorites yet?

 

Another year

16 years ago today I married the man of my dreams. Actually I never dreamt I would snag such a good one who would tolerate me so well for all this time 🙂

We began our celebrations on Wednesday night by going retro with an Erasure gig. Andy Bell didn’t fail to disappoint with his voice or his hot pants! I skipped the pleather shorts and wore my River Island jumpsuit which I never got a full length shot of, sorry, but it’s now on sale at ASOS!

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I was a little worse for wear on Wednesday after a late, late night on Tuesday. An old friend from the UK was in town so I had to take him out for a few drinks no? I got home at 3am after eating just 5 oysters all night – yikes! I cannot do it anymore! I wore my fab Zara jumpsuit for the occasion. Just be warned NEVER leave it to the last minute to have a pee when wearing a jumpsuit! As the night gets later they can get more and more challenging to remove! The shoes were bought in the UK in the Coast sale and the bag is current H&M. I am in LOVE with the fringe!

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Today my Husband surprised me with lunch out and tonight we’re off for dinner. Thank goodness I killed myself at Hot Yoga again this morning – I’m telling you it is the best exercise in the world and so invigorating!

Here’s my lunch attire – still debating over what to wear tonight! This leather skirt is fabulous – so soft and easy to wear. This is a Eur L/US M so it is nice and slouchy and not too tight or short.

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Leather skirt – Mango // T-shirt – Marks & Spencer (old) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Bag – H&M

And here we are – all loved up after all this time – gosh I’m a lucky lady!

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The birthday celebrations are finally over…

After continuing all week I am well and truly closing down the party.  I’ve had a brilliant week in the company of family and friends and I’m now ready to get on with this damn health kick I keep talking about – all talk and no action for sure.

On Tuesday evening I headed out with some great girls from work – another Leo and a new girl so it was a combination of birthday and welcome drinks.  I’ve always loved off the shoulder tops – for someone like me with a weak jawline and one too many chins I think they are really flattering and draw the eye to the clavicle.

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Shoes – Vince Claire // Jeans – H&M // Top – Zara (new season but not online)

Heading off to work the following day I felt the need for comfy clothes and what better shoes to wear than Golden Goose – cool and comfy to add a bit of oomph to an otherwise relatively boring outfit.

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Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – H&M // Top – AllSaints Tiko tee (old – similar here)

Thursday night I was out with Cali who I went to NYC with at the beginning of summer.  I always have so much fun with her – friends really have made this year’s birthday perfect.  I swear the photo shows up every darn crease on this top – it really wasn’t quite as bad in real life and was perfect after 5 minutes in the Atlanta humidity!

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Shoes – Sam Edelman Yazmine (on sale) // Shorts – Zara (old – similar culottes here) // Top – Mango (old) // Necklace – Marks and Spencer (bought here)

Finally the best birthday card ever arrived from my very witty brother.  I thought you might appreciate it 🙂

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Okay off to put the running gear on – have a great weekend!!  We’ve got some very exciting visitors coming on Sunday – I’ll keep you posted!

Health kick

It was a VERY indulgent weekend.  Gifts, cards, food, spirits, wine and cigars…uuurgh I paid for it yesterday.  I had a fabulous birthday thanks to the generosity of friends and family, but now it’s time to begin my 44th year with some healthier choices.  I just signed up for the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving Day.  I’ve done it a couple of times before and it is great fun, a lovely way to earn your Thanksgiving dinner.  Only problem is 13 miles seems an awfully long way right now.  I need to get my training plan written – oh and then actually execute the plan 🙂  I have a while to contemplate it, before I start adding the miles to my little 2 mile jog with the dog.

My birthday started with a run – I was well impressed!  Then I was drinking prosecco and eating red velvet cake by 10.30am!  We headed out for lunch to one of our favorite spots – Nuevo Laredo – where I ate way too much and was surprised with a birthday shot.  Yep you read right – no cupcakes here – a shot of tequila with a cherry on top at 2pm.  I had to drink it all in one while the rest of the restaurant sang Happy Birthday.  Fun times…

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For lunch I decided to wear an old, favorite AllSaints dress (similar here) with my nude Sam Edelman Yazmines (on sale here).

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The Yazmines are high but really comfortable given the block heel.

Today we’re being covered by cloud and it really feels quite Fall like here.

Jeans 1Jeans – H&M // Shoes – Sam Edelman (on sale) // Cardigan – AllSaints (old – similar here) // T-shirt – French Connection (old)

I’m off out with the girls tonight to continue some celebrations – yeah that health kick might wait till tomorrow.

4 days to go till…

…I turn 43!  Crumbs!  How DID that happen?  I still feel 21 and act like it most of the time, much to the chagrin of my children.  When I look back life so far has been kind to me, though I often wonder what roles fate, destiny or pure luck have played.  When I was 21 I never imagined I’d be an American citizen living in Atlanta, or that I would end up working in magazine publishing of all things, never mind working with my Husband!  My dreams back then were of becoming a high flying financier or consultant.  I started on that ladder for a while and then quickly realized I was most unsuitable for it – I don’t care for hard work 🙂  Having fun, indulging in my hobbies (errr clothes and wine…), chatting with dear friends, and having adventures suits me far better.  So here I am about to turn 43 and wondering where my 40s will lead me.  All I wish for is health and happiness for my loved ones.  Can you tell I feeling a little introspective?

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Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Jeans – H&M // Top – Zara

 

The ‘new do’

I spent a lovely couple of hours at the salon yesterday and I absolutely love my new do!  Here is my inspiration photo…

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And here am I – smokey eye and nude lip included 🙂

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I’m now off back to the salon with the kids for their ‘back to school’ cuts so this a post of minimal words!!

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Shoes – Avarcas Pons // Jeans – H&M // Top – Mango sale

Have a fabulous weekend y’all!

 

The craziness is over…

I’ve been neglecting the blog – apologies.  I did warn you that May was full of events that need planning and execution!  Today is Poppy’s 8th birthday.  I cannot believe that 8 years ago I was lying in L&D having just had my first child at around 6.30pm…

The party was on Friday early evening and I have to say it was one of our best.  I had the great fortune of catching up with Moms I hadn’t seen for weeks, some months!  It was planned from 5-7pm and you can tell it was a great night as our last guests didn’t leave till 10ish – we didn’t want it to end.  We were trying to make it a surprise for Poppy but of course 8 year olds have loose lips:)  She loved the red carpet, VIP sign and VIP badges!

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Poppy’s dress is H&M as is most of her closet these days!  I find they are great for a girl who no longer wants to wear Boden appliqué, but they are still totally appropriate for a young girl.

Mikey from VibeSquad was our amazing DJ for the evening, ironically he’s a Londoner!

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DSC_0019I tried to go with the disco theme in my ASOS Bowie t-shirt, Mango harems and silver Ancient Greeks.  Thanks to the Husband for the super unflattering photo but it makes me smile – we had amazing fun catching up:)

Today after present opening we headed to the American Girl Store to pick up Isabelle – new friend to Saige from last year.  I am not buying anymore American Girl Dolls…that store is my idea of hell on earth.

AGD(Yes – another H&M dress!)

Lunch was by choice of the birthday girl at Verde and I decided to wear glitter, at least on my feet, for the occasion.

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(Poppy in another H&M dress!)

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Top – Mango // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Golden Goose (back in stock in Barneys!) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Sorry PETA and all the vegan readers – I am completely obsessed with my new cowhide from IKEA!  You can catchup with my IKEA trip on Instagram – we’ve just ordered the kids their new loft beds after having their rooms painted!  They are growing up too fast!

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One other thing to let you all know about before the vanish immediately – the new Nike Blazers are now in stock at J.Crew!  If you love a hi-top, and don’t want to pay Golden Goose prices, these are a must!  They’ll be sold out in the bat of an eye, I assure you.

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Last week of school here this week – wooo hooo – summer is here!!

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COS online in the USA!

A quick note to let all you in the US know that COS has finally reached our shores.  COS is the sibling of H&M and & Other Stories.  Having said that their style is very different.  Lots of minimal, fluid, very unique cuts.  I adore their dresses.  The good news too is that I think they fit true to size unlike some other stores which are titchy!

How gorgeous is this skirt too?

COS skirt

To celebrate the launch of their online store all first time orders will receive 25% off using code HELLOAMERICA – enjoy!!

 

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Scents and sensibility.

I’m off clothes.  I know I never thought I’d see the day either.  Bored, bored, bored with everything I see in the stores or online.  Maybe I have just over done it.  For the first time in a LONG time I am perfectly happy with all my choices when I walk into my closet.  I want nor need a thing.  I am instead indulging in products – more specifically scents – perfumes and essential oils.

I wear perfume everyday, but I am a woman of few scents.  Chanel Coco for date nights, and then either Pacifica Tuscan blood orange or YSL Paris for the daytime depending what mood I am in.  I have worn Paris for YEARS – I first bought a bottle from duty free on the ferry to France when I was about 14!

Perfumes to me are a bit like underwear – as long as it works why spend money on it?  I do like to splash out a little more on my night time perfume but not a ridiculous amount.  However, I am contemplating purchasing the following:

The classic Shalimar by Guerlain:

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Or Un Jardin Sur Le Toit by Hermés which is gorgeous for summer:

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If any of you have worn these I’d love to know what you think.

While I was researching scents I stumbled across some old favorites – a couple of which I ordered.

Giorgio Beverly Hills:

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and Lou Lou by Cacharel:

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Both of these scents are incredibly nostalgic.  I used to wear them in sixth form – again probably duty free purchases from day trips to France.  As soon as I opened the boxes and smelled them it transported me back to nights out in Bury – the clothes, the people, the pubs!  Not always what you are looking for in a perfume it has to be said:)  Also they are much sweeter than I remember – my nose has definitely matured!  I’ll wear them for now if only to remember the Hare and Hounds – but I probably won’t buy them again…the Hermés looks good value now.

Moving on from perfumes I’ve recently been treating my olfactory system to some essential oils.  I’ve been struggling to sleep well and thought I’d give Lavender a try so I am going to burn some before bed and then put a few drops on my pillow.  I also LOVE citrus oils so I treated myself to some Tangerine and Sweet Orange – so now I can be calmed, cheered and brightened – according to the labels at least!  I’ll let you know if my sleep improves.  Again I’d love to know if any of you have dabbled in aromatherapy.  I’ve just bought a book too, so it may become an new little hobby for me…namaste….

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This week has seen me having to adapt to rain and now 80 degree sunshine.

Yesterday I headed to work in a jacket then changed into a jumper when I got home – to be honest most of the time I change into some kinds of sweatpants or workout gear.

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Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Today I opted for comfort for a dentist appointment – I have sparkly clean teeth again!

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Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

So do tell – what are your favorite scents to tickle your nose?  Do you have a signature scent?

 

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