Tag Archives: Isabel Marant

Fantasy shopping.

I know what you’re going to say.  I just shop, shop, shop and most of the time I figure out a way to get what I am lusting after – whether it be through saving a few pennies or selling some fabulous items that just don’t get worn as much as they deserve to be.  I do, however, have a threshold of what I consider to be an okay amount to pay for an item.  It may seem a little warped that I will happily spend $500-$600 on a pair of boots and yet wince at the thought of paying $300 for a pair of jeans, or more than $200 for a jacket.  It probably comes down to me accepting how fickle I can be.  My style has evolved radically over the past 18 months and I expect it to continue to do so.  It’s dangerous territory then to fork out mega bucks on items of clothes that I may shun to the back of the closet next year.  My Rag & Bone, Marant and Acne boots still make me giggle with pleasure every time I lift the lid off the box.  These will always be in my style ‘comfort zone’ – so I can splurge happily with no remorse.

I love to create a fantasy lists.  If money were no object what would I buy?  As I was browsing the other night I stumbled upon more than a few items that set my heart a flutter.

Of course the list had to include some leopard print.  This Jérome Dreyfuss purse is stunning – but for now I’m happy to make do with my Boden Canonbury clutch (p.s. it’s the last day of the Boden 20% diminishing discount tomorrow!).

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What greater indulgence is there than a ridiculous Louis Vuitton scarf that will be worn again and again – just the $800 then?  I am in love with this print.  This is something that eventually I may be persuaded by – one day.

LV scarf

 

I don’t wear pumps/courts nearly enough to justify these – but if money were no object – these YSL Janis Escarpin pumps would be mine.

YSL Janis Escarpin

Finally, for now, I have always wanted some perfect leather trousers.  Of course they need to be Balmain.  Just the $4,560 then.

Balmain leather trousers

I expect I’ll be creating more secret compilations like this now football season has started!  What’s on your lust list?  How would you fill your closet if you won the lottery?

It’s still hot, hot, hot here so yesterday I opted for shorts again.  I had a lovely lunch with a handsome man.

IMG_7508Shoes – Vince Nina // Shorts – J.Crew Factory // Jacket – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap

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Bowie.

There’s a bit of a theme developing here.  Normally my Husband accuses me of channeling the 80s all the time – well not at the moment – I’m all about the 70s.  Remember this photo of Gwen Stefani I shared the other day?

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Well as soon as I saw Asos were offering 20% off over Memorial weekend I snapped up the Bowie t-shirt!  I’m thrilled with it.  I’ve bought more from Asos this season than ever before, and everything has been great quality, with free shipping and returns whats not to love?  Right now they are offering 30% off accessories and shoes and there are some great deals!

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Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers // Skirt – Zara // T-shirt – Asos // Jacket – Zara // Watch – men’s G-shock

Unintentionally my Essie ‘DJ play that song’ nail polish was the perfect match for the t-shirt!

Essie

Bowie Collage

 

 

While the kids were at camp this morning I snook into the mall.  I know I should never do this – especially when I know the sales are starting soon.  I had been casually admiring this jumpsuit on the Zara site and just assumed that there was not a chance in hell that both the bottom and top half would fit.  The large would be too big in the butt, and the medium too small across the boobs.  Well they had a medium hanging there – new on the rack – so what the hell I tried it!  OMG it was perfect – it’s a lovely crepe material – really light for the summer, and it is much more of a strawberry color than the website pic suggests.  SO 1970s – so Saturday Night Fever – where’s my mirror ball and John?  It’s coming on vacation with me – damn that means I need to bring a pair of heels too!

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A graduation and buying wedding rings!

It was Hugh’s Pre-K graduation yesterday.  I shed a couple of tears of pride.  Where have the past 5 years gone?  It’s a cliché, but true, your children grow up so fast.

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Dress – Zara (sold out online but in the TRF section if you’re looking in store!) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers

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The lady with the red trousers is Shirley.  She adores Hugh – she cared for him in the baby room at the daycare and now babysits for us.  I was so touched that she came to see him graduate.

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We arrived home just in time to meet Karin and Simon, our friends from Sweden.  They are visiting for the weekend.  It’s a year since Simon proposed to Karin here in Atlanta, so this visit we get to chat about wedding plans and we’re off to choose wedding rings today!!  Well rather they are off to choose them – but you know how I like to be involved and share my opinion.  Fortunately Simon has known me for 23 years so has probably learned to accept/tolerate my interference by now:)  I hope to share photos of the selected rings later.  In the meantime my Husband kindly advised me to avoid wearing turquoise – apparently it could be interpreted as me trying to wear the store’s signature blue.

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Jeans – H&M // T-shirt – Gap // Jacket – River Island // Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers

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May Madness.

I know March Madness has passed (college basketball finals for the non-American readers) – but for me the real madness sets in in May.  May is the end of the school year here, and with my daughter’s birthday (and it seems every other child in her class!) and the excitement of overseas visitors, it is a crazy month.

On Saturday we made our first, and hopefully last trip to the American Girl Store.  I have delayed it as long as possible – but it seems the 7 year old birthday is the one where the burning desire for a ‘mini me’ kicks in.  It turned into the perfect trip for Saturday morning as it was miserable weather here – persistent rain all weekend!  The mall was empty when we arrived – I soon discovered why – EVERYONE was in the American Girl store.  Moms and daughters had traveled from all over the South East seeking their perfect doll – it was terrifying.  Poppy, however, was thrilled and we left with Saige – an artist and animal lover apparently.  Poppy’s birthday isn’t till the 18th, and normally I vehemently disagree with the notion of ‘early’ birthday presents – but her friend is having her birthday tea party at the American Girl store this week – so Saige was required a week or so early so she can accompany Poppy for tea – I will not be.

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The rest of the rainy weekend was spent painting the basement.  For some reason the Husband has become rather gung ho about decorating.  I’ve no idea where this new found enthusiasm has come from – probably from the ridiculously high painting quotes we’ve had.  Anyway I’m rather pleased with the progress we have made though my hair currently looks like it has been used as a paint brush.

Finally here are some improvised rainy, Spring outfits – I am hoping the legs can be bared again by  the end of the week!

Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old – similar here) // Shirt – J.Crew Indian voile popover (some sizes available in the sale here) // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker in Camel (similar here)

JCrew Factory

 

Jeans – H&M tapered boyfriend jeans // Shoes – Clarks Hamble Oak // T-shirt – Target (old) // Jacket – Zara

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Jacket – Boden Limited Edition Chic Leather Biker Jacket (old) // T-shirt – Zara long sleeved with zip at the back (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Boots – Acne Pistols

Pistols

 

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A weekend tinged with sadness.

We adopted Rosie, our Boxer, back in 2001, and we’re guessing she was about 2 years old then.  So we knew the chances of her seeing it into 2014 would be slim – we knew she was slowing down.  On Friday morning, given some symptoms and tests, the vet advised it was her time, so with heavy hearts we said farewell to her.  The end of an era.  Rosie was one of the few constants in our lives over the past 12 years, she was gentle and loyal and we loved her so much.  RIP Rosie xx

Rosie when we adopted here – she had no hair on her back bless her but it all grew back:

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Rosie with MM – living the dream with a t-top Camaro (2002):

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On one of our adventures in North Carolina:

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The children were sad but quite pragmatic so we aimed to keep the weekend as normal as possible.  Yesterday we headed out to the mall and then to their favorite BBQ joint for a treat.  We talked about angels, old dogs and puppies, and now they seem quite at peace with the outcome.  We still have Tennyson here, and Poppy has requested that when we get our next girl dog that she has a tail – so we’re moving on…

It was a gorgeous day so I decided to go full on with the spring attire:)

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Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys

 

Last night was date night so we toasted Rosie before eating.

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Trousers – Zara // Jacket – Zara // T-Shirt – Express (old) // Shoes – DSW // Cuff – Tiffany (MM bought me this Xmas of 2001 and I’ve no idea why I wear it so rarely!)

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Miami Vice.

MM called me Tubbs this morning and I wasn’t sure if he was referring to Miami Vice or The League of Gentlemen (a reference some US readers won’t appreciate – sorry!).  I am guessing it was the former given my white ensemble today.

This is a case of poor preparation.  I was planning to wear skinny jeans and then remembered I was having a pedicure later so I needed to wear a skirt, shorts or jeans I can roll up.  I went with the jeans – but tried to substitute my distressed white skinnies from H&M for shiny white 501s and it really hasn’t worked – the proportions are all wrong.  Even after a jacket change I’m still not happy. But after faffing around with photos etc…I didn’t have time to start again.  So here I am.  When it warms up later I’ll be taking my jacket off, and adding flip flops after the pedicure – a much better ensemble I think – and at least my feet will be looking good.  I’m trying to distress these 501s slowly with a razor – I keep shaving threads off a couple of patches, hoping that with some washing they will split, but it’s not happening fast enough so I may just have to resort to the sandpaper trick.

With the first Zara jacket:

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Jacket – Zara // Jeans – Levi 501s // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobbys // Top – Zara

After changing the jacket (White jersey blazer from Zara – old):

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A quick note too – as many of you know I churn my closet often and I’ve been selling gently used items that are all in excellent condition here on eBay.  Given my ‘power seller’ status and 100% rating I’ve decided to try out my own store front here on the blog.  If you click ‘Shop‘ on the menu you will see a couple of items listed.  I’ll be adding more here, instead of eBay, to see how it goes.  Payment is still easy and secure through Paypal.

 

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Some sale wants.

I don’t remember Boden ever putting their Spring items in the clearance section before June in previous years?  Maybe I’m mistaken, but this year they seem to be dropping odd items in throughout the season.  I just happened to be browsing yesterday and found myself lusting after 3 fabulous spring coats.  This is when I so wish I was back in the UK and actually had use for spring coats.  It’s 80 degrees here this week so it appears summer has arrived for 2013.  MM did suggest that they would be great coats for Fall and even Winter here – surely that means he agrees with me and I should purchase immediately?

I will preface this with the fact that 2 of these coats got some poor reviews.  However, seeing as I am not the ‘typical’ Boden buyer I tend to take the reviews with a grain of salt.  For me the truth always lies in trying the clothes at home, and styling them how I would wear them.  I think all 3 of these coats would look fabulous dressed up or down.  I can see myself wearing them with boyfriend jeans, a white t-shirt and flats, keeping them simple and casual.

The first is the swishy coatigan.  The fabric (as the reviews confirm) looks nothing like a coatigan – I think this is definitely more of a lightweight coat.  I want it in parchment which is currently reduced by $60.

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The next is the Canonbury coat.  I’ve had my eye on this for a while.  I think it looks stunning in the iris.  Again it would look amazing with just jeans and a t-shirt to really sharpen up a casual outfit.  The iris is only reduced by $30 right now but the other two colorways are reduced further.  The reviews are pretty dire regarding fit, but I really want to try this and see – dare I say it – but it may just be too much of a departure for some stalwart Boden customers.

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Finally I absolutely adore this red version of the Spring trench.  It is SO me and would make such a statement.  This one I might just have to order for Fall.  The red version is currently reduced by $60.

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What do you think?  Have any of you tried them?  If so do the reviews do them justice?

Today it is back to normality.  The final days of the vacation were amazing.  The children and I did some dancing on the deck while Dad prepared the grill:)

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I love this photo of Poppy at dusk looking out to the rigs.  I know the thought of oil rigs to many of you may be far from romantic – but I assure you when you see them all twinkling at night it is an amazing sight to behold.  Now I sound like I’m about to break out into a Toby Keith song.

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My final vacation outfit was of course a bikini – but sparing you that photo – here is one of me in the Zara dress that I used as my beach cover up.  I love it – it is really comfortable and light weight.  As you can see the house we stayed in was very ‘retro’:)

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Yesterday we were all tired and fortunately had a birthday party to attend which got us up and out of the house.  It was very odd getting ‘dressed’ again and wearing make-up – I even wore a necklace (inspired by Fiona’s post).  Not sure about this get up though – I think this is a bit of a failure – maybe trying too hard?

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Jeans – Target // Top – Zara // Jacket – River Island // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker // Necklace – JCrew bubble copy from local store

…And here I am today, bleary eyed but happy to be home.

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Jacket – Gap (old similar here) // Sweater – Express (old) // Trousers – J.Crew Café Capri jade (old) // Flats – Vince Camuto Fawna (old)

 

 

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Bikini ready.

I’m just starting to feel human again.  Those bus stop ladies are quite a riot when you get them in a bar around a bottle (or several) of white wine.  Thursday was tough going but it was worth it.  I love these ladies!

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The leggings I wore are new and a real steal from Nordstrom.  It is great being able to purchase TopShop items here now thanks to their partnership with Nordstrom.  They were an impulse purchase after seeing them on Martha’s post the other week.

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Boots – Nine West Buster // Leggings – TopShop faux leather // Jumper dress – AllSaints Sago // Jacket – Zara quilted leather jacket (old)

There is nothing like the thought of wearing a bikini for motivating me to hit the gym.  So yesterday I went to spin – it was amazing – a great endorphin rush in a lovely quiet class!  I hope it is the same this morning – yes I am motivated:)

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After spin I was running around like a crazy woman doing last minute errands for the trip – wine was bought, packing was done and finally the Brazillian was accomplished – TMI I know, but I find they are essential when you’re in a swimsuit 9 months of the year.  Plus it’s much more comfortable on the spin bike:) If you are in Atlanta go see Larissa at Brazilian’s by Andreia at the Buckhead location – she is amazing – and most importantly – gentle!

Nervously waiting for Larissa:

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Jeans – Primark Boyfriend jeans // Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker Boots

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April Fools’ Day.

Have you been fooled yet today?  I’ve seen two corkers – one from a friend on Facebook who announced she was pregnant with twins, and this fabulous one from Boden – the men’s Marylebone Skirt anyone?:)

Boden Man Skirt

 

The sun is out here, but unfortunately no Easter Monday Holiday here in the US – off to work for me!

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Jacket – Zara // Linen t-shirt – Zara (old but similar here) // Jeans – Gap Boyfriend (old) // Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobby // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (similar here)

 

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Instagram weekend round up.

Happy Easter all!  I am sitting here typing while the loin of pork roasts.  I always slip a few slithers of garlic in it so it smells amazing – hhhhmmmm!  I was contemplating roasting a leg of lamb – it seems more appropriate at Easter – but I always find the left over pork easier to use up in a Mexican dish later in the week.  I’d better get a few more spin sessions in before the bikinis come out for Spring break!:)

I thought rather than cracking open a bottle of red before dinner is ready, I’d update you with some weekend outfits instead.

My son was off from school on Friday for Easter so we headed out to Target for some fun shopping – well kind of – I basically needed to buy more Mini Eggs before they sell out till next year!

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I’m not much of a hat wearer, but I fell in love with these Mossimo straw Fedoras.  Still not convinced I would ever wear them so they didn’t make it home with me, but I might try them again – they’d be great on the beach!IMG_3520 IMG_3522

Jacket – JohnnieB (old) // T-shirt – Forever21 // Jeans – H&M boyfriend jeans // Sneakers – Converse

Later on Friday I was watching the children play while having a little playtime myself – nothing better than a margarita in the sun:)IMG_3531

This bracelet brings me so much joy.  It’s an original Susie Ho design and it reminds me of the fantastic time we all had in London on our blogger meet back in February.IMG_3534

MM giggled at me on Saturday morning for being ‘so dressed up’ with no where to go.  Well I did take Poppy to her Zumba class so surely that counts?  I love this M&S cardigan – it makes a casual outfit feel a little more ‘put together’.IMG_3536 IMG_3538

Trousers – Zara // Boots – Isabel Marant Dickers // T-shirt – Forever21 // Cardigan – Marks and Spencer

I also nipped into the Mall later in the day, so obviously I had to take a peek in Zara.  I’d fallen in love with this jacket online and, fortuitously, they had my size in store.  Would have been silly not to have brought it home, no?

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Last night MM and I went out for dinner and drinks to our favorite bar.  I normally choose my ‘going out’ attire by selecting the one item I really want to wear and building the outfit around it.  Last night I really wanted to wear these Zara trousers.  I’ve had them a while and took them all the way to the UK and back without them being worn.  It turned into a perfect opportunity to pair them with my white pumps.  I LOVE these shoes.  Whether you like the outfit or not, it was one of those times where once I was ready I felt great:)  I’m convinced the Saturday 8am spin class helps psychologically too!

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Shoes – BCBG Generation (currently reduced) // Trousers – Zara // Tank – Express (old) // Jacket – Zara

So Happy Easter all – I’m now off to crack open that bottle of red:)

 

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