Tag Archives: J.Crew

Vacation outfits to date!

Yay!! I have VPN and I can now tunnel into the US to blog! Of all the craziness – there are SO many blocked sites here. I LOVE Turkey but disagree with its censorship!

So here are my outfits from the start of the vacation in Istanbul – lots of dresses – they are really easy to pack and lovely to wear day or night. Regular updates will be posted on Instagram!

Dress – Old Navy // Sandals – Madewell // Earrings – J.Crew

Top – Zara // Shorts – Madewell // Shoes – Primark // Bag – J.Crew // Earrings – Etsy

Dress – Zara // Shoes – Madewell // Earrings – Mango

Poppy – trousers (similar here) and top (similar here) – H&M // Shorts – J. Crew Factory // Sweatshirt – H&M // Sneakers – Nike // Bag – J.Crew // Scarf – John Lewis

Shoes – Primark // Shorts – H&M (now in sale!) // Top – Asos

Dress – Zara // Shoes – Birkenstock // Cart – Datça market

Dress – ASOS

Kaftan – & Other Stories (similar here in sale) // Sunglasses – Stella McCartney discounted here

Romper – Old Navy

Poppy – Dress – M&S // Shoes – Target // Espadrilles – Soludos // Shorts – Madewell // Top – H&M (similar here) // Earrings – Amazon

Dress – ASOS now on sale // Shoes – Madewell // Earrings – J.Crew

Dress – Asos

 

My picks of the J.Crew sale

I love J.Crew but never pay full price…right now you can their sale is on and there are some gems if you are quick.

I’ve just ordered these knitted tops – knit may not seem the coolest in the summer but it actually is breathable and hangs beautifully without clinging. Get an extra 40% off all sale prices with HELLOSALE at checkout.

 

These are really cute -wear them with denim shorts or jeans.

These signet bags are the perfect size and already reduced – with the 40% off that makes them a steal for real leather classics. The pewter and pink are on sale.

Finally this seersucker jumpsuit is gorgeous – great beach to bar attire.

I wore J.Crew the other night to watch Mamma Mia with Poppy – I felt suitably boho in it and got compliments from the ushers! The show was fabulous by the way, and yes I did dance my socks off!

Dress – J.Crew // Sandals – Marks and Spencer

Top – Zara // Sunglasses – Stella McCartney (reduced here) // Shorts – Madewell // Sneakers – Vans // Earrings – J.Crew Factory

Skirt – ASOS // Shoes – Golden Goose // T-shirt – Mango

 

The leather jacket – but not a black one in sight!

I adore a leather jacket – I always have – and this season there is an abundance of fabulously colored jackets to try instead of the tried and tested black leather jacket.

Let’s begin with top dollar on the high street – and some of the best leather jackets out there in my opinion – AllSaints.

The Balfern jacket is a regular style – a real classic. There was a baby pink available in the leather version which may still be available in stores but has sold out online. However, my favorite on me is the coral.

AllSaints Balfern leather jacket coral

The sky blue is really pretty – more of an egg shell blue.

Then there is suede – personally I prefer leather to avoid greasy finger marks – but this plait Balfern in clay pink is beautiful. It also comes in lemon yellow and luna blue here.

TheOutnet.com is always a great place to look for leather jackets. A couple of years ago I scored a gorgeously soft Maje jacket in a great orangey red. This Isabel Marant jacket in claret is 51% discounted.

Isabel Marant Kheo leather jacket

This beautiful yellow jacket from IRO is 65% off.

Another amazing jacket from Isabel Marant at 68% off!

My favorite leathers this season are from Mango. They are always well priced, good leather and fit well. I actually just ordered this beautiful yellow leather jacket – I love the soft color with my coloring as opposed to some of the really vivid yellows. My skin is yellow enough thanks! I also love the plain neckline – most of my other leathers have a collar.

Mango yellow leather jacket

This red leather is fabulous – a really great price too.

Mango red leather jacket

I am super tempted by this blue jacket. I have a really deep indigo blue leather jacket from AllSaints but I really like this more summery blue here. I love the buckle detailing too.

Mango blue leather jacket

Finally green – just the perfect green for me too – a deep forest green.

Mango green leather jacket

TopShop have a great vivid red suede jacket that will add instant cool factor to any outfit.

TopShop red suede jacket

Of course whenever you’re in doubt of where to find something ASOS is the place to head! This beautiful pink suede is available in all sizes and reduced by $200!

ASOS pink suede jacket

This one is so similar to the AllSaints jacket – well except for the pice tag – this is $500 cheaper!

There is of course a tremendous selection of studded and embroidered jackets out there right now – I’m afraid they just don’t appeal to me and I think they will date quickly. I like my classic leather jackets but I really don’t mind what color they are. There simply is nothing better to throw over a dress or jeans all year round.

My FIL arrived last night so we have a fun week ahead. It’s his birthday on Sunday so hopefully we will indulge in a good meal out once all our cheer competition commitments are over! It’s also my nephew’s birthday tomorrow so HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!

Today I’m in one of my favorite jacket and top combos – and I may have new sneakers on 😉

Sneakers – Nike Jewell LX // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (old – similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew (old – similar here) // Bag – Coach

The other day Poppy and I went for a browse in her favorite store – H&M. The neon shoe thing was complete coincidence I assure you!

On Poppy – Shoes – Vans // Jeans – H&M // Jacket – Uniqlo // On Me – Shoes – Nike Air Max // Jeans – H&M // Top – AllSaints (old) // Jacket – Mango (old) // Bag – Coach

 

I missed you too much to stay away!

I’m back! It has to be said that a break from blogging has done me good. It’s given me time and freedom to consider the things that are important to me, rather than my final thoughts each evening being ‘what am I going to wear tomorrow?’

I’ve made several changes

  • I’ve stopped drinking alcohol and never felt better – I really am an all or nothing person and those glasses of wine were turning into regular bottles of wine which left me moody, tired and unfocused (if you are considering quitting I highly recommend the tools I used – Jason Vale’s ‘How to kick the drink easily’  (kindly recommended by Nikki at Midlife Chic) and Sober Mommies – a Facebook group of incredible moms, around the world, across the entire spectrum of addiction and drugs – from those of us like myself who just enjoyed our wine too much – to those who have lost their children and families through opiate addiction. It’s an incredibly supportive group with completely no judgement.)
  • I’ve lost weight – after falling for Jason Vale’s technique to quit drinking, I decided to turn to his juicing recipes to kickstart some weight loss. I managed 12 of the 28 days of the Super Juice Me and now I’m following his 5:2 approach.
  • I got a tattoo! Yes my first and definitely go big or go home! Poppies happen to be my birth flower.

I’m happy to be back and I hope many of you are still out there to listen to my waffle 😉

Here are a few outfits from the past couple of months!

Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Vince Nina (discounted here) // T-shirt – Madewell (old) // Jacket – J.Crew (on sale with Extra 25% off using code Shoptoit) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Shoes – Stella McCartney Elyse (cheapest US price here) // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – J.Crew // Jacket – Mango (old)

Boots – Sam Edelman (on sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Dress – Zara (old) // Jacket – AllSaints (old)

Boots – TopShop (on sale) // Jeans – J.Crew // Coat – Mango (old) // Shirt – H&M

Boots – Chloe // Jeans – Zara (old) // Sweater – Zara (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Boots – TopShop (on sale) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Boots – Sam Edelman (on sale here) // Jeans – Mango (old) // Shirt – H&M // Jacket – J.Crew (on sale plus extra 25% off using SHOPTOIT)

Boots – TopShop (on sale) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Sweatshirt – TopShop (on sale here)

Skirt – H&M // Shoes – Superga // T-Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – J.Crew (old)

Shoes – Stella McCartney Elyse // Trousers – Cos (on sale) // Sweater – & Other Stories // Bag – Mango (old)

Loafers – Gucci (old) // Dungarees – Gap // T-Shirt – Marks & Spencer (old) // Coat – Uniqlo (old)

Shoes – Superga // Trousers – Adidas // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Knitted Jacket – J.Crew (on sale here) // Bag – McQ (old)

 

The 2016 bikini issue

Yup it’s that time of year again when I encourage you all to take pride in your bodies, whatever shape, size or age. Get your bikinis on this summer and embrace your scars, curves, lumps and bumps. Let’s unite to teach our sons and daughters self esteem and body confidence, not self criticism or shame.

JCrew bikiniBikini – J.Crew

I’m living in my bikinis at the moment due to our location. We have once again completely lucked out with out villa. It is nestled on its own in a cove right on the beach. We even have our own little island. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming. This is the view from our roof terrace (where I find it’s lovely and breezy for an afternoon nap!)

Datca Turkey

Last night we headed out for a wander around Datça which was incredibly busy due to the national holiday here for the end of Ramadan. We ended up at a fabulous little restaurant where the owner introduced himself to us as a Communist Bulgarian. We always meet the most fascinating folk 🙂

JCrew bikiniShoes – Castañer // Shorts – Madewell // Top – Old Navy in the clearance // Bag – Mango (similar here)

I do love a good dress

A dress can be the easiest thing to throw on – and when you get it right it can be a killer outfit! I love a dress and my closet is now diversifying from the AllSaints drapes that I adore. Of course heading to Turkey next week gives me the excuse to buy dresses – they feel more conservative and appropriate in Istanbul – even a strappy sundress can be adapted for a mosque with a scarf over the shoulders.

I have this Gap dress in pink and adore it – I’ve just ordered the blue with code TGIF in the US – I have a large – it’s cut quite narrow around the bust so be careful if you are well endowed. Oh and I can’t stand the belt so have immediately discarded it!

Gap

& Other Stories are fabulous for unusual prints and they have their sale running right now. There are some dresses from a couple of seasons ago that I have ordered.

Many of my friends have the porcelain midi dress – I’ve ordered this style – I’m really starting to embrace blue. It’s reduced from $115 to $58.

porcelain

The Mountain print dress is pretty polarizing but I think it will look amazing with a tan and black espadrilles. This is reduced from $90 to $45.

moutain print

Finally in the sale – a dress I see wearing a lot in the Fall with ankle boots – I’ve been desperate for another plaid dress and love the length of this one. Reduced from $115 to $58.

check

There is 25% off certain footwear and dresses at Madewell this weekend with code UNIFORM. I’ve ordered these for my vacation closet. Size down in the dress.

eyelet boardwalk dress Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 2.33.42 PM Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 2.33.57 PM

Some food for thought – and yes my packing pile is growing aaaargh!

Ending with outfits from the past couple of days…

flaresJeans  – Zara // Shoes – Castaner // Top – Mango (in sale) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

H&M dressSneaker – New Balance // Dress – H&M (in sale) // Bag – Hill & Friends

My Husband made me do it!

My Husband is never one to say I need more of anything. He knows I need no encouragement. However he just sent me a link to these saying ‘they are very you’.848502_400_E_PREM

Oh yes they are!! I had a pair of Nike Rift years ago – they have the toe thingy – yup just like a camel toe 😉 These are now on their way to me for vacation.

I have indeed got plenty of shoes for Turkey – these just arrived and I bloody love them – they make me feel super sexy but they are so comfortable for Istanbul nights! I am now the proud owner of a pair of Castaner espadrilles!

IMG_6776

Now for a prime example of something that I loved but did not love me. I so wanted this jersey skirt to work but I felt and looked enormous in it – it did nothing for my shape so back it went.

topshop CollageSkirt – TopShop // Sneakers – Adidas (old) // T-shirt – AllSaints (old)

Today I am wearing my new Mango top6SALE9 in the US will get you 40% discount today so hurry! (Excludes items labeled ‘new in’).

Mango topTop – Mango // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – & Other Stories // Bag – Hill & Friends

Finishing with a couple of outfits from earlier in the week.

The skirt didn’t work but I still bloody love the TopShop pleated trousers. Oh and the TopShop Karter loafers are back in stock in gold, pink and now silver here!

blush 2Shoes – TopShop // Trousers – TopShop // T-Shirt – J.Crew (old)

Finally all old from the other day – though I was stopped 3 times and asked where my sandals were from – TopShop last year! Good old TopShop!

Mango top Top – Mango (old) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – TopShop (old) // Bag – Givenchy

Who What Wear with Target

Back in January WhoWhatWear.com launched it’s collaboration with Target. Their clothes are lovely on trend pieces – and all under $50. I picked up this beautiful blush dress the other day, and in black too. It is so easy to wear either as off the shoulder or on the shoulder and I find the length really flattering. It’s the perfect summer dress and just $34.99 – oh and it goes with my & Other Stories espadrilles perfectly!

whowhat wear blush blacktarget dress CollageDress – Target // Shoes – & Other Stories // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

You may have noticed I have had my haircut again! One of the drawbacks of super short hair is that I can’t go longer than 4 weeks without a cut. I left Van Michael feeling amazing though after my cut with O’Neil. He really is the best.

zara shoesShoes  – Zara // Jeans – Marks and Spencer (old) // Shirt and scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Proenza Schouler

The other day it was time to get the shorts out – plus MORE new shoes – these ballet flats are TopShop.

shortd ballet flatsShoes – TopShop // Shorts and Top – J.Crew (old)

Ok off to go and collect my Mum and Dad from the airport after their little jaunt to Florida! Then the kids are home from school…for the summer!!!! YAY!

 

 

 

A birthday, Willie Nelson and President Carter!

What a busy week! My mum and dad arrived on Tuesday just in time for Poppy’s 10th birthday on the 18th. It was quite cute at the airport – I collected Hugh and Poppy from school early as they had prepared welcome posters for Nana and Grandad!

airport

On Wednesday, while the kids were at school, we went for some gentle shopping to DSW while the jet lag dissipated. Mum also loves to head to Ulta where she stocks up on OPI nail polish – one of the few things that is still cheaper here!

dsw2Shoes – Isabel Marant // Jeans – Zara // Top – AllSaints // Bag – Balenciaga

dsw

We came out of DSW empty handed but I did grab a couple of tops in the sale at Old Navy – somewhere I haven’t shopped for years. It made me curious so I checked out their website later and look at these amazing swimsuits – 40% off and a GREAT tribute to the incredibly expensive Marysia swimsuits. The one piece is currently sold out online but check stores, and I was told there would be more stock online soon.

Old navy swimsuit

bikini bikini bottoms

I also saw similar on J.Crew’s website here, currently 25% off with code SUMMER.

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.29.29 PM

On Wednesday evening we all went out to dinner for my gorgeous girl’s 10th birthday – how did this wee thing…

ph

….end up this big?

old navy CollageShorts and tee – Old Navy here and here // Sandals – Avarcas Pons

dinner CollageShoes – Sam Edelman (old) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Gap // Bag – Balenciaga

Thursday meant a trip to Target. I was absolutely surprised how many things I loved! Check out what ended up in my cart!

This denim jacket is fabulous – so soft and I love the sweatshirt sleeves and hoody.

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.35.10 PM

I’ve ummed and ahhed over a denim waistcoat/vest forever and now have this one at just $29.99.

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.37.23 PM

I love this top that I picked up too – can’t have too many pretty white tops in the summer!

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.40.46 PM

Finally – how cute is this dress for nights out in Istanbul!? I love it!

Screen Shot 2016-05-22 at 3.42.57 PM

Mum left Target with more nail polishes! How come she goes shopping and I spend more??? 🙂

targetShoes – TopShop // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (old)

On Friday we went to the mall and stopped off at a few stores including J.Crew. Not great going in  J.Crew dressed in J.Crew!

JcrewShoes – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

On Friday evening we were lucky enough to have tickets for Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. My Husband and I have seen Willie before and knew it would be a great treat for Mum and Dad. Unfortunately it was an outdoor venue and the rain was pretty constant – but with cheese and wine the audience loved it. As a massive bonus President Carter, a big Willie fan, was in the audience and he and Rosalynn joined Willie to sing Amazing Grace. Moving stuff. My favorite moment of the night though has to be the legend, Kris Kristofferson, singing one of his most famous songs – ‘Me and Bobby McGee’.

kris kristofferson President Carter

mum and dad collage

Of course you can always use your M&S bag to stay dry 🙂
rain

Mum and Dad are now in Fort Myers for a few days so normality has resumed here – at least till Wednesday when they return and school finishes for the summer!!!!

Sunday CollageTop – Gap // Sunglasses – Mango (old) // Jeans – J.Crew // Shoes – & Other Stories

 

Even shorter!

How can a great haircut make a girl so happy!? I absolutely love my new shorter do. I knew when I first went short again the other month that I would be going even shorter soon and here I am back to my old self! I feel me again! If you are in Atlanta I urge you to pay O’Neil at Van Michael a visit – best cut ever, and you won’t stop chatting!

black trousersTrousers – J.Crew (30% off here with SCORE)// Shirt – Zara (old) // Shoes – TopShop // Bag – Proenza Schouler

hair

Yesterday the husband didn’t disappoint with his quick witted ‘are you still painting?’ jibe – I should have put money on it. I don’t care however, I love these dungarees, best fit ever – lovely and slouchy – I sized up to a large, with a lovely shaped leg. The bib on these seems to sit really well on my boobs – it can be dangerous for us with boobs as that bib can get lost or stuck! 😉 These and the indigo version are 40% off in the US with code HAPPY.

dungarees CollageShoes – Zara (last season similar here) // Dungarees – Gap (40% off with HAPPY) // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

In other news these fabulous espadrilles have now arrived on the US & Other Stories site – they are here on the UK site.

blush espadrille espadrillenavy espadrille

Enjoy!

We’re off to watch the Hawks basketball tonight – it’s going to be a late one and some cranky kids will be around tomorrow morning – think of me as I am trying to herd them out of the house for school at 7.15am!