Tag Archives: J.Crew

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.

I 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.

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.

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?

Easy dressing

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In between cheer practices, runs, shelf assembly and dog walks, I dashed into Target on Sunday – mainly to stock up on Fall fashions for the kids, but also to take a quick peek at the Altuzarra collection for Target. If you are waiting for your package to arrive from NAP you may want to skip this part. In fact even though it is beautifully presented on NAP, I still don’t get why they are selling these collaborations, though it obviously increases the hype and desirability. In the flesh I was really disappointed.

I’ve read lots of bloggers who have loved it and even claim it is the best collaboration to date. Maybe it is my familiarity with Target that clouds my judgement. I love Target, don’t get me wrong. As I have mentioned for kids clothes they are fabulous – great value and great designs – but their women’s wear always seems cheap – which of course it is. Overall I found the fabrics on the Altuzarra items to be cheap feeling, and the finishing was poor – but having said that where else can you get designer duds for less than $50 a piece? My problem is I see them as Target, not designer. I just don’t get it. Why would you want to wear something that is instantly recognizable as Altuzarra FOR TARGET? One of the reasons I didn’t buy anything in the Pete Pilloto collection was that I recognize it through a crowd instantly. Anyway here are the photos so you can make your own decision.

I loved the color of these trousers but the velvet felt stiff and thin, and the finishing on the waistband was poor.

I loved the dresses till I inspected them close up – the sequins seemed cheap and the finishing poor.

This sweatshirt is nice – but really crumpled on the the hanger and there were threads hanging off everyone of them! Plus that print is too recognizable for me.

I liked the peasant blouse and the shirt on the hanger. However, the peasant top did nothing for me at all…I tried to like it but just so not me.

I liked the shirt a lot, and I actually carried it to the till, but I changed my mind, deciding I was buying for the hype and not because I loved it. I have no regrets about leaving it behind.

Maybe if the presentation in Target was nicer I’d be more enamored, but Target still feels like Target to me. I’m passing on this one.

The week to date has been crazy too with Drs appointments and school conferences, so I find a dress, jacket and sneakers is the easiest way to dress to stay presentable and comfortable.

Drop waist dress – ASOS // Sneakers – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 30% off with SHOPFORFALL) // Jacket – J.Crew (extra 25% off with SHOPFORFALL)

Skate shoes – Marks & Spencer (old) // Dress – ASOS // Jacket – Zara (old)

Did you buy from the Altuzarra collection? Am I being too harsh?

Man’s best friend

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The 26th August was National Dog Day – a day to celebrate and encourage adoption of dogs everywhere. Since we have been in Atlanta we have adopted 4 boxers. Tennyson is our only dog right now and we adopted him almost 3 years ago. The kids have been asking for more dogs for some time, and since Rosie passed away I know Tennyson has missed a friend. So in our usual crazy, impulsive fashion we have decided to adopt not just one more, but two more boxers. We’re not sure which exact dogs Stanley and Stella are yet – the names are picked but not the dogs! We have two coming to stay with us this week and fingers crossed all will get along and they will stay for the long haul! Wish us luck!

In the meantime we celebrated Tennyson this week with lots of love and kisses!

Sneakers – Converse // Shorts – Mango (old – similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew (old – similar here)

Thursday was chaotic – the school had a power cut so I ended up having an impromptu shopping trip with Poppy before heading for a haircut. Poppy as ever ended up returning home with something new – new Sam Edelman Pettys in the Labor Day sale – like mother, like daughter! They are lovely with a glitter heel and great for her to wear with jeans or skirts.

I wore my favorite Ancient Greeks for the day.

Sandals – Ancient Greeks // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Mango (old – similar here)

Chadd did an amazing job as ever on my hair. I went for the undercut again so I can pretend I am super cool and trendy for my blogger party next weekend in NYC at the start of Fashion Week. I may have acquired a new dress to wear too – but you’ll have to wait and see!

Jumpsuit – New Look from ASOS // Flip flops – Havaianas // Lips – NARS Cruella

Now I’m off to host a sleep over for the kids and enjoy a thoroughly relaxing Labor weekend before we are overwhelmed with dogs 🙂

Hot as Hell

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Hot as Hell – not just in hot yoga this morning where I thought I might actually pass out, but also in Atlanta – anywhere in Atlanta. The humidity is such that you sweat as soon as you leave the house and the temperature is 94 degrees Fahrenheit. I need no reminder that I live in the deep South. We’re off to a pool party soon so I think some very icy white wine may be in order – it is Friday after all!

Top – J.Crew on sale plus extra 25% off with SHOPNOW // Shorts – J.Crew 25% off with SHOPNOW // Shoes – Arizona Birkenstock

Beach Jumpsuit – ASOS on sale – just $20! // Bikini – J.Crew (top and bottom on sale plus additional 25% off with SHOPNOW) // Flip flops – Havaianas

Happy Weekend one and all!

xxx

What girl doesn’t need new shoes?

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In an attempt to reduce my shopping and stick to my monthly budget I have sworn off clothes ordering till I lose 20lbs. Weight gain has been another unfortunate side effect of perimenopause – at least that’s what I am blaming it on! So I am back on Jenny Craig for a while – the only diet that I have tried that works every time for me – though obviously keeping the pounds off is my failing. Fortunately they welcome me back with open arms (as long as I open my check book) and I always find it easy to stick to the diet because I see results immediately. It’s New York Fashion Week in a couple of weeks and I have been invited to a party where there will be lots of gorgeous, 20-something year old bloggers, so I need to feel confident and hot (and hopefully look it too!). There is no better incentive to try and lose weight!

So no clothes – that obviously doesn’t mean no shoes or make-up! I am just a little obsessed with footwear right now.

As you all know I adore the Vince Claire pumps. Vince is becoming a brand that I am more and more attracted too – their clothes are casual yet elegant – and they now have a stand alone store here in Atlanta. Well Vince have done it again for me with the Claire in new Fall colors. Personally I am lusting over the ink suede. They will be mine – but maybe not till November time when I can wear them with my grey leather trousers. They also come in black cherry suede, black suede and umber suede. I take between a US 8 and 8.5 and the 8 fits perfectly – a little narrow at first but they stretch to fit after a couple of wears.

Next up are these beauties from Sam Edelman – another favorite brand of mine for footwear. The Sam Edelman Anastasia comes in burgundy, black and grey – and yes I want all three!

(image from www.SamEdelman.com)

Finally there are some great deals on sneakers at J.Crew in their sale. I am smitten by these New Balance and there is an extra 30% off the sale price right now (code SHOPSALE)!

So there you go – a clothes freeze doesn’t mean no shopping:)

Sneakers – New Balance (similar here) // Dress – ASOS // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco

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Beach days.

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We’re planning on spending our remaining week on the beach – lounging, getting too much sun, eating too much food, reading more books and soaking up all aspects of the beautiful Mediterranean. I’ve read more than on any other vacation (probably a sign the kids are older and entertaining themselves!). I’m on book 5 now, and if you are searching for a great beach read, the best to date has been “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. Nothing high brow about this book, just a great, page turning thriller that is easy to pick up and put down when the children beckon!

My beach attire has mainly consisted of my J.Crew bikinis, and yes I have dared to go topless – the kids don’t seem too scarred…with one of my ASOS dresses to throw on for coffee and lunch. I have, however, also fallen in love with the ‘romper’ or ‘playsuit’. They just seem to be far less mutton on a beach, and they are so easy to throw on over a swimsuit. Here are some of my favorites – some are in the sale right now too – perfect timing for all of you starting holidays in the UK and Europe!

Possibly the best bargain of the bunch is this Liquorish Tiger print playsuit. The print is super fun and it is currently reduced from $123 to $53!

This River Island playsuit is cute with a layered/tiered top. I love the print with monochrome and florals. Given my love for their jumpsuits I know this will be just as easy to wear.

I love this palm print romper – it is a great color and really comfy – yes it is in my closet…

Another steal at $34 – I have this and love wearing it – fun, comfortable and leopard, it looks fab with a tan!

At just $38 this floral version is great – I just love the bandeau top and the shape it gives. Super flattering for an apple or a pear shape. It’s also 5% elastane so has plenty of stretch for those nature breaks!

This is the jumpsuit version which I will admit to having ordered. I went for the full length mainly because my beach vacation is winding down and this will be more appropriate for wearing back in Atlanta. It’s currently reduced to $41!

This flamingo version is so much fun – I love it for by the pool with a cocktail! All sizes are available and it is just $15!!

I have seen lots of items labelled ‘Festival’ recently and it always turns me off somewhat given my age, however, I LOVE this playsuit. The longer sleeves make it so easy to wear, revealing less flesh, so you can easily wear it off the beach too.

This denim playsuit with straps is lovely and it has a great shape with no waistline, so it will be super comfortable and unrestrictive.

This cami playsuit is beautiful and I am torn between the black and the green – the green possibly edges ahead. It’s a beautiful lightweight jumpsuit that will take you from beach to bar to club (I know you all still do!).

Finally – another jumpsuit – not in the sale but I couldn’t resist – I just adore this print.

Do you have a romper ready to pack in your case? Here’s my M&S playsuit from today, worn with my Sam Edelman Reeves, accessorized with a bottle of San Miguel:)

Some snaps from the past two days!:

Food and Wine.

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I refuse to worry about weight gain whilst on vacation – especially when I know I’m starting training for another half marathon on my return. I might as well enjoy the last few weeks of indulgence hey? Spanish food is deceptive – small portions of fresh food make you think it’s all good, but there’s lots of fried patatas, fish and meats all washed down with sangria or cava – and well – it’s easy to see it ain’t all that healthy. But boy it is good. I can safely say we have eaten better food on this vacation than any other. Consistently great, fresh food and you don’t feel ripped off when you pay the bill.

Yesterday we ate by the beach in La Heradurra. A beautiful, old school resort town with no high rises in sight. The shingle beach is clean and the Med is crystal clear – I could live here forever. I should mention too that the Spaniards we have encountered are incredibly friendly and also especially accommodating of children – nothing has been too much trouble for them.

I forgot a full length photo but I was wearing my fabulous ASOS swing dress (I have this in grey, black and white – the best, most versatile holiday dress ever!), J. Crew bikini and white birkenstocks – the most appropriate footwear I brought with me!

Yesterday evening we grilled steaks and drank red wine whilst reminiscing with Simon and Karin.

Top – Mango // Shorts – J.Crew // Shoes – Birkenstock Chania (best holiday shoes EVER)

Today was market day in Orgiva. First a few points about Orgiva – I adore it here, BUT if you are looking for a sanitized, white washed setting this is not the place for you. It is a relaxed, bohemian, new age, accepting-of-all type of place – in fact my piercings feel pretty lacking here:) There are young, old, Brits, Spanish, travelers and tourists here – you name it, Orgiva has it. The market was fabulous and we came home with wine, bread, jewelry, harems and roast chickens!

Simon and Karin leave us tomorrow so we will no doubt be up rather late tonight. We have another week of bliss before heading home. I am so lucky to have all this time abroad with the people I love. My Cava beckons but first I must remind everyone to check out the MiH jeans on Asos – they are MASSIVELY reduced and worth trying with free returns available!

Southern girls

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One of my great friends is leaving Atlanta to begin her new life with her fiancé in Charlotte. To wish her on her way several of her girlfriends attended a lovely luncheon on Saturday. In true Southern style we drank Arnold Palmers and ate chicken salad. Poppy was lucky enough to be invited along and at one point burst into the room saying “thank goodness you’re all quiet at last!”. We were listening to a pastor give a blessing. My poor daughter has inherited my social clumsiness. Of course she has also inherited some charm and managed to smile sweetly, alleviating any awkwardness:)

Shoes – Hanna Andersson clogs (on sale) // Dress – H&M

Dress – Asos (on sale) // Clutch – Boden // Shoes – Clogs by Lotta of Stockholm

On Friday evening my Husband and I went out for dinner to The Floataway Café – another of our favorites. It’s a bit out of the way for us so we always drive there instead of cabbing it, so it was quite a tame evening for us:) Another shocker is that I didn’t wear anything new!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Cami – J.Crew (old) // Blazer – Marks and Spencer (oldish) // Clutch – YSL (old)

However, during the day on Friday I wore my new River Island dress. The fabric is so comfortable and I got so many compliments on it – it is loud though, so it is hard not to be noticed in it!

Dress – River Island // Sandals – Zara (old)

I have a crazy week of packing for two climates before the children and I leave for Bury this weekend! The 2014 vacation countdown is on!

My high street crush.

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After my success with the River Island jumpsuits I was lured into searching all things River Island on ASOS.com. Each time I’ve been back to the UK I’ve been more than pleasantly surprised by some of their offerings. Yes you have to do the mutton check on most of it – but I have a couple of jackets of theirs, and now the jumpsuits, which I love. So what else can they help me out with this summer? Well how about some fabulous, bright, summery dresses – all in great comfortable, stretchy fabric! So easy to throw on with a pair of sandals.

Here are my picks – several of which you’ll see me in over the coming weeks. I’ve provided ASOS links to make them easily accessible here in the US.

This is the dress that caught my eye first – I love the print – loud and yellow. I was concerned about sizing but the UK 12 is perfect – the fabric has plenty of stretch in it. Such a statement dress that is so easy to wear.

My love for the yellow dress led me to these two – the same style but a snake print – in both yellow and coral. Again a dressier version of a t-shirt dress that will take you from day to evening in the summer.

For those of you who are averse to print – this gorgeous pink dress delivers the same impact.

The following are jersey stretch swing dresses. Again I tried the UK 12 in both and they are perfect – even around the bust. These dresses will be great for transitional weather too, and I can see myself wearing them in the Fall with over the knee boots.

This marble print is on sale at just $33!

The blue leopard print is stunning in real life – the background is more cream than white.

This dress has to be my favorite. It’s a swing dress – slightly more fitted around the bust with less stretch so it might be worth sizing up if you are of ample bosom. I just LOVE the print on this.

Next a maxi dress. I’ve been on the look out for a tie dye max for a while and this fits the bill perfectly. I really like a racer back and the side split makes it less restrictive.

Finally this is a print that caught my eye back in February. I sized up in this to a UK 14 as it isn’t quite as stretchy and it is body hugging. Again this is currently on sale at $35.

Now just for good measure – this one is ASOS, not River Island, but I had so many compliments about my red checked dress that I wanted to share this one with you. It’s the same style so size down. Lovely and girly – but it will look great toughened up with a pair of sneakers. Also on sale at $60.

So get the legs out and get a dress on – you’ve no excuse now!

Finishing off with a couple of outfits from this week. I’m in workout gear right now, about to take the dog for a run while it is cooler!

Sneakers – Adidas Samoas with floral trim // Dress – Marks & Spencer Limited Edition (old)

Trousers – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer Limited Edition (old) // T-shirt – J.Crew // Cardigan – J.Crew (on sale plus an EXTRA 50% off with code SHOPNOW)

My New York City trip!

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I am tired. Very, very tired, but happy. Very, very happy.

My great friend, Cali, and I arrived in NYC at around midday on Saturday. The weather was perfect – blue skies and a cool breeze. We stayed in the Holiday Inn on Lafayette Street – which I have to say was the PERFECT location in the middle of SoHo.

My travel attire: Sneakers – Stan Smiths // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – Ted Baker (old but similar here) // Cardigan – J.Crew

We headed straight out for lunch and found a fabulous place called Delicatessen for mussels and fries. They also had a ‘Macbar’ so we couldn’t resist the opportunity to taste the mac ‘n’ cheese with confit of duck – as rich and amazing as it sounds!

After a bottle of prosecco it was time to flex the credit card and we walked around the corner to AllSaints – how convenient that their sale had just started in store! It hasn’t started online yet so keep your eyes peeled here. I got a couple of great bargains along with the Rae dress that I just couldn’t resist.

That night we headed out for cocktails at The Pegu Club – of course the new dress was worn. A fabulous conclusion to a great first day!

Sunday morning began bright and early with maybe the BEST breakfast I have ever had at Jack’s Wife Freda. I had rose water waffle with fruit, and a lovely pot of tea – unfortunately we were even too early for mimosas to be served on a Sunday!

My #selfie – sorry no full length outfit shot, but I was wearing the ASOS maxi dress and my favorite Nars Yu lip pencil. The dress is perfect and even one of the assistants in Barney’s stopped me to tell me she had just ordered it.

It was then time to head Uptown where we enjoyed pounding the streets and window shopping – but of course we also had to get some gifts from the American Girl Store and then head to Barney’s for a cocktail. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Early that evening we rushed out to an Irish bar near Times Square to meet Avril and see the Belfast Community Gospel Choir perform. We walked in to the most rousing, amazing sounds. Both Cali and I ended up in tears for the next hour – their singing was so amazing. I have never felt so emotionally moved by a choir – being with fabulous friends, in NYC created an incredible experience that I will never forget. Of course I tried to claim a spot in the choir too:)

Cali and I departed and made our way back downtown…arriving back at our hotel at a little past 4am. Yep we made the most of it – Russian vodka bars and Speakeasy bars included.

We managed to rally on Monday to meet up with Avril and Gemma Louise at Balthazars for Avril’s birthday lunch. Cider with ice cubes helped the head:)

So today has been tough to say the least, but amazing memories made with amazing friends have made it easier. I feel very fortunate that I have such a supportive family that let me run off for a weekend of fun with brilliant friends who I love dearly – thanks for making it great Cali, Avril and Gemma Louise!

Shoes – Ancient Greek // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (old similar here) // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – AllSaints Tiko tee // Jacket – my new AllSaints Walker jacket bought in the sale not online right now

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Tag Archives: J.Crew

The celebrations continued…

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

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

Easy dressing

Drop waist dress – ASOS // Sneakers – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 30% off with SHOPFORFALL) // Jacket – J.Crew (extra 25% off with SHOPFORFALL)

Skate shoes – Marks & Spencer (old) // Dress – ASOS // Jacket – Zara (old)

Man’s best friend

Sneakers – Converse // Shorts – Mango (old – similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew (old – similar here)

Sandals – Ancient Greeks // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Mango (old – similar here)

Jumpsuit – New Look from ASOS // Flip flops – Havaianas // Lips – NARS Cruella

Hot as Hell

What girl doesn’t need new shoes?

Sneakers – New Balance (similar here) // Dress – ASOS // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco

Beach days.

Food and Wine.

Top – Mango // Shorts – J.Crew // Shoes – Birkenstock Chania (best holiday shoes EVER)

Southern girls

Shoes – Hanna Andersson clogs (on sale) // Dress – H&M

Dress – Asos (on sale) // Clutch – Boden // Shoes – Clogs by Lotta of Stockholm

Shoes – Marks and Spencer (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Cami – J.Crew (old) // Blazer – Marks and Spencer (oldish) // Clutch – YSL (old)

Dress – River Island // Sandals – Zara (old)

My high street crush.

Sneakers – Adidas Samoas with floral trim // Dress – Marks & Spencer Limited Edition (old)

Trousers – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer Limited Edition (old) // T-shirt – J.Crew // Cardigan – J.Crew (on sale plus an EXTRA 50% off with code SHOPNOW)

My New York City trip!

My travel attire: Sneakers – Stan Smiths // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – Ted Baker (old but similar here) // Cardigan – J.Crew

Shoes – Ancient Greek // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (old similar here) // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – AllSaints Tiko tee // Jacket – my new AllSaints Walker jacket bought in the sale not online right now

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

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

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Drop waist dress – ASOS // Sneakers – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 30% off with SHOPFORFALL) // Jacket – J.Crew (extra 25% off with SHOPFORFALL)

Skate shoes – Marks & Spencer (old) // Dress – ASOS // Jacket – Zara (old)

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Sneakers – Converse // Shorts – Mango (old – similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew (old – similar here)

Sandals – Ancient Greeks // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Mango (old – similar here)

Jumpsuit – New Look from ASOS // Flip flops – Havaianas // Lips – NARS Cruella

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Related articles

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Sneakers – New Balance (similar here) // Dress – ASOS // Jacket – J.Crew // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco

Related articles

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Related articles

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Top – Mango // Shorts – J.Crew // Shoes – Birkenstock Chania (best holiday shoes EVER)

Related articles

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Shoes – Hanna Andersson clogs (on sale) // Dress – H&M

Dress – Asos (on sale) // Clutch – Boden // Shoes – Clogs by Lotta of Stockholm

Shoes – Marks and Spencer (old) // Trousers – Zara (old) // Cami – J.Crew (old) // Blazer – Marks and Spencer (oldish) // Clutch – YSL (old)

Dress – River Island // Sandals – Zara (old)

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Sneakers – Adidas Samoas with floral trim // Dress – Marks & Spencer Limited Edition (old)

Trousers – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer Limited Edition (old) // T-shirt – J.Crew // Cardigan – J.Crew (on sale plus an EXTRA 50% off with code SHOPNOW)

Related articles

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My travel attire: Sneakers – Stan Smiths // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – Ted Baker (old but similar here) // Cardigan – J.Crew

Shoes – Ancient Greek // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (old similar here) // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – AllSaints Tiko tee // Jacket – my new AllSaints Walker jacket bought in the sale not online right now

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