Tag Archives: J.Crew

Some more lush shoes!

2 Replies

Marks and Spencer damn you. I rarely browse their site – it’s not very user friendly and their images are totally uninspiring. I can’t even remember why I was on the site – but look what I found – aren’t they beauties?!

The Gillie Lace Up Stiletto – but with a completely bearable heel height. They come in black and neutral. Be quick though as many sizes are already out of stock.

Gillie black Gillie neutral

 

Okay so now on to what I’ve been wearing – the weather has been pretty mixed here – lots of thunderstorms yesterday so we spent the day watching Hobbit movies – just a fab family day.

white jeans stan smith sneakersTop – Forever 21 (old) // Jeans – J.Crew (30% off with WEEKEND) // Sneakers – Stan Smiths

Today it’s back to the office but my time there is cut short as the kids are on half day camp. They were so excited this morning especially now they get to wake up when they are ready to instead of with an alarm clock at 6am! I love the summers!

Harems 2Shoes – Dolce Vita Haku // Trousers – Mango (old) // Top – AllSaints (old)

That’s all for today – oh except for my new little venture over at www.SoberWithStyle.com – thanks for your support!

Memorial weekend outfits!

6 Replies

I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend! It’s a Bank Holiday in the UK and Memorial weekend here. The kids have finished school and we’ve been at the pool most mornings. We watched and enjoyed the Eurovision even though my kids are totally confused by it – and the atlas will be coming out later so they can fully understand why the Georgia that entered is not our Georgia!

We’re about to go for Mexican and it will be my first true test of not drinking. I’ve made a decision that I am going to abstain and I’m really happy about it, but Mexican with no margarita will be odd to say the least – well the first time anyway 😉 Not sure how long it will last – maybe forever, maybe a year, maybe a month – who knows but I feel the benefits already. It really wasn’t doing anything for my state of mind or waistline.

On Wednesday night I was out on a girls night out and had a lovely time but stayed out way too late!

AllSaints dress and Nine West peep toe Glyn bootiesDress – AllSaints // Booties – Nine West Glyn (on sale and 30% off!)

Also I ended up asking for a photo with Dennis Shroder who was enjoying a quiet moment with a hookah pipe outside a bar. Poor guy – a) I didn’t know who he was at first – but he was obviously a famous dude given the possé of chicks and guys around him, and b) the Hawks had just lost so he probably really did just want to be alone!

Dennis Shroder Hawks basketball

On Thursday my lovely husband took me out for lunch to celebrate the last week of school – long lunches are a thing of the past when the kids are at home – it’ll be picnics at the pool instead!

Zara topTop – Zara // Jeans – Diesel Fayza (massively discounted here) // Booties – Nine West Glynn (yes I have multiple colors – so easy to walk in even with a 3″ heel!)

Finally today and I’m just about to walk out the door for enchiladas – which I’ve sort of earned after a jog with the dogs!

Shorts Clogs – Lotta // Shorts – J.Crew (30% off with code WEEKEND – these are a 29″ and they are so comfy with lots of stretch) // Tunic – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 30% off with code WEEKEND)

Enjoy the long weekend!!

The Birthday Girl

7 Replies

Yesterday Poppy turned 9! I can’t quite believe I am the mother of a 9 year old. She loves hearing the story of her actual birth and everytime I detail it for her I feel a pang of sadness that it is so long ago – I don’t ever want to forget that day we welcomed our first baby into the world! She made us all wait till 6.30pm – her approx. time of birth – before we could ‘celebrate properly’! Chocolate fudge cake seemed to work well for that little celebration 😉

Birthday Cake

We ended up at Shake Shack for burgers – her favorite place for food, but I am more excited about traveling to NYC 2 weeks today, for a mother/daughter trip to continue her celebrations!

It’s the last week of school now, packed with conferences, school visits and lots of fun for them! It’s Memorial Day this weekend too, so we’re planning a very lazy weekend interspersed with various meals out and mini celebrations to welcome the beginning of summer! I must not forget to stream The Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday – one of my favorite events of the year 😉

Here are my outfits from the past couple of days – I seem to be reaching for the jeans at the moment!

AllSaints topShoes – Vince Claire // Jeans – TopShop Hayden // Top – AllSaints (old)

I love these Vince Claire d’Orsay pumps and the navy snakeskin is now on sale at Nordstrom with 33% off! I am normally a US 8.5 but wear  an 8 in these. Be quick there are several sizes available!

Vince Claire on sale

There are several versions of the Vince Nina on sale too!

Vince Nina snake skin

The nude version is even cheaper here with several sizes in stock.

vince-nina-d-orsay-flats nude

JCrew Regent jacketShoes – Adidas Superstar // Jeans – Diesel Fayza // Jacket – J.Crew linen Regent blazer in Kiwi // T-shirt – Splendid

New sunglasses and new hair

6 Replies

I don’t buy a lot of accessories. I love a great bag, but I hate changing bags daily, so I don’t have too many. I don’t do necklaces, and these days I tend to stick to dainty studs in my ears. The one accessory I do enjoy buying, however, is sunglasses. I have about 10 pairs, which I don’t feel is excessive when I live in Atlanta with sunshine 12 months of the year – even when it’s cold the sun still shines! I tend to spend quite a bit on each pair – thankfully – touch wood – I haven’t lost or broken a pair yet. I’m really short sighted so I also have a couple of pairs of prescription sunglasses. Because I wear glasses for vision I think I am quite fussy about the comfort, weight and shape of glasses – sunglasses and prescription glasses. That’s probably why I always think it’s worth paying a little extra for a great pair. Well now you can have all that and at a great price point too.

Warby Parker started as an online alternative to expensive opticians and now they also have bricks and mortar stores, including one in Atlanta. They offer great quality eyewear at great price points along with the opportunity to do some good too –

“Almost one billion people worldwide lack access to glasses, which means that 15% of the world’s population cannot effectively learn or work. To help address this problem, Warby Parker partners with non-profits like VisionSpring to ensure that for every pair of glasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need.”

The other great thing about Warby Parker is that if you have no local store you can order a ‘try on’ kit. They will send you 5 frames to try at home before you make your final decision – how cool is that!?

I had seen this fabulous pair on their Instagram feed the other day, and on Wednesday I stopped by just to try them on…well you know how that goes 😉 I love them – and I now have a pair of super cool sunglasses with polarized lenses for just $95! Mine are the Banks in crystalized ginger – I’d quite like the sea smoke tortoise too which has gorgeous blue and grey shades in it.

Warby Parker Banks Warby Parker Banks

 

Banks Warby Parker sunglassesYesterday I spent most of the day in hair salons – either for me or the children! It’s exhausting – my husband laughs – but seriously all that talking, washing, dyeing, cutting and then dealing with kids confined in a salon – I was seriously beat last night!

I am still trying to grow mine a little but the fabulous O’Neil at Van Michael salon gave me a great shape and removed my mullet to sharpen it up a little. Lauren at Plum salon then colored it for me – though she deserves double for giving my son the best haircut ever – and believe me he is incapable of sitting still!

AllSaintsSneakers – Nike Air Force 1 // Jeans – J.Crew // T-shirt – AllSaints

HairHave a fabulous Friday – my day consists of housework, a run and then hopefully lunch with my husband! We have only one week left of school so I am trying to enjoy ‘my time’ before ‘summer family time’ kicks in!! x

*this is not a sponsored post – all opinions are my own and I bought the sunglasses!

Jumpsuits – something new and something old

3 Replies

I swear I am getting more and more ruthless with what I order. I haven’t ordered anything recently while bored watching the t.v. – a good sign I think! Whether it is not being bored or not spending I’m pleased! Lighter evenings help – the children are staying up later, everyone is happy and cheerful and I am reading more – all of which is helping my spending habits!

I am also getting far more discerning about what I want to wear – I ask myself more than ‘do I like it?’. I now ask ‘will I enjoy wearing it multiple times?’, ‘will I be bored of it next year?’, ‘does it fit with my style or do I like it because it looks great on someone else?’.

I asked myself all these questions before I ordered this jumpsuit – and it passed the screening criteria. I totally love it – and I smiled as soon as I put it on. I’m wearing a Fr 40. It is 100% cotton and incredibly lightweight so perfect city wear in the summer. It will be coming to NYC with me in June.

Jumpsuit, Isabel Marant, Topshop Jumpsuit, Isabel Marant, TopshopJumpsuit – Étoile Isabel Marant TheOutnet.com // Sandals – TopShop

You may remember this photo of it I shared on Pinterest that first alerted me to it…

MarantThe other day I wore a jumpsuit from Zara from last year. The perfect example of buying something for the sake of it! I bought it in NYC last June and though I love it, it has sat in my closet with the label on for almost a year!

Zara, jumpsuit, Nine WestJumpsuit – Zara (old) // Shoes – Nine West (old)

Finally here’s my outfit from yesterday – I spent all morning running around from vets and Drs appointments!

Golden Goose, J.Crew, ZaraSneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – J.Crew

So come on ‘fess up – how many items do you have sitting in your closet with labels still on them!?

24 years later and we’re still giggling

9 Replies

Yesterday was a little anniversary that my husband and I like to celebrate! It was 24 years since we first became an item and had our first kiss in The Central Bar, St. Andrews. I lost a year too somewhere – I spent all yesterday saying it was 23 years!

To celebrate we headed out to our favorite Mexican joint. I had too much tequila 🙂

Husband and II wore my fabulous new TopShop sandals – I LOVE them – I was nervous about the flatform but they feel great on and I love the extra height – they feel dressy. The jeans are new from J.Crew – a lovely light summery wash and they are super soft and stretchy – size down – I’m in a 28″! The detail in this top hasn’t come out very well in this photo – but take a look here it’s beautiful and gorgeous quality linen.

J.Crew 1Top – J.Crew // Jeans – J.Crew // Sandals – TopShop

I also wore my simple septum ring for the first time – I love it and fortunately so does my husband. My kids are staying firmly on the fence about it – I think I’ve put them off piercings for life 😉 You can check out my Pinterest board here for some beautiful images that inspired me.

SeptumEarlier in the day I was running around with various errands and after my AllSaints post I decided to wear another of their dresses that I adore. This is the Pia from a couple of years ago. So easy to wear and it generated plenty of compliments. This one is very similar and is in the sale plus an extra 20% off with code Extra20.

AllSaints Pia dressDress – AllSaints // Boots – Rag&Bone Newbury

Okay I’m off to walk off the margaritas with the dogs – it is a stunning day here in Atlanta – enjoy your long weekend if you are in the UK!!

 

On Cloud 9

21 Replies

I’m feeling slightly giddy today – it’s going to be a good end to the week. We only have 3 1/2 weeks left of the school year and the kids are already counting down to our fun summer that we have planned, plus Poppy turns 9 on May 18th. I’m slightly befuddled as to how I ended up here with a 9 year old and a 7 year old! Not to mention on Saturday it will be 23 years since I had my first ‘romantic encounter’ with my Husband! 23 years dang it! That’s more than half my life! We’re planning a low key celebration with margaritas and tacos. I cannot wait 😉

Yesterday was glorious here – I walked the dogs and I swear we all had a spring in our step. I got the legs out to celebrate the presence of the sun. This dress is from last summer from ASOS. I had forgotten how much I love it. I was hesitant at first about the drop waist but I actually think it gives me some shape, and the asymmetrical hem emphasizes my legs. It’s one of those dresses that I always feel great in.

ASOS, drop waist dress, Zara sandals ASOS, drop waist dress, Zara sandalsDress – ASOS (old – similar here) // Shoes – Zara

Today I’m going for comfort with the ecru overalls/dungarees from H&M. Super stretchy and an utter bargain at $20! I am totally smitten with the shoes. In fact this season Zara has amazing shoes but, for me, the rest of the collection falls a bit flat. I’m loving Mango’s SS15 far more!

overalls 1Shoes – Zara // Overalls – H&M // T-shirt – J.Crew (on sale PLUS 40% off with SALETHERAPY)

So the reason for the giddiness and being on Cloud 9? Well I am thrilled, flattered and incredibly grateful to have been featured on two amazing style websites today. I am sure you will love reading both sites – they are packed with inspiration and tips.

Take a peek – YouLookFab.com and 40PlusStyle.com. It makes the ups and downs of blogging all worth while. If you have found me through these articles welcome, and I hope you enjoy my posts and return often!

Screen Shot 2015-04-29 at 9.49.36 AM

 

Screen Shot 2015-04-29 at 9.48.56 AM

 

Thank you everyone for your continued support – it means the world to me.

Summer makeup

6 Replies

I’ve had a few requests recently related to which products I use, and how I apply my makeup – mainly after I shared my ridiculous haul of paraphernalia on Instagram a few weeks ago. My summer makeup is very different from my winter makeup – I pretty much stop using eyeshadow and foundation. Here’s a brief guide to my morning routine!

1. I wash with the Body Shop Vitamin C cleansing polish (it smells fabulous) and a flannel for a little exfoliation.

2. I apply a Hyaluronic Acid serum – from either Peter Thomas Roth or Indeed Labs – I really have noticed plumper skin since incorporating it into my routine.

3. I apply a little moisturizer – the brand varies and at the moment I am using Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic cream.

4. I then use a high spf sun block on my face and neck – normally from Neutrogena and my current favorite is from their Ultra Sheer range as it is lovely and dry to the touch with no greasiness.

5. A lot of the time during the week that’s it – I just add a little concealer under my eyes and my favorite is Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind – I love the consistency and the applicator.  If I’m heading out on the town somewhere special I will use a bronzer CC cream from the Sephora Collection.

6. Then it’s a little blush and I am obsessed with cream blush at the moment – I love the sheer color it gives without being cakey. I apply Maybelline’s Master Glaze stick in Coral sheen or Just-pinched pink with the stick in a line across the apple of my cheeks, and then I use a Real Techniques stippling brush to blend it.

7. I keep my eyes simple with either a liquid liner (I always prefer a brush applicator and love Dior Addict liner) or felt pen (Marc Jacobs Precision pen is my favorite) along the top lash line with my favorite Tarte Gifted mascara once I’ve curled my eyelashes with a Shiseido curler.

8. Finally a red lipstick. I always apply with a a lip brush – but sometimes skip the lip liner. My favorite liner is MAC redd and my favorite red lipsticks are MAC Lady Bug, MAC red and NARS Hyde Park pencil – I don’t like matte reds.

9. All dusted off with Rimmel bronzer in sunlight – I love this as there is no shimmer in it.

For summer that is it! I love a glow with a retro red lip! Easy and hassle free on a warm morning.

Does your makeup routine change in the summer? On vacation I never wear it and it’s so nice to let my skin go natural for a while.

Madewell, J.Crew, boyfriend jeans, sandals, NextShoes – Next (also ship to the US here) // Jeans – J.Crew (on sale plus an extra 40% off with SALETHERAPY) // Top – Madewell (on sale PLUS an extra 40% off with EXTRA40) // Bag – Marks & Spencers (old)

 

A lazy weekend at last

5 Replies

This is our first weekend at home for 3 weeks and we are all ready for it! We’ve had school testing for the past two weeks too so as a reward, and an early birthday present, I took Poppy to get her ears pierced on Thursday. I offered Hugh the opportunity too but oddly he wasn’t interested. My piercings may have put him off forever 😉

I wore my new Zara culottes which I love, but I’m not keen on this Zara top with them – I think a simple t-shirt would look far better. Hindsight and all that…These booties are awesome – they are slip on and run true to size and the heel is the perfect height to wear in the day. I plan to wear them a lot this summer with skinny jeans and crops. They remind me of the peep toe booties that Emmanuelle Alt loves to wear. They are currently on sale here.

Denim culottes, Zara, Nine West peep toe bootiesShoes – Nine West Glyn // Culottes – Zara // Top – Zara (old)

Yesterday I treated myself to a pedi and headed out to lunch. Some well deserved ‘me time’ before having fun with a house full of children in the evening. I love the lighter evenings and warmer weather – it’s great to see the kids playing outside with friends while I catch up with their moms! I kept it simple and I absolutely love this drapey Splendid top. Flip flops were required for the pedi!

Black Splendid topFlip flops – Havaianas // Jeans – J.Crew (30% off with TIMETOSHOP) // Top – Splendid

Today we were all a tad tired and cranky after the late night shenanigans. Even the dogs get pissy if they don’t go to bed at their regular time! We ended up having a lovely lazy day and went to the movies to watch Home. I loved it – tears, laughter and a great soundtrack. Then we filled our stomachs with BBQ – mmmm baby back ribs all round thank you. A perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday. I know the sandals are love or loathe but I had at least 5 compliments wearing them today – they are certainly eye catching!

Edited Ancient GreeksShoes – Ancient Greeks // Dress – Asos // Jacket – Mango

I’ve just landed on the sofa after a lovely bath and plan to spend the evening with a cup of tea and a few episodes of Mad Men. I’m dreading the day I finish all the episodes!

Wedge espadrilles

5 Replies

Espadrilles will always signify great summers for me. I still remember the pair of red, sun washed espadrilles that I cherished and wore to death in France on one of our first European holidays. They were proper espadrilles, bought for 10 Francs or so off a market – none of these fancy $100 pairs that are on the high street these days!

With the 70s in trend wedge espadrilles are back in vogue. A slightly dressier shoe than my French market version, but still a great summer shoe, that can be worn on vacation or in the office. Today I am wearing the Sam Edelman Harmony that I bought last year in the sale – they are available this year here at Anthropologie. I particularly love the suede front on them.

Sam Edelman Harmony

J.Crew Factory have a gorgeous version, without the buckle, at a great price too with an extra 30% off with code ADDITUP. They are available in flax, red, navy and black.

Jcrew factory flax espadrillejcrew factory red jcrew factory navy Jcrew factory blackThe J.Crew version is currently 30% off too with TIMETOSHOP and comes in bright blue, sandstone and black.

Jcrew blueIt also comes in this gorgeous silver canvas that has to be my favorite. It’s hard to see here but there is a very subtle silver thread running through them.

Jcrew silverI adore Mint Velvet and it’s one of the first concessions I head for when I am back in John Lewis. Their shoes are fabulous this season. Their espadrilles are gorgeous, at not too bad a price either. The awesome news for us on this side of the Atlantic is that they now ship to the US with free shipping and free returns!!! My bank balance is in trouble!

I love the rose gold Gigi – rose gold is my favorite metallic.

Mint velvet rose gigiIt is also available in black.

Mint Velvet Balck GigiThe Bryony is a slightly higher version.

Mint velvet ByronyThis isn’t a wedge but I couldn’t resist including it as I just love it!! The Brooklyn espadrille in grey snake print.

mint velvet BrooklynFinally I just love the wrap ankle ties on these Carina wedge espadrilles on Net-a-porter.com.

carina brown Carina blackHere I am in my Sam Edelmans today and it’s just dawned on me that I am wearing the same color combo as yesterday – I need to switch it up tomorrow!! This dress is on sale at just £14.90 – I just love it – this is a medium and it is super soft! I think I need the other colors. It’s the perfect spring dress for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons with it’s short sleeves.

edited 1 edited 2Shoes – Sam Edelman Harmony // Dress – Uniqlo cotton cashmere // Jacket – J.Crew (old but similar here and here)