Tag Archives: J.Crew

Dressing for Spring

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Yesterday we had a ‘teacher work day’, meaning that there was no school for the children. Instead we had the most wonderful day shopping and at the movies. The weather was incredible and the 3 of us had so much fun. They even enjoyed IKEA and we were in and out in record time having located storage boxes for my winter jumpers and new beach chairs for spring break. The highlight of the morning though was visiting their favorite H&M store!

Poppy was thrilled to find Sue’s top. It looks perfect with her new Zara shorts that she is wearing!

IMG_2061After H&M we headed to the movies to watch Cinderella – highly recommended – we loved it and I even shed a couple of tears!

IMG_2063For the casual day out and about I wore little makeup – a real treat in the spring sun – plenty of spf though of course!

springBoots – Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Jeans – H&M // Tunic – J.Crew (25% off with SaleLove)

Today it’s back to work with a bump – none of us were rallying to get out of bed this morning. After blogging about it the other day I decided to wear my Mango top for the first time – I love it – I am wearing a US 8.

IMG_0668 IMG_0657Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury (similar here on TheOutnet.com QUICK!) // Jeans – Zara // Top – Mango // Jacket – Mango (50% off on sale) // Bag – H&M // Sunglasses – Oliver Peoples Ria

At least the sun is still shining for us!

Attaining the boho 70s look with Mango and Zara

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Mango and Zara are two of my favorite high street stores. I say high street when in fact I do all my shopping with them online. Unfortunately we have no Mango in Atlanta and our Zara store is pretty small. I thought both of their AW14 collections were pretty lack luster – not much excited me. SS15 is a different story – I love so much of it!

Mango’s tops have always been great for me – I find their sizing is slightly more generous and consistent than Zara’s. They have always done great boho tops and I have a couple that I bought in Spain last year that I have just dug out – its been in the high 70s here so I can certainly start transitioning my closet for spring!

I love this blue printed top – perfect with flares or denim shorts.

printed topThis chiffon blouse is beautiful – I mentioned the other day that I love a good tunic – I feel much more comfortable without buttons peeking open.

chiffon blouseI have this black top but have yet to wear it. It is just beautiful and great quality. It comes with cami underneath to preserve your modesty.

crochet black topThese crochet tops are not available in my size yet on the US site but they are on my wish list. I just love them – so feminine.

crochet top white crochet topI’ve just ordered these to try the blue and the red. They remind me of Madewell tops that are twice the price. They are so pretty and feminine and I hope to wear them with jeans and my Ancient Greek sandals.

ruffle top red ruffle topThis dress also caught my eye – I don’t have a denim dress and I love the shape of this one. The pockets are a fabulous detail.

denim dressFor those of us that love fringing you can’t miss out on this top. Terrible photo as it doesn’t show the fringe – but both sleeves have fringing. I love it as the front is plain so doesn’t draw attention to a larger chest.

fringe teeAs for Zara it has been their dresses that have caught my attention. Here’s a curve ball – definitely risking mutton BUT I think worn on vacation, by the beach, with sandals it could be an instant hit. The fact it is a ‘romper‘ means it’s short length is less of an issue.

skirt jumpsuitI adore this dress with a stunning embroidered neckline. Really unique and it reminds me of the Kate Moss TopShop dresses that sold out in a heartbeat last year.

zara dressThis red dress is a great alternative to all the creams around – it is really lovely in real life too.

red dressFinally this dress is amazing value and I love the dropped waist. I’ll be ordering it soon.

black dressWith every item I look at I have a specific pair of sandals in mind that I want to wear. They are completely polarizing and I have even surprised myself. I think what I love about these gladiators is that they have thick straps – more ‘solid’ looking than most currently in stores with skinny straps. Now I know I am no Gisele but let me introduce you to my lust shoe for summer 2015 – the Stuart Weitzman Backview.

gisele backviewToday I headed back to our new TopShop. It is so exciting to finally have a bricks and mortar store here – I must be getting old though as my only complaint is the ridiculously loud music in there! I had a $10 gift card burning a hole in my pocket so today I put it towards the Hayden boyfriend jeans in ecru. I love them.

hayden

 

For my little shopping jaunt I wore my new jacket and jeans from J.Crew.

IMG_2059Sneakers – Stan Smiths // Jeans – J.Crew wide leg crops // T-shirt – ASOS // Jacket – J.Crew Regent blazer in linen // Sunglasses (on head!) – Oliver Peoples TheOutnet.com

On Friday night I was out for dinner with my Husband – we had so much fun, thankfully with few repercussions on Saturday morning!

IMG_0633Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Dress – AllSaints

So do share – what has caught your eye now the new season is arriving fast and furiously?

 

It’s transitioning to spring

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I’ve already taken some of my large knits downstairs into my ‘storage closest’, and sadly my cashmere onesies will be heading there tonight not to be seen again till November 😦 I’m still keeping a few sweaters around as the weather here is completely unreliable right into May – only then can you guarantee heat daily. My daffodils know spring is blooming, we have deer roaming the neighborhood with their babies, and the blossom is beginning to appear. Spring makes me smile.

To acknowledge the warmer temperatures I’ve worn tees and jackets, and had my ankles on show for the past two days.

IMG_0612Shoes – Gucci // Jeans – J.Crew // Tee – AllSaints // Jacket – Mango (currently reduced by 60% in sale) // Bag – H&M

IMG_0627 IMG_0618Shoes – Vince Claire in ink // Trousers – J.Crew // Tee – AllSaints // Jacket – Helmut Lang TheOutnet.com (reduced by 60%)

I hope you are all able to stash your sweaters away soon!

A few weekend orders plus my Spring 2015 wishlist has been started!

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It was a crazy weekend that included lots of birthday celebrations for Hugh! We started on Friday with a trip to Shake Shack, and then on Saturday he had a party with his school mates at Glow Galaxy. I swear this is the last birthday party we have! I am not a fan of sitting in an indoor play room for 2 hours. They all had fun of course – but I have already convinced Poppy that the money for her 9th birthday in May will be better spent on a Mommy and daughter trip to NYC! Works for me! 🙂

Sunday was glorious with Spring arriving on cue after our clocks changed this weekend. We headed out for BBQ and sat outside on a patio for the first time this year. So much fun! Once home Hugh decided to try out his new bow and arrow (don’t ask!) and I enjoyed the sun while compiling my Spring 2015 wish list and doing a little online shopping!

First off TheOutnet.com has some AMAZING stock right now. I occasionally head to the site just to see what is there and often nothing tickles my fancy. This weekend, however, my heart was set aflutter by all the fabulous items I loved.

First up they have lots of Rag & Bone heavily discounted. Of course I am obsessed with their boots and I ordered the Harper boot. There are several sizes left but they will sell out fast with the 40% discount.

Harper

My summer wardrobe is going to consist mainly of jeans and great t-shirts. I am staying clear of lots of patterns right now and gravitating towards classic jeans and jackets. Hence I ordered the MiH Phoebe jean at an amazing discount and this wash is perfect for summer. They are 65% discounted at just $87.50 – cheaper than some Zara jeans!

MIH phoebe

I’m tempted to go back for the Jane jean – I love the cut and the frayed hem. Again 65% off and many sizes left.

MIH jane

They have lots of great pairs of flares too which I was really surprised to see given the high demand they are currently experiencing. These are my pick from AG, discounted by 50%.

AG flare

Sunglasses are on my list of updates for this summer. I have several Ray-Ban aviators but wanted some new acetate frames. My regular prescription glasses are Oliver Peoples and they are so light and comfortable that I grabbed a pair of these when I saw them online. It’s very rare to see Oliver People’s discounted as they are so classic.

Oliver peoples

This pair is also lovely in grey.

Oliver peoples 2

On to J.Crew now who have 25% off in the US for the next 48 hours using code SpringStyle – there are some exclusions though so check before checking out.

Their new stock is arriving and there are so many pretty items for spring. I particularly love this embroidered lace top in navy and blush – it is currently reduced and you can apply the 25% code too.

lace top blush top

Other classic tops that I plan to order include these tunics. I much prefer a tunic to a shirt as it eliminates the danger of gaping buttons. Again the SpringStyle 25% code can be used with all of these.

tailored tunic stripe tunic

This muslin tunic will look fabulous with flares and clogs or wedge sandals!

muslin tunic

My goal is to wear this type of simple top with jeans under a linen blazer. Linen blazer? But where from? Well you know what, J.Crew’s new season includes one of my favorite jackets – the Regent blazer – in linen. There are some amazing colors and I can’t wait to see the kiwi in real life. Unfortunately these jackets are so popular that the code does not apply.

lime jacket

So my uniform for the summer will include jackets, shirts and jeans – and J.Crew’s jeans are some of the best on the block – including their denim shorts. The 25% discount applies to all of these picks too!

I love the distressed denim on these shorts – I saw them in store the other day and the holes are patched so they are not indecent at all – the length is also good – no butt cheeks will show!

broken in denim short

My favorite J.Crew jean right now is the wide leg crop. I love a good crop to show off a fabulous shoe or boot and a little ankle on show is lovely in the spring. These are on my wishlist in both white and the odell wash – they get rave reviews!

white jeans odell wash

So it’s a pretty long list already and I haven’t even included the Gucci loafers I am currently saving for! I have these in black and they are the most comfortable, well made pair of shoes I own. Looking back up through this post the orange pair will be the perfect statement shoe for my summer wardrobe!

Gucci

As for my weekend outfits here we go starting with Saturday – and yes the jacket and jeans uniform.

Jacket 2Shoes – Vince Nina // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Jacket – Mango (on sale here) // Bag – H&M

Yesterday it was jeans again but no jacket was required in the sun!

Allsaints Allsaints 2

Boots – Burgundy Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Top – AllSaints (old) // Jeans – J.Crew // Bag – H&M

Today I’m back to black and grey.

Leather jacket

Boots – Charcoal Rag & Bone Newbury boots (similar here) // Trousers – J.Crew (on SALE PLUS 25% off with SpringStyle) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

I’d love to hear what’s on your wish list for this Spring!

Spring footwear

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Okay so by now you all know I have a special love affair (my only acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day!) with boots and sneakers. I’ve recently indulged in some new work out sneakers, as after my melanoma diagnosis I was spurred on to get fitter and healthier and nothing motivates more like a new pair of running shoes! I love them – they are the Nike Lunaracer and they are incredibly light and comfortable. Size up half a size though as they are quite snug.

lunaracerAfter my huge success with the Adidas Stan Smiths, which seem to go with everything, I got suckered into the Adidas Superstar. To be honest it is a shoe I have never really liked till now. I was put off by the huge rubber toe cap, preferring the sleeker look of the Adidas Samoa or Gazelles. Well after trying the Superstars I can officially say I am hooked – they look fabulous on and are as comfy as the Stans.

superstarsI wear boots all year round. I think an ankle boot can be really flattering with shorts or a dress in the summer. I love my Newbury tan canvas boots for that very reason. Here I am wearing them in a previous summer.

IMG_4087Well this spring I shall be getting my hands on these beauties. The Newbury boot in off white.

off white NewburyThey’re already selling out in a lot of stores so I better not procrastinate too long. I love the idea of these with cropped jeans and a jacket, or with denim shorts and a white t-shirt.

They are also available in a gorgeous tan leather – again their heel makes them incredibly leg lengthening and yet they are so comfortable.

tan newburyMy fellow cheer Mom and friend has these stunning Dolce Vita Haku boots that I am lusting after! I saw her wearing them the other week with white jeans and they looked amazing. The backless/mule design makes them perfect for spring and summer. Again just fabulous with shorts, which is probably why these are selling like hotcakes too! They come in tan, taupe and black.

Haku street style Haku tan

 

haku boot Haku blackI’m going in for the taupe as I already have these in tan from Zara:

fringe bootI think shoes are always worth the investment – I might not need new clothes but shoes can help an outfit switch gears immediately.

Finally I want to take the time to thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. I am healing nicely and the tenderness from the incision has gone. The healing body really is quite remarkable. Last night I was even able to wear my 4″ heels to dinner!

IMG_0492 IMG_0488Shoes – J.Crew // Jeans – Cigarette jeans from Zara // T-shirt – J.Crew (old) // Jacket – Lace blazer from Mango

On Thursday I headed to the mall to treat myself to some new lipsticks and skincare – perfect post surgery indulgence. This cheapo scarf from ASOS garnered so many compliments!

 

IMG_0478Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in petrol (old) // Trousers – J.Crew // T-shirt – J.Crew // Jacket – AllSaints (old) // Scarf – ASOS

Loose pants have really been the order of the week to avoid aggravating my stitches. Here’s my outfit from Wednesday.

IMG_0472 IMG_0468Sneakers – Adidas Superstars // Trousers – J.Crew (on sale plus an additional 40% off with code WEEKENDMUST) // Jumper – Everlane // Jacket – Mango (similar here)

We have a long weekend for President’s Day so hopefully in between cheer competitions we’ll have some fun in the sun!

 

 

A diagnosis

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What a week! I am thoroughly relieved to get to Friday. After my skin check the other week at the dermatologists, I heard on Tuesday that the mole on my left thigh that I was concerned about is actually in situ melanoma. Thank goodness I persisted and kept getting it checked – though I am furious that after 3 years and 3 annual checks, where I repeatedly asked for this particular mole to be looked at, I was continually told it ‘looks fine’. Eventually my dermatologist biopsied it and my gut was right. So on Tuesday I will be heading in for a procedure done under a local where they remove a circle of skin from around the mole. I’ll have some scarring – but nothing a fun tattoo won’t cover up:) Please, please, please always persevere and get a second opinion if you think your concerns are being ignored. I daren’t even think what could have been if I hadn’t. I’m certainly a little shaken as cancer is always something that happens to other people not you, plus my brother has just had testicular cancer removed at Christmas. Fortunately his scans gave him the all clear though he has opted for a dose of chemo, which he gets on Monday, just to be safe. I am praying that these things come in twos not threes. I am determined that this diagnosis will only make me stronger, fitter and a better version of me.

boots CollageBoots – Stuart Weitzman Lowland in currant // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper

cap CollageSneakers – Adidas (old – similar here) // Trousers – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 40% off with HELLOSALE) // Shirt – Mango (on sale 50% off) // Jumper – J.Crew (on sale with an extra 50% off with HELLOSALE) // Cap – J.Crew (old)

A weekend of cheer!

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If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen that my entire weekend was taken up with AllStar Cheer! Poppy had a competition with her team, here in Atlanta, on Saturday and then they performed at half time for the Georgia Tech women’s basketball yesterday! It was so much fun but my little girl is rather tired today, and a little bruised after taking a face plant from a stunt in practice! A rite of passage – her first sports injury – all teeth intact thank goodness – just a bloody nose and a bust lip! Can I just say too that boy, Georgia Tech has some amazing facilities! St.Andrews had little more than a football pitch and a gym back in 1990. The facilities at Georgia Tech are incredible – walking into the basketball arena is like walking into a pro facility. College here certainly isn’t what I grew up with!

In keeping with yesterday’s basketball theme I dressed the part and wore my Nike Af 1s for the day 🙂 Unfortunately as my Husband and I were driving off we realized much to our amusement that we were both in black harems and grey sweatshirts, his and hers outfits coordinating nicely!

jacket 1Sneakers – Nike Af 1s // Trousers – Zara // Sweatshirt – AllSaints decay top (old) // Jacket – AllSaints leather jacket (sale last year) // Scarf – ASOS

On Thursday night I was supposed to be heading out for a girls night. Unfortunately due to various situations it got cancelled at the last minute. Talk about all dressed up with no where to go. I ended up back in my onesie with a bottle of wine at home!

tux collageShoes – J.Crew // Trousers – J.Crew // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (old) // Jacket – Mango tux jacket (similar here)

After killing myself at spin on Friday I had little planned so I nipped out for lunch and then had a fun evening at home with a couple of girlfriends and their children.

scarf collageSneakers – Golden Goose (similar here) // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Uniqlo cashmere tunic // Scarf – ASOS

Today there are plenty of people nursing hangovers. I, of course was very sensible and feel wonderful – and I am not being sarcastic! Crushed though I am for the loosing Seahawks, I am still replaying Missy Elliott on YouTube – she absolutely killed it at the halftime show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhCeEULUIHk

So finally here is my comfy attire for today – plenty of knits required here!

boots CollageBoots – Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Jeans – Zara // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck // Cardigan – ASOS (in sale) // Scarf – ASOS

That’s Superbowl weekend done and dusted for another year and I managed to stay away from the beer, nachos and wings – result!

 

Get the big coat out

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I don’t think Atlanta is going to get the snow that the North East is expecting but it certainly feels like deepest, darkest winter out there today! After a weekend of glorious sunshine I woke up this morning feeling like we should all just stay in bed. Unfortunately not an option for any of us, so I steeled myself and headed off to the gym after the school run. I feel quite virtuous now 🙂

This weekend I did a little online shopping, before we headed out for a family lunch followed by fun at our neighbor’s house. I’d been cruising the Uniqlo site for a few days checking this beauty out. I finally convinced myself that I need it for my trip back to the UK.

camo trenchI don’t have a trench and I have always wanted a shorter version. I was torn though between the classic neutral or navy and this camo version. In the end I went for the camo version as it is so unusual and I think it will look great paired with all black – which let’s face it – I have an abundance of in my closet. I am sure I can track down a more classic version at a later date if it becomes a wardrobe staple for me!

As for what I wore this weekend – here is my Saturday ensemble – I switched the boots for Converse when we headed to our neighbor’s for beer and football. Not a great idea after the strongest margarita ever and an enormous chimichanga!

shawl 1 shawl 2

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury in burgundy (in sale here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo merino polo neck (similar here) // Jacket – J.Crew denim // Cape – ASOS

Today I’m off to my Ob/Gyn annual so opted for a dress for easy on and off! I instantly regretted this as the wind whipped round my legs while I took my photos!

Teddy 2 teddy coat

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s tan (on sale here)// Dress – Uniqlo Urban Sweats collection // Coat – Warehouse // Scarf – Mango

If you’re in the North East stay warm and indoors!

 

 

A quiet week at home

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Sorry for being AWOL this week – MLK day, 2 days at home with a sick child and Drs appointments have meant that I’ve worn little else but my cashmere onesie and workout gear.

January is when I like to get all those pesky annual check ups out of the way, so make sure you remember to do the same! Yesterday was my annual skin check, today is mammogram day and Monday is my ob/gyn annual. None of them are pleasant appointments but boy it feels good to get them out of the way!

The one day this week I did get dressed properly was on MLK day when we went to watch Paddington at the movies – best family movie I have seen in a long time, by far!

I’ve had a haircut since thank goodness – it was starting to look a little unkempt!

IMG_0307Boots – Navy Newbury boots // Trousers – coated chinos from Zara (old) // Jumper – Uniqlo cotton cashmere navy tunic – LOVE these and they are now on the UK site! // Jacket – AllSaints Monument jacket (old – similar here) // Bag – Alexander McQueen (sale)

While downloading photos I found this one from weeks ago that I hadn’t posted – not wanting it to go to waste here it is 🙂

IMG_0299Shoes – Zara // Trousers – Zara // Jumper – J.Crew (similar here) // Jacket – Mango (on sale) // Bag – Zara (on sale)

We’re now so close to February I am starting to get very excited about my annual trip home to see my family and friends. I need to start a packing list! Woo hooo!

 

A night out, a day off and off out shopping

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It’s MLK Day here on Monday so we have a lovely long weekend. I wasn’t looking forward to it earlier in the week as it was so cold and lashing it down with freezing rain. Now though I am thrilled as the skies are blue, the sun is shining and my windows are open. Spring is taunting us.

On Thursday night I had a lovely dinner with an old friend from my corporate days. It was so much fun to catch up especially as she has got married and is now in the process of changing jobs – my stories felt comparatively dull!

DSC_0299

Boots – AllSaints Alba (on sale and now reduced even further) // Leather trousers – J.Brand (old but the same here) // Jumper – Everlane cashmere tunic

Yesterday was my day off and after completing another grueling work out (I will be 20lbs lighter by the summer!) I was lucky enough to have the afternoon with my Husband chatting and walking the dogs in the sunshine.

DSC_0307Sneakers – Stan Smiths in navy // Trousers – J.Crew drapey wool trousers in navy // Jumper – Everlane cashmere v-neck

These Stan Smiths are pretty awesome – yup if you’re counting that’s another new pair.

IMG_1688

Today I took Poppy to the mall. It’s always so much fun to treat her after a good week at school and right now her favorite store is The Body Shop and who am I to discourage cleanliness and personal grooming!?

IMG_1695

DSC_0317 DSC_0330 DSC_0321

Jumpsuit – OAK (on sale) // Shoes – Nine West // Jacket – Helmut Lang (on sale)

And I got to take my new baby out. Really? Who for one moment thought I wouldn’t buy it? I am in love.

IMG_1693

After hitting The Body Shop, where of course we had to buy the limited edition Smoky Poppy product line, we headed to Sephora where I bought the travel sized Hourglass Veil Primer to try. I’ve heard amazing things about this stuff. Lets see if it delivers.

IMG_1696

 

Tomorrow is my Blogversary – 3 whole years! I still love this little creative outlet as much as ever and my world would be empty without all the amazing friends I have met through it. What will year 4 bring?