Tag Archives: & Other Stories

What I’ve bought back in the UK…

The exchange rate is good for traveling to the UK and with tax free shopping easier than ever I’ve enjoyed a bit of shopping this side of the pond.

From Mango I purchased this linen jacket that I’ve had my eye on for a while – very Miami Vice.

Mango linen jacket

Then this set has been on my radar for a while too – I was worried the top would be too cropped but the adjustable ties make it perfect. The trousers have an elastic waist – just perfect!

Of course knickers and bras are a must from good old M&S. If you are in the US you can order via their website here and use Welcome20 for 20% off.

I have bought THE most comfortable bras and in such pretty colors – these packs of 2 are such brilliant value.

I also purchased a couple of multi way bras which are so supportive – I’m thrilled with them.

These ballet flats were hard to resist – I did try but I went back for them – the leopard and zebra are now in my bag. I think they are very J.Crew. By the way try code MY6F238 in the UK – it might give you 20% off.

I had a beautiful dress ordered from & Other Stories – unfortunately it just didn’t work on my boobs. I exchanged it for these trousers – so fluid and drapey – I have a Eur 38 so they are pretty generous and they have an elastic waist.

Finally I am thrilled with these final purchases – my Primark Manchester t-shirt – I can’t find it online but it’s lovely – I will wear it with pride.

These are very polarizing – and I LOVE them – I promised myself I would buy them here in the UK as they are cheaper in £ and Selfridges have a VAT lounge where I got my VAT refunded on the spot. I sized down half a size to 38.5. They remind me of my Patrick Cox Wannabe loafers from the early 90s.

So quite a good shopping haul – but more fun than that has been catching up with my lovely friends (pictured below @SusieSoSo @Iwontwearsludgebrown @Restyle-Becs @DizzyV) and family. Now back to the arms of my lovely husband and to start preparations for a month in Turkey!

Boots – Chloé // Jeans – J.Brand // Jacket – AllSaints // Top – AllSaints // Scarf – Zara (old)

 

 

 

 

Big knits

I love nothing more (OK, maybe boots) than a big chunky knit. Again it’s probably genetics – growing up in the North West of the UK and then 5 years in St. Andrews meant they were a required staple in the closet. You could NEVER have enough big cardigans or chunky sweaters. They aren’t needed quite so much in the balmy climate of Atlanta, but that doesn’t stop me investing in a 3-4 new ones each November. Needless to say I have way more chunky knits than a girl in Atlanta really needs. Is it going to stop me? Of course not! That vacation to the North Pole may happen one year, not to mention that Arctic plunge that seems to happen earlier each year, even if it does only last a week or so!

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With the above images from Pinterest as inspiration here are some of my favorites available this season.

This oversized cardigan from ASOS is a great shape and price.

Asos oversized cardigan

I love this neutral color block cardigan – it’s even blocked on the inside too – really different yet easy to wear.

asos-colorblock-cardigan

This is a perfect slouchy cardigan – equally easy to wear slobbing on the sofa or out in the pub.

chunky-cardigan

Absolutely love the length of this New Look ribbed cardigan.

new-look-ribbed-cardigan

H&M is always a favorite of mine for great knits at a great price. They do oversize very well too.

This is the dress I am wearing below – I’ve worn it all day and it is SO comfortable and soft. I have a medium so it is pretty generous. Love this light grey color but the darker version is fabulous too for wearing with opaque tights.

knittted-dress-hm

I just love this sweater. The green is my kind of green – in fact I got a mohair cardigan in this color last year which I must dig out.

green-mohair

This deep green is one of my favorite winter colors. Not in your face but definitely some color that can be worn easily with black or grey denim. The sweater is also available in 3 other colors – it’s a great winter staple.

oversize-green-mohair

This long sweater can probably be worn as a dress by some of you but I really love the idea of it over distressed denim skinnies.

oversized-sweater

I love grey and I love a polo neck, so yes I kinda like this one a lot. It’s also available in blue and black.

ribbed-turtleneck

I love the neckline on this sweater – a great price too at $34.99 and it is available in 4 colors.

turtleneck

& Other Stories is another great source of sweaters – H&M’s more grown up sibling. Slightly pricier but fabulous quality.

This red berry sweater is the one I am wearing below. It is also available in the grey shown. Use FRIENDS in the USA for a 10% discount on a new account. I have the medium – it is hugely oversized – the large drowned me. I can’t wait to wear mine with pleather skinnies.

& Other Stories berry oversized sweater & Other Stories grey oversized sweater

I have this green cardigan too. I love the belt – it gives great shape – but it looks equally good unfastened. Perfect over a grey t-shirt with black skinny jeans.

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This oversized, sparkle sweater is on my list. I love it – simple, but a little special.

oversized sparkle sweater

Err this might me on my list too – I love the graduated sparkle.

& Other stories metallic mohair sweater

I have this one – it’s shorter than others so I opted for a large. A great knit in a great pattern.

& Other Stories Jacquard sweater

This cardigan is available in grey and 3 other colors which are sold out here online. The perfect length.

& Other stories cardigan

The shape of this wool blend cardigan is perfect – again great for both in the house and off out down the pub on a cold night!

& Other Stories wool blend cardigan

My Husband is currently in London and has texted me numerous times complaining about the BITTER cold. I am SO jealous – I can’t wait to actually NEED to wear a big jumper – it’s still loitering in the low 60s here but I’m going for it nonetheless! And here just to prove I really can’t wait to get the big knits out, here are my outfits over the past 3 days!

red-knot-2Jumper – & Other Stories // Shoes – Zara // Shirt – J.Crew (old 25% off currently using code WARMSTYLE) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Bag – Balenciaga

lizard-shoesDress – AllSaints (old 20% off ALL styles with code NOVEMBER) // Cardigan – ASOS (old) // Shoes – Kurt Geiger // Bag – Balenciaga

knit-dressDress – H&M // Sneakers – Adidas Gazelles // Bag – Balenciaga

 

 

Our trip to NYC!

I can’t believe it is already a week since we left for NYC! We had such an amazing time and crammed so much into 2 1/2 days! We stayed in our usual haunt in SoHo – a hotel room that is titchy tiny with no room for swinging cats – but it is such a great location for all our needs!

On the Thursday evening we headed out for pizza – at the request of the kids of course – though I have to say it was pretty damn good pizza!

Medicinal glass of wine before we leave for the airport

Jacket – Mango // Boots – Chloé // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints (50% off sale now here) // Scarf – Chic Dock (Use POPPY10 for Free shipping for orders over $50)

The ladies waiting for #chianti and #pizza

On Friday the weather was stunning and we headed uptown. Poppy and I shopped while the boys went battling Pokemons in Central Park!

#stpatrickscathedral #nyc

Dress – H&M (old some sizes left here) // Jacket – Primark (old) // Shoes – Chloé // Bag – Proenza Schouler

We ate at some incredible places – Jack’s Wife Freda being my absolute favorite restaurant! Mom gets a cocktail, the kids are welcomed with a great kids menu, its great people watching and Dad gets a great coffee!

Scrumptious @jackswifefreda

They're hungry! @jackswifefreda

Don't mind if I do @jackswifefreda #nyc

Back again @jackswifefreda thank goodness its near the hotel

Best coffee @jackswifefreda

Always my favorite place in #nyc @jackswifefreda

Double burgers @jackswifefreda

Here's to the best, friendliest, coolest restaurant in #nyc @jackswifefreda

Even Dave got to go shopping on the Friday! It’s his 50th at the end of this month so as a treat we headed to some super cool stores – way too cool for me but he does like his Japanese designs!

I'm totally the least cool in my family

I did, however, get to venture into & Other Stories to check out their sale – I came away with a sweater and a dress both with 50% off! Not bad hey! In fact for the first time ever on an NYC trip I think I spent the least! Dave, Poppy and Hugh all coming back with more than me! The kids stocked up at Uniqlo, H&M and Zara of course!

Fatal sale at & Other Stories

I’ve actually just made a couple of other purchase from & Other Stories – I adore their knitwear. Use code FRIENDS at checkout to get a 10% discount and free shipping in the US.

& Other Stories Cardigan

This dark green cardigan is gorgeous and snuggly and the wrap belt gives it a great shape. I actually bought it instead of this coat that I fell in love with. I cannot justify another coat, but I have this one in camel from last year and adore it. It now also comes in black too.

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This sweater is lush – I just love the red instead of my usual blacks and greys!

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Finally I treated myself to the MAC Liptensity lipsticks. Check these out – the pigments are so intense – I love them! Great moisture too but also great staying power. I bought Eros, Fireworks, Habanero and Postmodern.

The new #liptensity lipstick from @maccosmetics is incredible - such intense pigments!

Oh and if you are looking for a FABULOUS Acne Velocite jacket tribute check this out from H&M! It’s real suede and only $399 – given what I paid for my AllSaints shearling last year this is a BARGAIN! It’s sure to sell out in the blink of an eye!

hm-acne-tribute

 

 

 

 

New shoes!

Yes more new shoes – the only items in my closet guaranteed to fit me all year round, from year to year! I haven’t worn heels for a while so I was nervous about these but resistance was futile. I’ve ordered all 3 colors – if you are in the US you can get 20% off with WELCOME20

ms-shoesShoes – Marks and Spencer // Top – Mango sale // Jeans – Zara (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney

They are available in leopard, berry and black – I believe they also have khaki in store for those of you in the UK – I’d love to see those!

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Given the height of them they are incredibly comfortable and I went for my regular UK 6 so I would say they are true to size.

It was a hectic weekend here in our house. On Saturday I hosted a brunch for my new business – it was wonderfully successful and a lot of fun! I wore my & Other Stories dress from the sale – I felt so feminine in it!

rf-party-1 rf-party-2 rf-party-3

As for the past couple of days here’s what I have been wearing!

ballerinasShirt – H&M // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Zara // Bag – Stella McCartney (as above)

allsaints-riviera-dressDress – AllSaints Riviera // Jacket – Zara // Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Bag – Stella McCartney (as above)

Oh and lastly check out these beauties from the new H&M Studio collection – they also come in red but most sizes are out of stock in that color – $149 for a pair of fabulous leather boots – I love them!

These @hm are frickin awesome - they come in red too and hoping they restock sizes! Just $149☺️

Fall Dresses

So Labor Day has come and gone and it seems the weather here is all to aware of it. Its still beautiful and warm but the humidity has dissipated making everything 100x more comfortable!

I’ve been able to wear my denim jacket for the past 2 days!

other stories dressShirt dress – & Other Stories // Sneakers – Adidas Gazelles // Jacket – Gap // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

H&M dressDress – H&M (on sale here) // Shoes – Dolce Vita // Jacket – Gap // Basket – H&M

Last night these beauties arrived – I can only see them in stock here at Net-a-porter – they are selling like hotcakes!

I think I might sleep in themDetails on where to buy these @sam_edelman beauties in my bio link or here - they're selling like hot cakes!!  http://liketk.it/2p8tG @liketoknow.it #liketkit #thisis45 #pixiecut #nothingbutpixies #shorthair #liketkit #fbloggers #fbloggersuk #fblogger #ootd #wiwt #outfitpost #outfitinspo #instafashion #instastyle #40plusstyle #everydaystyle #over40fashion #mumontherun #dresslikeamum #samsgirls

Obsessed with them!!! Details on where to buy these @sam_edelman beauties in my bio link or here - they're selling like hot cakes!!  http://liketk.it/2p8tG @liketoknow.it #liketkit #thisis45 #pixiecut #nothingbutpixies #shorthair #liketkit #fbloggers #fbloggersuk #fblogger #ootd #wiwt #outfitpost #outfitinspo #instafashion #instastyle #40plusstyle #everydaystyle #over40fashion #mumontherun #dresslikeamum #samsgirls

Obsessed with them!!! Details on where to buy these @sam_edelman beauties in my bio link or here - they're selling like hot cakes!!  http://liketk.it/2p8tG @liketoknow.it #liketkit #thisis45 #pixiecut #nothingbutpixies #shorthair #liketkit #fbloggers #fbloggersuk #fblogger #ootd #wiwt #outfitpost #outfitinspo #instafashion #instastyle #40plusstyle #everydaystyle #over40fashion #mumontherun #dresslikeamum #samsgirls

While I was on the Sam Edelman site looking for them I spotted these gorgeous things – another great Gucci tribute – these are blue velvet or magenta suede but also come in other colors.

talia Collage

Finally just a quick note to let you all know that I recently started another business as a Rodan + Fields consultant – I adore their products and many of you have already been in touch with me regarding them. It’s an incredible opportunity to continue my journey as an entrepreneur. You can read more here. Thank you for your support!

How early is too early to start the birthday celebrations!?

It’s been an odd week readjusting to life back in Atlanta. I can’t lie, I am totally jealous of all you Europeans just starting your vacations, while we prepare for back to school on Wednesday! My Instagram feed is full of blue skies and oceans and I have to keep reminding myself that was me just a week ago!

To ease the pain I am focusing on my upcoming birthday! I’m 45 on the 10th and like to celebrate for as long as possible! Hence, Friday night, my Husband and I went out for tapas and cocktails. Maybe my Leo instincts are aroused, but I decided to go full on leopard print for the evening. This dress is just £19.99 from New Look and is available in the US here on ASOS (keep checking back for your size – they update regularly). I felt fantastic in it! The dress is pleated so not tight at all and it is the perfect midi length. I’m now on the look out for dresses in a similar style as it felt so great on. The shoes are Vince and an incredible eBay bargain -new they were $425 and I got them NWT for $65!

New look leopard print dress, Vince Aden shoes, Gucci purseDress – New Look // Shoes – Vince Aden off eBay // Bag – Gucci (similar here)

I made a couple of other purchases this week including the red Adidas Gazelles – I just love the Gazelles and they take me back to the 90s when I wore a green pair to death! They do fit big and I sized down to a US 8 instead of my usual 8.5.

Adidas Gazelles

I also just wore my new running tights from the H&M For Every Victory collection. They are amazingly comfortable – 2miles on the treadmill with no adjusting. I’m in a medium and they fit great.

H&M For Every Victory

As for the rest of last week here’s what I’ve been wearing. It’s lovely to have all my closet back!

Mango shoes, Mango top and FalabellaShoes – Mango // Jeans – Zara (old) // Top – Mango (sale reduced from &79.99 to $24.99!) // Bag – Stella McCartney

& Other Stories dress, Mulberry Bayswater, Castañer espadrillesDress – & Other Stories sale // Shoes – Castañer // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

H&M dress, Golden Goose sneakers, FalabellaDress – H&M // Shoes – Golden Goose // Bag – Stella McCartney

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

What I’ve bought over the Memorial Weekend…

Ok first of all I admit they weren’t all on sale. Take for example these boots. I knew I had to have them as soon as I saw them on WhoWhatWear.com this morning. I adore the juxtaposition of a masculine bootie with the feminine lace details – very Emmanuelle Alt.

TopShop Bootie

I did take advantage of the Gap 40% off with code LONGWKND to stock up on some lovely slub t-shirts.

I love these swing t-shirts to wear with denim shorts – great muffin top hiders!

Gap t-shirt Gap t-shirt Gap t-shirt Gap t-shirt

Also the tank version.

Gap Tank

Finally I couldn’t resist ordering this dress to try – it will be lovely for my vacation in a month’s time – fingers crossed it works!

Gap dress Gap dress

Here are a few outfits from over the weekend!

Zara jeansJeans – Zara // Espadrilles – Soludos // Top – Banana Republic (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

On Friday we all went out for a lovely dinner – some great Southern cooking!

JCT dinner

& Other Stories dressDress – & Other Stories (relaxed fit this is a US 8) // Boots – Isabel Marant Otway (eBay) // Bag – Stella McCartney

Pink loafersShoes – TopShop // Jeans – Zara // Shirt – Mango (old)

Zara gingham dressDress – Zara // Espadrilles – & Other Stories

We’re off to the baseball today which is followed by a concert by Chris Stapleton! I cannot wait! What a great double ticket for Memorial Weekend! Enjoy your Holiday Monday in the UK and US!

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!