Tag Archives: TopShop

Lyst.com – a new favorite website!

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As you know most of my shopping is done online. I love shopping in NYC and London where I can walk the streets in the fresh air, and browse windows and stores, collecting big carrier bags as I go along! Unfortunately most of Atlanta’s shopping is offered via indoor malls, which I cannot abide. Somehow it doesn’t feel like a treat, or a day out – there’s nothing to dress up for! We do have a new outdoor shopping area in Buckhead with luxury retailers, but it still feels very new and contrived.

Shopping online can be fun – clicking from one site to another but these days retailers have so much more stock on their sites it can be a tad overwhelming. Well I may have found a solution and an alternative to having 29 tabs open in Safari! Lyst.com.

I used the site recently when I was narrowing down my search for these season’s boots. It’s that time of year where I can justify adding a couple more pairs to my collection!

Lyst.com is an aggregator and partners with designers and stores to bring you your favorites in one place. By indicating preferences and following your shopping habits Lyst.com creates a personal shopping experience for each and every user. I love that it allows you to follow your favorite brands and receive sale and stock alerts.

You may have seen that I’ve already made one heavy investment purchase this season – my new Chloé Susanna boots! What I love about Lyst.com is that it also allows you to price shop easily and see where the cheapest source is for the item you are coveting! These boots haven’t been off my feet since I received them and the funny thing is I didn’t used to like them! I used to think they were way too ornate for my taste. I guess having seen them styled so many different ways, and in so many different color ways I have gradually changed my mind as I am now totally obsessed with them!

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These TopShop Bridleway boots have made it on to my wish list – they are SO Gucci but just $70! They would look amazing with black skinnies and a black pussy bow blouse.

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They are also available in a stunning burgundy.

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I love Splendid clothes but I have never worn their shoes. These are a gorgeous western boot with a bit of slouchiness – really cute with a dress. Compared with the price of Splendid’s clothes these seem quite reasonable at $168.

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The beige version is just beautiful.

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The hot boot from last year, and a great, cheaper alternative to the Chloés, is the Toga Pulla. I absolutely love them – again a boot I was in two minds about last year. Obviously I need to see some things a few times before they click with me! I know both Eve and Kat love theirs.

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I have to say these navy, crocodile effect pair are my top choice – I am smitten with them. I am loving navy boots with black jeans this season.

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Finally, given my love of over the knee boots, I was contemplating another pair of Lowlands this year. In fact I ordered the nice blue pair but returned them – I really didn’t need them in addition to the currant pair I have from last year.

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Instead I have been drawn to these fringe boots from See by Chloé. I thought I’d had enough fringe in 2015 but I absolutely love these. Again visualize them with skinny black jeans and an oversize sweater. Scrummy!

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Which are your favorite boots this season? Have you clicked the ‘place order’ button yet?

Finally here are some photos from the most amazing night out! I took Poppy to see 1989 Taylor Swift tour. She was AMAZING. I cried all the way through Fifteen thinking about my gorgeous girl dealing with all those emotions in the years to come. Taylor is a great role model – her songs deliver great messages of strength and independence for young girls – and Moms in fact!

Poppy and I Poppy TS PJON ME Shoes – Golden Goose // Jeans – R13 // T-shirt – Splendid // Jacket – Mango

ON POPPY Jacket – Zara // Jeans – H&M // Boots – Sam Edelman (old)

This post is sponsored by Lyst.com. All opinions are 100% honest and all content is my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support my blog.

Inflated high street or discounted designer?

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I headed into H&M for a browse on Friday after seeing their new Studio line arrive online. I have to say I don’t really get it. I often see items from H&M on other blogs that grab my attention, and then when I see them in real life they seem overpriced for the quality – especially over here in dollars. Paying $200 for a coat from H&M is just something I would never consider. It got me thinking about several high street retailers who now offer ‘higher end’ lines – like Zara and their Studio range, and J.Crew with the Collection range. Their prices are inflated – in fact often extortionate in the case of J.Crew Collection. Personally I would much rather spend $200 on a heavily discounted piece of Isabel Marant on TheOutnet.com than in a high street store. How about you?

I did grab a couple of mohair knits from H&M that I am extremely happy with – very little, clothing wise, makes me happier than an oversize grey jumper! Sorry I can’t see it online but this is a small – it fits HUGE!

grey jumperThis khaki cardigan made me feel like a young student again so it came home with me too! It’s described as ‘yellow marl’ online but it is definitely green!

kahkiThese are a couple of items that I liked from the Studio line but still wouldn’t part with my hard earned cash for them.

This weekend bag is well made and large but $349!

IMG_5115I love the colors on this coat, but again I think it’s expensive for H&M at $199. Plus to those of us in the know it is easily recognizable as H&M.

IMG_5116Fall has arrived in Atlanta and we are enjoying amazing clear skies and sun. I’ve even had to dig the cardigans out this week for a couple of cold mornings.

blazerJacket – Linen regent blazer J.Crew // Jeans – J.Crew (25% off with SHOPNOW) // T-Shirt – ASOS // Shoes – Vince Nina // Bag – McQ (similar here)

If you are partial to a pair of snakeskin shoes I spotted these in H&M which are fab! (Can only see this version online)

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camel cardiganShoes – TopShop Kaiser // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – Mango (similar here) // Cardigan – ASOS // Bag – Rocco (similar here)

kiwi blazerDress – AllSaints Pia (old similar here) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jacket – Linen Regent blazer J.Crew // Bag – H&M

Purging my closet – my way.

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Since returning from vacation, I have been ruthlessly purging my closet, and selling unworn items of clothing and shoes on preloved sites. It’s shameful how many items still have labels in them, so I am determined to find them good homes. I thought I was being pretty effective and making some room in my closet, but today I am wearing two items I had listed and then changed my mind, so they are back in my closet!

Mango dressDress – Mango (old similar here on sale) // Shoes – DSW (old)

Yesterday I was in my old favorite, jacket and jeans. I seem to be favoring pink this week!

Regent blazerJacket – J.Crew Regent Blazer (on sale) // Shoes – TopShop // Jeans – J.Crew vintage crops // Top – Mango // Bag – H&M

So a couple of updates for you – hopefully you saw my previous post regarding the M&S Limited dresses – they are now 20% off but sizes are selling out fast. I received my shoe order from them yesterday – lightning fast for international delivery – I only placed the order on Tuesday afternoon. I love them all – the lace ups and the flats – just thrilled with them!

Finally check out this jacket from Mango – I flipping love it!

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Blue

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Blue isn’t a color I have worn in abundance, till now. I seem to be gravitating to all things navy. It feels a little more summery than black, and once again I am really enjoying using my navy Rocco. I went off it for a while, and even thought about selling it, but it makes me smile when I see it next to me in the car.

The skies here aren’t blue at all. In fact they are dark and threatening. We’ve had some fabulous storms here this week. I love stormy weather…as long as the power stays on!

ASOS blue dressShoes – silver Supergas // Dress – ASOS t-shirt dress (on sale – a few sizes left) // Bag – Rocco // Scarf – H&M (old)

denim shirtSneakers – Nike Internationalists (extra 20% off clearance with BACK2SPORT) // Jeans – TopShop // Shirt – Mango (50% off in sale here)

How many pairs of sneakers does a girl need?

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Hmm well replace ‘need’ with ‘want’ and it seems to be never ending! I’ve had a love affair with sneakers/trainers since I was young when I cherished my Dunlop Green Flash. My Mum would whiten them for me, which inevitably resulted in crusty shoes, as you were in effect putting white paint on them that cracked once it dried! I soon moved onto Converse and they were my staple at University – I had a green pair and a lilac pair. Of course once the 90s arrived it was all about the Adidas Gazelles. Interestingly I still have Gazelles and Converse in my collection – but no Green Flash! Do they even still sell them?

So going back to the question I have so many sneakers now that I cannot ever say ‘I need those’ when it comes to a new pair. I have running shoes, sneakers for fashion and even sneakers-to-wear-with-work-out-gear-when-I’m-not-actually-working-out, as my husband duly noted this morning. Due to my rather large collection of sneakers, these days I tend to wait for the sales to add a new style, or a new color, to the mix. Many of the sneakers you will see in the sale are the same style as the new season, but just a different selection of colors. So unless you are buying high performance running shoes you won’t be missing out on any new technology!

Nike very kindly just sent me a code for an extra 20% off clearance – BACK2SPORT. Some of my favorite casual sneakers are the Nike Internationalist. These are currently on sale so you will get your extra 20% off making them just $48, reduced from the regular price of $85. I have a couple of pairs at home and I can vouch for their comfort.

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This navy pair are slightly more but have to be my favorite for the Fall, and you’ll get the extra 20% off too.

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While on the Nike site I fell hard for these – bright red but I adore Air Max! These would be amazing with black skinnies and a black cashmere sweater.

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If you are looking for some serious running shoes you can’t go wrong with the Lunar Flyknits. I always go up half a size at least for running to give me plenty of room in the toe box. These are in the sale, in a couple of colors, reduced from $150, with an extra 20% off too!

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Now for the classic New Balance. Take a look at these images and tell me they aren’t cool!

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My favorite New Balance 620s are on sale on the New Balance site reduced from $79.99 to $59.99. I found a discount code for you too! RETAILMENOT will get you 12% off plus free shipping. How could you say no to green and bubble gum pink?

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Or navy and apple?

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Finally – (not on sale – don’t shoot me) – I spotted some amazing colors new on the J.Crew site. These always sell out super fast as they are custom colors unique to J.Crew. I’m definitely getting my hands on this olive and pink pair.

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The classic navy pair are gorgeous and a little more subtle.

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I wore a pair of my 620s yesterday, then I forgot to take a photo of them! I was dashing from one place to another and, take it from me, they added a little pace around the supermarket!

On Friday I made the trip to IKEA. One I try to do only x2 a year. This time of year is NOT the time to go as every GA Tech and GA State student is there trying to furnish their abode for the next year! As a side note I used to be quite a snob about cooking utensils and pots and pans – but IKEA do some fabulous pots and pans and baking ware!

WatermelonTrousers – Zara (old) // Shoes – TopShop Kingfisher // T-shirt – H&M

Today it’s back to work. I dropped Stella, our white boxer, at the vet today to have a mast cell tumor removed. Very common in boxers but still I hated leaving her there!

JCrew blazerShoes – Vince Nina (on sale here and here) // Jeans – J.Crew (sale) // Top – Mango (sale) // Jacket – J.Crew Regent blazer // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here discounted)

 

My birthday weekend starts now!

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I’m 44 on Monday. How did that happen? I don’t feel anything like I thought you were supposed to at 44. Aren’t I supposed to be a grown up by now?

winging it

I’ve always loved to celebrate my birthday, so as my weekend starts today, so do my birthday celebrations! My husband joined me for lunch today and tonight we’ll be entertained by the GOP debate! I can’t wait – I hope Donald Trump will entertain as expected!

Today I started the day with a run – massive mistake. It was about 77 degrees so I thought it would be tolerable. I had failed to factor in the 100% humidity – talk about running through a sauna. I’m still as dehydrated as a Farley’s Rusk now! At least I got to wear my new running shoes and capris!

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And here is the first outfit of my birthday weekend. Yes I have all 3 colors of the TopShop Kingfisher espadrilles – I love them!

MadewellShoes – TopShop // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – Madewell (final sale)

hearts beat for

p.s. a quick update on our efforts to help out those 2 little girls – Taylor Swift is in!

 

Back to school

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So the kids headed back to school today. I now have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader! Poppy spent a few minutes last night telling me she didn’t want to grow up – poor thing – I could kind of empathize with her! I expect they will have an a amazing time today – it’s been so long since they saw their friends.

I had them both at home Monday and Tuesday – hence the lack of posts. I’ve been mainly wearing workout gear to accomplish house chores and drive them back and forth to friends and cheer practice. I have to admit I secretly LOVE hanging out in capris and sneakers – it really is super comfortable in this heat. The other added benefit is that it gives me ones less reason to avoid the gym. Heck if I’m already dressed for it I’d better workout no? I have to say I think I have found my mojo again and I’ve really enjoyed the gym this week. So much so I’ve treated myself to some new running shoes.

I’ve harped on before about my love for New Balance – this remains one of my most read posts! Well after a few months in Nikes I’ve headed back to New Balance. I read about the Vazee Pace in my Runners World and decided to try them. They are AMAZING. Not only do they look good but they feel fabulous. They have a great wide toe box so no toes get scrunched up. My arch feels well supported, and the cushioning from the REVlite sole is just as brilliant as the W890s (the Vazee Pace will replace the 890s).

I can not say enough about how much I love these – and with a price of $109.99 it will be hard to find a better option for a casual runner with dodgy knees like me!

Vazee

 

I have also ordered the Nike Flyknit Lunar to try. I love the Flyknit and the lunar sole, and with these being in the sale I thought I might use the Nikes for the gym and keep the New Balance for running outside. I’ll see how they fit – but they were hard to ignore with the current discount!

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Nike have some great items on sale right now and I dropped these in my cart too. I love the pro capris for the gym and for running – super lightweight and comfortable. The only drawback is there is no pocket for my car key but I have remedied that with one of these.

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So today I am back in the office which called for getting dressed!

AllsaintsShoes – TopShop // Dress – AllSaints // Jacket – J.Crew

On Friday I took the kids to meet my piercing guru, Richard, at PiercingExp.com. My sparkly septum ring had finally arrived and I LOVE it. It’s a Gem Oaktier in solid rose gold with genuine white sapphires.

Septum MadewellShoes – J.Crew (on sale) // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – Madewell (on sale)

On a final, sad note – an Atlanta mom of two small girls died on Sunday after a mystery illness took hold. Nothing can take away the pain for her girls, but the community here is trying to get tickets for the girls to see Taylor Swift when she tours here. T.V. stations and news stations have got hold of the story so if you feel inclined please help us and Tweet with hashtag #wishes4riley and #bigdreamslittlegirl – thank you so much.

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Back to reality

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Where am I? What time is it? Who am I? After a 20 hour journey on Saturday and a 7 hour time difference I am feeling just a tad fuzzy. The kids are waking up at 4am still so hopefully sending them off to camp today will get them back on schedule by the end of the week. Then it’s back to school next week! Roll on 2nd and 4th grade!

I went for something easy and comfy today – it’s so lovely having a different choice of clothes to wear!

ASOS dressBag – Alexander McQueen McQ (similar here) // Shoes – TopShop // Dress – ASOS // Scarf – H&M (old)

Screen Shot 2015-07-27 at 9.17.55 AMSunglasses – Mango

Mezze, mezze and more mezze…

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After a lazy day by the pool, which we all needed for a bit of R&R, we headed out to dinner. The restaurant is situated in the village where we are staying, and it is on the side of a hill overlooking the Med. Just a beautiful location with great views and amazing food. The mezze never stopped arriving!

Dinner mezze Dinner Hugh Poppy ZaraDress – Zara (on sale – similar here) // Shoes – Avarcas Pons

Poppy Riviera dressDress – Riviera dress AllSaints (all sale items now and extra 20% off here!) // Shoes – TopShop

A blogger meetup in Manchester

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Yesterday I headed into Manchester to meet my gorgeous friends Sue (SusieSoSo.blogspot.co.uk), Becky (Restyle-blog.blogspot.co.uk) and Helen (fashion40ish.blogspot.co.uk). We had the most brilliant time catching up and having a good natter over lunch in Selfridges. I really wish I was around more often to see them – it is good for the soul. When I started blogging I would never have believed that I would make new lifelong friends.

Becky and Helen Sue and Joanna Selfridges 3 Selfridges 2 Selfridges

 

I was quite cunning too and arrived a little early so that I could meander around the Arndale Centre first. I may have bought the shoes I was lusting after the other day.

IMG_2943 IMG_2944Shoes – TopShop // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – AllSaints

Off now to enjoy the rare sunshine!