Tag Archives: Zara

Stocking up on the essentials.

I hate spending money on underwear. No one sees it and these days I opt for comfort rather than style. Once in a while though I start to get embarrassed about the state of my knicker drawer. Currently it is stuffed with more knickers than any girl can wear in a year – all a different shade of grey, faded colors or fraying elastic. Oh and there’s still the odd pair of thongs in there which I think I can safely say will never be worn again. So it is time to purge and restock.

Now here is where I promise not to model my new attire if you promise not to giggle about the size of them. I did used to wear thongs ALL the time. How I ever did it I have no idea. The thought of wearing one now makes my eyes water with discomfort. They were perfect of course for tight pants when a VPL is an absolute no no. Thankfully good old M&S came to the rescue with a whole range of no-VPL underwear. Yes after 15 years in the USA I STILL buy M&S underwear.

My favorite style is their famous Brazilian cut. Sales of underwear at M&S soared by 64% the year they were introduced. They are just a little cheeky – quite literally – being a little higher cut on the butt cheeks – but a hundred zillion times more comfortable than a thong.

And as we’re stocking up they do multipacks too which are great value.

I also ordered a multipack of their ‘boy shorts‘. I love to wear these when wearing a shorter skirt or dress and want to keep my modesty intact after a couple of glasses of prosecco.

Okay – now don’t laugh – I bought some ‘big knicks’ too. Sometimes comfort really does trump (oops) style. Thankfully these do have a little bit of lace detail so they aren’t completely Nana knickers. Trust me no one will know and you will be so thankful wearing them!

Finally just to prove I can still do ‘sexy’ I ordered a couple of these lace bodies from their Limited Edition. Just gorgeous for the summer under a maxi dress. I love the cross back detail too.

So now you know what I wear underneath here are my outfit pics from the last few days!

Today I’m back in a skirt as the sun shines again. I started the day in heels. It feels so fab to have bare legs again!

Shoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

I later changed into flats for running errands around town. I LOVE these – they are a great Miu Miu tribute with a lovely shaped toe.

Yesterday I was in one of my favorite simple ASOS dresses. Must remember to clean my mirror when photographing black!

Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

Then finally from the other day when it was still damp and cool after the storms.

T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

So who else out there will admit to wearing big knickers? 🙂

Tornado alley.

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I’m sitting here watching the local news coverage that has been extended due to all the threats and warnings of tornadoes and severe weather. It looks like it’s heading straight for Atlanta. Here’s hoping everyone stays safe tonight – they do have a habit of over dramatizing the weather here, but it goes without saying that tornadoes are no trivial matter.

The kids are bathed and safely in bed so I thought I’d distract myself with a quick outfit post! On Friday I had a hot yoga session followed by a hot date with my Husband. Needless to say the hot date negated any of the benefits of the hot yoga!

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Today I went for monochrome and leopard – two of my favorite picks when it comes to clothes!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Please stay safe if you’re in the path of these storms and hold your breath for blue skies on the other side xx

Graphic t-shirts.

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Isn’t it odd how something you once hated with a passion can become something you yearn for? For me those things include heart shaped jewelry – once I though this was tacky but make it an Elsa Peretti piece and all of a sudden things change.

Logo and graphic t-shirts also fall into this category for me. The thought of wearing my favorite tour t-shirt, or wearing a slogan emblazoned across my chest seemed so puerile and again tacky – maybe I just overdosed in the 80s?

Well all that has changed, as many of my style stereotypes have, with my love for Pinterest. Pinterest is fabulous for providing inspiration and tips on how to style items that may not even have crossed your mind before. These images made me think twice about the graphic t-shirt.

Pretty cool looks hey? I did wear my Bowie t-shirt quite a bit last year and I must recycle these outfits over the coming weeks.

Here is a selection of my favorites that I am collecting in various virtual carts!

We just got our new SMART tv – what a revelation Netflix streaming is! I’m already well into Season 2 of Breaking Bad and this t-shirt is a must for any fan.

I adore this one – it should be my motto.

This one by Wildfox made me giggle and will make you cringe – my Husband calls me ‘dreamy’:)

I think this Coke t-shirt is super cool – especially living in the home of Coca-Cola.

For something maybe a little more understated – this NY t-shirt is perfect for wearing with jeans or shorts.

Here’s another one of my favorites – I have this and wore it a lot over Spring Break with denim cut offs – it’s currently on sale too.

There have been a lot of Run DMC t-shirts out and about recently – maybe something to do with the Adidas revival? I’d love this – my favorite tune of all time is Run DMC and Jason Nevins ‘It’s like that’.

Finally one for all of you that want to give peace a chance.

And here I am today experimenting with the logo t-shirt, wearing one of my most favorite items in my summer closet from J.Crew – currently 30% off in the US with GOSHOP.

T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

Scents and sensibility.

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I’m off clothes. I know I never thought I’d see the day either. Bored, bored, bored with everything I see in the stores or online. Maybe I have just over done it. For the first time in a LONG time I am perfectly happy with all my choices when I walk into my closet. I want nor need a thing. I am instead indulging in products – more specifically scents – perfumes and essential oils.

I wear perfume everyday, but I am a woman of few scents. Chanel Coco for date nights, and then either Pacifica Tuscan blood orange or YSL Paris for the daytime depending what mood I am in. I have worn Paris for YEARS – I first bought a bottle from duty free on the ferry to France when I was about 14!

Perfumes to me are a bit like underwear – as long as it works why spend money on it? I do like to splash out a little more on my night time perfume but not a ridiculous amount. However, I am contemplating purchasing the following:

The classic Shalimar by Guerlain:

Or Un Jardin Sur Le Toit by Hermés which is gorgeous for summer:

If any of you have worn these I’d love to know what you think.

While I was researching scents I stumbled across some old favorites – a couple of which I ordered.

Giorgio Beverly Hills:

and Lou Lou by Cacharel:

Both of these scents are incredibly nostalgic. I used to wear them in sixth form – again probably duty free purchases from day trips to France. As soon as I opened the boxes and smelled them it transported me back to nights out in Bury – the clothes, the people, the pubs! Not always what you are looking for in a perfume it has to be said:) Also they are much sweeter than I remember – my nose has definitely matured! I’ll wear them for now if only to remember the Hare and Hounds – but I probably won’t buy them again…the Hermés looks good value now.

Moving on from perfumes I’ve recently been treating my olfactory system to some essential oils. I’ve been struggling to sleep well and thought I’d give Lavender a try so I am going to burn some before bed and then put a few drops on my pillow. I also LOVE citrus oils so I treated myself to some Tangerine and Sweet Orange – so now I can be calmed, cheered and brightened – according to the labels at least! I’ll let you know if my sleep improves. Again I’d love to know if any of you have dabbled in aromatherapy. I’ve just bought a book too, so it may become an new little hobby for me…namaste….

This week has seen me having to adapt to rain and now 80 degree sunshine.

Yesterday I headed to work in a jacket then changed into a jumper when I got home – to be honest most of the time I change into some kinds of sweatpants or workout gear.

Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Today I opted for comfort for a dentist appointment – I have sparkly clean teeth again!

Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

So do tell – what are your favorite scents to tickle your nose? Do you have a signature scent?

Elastic waistbands.

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Back to work for us here in the US while all of you across the Atlantic enjoy an extra day of vacation! I hope you all had an amazing Easter. I’ve mentioned before how much I adore the Easter celebration. For me it signals the beginning of Spring – green shoots everywhere, great food, and the anticipation of great things to come over the summer.

We hosted friends on Saturday for our Easter dinner. I roasted a 5lb leg of lamb which was completely demolished. I love watching the kids enjoy a good roast!

Poppy and Hugh made a fabulous trifle too for dessert.

There was of course the drunk dancing (and photography)…we were grooving the best of Daft Punk at this point I think! (p.s. the dress is the ASOS t-shirt dress currently on sale – PERFECT for over indulging – no belt loosening required).

Always a bad sign when the Port arrives on the table…

Yesterday we started all over again with a fabulous party and egg hunt at our friends’ house across the street. Glorious sunshine accompanied by great conversation, a huge ham and cold prosecco. I LOVE Easter.

So the elasticated waists have been needed for the large indulgences all this weekend…but also this that happened Thursday…

The bruising has vanished now and as soon as it is heeled I’ll add a little more bling. 42 year old mom gets navel pierced – they will be coming to take me away soon:)

And here are the said elastic waisted wonders!

Trousers – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Ted Baker (old) // Sandals – Avarcas Pons in peach // Jacket – Zara (old)

Trousers – Mango (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (currently on sale) // Jacket – Next (old) // Shoes – Avarcas pons ankle strap in brown

Oh and another piercing happened Saturday too – for my girl, who turns 8 next month.

Patterned pants.

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I have blogged before about my love for patterned trousers. They always seem to make a more prominent appearance in my closet at this time of year. They are a great transitional piece – lighter than jeans but still providing coverage, plus it’s easy to incorporate some spring colors in an outfit with them.

Images from Pinterest

I’ve only added one pair to my closet this season – these from Zara, who always offer an amazing array of patterned trousers.

I love any kind of animal print so these Marks and Spencer Per Una ones keep catching my eye – especially as they are on sale currently, with limited sizes left.

Mango hit my radar last year when I picked up a couple of great patterned harems in their sale. These are fabulous in this seasons collection.

I’d be buying this pair if I didn’t have my linen harems from last year.

Here I am in my Zara pants today. Off to the Doctors, sniff, sniff, with a horrid head cold which I need to kick it into touch before our beach trip!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer skate shoes // Trousers – Zara // Tank – H&M // Jumper – TopShop

Yesterday was also a day for some comfy trousers – these are the Next harems that I bought last year. If you are interested in dipping your toe in the ‘harem pool’ – take a peek at Fiona’s post here – she’s picked some great ones to peruse.

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Harems – Next navy (last year – similar here) // T-shirt – ASOS forever t-shirt // Jumper – French Connection // Jacket – Next (old – similar here)

So patterned pants – will you be sporting a pair this season?

Summer blazers.

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I wasn’t planning on posting today then I remembered that the Marks and Spencer 20% off offer ends today! I was browsing/researching their site last night, as I often do, and it led to me lusting over these beauties. Rarely can I head onto the M&S site these days without seeing something I love – especially in the Limited Edition range. They are certainly on an upward trend as far as I am concerned.

So here you go. Sleeveless blazers. Fabulous with jeans, culottes, palazzo pants or even a midi dress. Perfect for giving an outfit a touch more shape. I love the longer length ones in particular and I think the tailoring is very AllSaints. I would wear the black one with a great pair of flared jeans. At £47.20 they are a great price. For free delivery to the US use code USDELIVERY when checking out.

This shorter version is lovely and would be great with denim shorts and a plain white tee. The detailing at the back really makes it stand out for me. Just £39.60 today.

Finally, not sleeveless granted, but the color of this Zara blazer stopped me in my tracks. Just stunning. I can see it now with a white tank, light boyfriend jeans, bronzed feet, and tan strappy sandals. Just fab.

So what do you think? Swayed by the sleeveless look or the gorgeous fuchsia color? Let me know if you take advantage of the M&S discount!

Bad ass dog.

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On Wednesday morning, after returning from dropping the kids at school, I was confronted with a guy in our yard trying to break into the house. I immediately went into fright or flight mode and just started yelling “F*ck off! F*ck off! What the f*ck do you think you’re doing??!!!”. I was very eloquent. I’m not sure if he was more scared of me or Tennyson, my fabulous, loyal, protective, boxer who immediately went into attack mode. I was slightly impressed by the dude’s agility and speed at getting back over our fence. I suddenly realized he may be armed so I headed back inside to call 911 while Tennyson told him in no uncertain terms that he would not be welcomed back.

Tennyson now has his new sign in the front yard which really should say “Beware of the big, bad ass, dog”.

The hero of the hour who has been spoiled rotten since.

It took me the day to recover from the adrenalin – I was shaken to say the least – but I felt I dealt with it appropriately and I’m moving on now. I think they could hear me yelling in Florida!

Tuesday I headed to H&M to exchange some clothes for Poppy. I took the opportunity to take a look at this gorgeous fringed top I had seen online. I needed to understand why it is priced at $349!! It is a lovely blue, but crikey I wouldn’t pay $20 for it. The tassles feel really cheap and were already tangling and getting knotted on every top in the store. Not to mention the top must have weighed 100lbs. You’d need to be a line backer to wear it for more than 10 minutes.

Here’s my outfit for the day – I felt really comfortable, it’s great to wear skirts again – crap photo – I blinked:)

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Here are some other outfits from this week – a bit of a mix due to going from 70 degrees to 50 degrees throughout the week.

Dress – Mango (kindly bought by my sister – similar here) // Shoes – M&S Limited

Jumper – TopShop (stealing Frances’ style again) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Trousers – H&M // Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Nail polish – Essie Play date

And then after a bang trim, ready for a fun night out at dinner with my Husband on Friday night where I drank too much Port with my cheese…I went full on ’80s – big hair and lots of silky flowy fabric.

Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

Today I plan on doing not much else but sitting here – Hugh helped me assemble it – we’re the logical ones of the family:)

Jet lag.

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Jet lag is crippling – I end up in a complete fog for 2 days. This will be exacerbated this year because our clocks change tonight. Thrilled about Spring being almost here, but I know the kids will be bouncing out of bed at 5am tomorrow morning, and after a party for 25 6 year olds today I might not be too keen on that! Hugh turned 6 on the 6th and I have never seen him so excited before. He has written a list of all the things he wants to do for his birthday and the party along with a trip to his favorite BBQ joint will complete it. Think of me this morning while I am bouncing on trampolines and whizzing down zip lines…

The outfits over the past couple of days have revolved around comfort – essential for jet lag recovery!

Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Celebrating Hugh’s birthday made me reminisce about this time last year – look at me a year ago! It makes me want my hair short again!

Back to Black.

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I have always loved leather. Real leather. I remember Mum and Dad buying me my first leather jacket while we were on a day out in Chester. I think it was from Lakeland Leather. I thought it was beautiful – a blouson style in ivory – it was the 80s remember. In sixth form I got a beautiful black, bat-winged sleeved blouson jacket (still in the 80s) from Whittakers in Bolton. I got it nicked the first time I wore it. Gutted.

My taste in leather has hopefully evolved but my love for leather has not changed. You cannot beat real leather. There are some good pleathers on the market and I have a couple of pairs of pleather leggings in my closet, but they just aren’t the same…sorry PETA.

I had a great pair of AllSaints leather trousers for a few years but with my constantly fluctuating waistline they didn’t hold their shape well. My glutes are non-existant and I always felt like I had a saggy arse in them – not a good look. They went to a good new home via eBay last year. Since then I have been looking for another great pair of leather jeans – jeans meaning they must have a button and fly, no elastic waists, plus patch pockets at the back – essential for giving shape to that saggy arse.

So, as I mentioned, I stumbled on a pair of J Brand moto leather jeans in Neimans the other day and I had to take the opportunity to try them. Thinking about them, I cannot stop (Yoda eat your heart out). I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about J Brand leather – J Brand, Helmut Lang and Theory always seem to top the lists. No wonder – they are breath takingly beautiful. I started with a 29″ with crossed fingers, holy smokes Batman they were too big! The 28″ was perfect on the waist – there is so much stretch in the leather it’s certainly worth squeezing into a size down as they will give. For the record I take anything from 27″ to 30″ in jeans depending on brand, and I’m normally a US6 in Zara trousers. Now the only issue with this style was the seam that runs across the top of the knee – sausage links sprang to mind. Still for those of you with no squidge above your knee they are stunning, and less than $1000 – my absolute limit for leather jeans, which yes is still shit loads, but think about what you can spend on a handbag.

Having fallen in love with the J Brand leather and now knowing my size I have found what I consider to be the perfect style. Fly – check, pockets – check, zippered ankles – check, zero sausage casing seam – check. Here they are – I SO want them.

They also come in grey which I think is stunning.

Compared to J Brand these AllSaints leather pants are almost cheap at $525 (all sense of reality and magnitude becomes warped when looking at items with 3 figures behind the dollar sign), but for me they don’t quite do it as they are missing that all important back patch pocket. AllSaints are well known for their leather work so worth checking out for almost half the price of the J Brand jeans.

So what do you think – is real leather a colossal waste of money or worth the investment?

As for my attire over the past couple of days I am completely in my comfort zone again – back to being a brunette – I really do have more fun as a brunette, and certainly feel more comfortable, almost radiant:) To celebrate the visit back to the salon I embraced my favorite color palette – black, black and black.

Boots – Newbury suede boots // Trousers – Zara coated chinos // Sweater – Uniqlo men’s cashmere crew neck

And the result….a very happy brunette.

Last night we went out for dinner with dear friends – totally amazing night, 4 hours of great conversation, 1 glass of champagne, 4 bottles of Tempranillo, 5 courses, 1 amaretto and a taxi cab home.

Totally chaotic in my bedroom and closet due to the ongoing packing debacle – please excuse!

Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Dress – AllSaints charcoal Pia dress // Jacket – AllSaints // Clutch – Target

Leaving on a jet plane tomorrow so please continue to follow me on Instagram till I get back online with my shopping exploits in the UK – mwah!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Tag Archives: Zara

Stocking up on the essentials.

Shoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

Tornado alley.

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

Graphic t-shirts.

T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

Scents and sensibility.

Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

Elastic waistbands.

Trousers – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Ted Baker (old) // Sandals – Avarcas Pons in peach // Jacket – Zara (old)

Patterned pants.

Shoes – Marks and Spencer skate shoes // Trousers – Zara // Tank – H&M // Jumper – TopShop

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Harems – Next navy (last year – similar here) // T-shirt – ASOS forever t-shirt // Jumper – French Connection // Jacket – Next (old – similar here)

Summer blazers.

Bad ass dog.

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

Jet lag.

Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Back to Black.

Boots – Newbury suede boots // Trousers – Zara coated chinos // Sweater – Uniqlo men’s cashmere crew neck

Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Dress – AllSaints charcoal Pia dress // Jacket – AllSaints // Clutch – Target

Shoes – M&S // Skirt – Mango (similar here) // T-shirt – J.Crew

Sneakers – Stan Smith’s Adidas // Dress – ASOS (on sale)

T-shirt – J.Crew (30% off with GOSHOP in the USA) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Arvacas Pons // Jacket – Zara (old)

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Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Jeans – coated jeans Zara // T-shirt – AllSaints // Leather jacket – Boden (old)

Shoes – Marks and Spencer // Trousers – Zara (old) // Top – AllSaints Tiko t-shirt (similar here at ASOS) // Bag – Alexander Wang (old off TheOutnet.com)

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T-shirt – J.Crew // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shoes – Marks and Spencer

Related articles

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Birkenstocks – Arizona Blue // Jeans – H&M Boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden (old – similar here on sale)

Shoes – Converse // Skirt – James Perse (old – similar here) // Top – Zara (old)

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Trousers – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Ted Baker (old) // Sandals – Avarcas Pons in peach // Jacket – Zara (old)

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Shoes – Marks and Spencer skate shoes // Trousers – Zara // Tank – H&M // Jumper – TopShop

Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury navy suede // Harems – Next navy (last year – similar here) // T-shirt – ASOS forever t-shirt // Jumper – French Connection // Jacket – Next (old – similar here)

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Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Skirt – Asos wrap jersey skirt // T-shirt – Asos forever t-shirt in nude // Sweatshirt – Target (can only see plus size online)

Boots – Zara // Trousers – Mango harems (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – River Island (old – similar here)

Related articles

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Shoes – Marks and Spencer Limited Edition skate shoes // Jeans – Zara boyfriend jeans // T-shirt – French Connection Amelia t-shirt

Boots – Marks and Spencer Autograph biker boots // Jeans – BlankNYC faux leather // Dress – ASOS (currently on sale!) // Jacket – Gap (similar here) // Bag – Alexander Wang Rocco (similar here)

Related articles

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Boots – Newbury suede boots // Trousers – Zara coated chinos // Sweater – Uniqlo men’s cashmere crew neck

Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Dress – AllSaints charcoal Pia dress // Jacket – AllSaints // Clutch – Target

Related articles

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