Tag Archives: Zara

Jackets for sale!

Bra shopping.

Having worn my Topshop camis a few times I came to realize that I was in desperate need of a new strapless bra. I hate bra shopping. Not that I mind being measured or anything – I just really dislike spending money on something that will never be seen by anyone except by me. Having said that the results of a badly fitting bra are plain for all to see, as you will see from my photos today!

I had already tried to order 2 strapless Wonderbras from Figleaves.com but it was one of the most painful experiences ever. Firstly as Figleaves are in the UK I was charged a bank fee for my transaction – a flipping hidden fee I knew nothing about until it appeared. Then the bras never arrived and I had to deal with Figleaves’ Customer Service. I have to say they were the rudest, most patronizing, most aggressive, most evasive CS representatives I have EVER dealt with. Most unpleasant. Thank goodness I eventually got a refund – I shan’t be ordering with them again.

So that meant I was stuck with my strapless bra that I last wore pre-kids – why it was even still in my lingerie drawer I’ve no idea. Today I braced myself and headed into Victoria’s Secret – not a pleasant experience for someone who has carried and breastfed two children. Perky my boobs are not. The service in the store was fabulous. They couldn’t do enough for me and I walked out with two multi-way bras and two bandeaux bras, very happy indeed.

I’ve been suffering from a miserable head cold all week and today I needed something vibrant to wear to cheer me up. Pink was obviously the color of the day, even the lighting in the VS changing rooms was VERY pink!

Trousers – Topshop (now on sale here) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old) // Top – TopShop cami // Neckace – Macy’s (old) // Bangles – H&M // Bag – YSL Roady

I also may have popped back into Diesel to try on the Jogg Fayza jeans again. I love the Fayza’s I won on eBay – but the Jogg version, with the jersey lining, is still calling my name. I’ll just keep trying them on until I cave. If you do decide to buy be warned the come up HUGE – I tried these 25″ and they were perfect. These are the 807 wash which is a lot lighter than the 601 – I think I prefer the 601 myself.

I swear there aren’t that many creases in my cami – bad lighting again. See what I mean by the bra though? The nips were on full show for the poor guy helping me in Diesel.

Finally here’s an outfit from the other day. It got mixed reviews from the Husband. In all honesty I was going to wear a blouse with the skirt, but found a hole as I was putting it on, so quickly made the decision to try the double denim look. The husband thought the skirt was sexy but the top not so much. Oh well we all learn the hard way:)

Skirt – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Shoes – Lotta of Stockholm

After the boys of summer have gone.

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Labor weekend is traditionally the ‘end’ of summer – though we get at least another month of summer-like weather. Having said that we have woken up this morning to torrential rain – the garden is a mud pit – so much for our pool plans today. Hey ho, we’ve still had a fun packed weekend to say farewell to summer with a bang.

On Friday I caught up with a friend for lunch who I haven’t seen for probably eight years or so. We used to work together, then she moved to D.C. to study law. It was great fun to see where the years have taken us and we talked and talked as you can imagine! I can’t wait to make it a regular lunch date.

Trousers – Zara harems (old) // Shoes – Zara // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Boden clutch

Saturday started early. Every year on Labor weekend the weirdest people flock to Atlanta. I have a strange affinity for these weird folk. They are the Dragoncon delegates. Downtown Atlanta becomes populated by Klingons, wookiees and stormtroopers for the weekend. Fantastic fun.

Hugh wasn’t that impressed by the early start:

Darth Vader must have heard about the Death Star – he looked a little dejected.

I didn’t get a full outfit image that day – I assure you I didn’t dress up – though I’m tempted for next year:) I wore the same as here though – the grey Asos t-shirt dress – with my Golden Goose sneakers (similar here).

On Saturday evening we went out for a wonderful dinner with friends. It was a long, lovely, indulgent evening with lots of great conversation. To commemorate Labor weekend I wore all white.

Boots – Canvas Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shorts – Zara skort // T-shirt – AllSaints vest (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

These days Poppy and Hugh can’t resist getting involved in the photo taking – budding bloggers I tell you – though Hugh ain’t that impressed by his sister trying to steal the limelight:)

Last night we headed to the Braves game. It’s such a fun thing to do with the children now they can sit through nine innings. The music, the games, the food all take precedent over the actual baseball game – a good thing really as we lost. Poppy is now an expert at gaining enough attention to get us on the big screen with the FanCam – twice last night! I really need to make more of an effort for Braves games with the amount of exposure she is getting us! We were even lucky enough to have a free post game concert with Big & Rich. Baseball really is the best value when it comes to family entertainment – fours hours of relaxation and fun for $10 each!

Top – Boden Breton // Shorts – J.Crew (old) // Sneakers – Converse (old)

So today we may have to change plans – the rain is still falling. I fancy a good movie day curled up with my gorgeous family – sounds good to me.

Changing diets.

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By diet I don’t mean diet as in losing weight, I mean changing the nutritional content and fabric of my daily food intake. I have to say I’m always very skeptical about diets that remove items or restrict foods – like the Atkins diet etc. – but I’ve recently been reading a lot about food intolerance. As a scientist I have to say some of the data and reasoning is quite compelling. So I thought I’d give it a try. After speaking to my doctor about it she recommended trying the Virgin diet where you remove gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, corn and sugar from your diet, then add each one back into the mix to see which, if any you react too. Our food can impact all sorts of things – obviously our physical health, but also our mood and energy levels. Even though it sounds a bit fadish I thought I’d give it a go – nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I’m quite lazy, though not terribly unhealthy, when it comes to food – a quick bowl of pasta for example. I lack inspiration. One of the unexpected positive effects of trying this diet is that I have to plan my meals in advance, meaning I am much more prepared at meal time, ultimately resulting in far more enjoyment from cooking and eating.

I’ve only been following the plan for 3 days and yesterday I was EXHAUSTED. I could barely keep my eyes open and I started to question the alleged benefits. Today, however, I feel AMAZING. I have so much energy and feel so alert – and that was at 7am this morning. I’m starting to believe there may be something to this food intolerance stuff.

For you nay sayers who claim it is boring – ok it’s only been 3 days – but I am really enjoying eating fabulous fresh fruits and veg and great lean meat, and I’m tasting all the flavor. I’m using Gwyneth Paltrow’s “It’s All Good“ (recommended by a friend – thanks S!) for inspiration. I can’t say enough great things about this book – I always think of Gwyneth as being a bit up herself and self-righteous – but in the book she comes across as a lovely, down to earth mom – dare I say just like us? All thanks to great editing and PR I’m sure – but still I am really enjoying this book.

I’d love to hear if any of you have tried eliminating certain foods from your diet. How did you feel? Did you stick with it? Do you think it’s a fad?

Another benefit is that I already feel less bloated – my clothes are a little looser already. Apparently it can also make your skin look years younger…we’ll see.

Trousers – Zara palazzo trousers (old) // Top – Zara long sleeved tee (old) // Shoes – Tory Burch Emmy sandals (old)

T-shirt – Asos (similar here) // Shorts – DvF TheOutnet.com (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer (old)

The VMAs with more crass than class.

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Did you watch the VMAs last night? Lordy I am getting old.

First Lady Gaga – SO over her – in fact so over her I have nothing to say.

Okay so now Miley. Twitter lit up with her performance. All I can say is it was pathetic, disturbing and humiliating. Who the hell told her in rehearsal that ‘sure Miley – it’s great – just grab your crotch and stick your tongue out one more time‘? Someone needs to give her a good slap, and all those around her for encouraging that kind of tripe. When Robin Thicke joined her for Blurred Lines I was SO disappointed – he gave all the critics of the song all the ammunition they needed. Why grind your groin against Hannah Montana’s rear Robin? I was crying into my Earl Grey with disappointment.

Then Kanye. WTF? Great t.v. NOT. You couldn’t see him, nor could you hear the song for all the censorship bleeping over it.

Thank the Lord for Justin. A stellar performance from an artist that takes his craft seriously. Great singing, great dancing – what I call proper entertainment.

I don’t think there was one presenter I understood – lots of weird grunts and hand gestures – oh and inappropriate Amber Alert references, not something I think should be made light of. And then there was Katy’s grill, and Taylor and Selena trying to look hot and make Harry jealous. Just uuurgh – it’s giving me the creeps recounting it.

By then it was gone 10pm and I headed to bed. I recorded the show thinking Poppy would love to watch it – but I fear most of it will be fast forwarded to avoid corrupting her innocence. In hindsight I don’t think it has to do with my age – it’s more to do with the ‘entertainment’ industry’s poor judgement and inability to ‘entertain’. Whatever happened to good old singing and dancing – Justin needs to teach them all a lesson or two. What do you think?

As I step down from my soap box here’s what I’ve been wearing over the past couple of days…

Dress – Asos t-shirt dress // Sandals – Steve Madden (really old!) // Necklace – Target (old)

Jeans – Gap ankle skimmers (sale buys) // T-shirt – H&M (old) // Scarf – Boden (last season now just $14!) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Necklace – H&M (recent but not online)

Black and grey.

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It’s been a hectic week involving a fun night out with some moms from school – I love how diverse and fun our school is, we’re really lucky. Not quite sure how Friday has arrived so quickly this week.

I was up early this morning for carpooling duty so quite literally needed something to throw on. This Zara sweatshirt dress (old) was ideal, worn with my Golden Goose. I have a thing about cold shoulders in dresses and tops – I love them.

So regarding my wish list the other day – I may have slightly misled you. I actually ordered a couple of the Zara items – one because I’d seen it go in and out of stock so I was worried it may disappear if I delayed, and the other – well – just because I love it.

The first is the pink cardigan, ordered just because I wanted it, and I do love it. This is a medium so it is generous for Zara. I can’t wait to wear it with a simple white t-shirt, with boyfriend jeans or buttoned up with skinny jeans.

Next up is the knitted duffle. This keeps disappearing from stock so as soon as I saw the medium reappear I ordered it – justifying the early purchase by using the gift card that my father-in-law gave me for my birthday. He knows me so well. Thanks Mike – it’s a great birthday present – I love my knitted jacket:) Just be warned if you are buying for warmth this isn’t lined throughout. The sheepskin is just trim around the edges and in the hood – but perfectly snuggly for Atlanta fall weather.

Finally my ASOS dresses arrived. Now these are perfect and they were a great price – but the fabric of the black and grey is slightly different – I need to check the labels to see how composition differs. These are both a US 6 and the black is definitely shorter than the grey. I love the cut – great flirty t-shirt dresses, perfect with sneakers. They will be a staple to come through the mild Fall weather we have here. I think they’ll be great dressed up a bit with a scarf too, and the black could definitely be dressed up with heels and a great necklace for a night out. (Tip – always google for discount codes before buying on ASOS – there is normally one floating around!).

Have you checked anything off your ‘wish list’ yet?

The beginning of my Fall/Winter wish list.

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My September Vogue arrived yesterday. It is a beast. I was going to sit and read it while Poppy does her hour long hip hop class today, but I thought I might put my back out carrying it in my bag. Anyway it got me thinking about cooler weather and snuggling up in some cosy knits and coats. I cannot wait!

I’ve already started a wish list, and I am really trying to be good until it does get cooler, so I can make better, more informed choices based on what is in stores at the end of next month.

For now here are my key picks:

The Stuart Weitzman 50/50 is twenty years old and to celebrate they have introduced new colors. I adore this grey suede pair.

I have the Sam Edelman Alvin in leopard and plain black pony hair and this year I want to add this gorgeous saddle print to my collection.

I don’t own a trench and I need one. I think they are perfect for the milder winters we have here – and my favorite so far for color and length is this Zara short trench.

I am in need of a new, more fashionable puffer coat. My Patagonia one is great – but a little too practical and outdoorsy – if that makes sense. I adore the color of this Zara short puffer.

As for knitwear Zara is coming up trumps again. I love their pastel pinks and greys this year – the 80s girl in me again! This cardigan is gorgeous.

I also love this knitted duffle for the Fall.

My favorite Boden piece is in the Winter preview. I love the cream and grey together in this St. Ives jumper. (PRV3 will give you 20% off and free shipping in the US, and PRQ2 will do the same in the UK).

Finally, for now at least, I NEED this wool baseball cap from J.Crew.

So what’s caught your eye already this A/W 2013?

As for today I needed to be comfortable – remember the hour I have to sit in the waiting room at dance class!

Jersey Jacket – Zara (old) // Trousers – Zara (in the sale not online but may still be in stores) // Cami – TopShop in the sale at Nordstrom // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

Do you buy clothes for your Husband?

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Replace ‘Husband’ with the appropriate word for your situation – still I want to know do you shop and buy clothes for yours?

Within three months it is my birthday, our wedding anniversary and Mr PS’s birthday. Of course my birthday is always something I look forward to, but I am beginning to dread the other two events. Don’t get me wrong I love a good celebration – but my Husband has become such a great gift/card giver over the years that I am under immense pressure to step up my game.

You see Mr. PS is quite difficult to buy for. He has very few clothes in comparison to me – well that’s the case for most men isn’t it? So I always think it would be a great idea to track down some fabulous items for him to diversify his wardrobe a little – there are so many gorgeous men’s items to choose from. But it’s not quite as simple as that.

Mr. PS has VERY SPECIFIC styling requirements. He is in my eyes one of the new metrosexuals. He doesn’t even glance at high street brands. He wears Hermés aftershave, Diesel boxers, Nudie jeans, and Gucci loafers, though he did buy a couple of JCrew t-shirts this year much to my relief. For the recent wedding he attended he surprised me by wearing a Zara suit, though he spent more on the Hermés tie he bought to wear with it. He knows more about brands, especially classic and upscale brands than I do, and his mantra is always ‘quality over quantity’. Even when he was a student he loved unique, original shirts that he bought from Cheltenham, from the guy who went on to create Superdry. He used to only wear red high top converse – red of course because the Byzantine Emperors wore red shoes – like you do. He loves a good investment piece – which is obviously beneficial for me come birthday and Christmas, but it makes it a nightmare for me when I start thinking about gifts for him.

I still cringe over the plaid TopMan shirt I once bought him, or the brown birkenstocks that I packed lovingly for Christmas for him one year. After those two disasters I basically gave up buying clothes for him. But if you don’t get clothes what else do you buy a man whose passions are reading, watching football and travel? Okay so yes I could buy him a flight to Hong Kong, but I’m talking about stuff that still leaves me enough for the rest of my A/W wish list:) He does wear jewelry – and I will buy him a bigger diamond stud one year (my one and only success was a Tiffany stud I bought for him) – but I keep telling him that he is no NFL player so it can’t be too big. He loves his David Yurman beaded bracelets that I have bought for him – but I can’t just keep buying them in every color, can I?

So this year I asked him for some direction to help me with brands. Have you ever had a list like this from your man? I swear I have not made this up – I can forward the email he sent for proof.

Knitwear – YSL/Marni

Blazers (cotton) – Lanvin/Boglioli/Rag&Bone

Blazers (wool) – Gucci/Lanvin

Boots – Gucci

Loafers – Gucci

Brogues etc. – John Lobb

Slippers – John Lobb/Bally

Shirts – Budd & Co/Turnbull&Asser/Charvet/Sid Mashburn

Pants – Kolor/Marni/Lanvin

Sweatshirt/t-shirts – Nudie/James Perse

Ties (really?) – Drakes/Hermes/Charvet

Socks – Paul Smith (stripes)/Corgi

Polos – Sid Mashburn/Billy Reid/Sunspel/James Perse

Sneakers – Lanvin/YSl

Urban walking boots – Diemme (Roccio Vet)

Scarves – Etro/Lanvin/Hermes

Belt – Prada

Collar stays/collar bones – TM Lewin (mother-of-pearl)

Card case – Commes des Garcons (Flurio)

Tote – Marni

Mac/coat – Macintosh/Barbour/Aspesi

And obviously anything by Balmain.

———————————————

So at least I have some help now! But ‘collar stays/collar bones’ – WTF – he never wears shirts! And ‘tote’? Don’t even ask – I know what you are thinking. Would your man ever give you a list like this? I just need to sell a kidney now and open an account with MrPorter.com.

As for what I’m wearing – it’s been a wet, dreary weekend in Atlanta so it called for casual, comfortable clothes – with sleeves too! In August? Crazy!

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

If there is such a thing – fall sandals!

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It’s almost half way through August and everyone’s focus is now on Fall. The back breaking September issue of Vogue will soon be hitting my door mat, undoubtedly full of fabulous temptations. As you know I’ve already been lured into a couple of Fall purchases, though I did return the Zara pointed boots – too goblin-like for me in the end – but I filled the suede void with the fabulous pink Boden desert boots which are on their way to me as we speak (I may also have sneaked the pink skinny jeans in the order too)!

I do struggle here with the Fall releases being so early – it really doesn’t get cooler in Atlanta till early November. Most years we are trick or treating in shorts and t-shirts with the kids sweltering in their costumes. I know few of you have sympathy for me – but I am a girl that loves sweaters and boots so I long for the cool temperatures!

To ease my pain I’ve been browsing sandals as at least I can show off my pedicure for longer! I may even have made a couple of sneaky purchases:)

These heels have caught my eye – and a couple of them resemble those I’ve seen in Zara over the summer – but these are fabulously priced!

Clockwise from top – Black snake print t-bar – New Look £19.99 // Black strappy lace up – New Look £24.99 // Yokono cut out sandals – New Look just £27.00 in the sale // Pewter snake print ankle strap – New Look £19.99

As for flats here are my favorites from Nine West at Zappos.com – and both are in the sale! I’m a sucker for an ankle strap and a bit of animal print but they also come in solid colors too.

Here’s hoping a couple more sandal purchases will prevent me from prematurely leaping into the ankle boot pool before they are all released!

Today’s outfit is all about comfort I’m afraid!

Trousers – TopShop (old – bought here) // Top – Matalan (old – bought here) // Sneakers – Converse

My 42nd birthday!

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I had the most amazing day yesterday – packed full of everything I love – from a good, leisurely work out, to great burgers and margaritas, to a wonderful dinner out, all in the company of my wonderful family.

My Husband is becoming quite a pro at choosing great birthday cards. As one of my friends said it really is a gift to have the patience to search through sappy cards for the perfect card for the recipient! If you haven’t seen the Honey Badger viral video this won’t mean anything to you!

After an indulgent glass of prosecco we headed off for a leisurely lunch at our favorite burger joint. It was hot as hades here yesterday so I decided to wear my TopShop cami for the first time. I really do love the cut and fabric of these tops and I’ll be buying more – they drape perfectly with no clinging. I was switched on to them by lovely Eve at AllWornOut and Jane at MyMidlifeFashion. Fortunately TopShop is now easily available here from Nordstrom! The creases fell out as soon as it was exposed to the Atlanta humidity!

Top – TopShop Cami // Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old) // Sandals – Zara

Later that evening my Husband took me to The Optimist for the first time. What an amazing restaurant. It was busy so the service was a little tardy but we were in no hurry and I relished my oysters! It’s a huge, open restaurant and I loved the noise created by the acoustics. In a strange way it reminded me of Harrods food hall or even Quaglinos, though I haven’t been there since the early 90s!

I felt fabulous in my Zara flowing jumpsuit (sold out but similar here). I actually bought this and returned it once thinking I’d never wear it – but it was such a perfect fit I re-bought it and I am so glad I did! I went full ’70s for this baby of August ’71 with big hair and white heels (now on sale here!).

So that’s the birthday done and dusted for another year – here’s to a great one – and happy birthday to all my fellow Leos!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Tag Archives: Zara

Jackets for sale!

Bra shopping.

Trousers – Topshop (now on sale here) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old) // Top – TopShop cami // Neckace – Macy’s (old) // Bangles – H&M // Bag – YSL Roady

Skirt – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Shoes – Lotta of Stockholm

After the boys of summer have gone.

Trousers – Zara harems (old) // Shoes – Zara // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Boden clutch

Hugh wasn’t that impressed by the early start:

Darth Vader must have heard about the Death Star – he looked a little dejected.

Boots – Canvas Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shorts – Zara skort // T-shirt – AllSaints vest (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Top – Boden Breton // Shorts – J.Crew (old) // Sneakers – Converse (old)

Changing diets.

Trousers – Zara palazzo trousers (old) // Top – Zara long sleeved tee (old) // Shoes – Tory Burch Emmy sandals (old)

T-shirt – Asos (similar here) // Shorts – DvF TheOutnet.com (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer (old)

The VMAs with more crass than class.

Dress – Asos t-shirt dress // Sandals – Steve Madden (really old!) // Necklace – Target (old)

Jeans – Gap ankle skimmers (sale buys) // T-shirt – H&M (old) // Scarf – Boden (last season now just $14!) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Necklace – H&M (recent but not online)

Black and grey.

The beginning of my Fall/Winter wish list.

Jersey Jacket – Zara (old) // Trousers – Zara (in the sale not online but may still be in stores) // Cami – TopShop in the sale at Nordstrom // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

Do you buy clothes for your Husband?

Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

If there is such a thing – fall sandals!

Clockwise from top – Black snake print t-bar – New Look £19.99 // Black strappy lace up – New Look £24.99 // Yokono cut out sandals – New Look just £27.00 in the sale // Pewter snake print ankle strap – New Look £19.99

Trousers – TopShop (old – bought here) // Top – Matalan (old – bought here) // Sneakers – Converse

My 42nd birthday!

Top – TopShop Cami // Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old) // Sandals – Zara

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Trousers – Topshop (now on sale here) // Sandals – Tory Burch Emmy (old) // Top – TopShop cami // Neckace – Macy’s (old) // Bangles – H&M // Bag – YSL Roady

Skirt – Zara (old) // Top – Zara (old) // Shoes – Lotta of Stockholm

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Trousers – Zara harems (old) // Shoes – Zara // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Boden clutch

Hugh wasn’t that impressed by the early start:

Darth Vader must have heard about the Death Star – he looked a little dejected.

Boots – Canvas Rag & Bone Newbury boots // Shorts – Zara skort // T-shirt – AllSaints vest (old) // Jacket – Zara (old)

Top – Boden Breton // Shorts – J.Crew (old) // Sneakers – Converse (old)

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Trousers – Zara palazzo trousers (old) // Top – Zara long sleeved tee (old) // Shoes – Tory Burch Emmy sandals (old)

T-shirt – Asos (similar here) // Shorts – DvF TheOutnet.com (old) // Shoes – Marks & Spencer (old)

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Dress – Asos t-shirt dress // Sandals – Steve Madden (really old!) // Necklace – Target (old)

Jeans – Gap ankle skimmers (sale buys) // T-shirt – H&M (old) // Scarf – Boden (last season now just $14!) // Sandals – Zara (old) // Necklace – H&M (recent but not online)

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Jersey Jacket – Zara (old) // Trousers – Zara (in the sale not online but may still be in stores) // Cami – TopShop in the sale at Nordstrom // Shoes – Sam Edelman Alvin

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Shoes – Adidas Gazelles // Jeans – Primark (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Shirt – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – H&M (old)

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Clockwise from top – Black snake print t-bar – New Look £19.99 // Black strappy lace up – New Look £24.99 // Yokono cut out sandals – New Look just £27.00 in the sale // Pewter snake print ankle strap – New Look £19.99

Trousers – TopShop (old – bought here) // Top – Matalan (old – bought here) // Sneakers – Converse

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Top – TopShop Cami // Skirt – J.Crew Factory (old) // Sandals – Zara

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