Tag Archives: Zara

Harem pants

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I’ve never made a secret of my love for harem pants. They are so comfortable, and these days there are so many options available that if a full on drop crotch isn’t for you then you can opt for a smarter jogging pant. I’m wearing mine today as it is going to be in the 80’s and their fluidity keeps me cool all day. In fact they are the first thing I pack for vacations as they are perfect for traveling in too. You can then dress them up for evening wear with a lovely top and even a light jacket. The footwear options are endless – sneakers, sandals and even heels all look great with them.

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(Images via Pinterest)

The pair I am wearing today is from ASOS – just $28! They have an elastic waist that can be folded over to be worn lower on the hips if needed.

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I am waiting to take receipt of these tomorrow – a little lower crotch which I love..

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Etsy is a fabulous source for harem pants. I’ve had some great purchases in the past and these caught my eye.

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Along with this pair which is less tailored. Bulgaria appears to be the home of most harem tailors!

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H&M offer some wonderful choices as well. These are similar to the ASOS pair I’m wearing – less drop crotch, more smart jogger.

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I have this pair of joggers – and they are definitely joggers so better worn with sneakers but I adore the drop crotch and the fabric is great! Perfect paired with a simple white tee and leather jacket.

H&M 2

Finally if you are in the UK I hear great things about the Hush harems. These have a fold over waistband and they look so comfortable. They are available in black. olive, navy, charcoal and blue. They will deliver to the US for £12 but it is not DPD, so make sure you know what customs will charge you for your order.

Hush harem

Here I am today – the weather is so great the toes are out!

harem 1Shoes – Birkenstocks // Trousers – ASOS // Top – J.Crew (old) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Scarf – H&M (old)

Yesterday the legs were out too – as well as plenty of sunless tan cream!

IMG_2953Dress – ASOS (old) // Shoes – Zara (this season but sold out online) // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

 

 

 

The humble sweatshirt

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Where would we be without the sweatshirt? In recent years it has morphed from athletic wear to day wear to going out wear – that even allows you to share opinions with motifs and messages. Personally I prefer a simple sweatshirt with no graphics, although I do own a couple of motif sweatshirts. They are perfect for layering, or just throwing on when you lack inspiration. The sweatshirt can be worn with anything from denim shorts and jeans through to leather trousers and skirts, and you can’t beat a simple grey sweatshirt paired with sequin leggings.

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(images via Pinterest)

First up some exciting news from H&M – a fabulous source for sweatshirts. There is up to 60% off online today PLUS the US can now return online purchases in store!!! Hooray!!! At last! Previously we have had to mail them back and were consequently charged a restocking fee – so I am thrilled now we have the option of returning in store.

The sweatshirt I am wearing today is H&M and I love it – it is really substantial and the quality is great. I think I paid around $30 for it. I sized up too as I can’t stand tight fitting sweatshirts! For me they have to be slouchy and oversized.

I love this one with the zip detail – slightly cropped too and perfect for layering.

H&M zip sweatshirt

The lacing detail on this one gives it a unique twist.

H&M lacing

This one is very similar to mine, it may even be the same and is just $24.99 – it comes in pale pink and black too.

H&M 24.99 sweatshirt

This little number is currently just $5.99 in the grey and $9.99 in other colors!!!

H&M 5.99 sweatshirt

Rebecca has this red sweatshirt and I love the washed red – it is currently reduced to $9.99 with all sizes available.

Parson sweathsirt

Now if you are in the UK you are probably aware of Selfish Mother. They are committed to genuine sustainability through their supply chain. Their tees and sweatshirts are made at a Fair Wear Foundation certified factory in Bangladesh, which means it is vetted for good working conditions and fair wages. The designs are all screen-printed in London and each different design contributes profits to a different charity. They ship to the US too.

Purchasing the Maman sweatshirt contributes to Help Refugees UK. £10 from every MAMAN tee and £15 from every MAMAN sweatshirt will go to support this cause.

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I love the logo on this one – so appropriate for me 😉 All profits* from sales of WINGING IT designs go to KIDS CHARITY UK, who do amazing work with disabled children and their families. KIDS not only helps young people age 0-25 but also the people caring for them on a daily basis More info here. *When they say ‘all profits’ this means £15 from the sale of each sweat going straight to help others!

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This is the version I own – I did say I had a motif sweatshirt in there somewhere! All profits* from sales of Mother designs go to Women for Women International – an charity that helps women in 8 war-torn regions rebuild their lives through training programs. More info here.  *When they say ‘all profits’ this means £15 from the sale of each sweat going straight to help others!

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Now Zara have some fun offerings this season – though they may be causing a little trouble with this Elle Macpherson sweat – it is very similar to Reformation’s Cindy Crawford sweatshirt that retailed for $118!

elle macpherson sweatshirt

I love this oversized motif sweatshirt which is available in other colors too.

oversized sweatshirt

Mango of course have some great options to choose from – plain or graphic. These are my picks.

I need one of each color in this sweatshirt with motivational quotes!

Mango perfect sweathsirt

I love the shape of this one and the fact it doesn’t have cuffs.

Mango oversized sweatshirt

If you quite like the idea of a motif, but not emblazoned across your chest, this is a great alternative. It comes in white and black too with different copy.

Mango message sweatshirt

I adore the lower neckline on this and the slight pleating at the sides. Perfect for layering and the grey is also gorgeous.

Mango cotton sweatshirt

I love the lace detail on this one and it is currently 35% off.

Mango cord sweatshirt

Here they are going with the Bella Freud year thing – at some point I will find a 1971 version – I can’t bring myself to wear one that isn’t my birth year!

Mango 1976 sweatshirt

Now finally TheOutnet.com who have several items on clearance too right now, including this Zoe Karssen number which is just $25! I’m tempted to buy it even to sleep in at 80% off!

zoe karssen clearance

Another Zoe Karssen with 50% off.

theoutnet zoekarsson

This Etre Cecile number is so much fun! Love it! Just $81.60 too.

parisienne

Only XS left in this Markus Lupfer sweatshirt – but how cool is it!?

Marksu lupfer

You can’t go wrong with a simple James Perse sweatshirt – always fabulous fabric and 60% off on TheOutnet.com.

james peres

Possibly my favorite – this Etre Cecile number is gorgeous – I LOVE the colors and it is just $86.70.

etre

So here I am in my little H&M number today! Spring is blooming in Atlanta so hopefully I will get to sit out in the garden later once I’ve dragged the kids to their dentist appointment!

SweatshirtShoes – Kurt Geiger // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – J.Crew popover (25% off with code SHOPNOW) // Sweatshirt – H&M (similar here) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

 

 

 

 

The glove shoe

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So yes you’ve already probably formed an opinion on this style of shoe – what I like to call the block heeled ballerina. Many vehemently hate them, many love them, regardless the ‘granny’ shoe, as it has become known, looks like it is here to stay for a while. I have to say I am rather taken with them. I think they look great as an alternative to the sock boot with a cropped, kick flare. Also, they look rather neat on my peculiar feet. I like a high vamp that conceals my toes and I find them ridiculously comfortable. Given their comfort it’s not surprising I thought all the flight attendants on my Virgin Atlantic flight were wearing very cool cabin shoes, you can’t deny the similarity!

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(Images from Pinterest)

The top pick of the high street is the TopShop Juno. I actually have these in a beautiful red color that doesn’t appear to be available anymore – but they do now come in a fabulous orange – how awesome will they look with tanned legs!?

TopShop Juno collage

The pair from Zara were the first that caught my eye. Beautifully soft leather in a lovely neutral ecru color.

Zara

I absolutely love these from Mango – tan suede will go with everything and see you throughout the summer.

Mango

I no longer see the H&M black suede pair online, which I am wearing today, but they have them in beautiful neutral light mole here on the UK site.

H&M premium shoes

 

Finally my absolutely dream pair of pumps. Such a stunning color for summer – but pricey – so only commit once you know the style is for you! The Maryam Nassir Zadeh Roberta pump.

MNZ ROberta

Violet MNZ Roberta

So as I say, a love them or hate them kind of shoe and I get both sides, but I’m going with them – anything that offers comfort these days is embraced!

I’m actually amazed I can move today. Saturday was spent in the treetops, navigating rope bridges and zip lines for my newly turned 8 year old. It was terrifying and boy did my arms and core get a workout! The things you do for your kids!

H&M pumpsJeans – JBrand Selena // Shoes – H&M (On UK site in light mole here) // Top – Zara (old) // Jacket – H&M (now on sale just $34.99) // Bag – Givenchy Pandora

 

 

 

 

 

It’s snowing – let’s get the faux fur coats out quick!

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I have previously bemoaned the short winters here in Atlanta. I love winter dressing and try to make the most of the winter months. Today we woke up to unexpected snow flurries so I quickly changed my planned attire (I always select my outfit the night before to prevent harassed mornings!) and grabbed my over the knee boots and faux fur for extra warmth. I love a good faux fur and there is so little opportunity to wear them that perhaps having 3 in my closet is overkill, never mind the AllSaints shearling that made it’s way to my home late last year!

I love faux fur so much I actually have a Pinterest board dedicated to it. In my opinion the blogger Maja Wyh and Kate Moss wear fur the best. They always look incredible and never anything close to a character from Monsters Inc.

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(Images from Pinterest.com)

So here I am today with a hastily thrown together outfit with one of my beloved fur coats – an old Zara one.

Zara fur editedCoat – Zara (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney // Boots – Stuart Weitzman Lowland // Jumper – H&M (in sale)// Scarf – Zara (old) // Leggings – H&M // Lipstick – NARS Liv

Fortunately for those of us still in cold climates many faux fur coats are now in the sale. Here are some of my favorites – just click each image for more details.

VEro moda fur asos

Unreal fur ASOS

Mango leopard fur

Mango faux fur

ink mongolian ASOS

H&M fur 3

H&M fur 2

H&M fur 1

ASOS white fur

striped fur

 

Unexpected movie days

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I’m watching the end of The Devil Wears Prada snuggled up on the sofa with a poorly girl. She’s on the mend but while I have her home its lovely indulging in some chick flicks with her.

Needless to say I have spent most of the time in sweats but decided that the doctor may prefer it if I turned up dressed. I took advantage of the warm weather to get the ankles out with my new Zara shoes. They are fabulous Prada tributes! I hope this isn’t the end of winter though as I am still in boot and coat mode!

BretonJeans – Zara sale // Shoes – Zara // Top – J.Crew // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

Zara shoes

 

A new children’s tv presenter?

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I only ask this question as those of you who remember Floella Benjamin and Brian Cant may see why my jumpsuit and fringed sneakers made me think of them today! I’m ready to step in a present Play Away anytime!

I am head over heels in love with these new premium leather fringe Converse. SO comfortable – I always seem to take half a size down in Converse – these are a US 8 instead of my usual US 8.5.

Converse

My jumpsuit is similar to the navy version that Alex shared a photo of on Instagram. Both are sold out but stalk the navy one – it keeps coming back into stock.

jumpsuitJumpsuit – ASOS (similar here) // Jacket – Maje (TheOutnet.com) // Sneakers – Converse // Bag – Stella McCartney // Scarf – Boden (old – 20% off pants, skirts, shoes and accessories today!)

It’s been a pretty cold week again here so I’ve mainly been donning variations of a theme – coats and scarfs! This coat was an absolute bargain in the Zara sale.

White coatSneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Diesel Fayza // Jumper – Uniqlo cotton cashmere // Coat – Zara // Bag – Proenza Schouler // Scarf – Zara (old)

A weekend packed with cheer competitions is coming up so it’s going to be fun and busy! I can’t wait for all those sequins and sparkles! So much rehearsal goes into a 2 1/2 minute performance!

Get an extra 20% off clearance prices!!

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You can get my favorite Stella McCartney fur bag right now with an extra 20% off using code sale20 – it’s already reduced 50% – too good to miss – I adore it and always get complements on it! There’s so much more too that you can take advantage of the extra 20%! Here’s the bag in all it’s glory today!

red coatBag – Stella McCartney (extra 20% off already discounted price with sale20) // Boots – Acne Jensens (sold out in silver but similar here) // Jeans – Zara (old) // Shirt – Zara (old) // Coat – Zara // Scarf – Zara (not online – in sale)

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Atlanta after all the snow of the weekend so we headed out for a long lunch.

AllSaints jacketBoots – TopShop Magnificent boots // Jeans – JBrand Selena // Jumper – Everlane cashmere // Shearling coat – AllSaints (similar here in sale) // Bag – Mulberry

The weather was a sharp contrast from Saturday when we all went for a blissful 4 mile walk in the snow! I knew my Sorels would come in handy! This brilliant parka is in the sale too – I love it – so warm!

Uniqlo parkaCoat – Uniqlo on sale // Boots – Sorel // Trousers – H&M

 

Get the glow in January!

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I’m sitting here looking out of my office window and it is GREY! In fact almost dark. There is a Nor’easter heading towards us. Fortunately, I think, we are only going to get pummeled by rain as our temperatures are rising. In weather like this I always love wearing my darker greys and blacks, but when it comes to makeup I want my skin to glow with health! I am drinking a lot of water which helps – but you can’t beat some good moisturizer and makeup products at this time of year! I love treating myself to some little ‘feel good’ cosmetics to beat the January blues.

Here are my favorites which I am using constantly at the moment!

Hourglass have become one of my go to cosmetic brands. Not cheap, but their products last forever and do what they say on the tin. So many people have mentioned recently how good my skin looks and I attribute it to this palette. You can use the powder to highlight and apply it intensely on the cheek bones, or apply it more liberally to give an overall glow.

ambient lighting pallette

Buxom lip cream is a favorite of mine. It has an amazing tingly sensation when you apply it which apparently helps to plump your lips. I adore White Russian – it’s a lovely nude gloss that brightens your face.

Buxom lip polish

Recently I’ve gone what I consider to be ‘old skool’ with my skin care. I’ve tried more expensive options but believe me they ain’t worth it. The good old Body Shop comes out tops in my book time and time again. Especially with their Drops of Youth and Oils of Life skincare ranges. I apply this essence every morning after washing and before I put any serum or moisturizer on. It kind of prepares your skin to absorb the moisture.

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This serum is lush. I apply it in the morning and before bed. Super hydrating and it smells divine.

intensely-revitalizing-facial-oil_l

I also love the gel cream from the same range. I love the texture – it’s not greasy at all and absorbs in an instant ready for you to apply foundation.

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The body shop Vitamin C range has always been a go to line for me – especially when traveling. Nothing gives you a better boost than applying some of this in flight (I often decant into smaller pots for travel). This one really does make me giggle because it is perfect for ‘grumpy skin’!

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I’ve just reordered this (if you join the Body Shop rewards program it gives you a 10% discount off each purchase.) I love this and use it each day, with or without makeup.

vitamin-c-instant-glow-enhancer_l

I don’t wear a lot of foundation – sometimes I just apply a little concealer on after the above glow enhancer. When I do wear it Hourglass is my brand of choice – I love their Illusion skin tint – it is a little heavier in consistency than the name suggests and you only need a tiny amount for a flawless finish.

hourglass illusionjpg

Most important to me at this time of year is a fab, fab lip color! I am wearing Mac Pink Pigeon today, and my favorite nude color from them MAC at the moment is Kinda Sexy.

Mac matte lipstick

I doubt I will ever wear another blusher than this – NARS orgasm – it’s just the perfect hue for a glow winter or summer.

Nars blusher

A new discovery this season, for me at least, is the NARS multiple stick. I’ve always been a tad scared about application. I run Copacabana gently along my cheek bone and then Portofino in a line slightly below it, BEFORE applying my blush on the apples of my cheeks. I use a firm angled brush to gently blend the multiple and it leaves a gorgeous dewy sheen.

Nars multiplt

And that folks is how I get my glow on this winter! Along with buckets of water!

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What are your favorite products this winter? A great hand cream is always a necessity and I am still searching for the perfect hydrating, non greasy formula!

Finally here are a couple of outfits from the past couple of days. It’s been pretty chilly here!

ASOS coatCoat – ASOS on sale // Jumper – H&M on sale // Jeans – Zara (old) // Boots – Isabel Marant by H&M (old) // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

Leopard print coatCoat – Mango on sale // Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Everlane // Scarf – Asos (similar here) // Bag – Mulberry Bayswater

Planning for my trip

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My trip to England each February is now a regular occurence – I look forward to it so much, and it is perfectly timed to battle the January blues. I have 5 or 6 weeks post Christmas to look forward to seeing my family and friends, and spend the dark, cold evenings with my excel spreadsheet planning what to pack! I actually don’t do too much shopping when I am back in England, except for my pilgrimage to M&S, so it’s always quite a challenge packing lightly for the cold and inevitable rain. I need ‘going out’ clothes, cool yet comfortable footwear for tramping around London, comfy loungewear, and enough layers and good shoes for a couple of long walks with Mum and Dad.

Of course in writing my list a couple of additional ‘wants’ have arisen. The first is this spectacular coat that I spotted on The Telegraph fashion pages online. It’s so Emmanuelle Alt with the tie belt and checks. It comes in two color ways – I’ve ordered both to try but LOVE the mustard. I’m thinking about it for London. I get so hot in and out of stores but I need a coat/jacket. It would be perfect with my JBrand Selenas and TopShop sock boots.

Mustard Mango coat Checked coat

Now it’s FREEZING here today and I’ve been living in my Uggs in and around the house. Mum and Dad have been sending me images of the deep snow in Bury and to say they’ve made me shiver is an understatement. I need to take my Uggs with me – but mine are a very light sand suede. Not made for Bury mud. These however are – and I can even venture out in them – the zips make them a little edgier than regular Uggs. They’ll be perfect for the airport too…justifying purchase….I know….They must be cool as Eve and Michelle both have them too.

Uggs

Now I really don’t need another pair of jeans. At all. How I adore these though. The Diesel Krailey coated joggjeans. I still love my Fayza joggjeans – so comfortable – and the coated Krailey is a little more elevated, yet still super cool.

Diesel jeans

Finally – as an option for wandering the Big Smoke in comfort – how about these stunners? I love flatforms and have a silver lace up pair from Zara last year. This season they have introduced these gold brogue Prada tributes.

Zara gold

So there you go. My spreadsheet list, needless to say, needs some refining. Helped along hopefully as we get closer to departure date and the weather forecast becomes a little more reliable! The first year I went it snowed in London and was FREEZING, but last year I was sitting outside and it really wasn’t that cold at all!

As I mentioned it is the coldest day of winter here today. It’s also MLK day so we’ve all been home. I started the day with a cold, brisk, invigorating run! Then we headed off to watch Norm of the North and out for a late lunch. Much fun was had! I got my new glasses too – I love them – they’re so comfortable!

Here’s my outfit round up from the past few days for those of you not on Instagram.

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Winter whiteJumper – H&M // Jeans – Zara (old in sale) // Boots – Rag & Bone Newbury // Bag – Anya Hindmarch (old off TheOutnet.com)

Haff dress (1)Dress – AllSaints Haff dress // Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland // Bag – Alexander McQueen De Manta

1_15 Poppysstyle (1)Jumper – H&M (similar here on sale) // Trousers – Zara pleather leggings // Scarf – Zara (old) // Coat – Zara (sale) // Shoes – Adidas Superstar slip ons (similar here)

RIP David Bowie

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We hear about celebrity deaths all the time in the media. My normal reaction, such as when Lemmy died, is ‘Oh that’s sad, such a shame’, and we move on. We didn’t know them but we may have admired their art, and we take a second to acknowledge the world without them. Something was different this morning though when I learned of David Bowie’s death. It was so, so shocking, tragic and it knocked me sideways. Maybe it’s because he was always reinventing himself we were just waiting for his next guise? Maybe because we’d just celebrated his 69th birthday by listening to his new album? Maybe because as I grew up there had ALWAYS been David Bowie. David Bowie can’t die!? The last time I cried over someone’s death who isn’t a friend or relative was when Diana died. This morning as I read my Facebook newsfeed I was overwhelmed by a sense of loss. I watched his Live Aid appearance and burst into tears. Poppy and Hugh wondered what was wrong – I smiled and told them I was sad about an amazing singer dying. We all know he was much more than a singer. ‘Let’s Dance’ was the first album I bought and I wore it out. When I listen to it on Spotify it evokes so many emotions of love, fun, drama and teenage angst. I’ll be playing it all day today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJxOL_eFGEk

David-bowie-lets-dance

Thin white duke

There wasn’t much debate over what to wear today – my Bowie t-shirt was out.

pistol 1Boots – Acne Pistol (on sale here)// Jeans – Zara // T-shirt – ASOS (old) // Jacket – AllSaints // Bag – PS1 // Scarf H&M (old)

Back on Thursday it was a day for leggings – I’m all about comfort right now!

Leggings and shearlingSneakers – Nike // Leggings – ASOS // Jumper – H&M // Jacket – AllSaints (similar here on sale) // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (TheOutnet.com)

 

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