Tag Archives: Zara

MOT month

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Every January I get my MOT done (for the US readers an MOT is a reference to cars that get their road worthiness checked every year – it’s called the MOT test!). This includes my dermatology skin checks, ob/gyn visit, and my annual eye test! I encourage everyone to get into the habit of it – it’s a pain to make all these appointments, but I would never have had my melanoma identified this time last year if I hadn’t had my annual skin check.

I was thrilled this morning that my blood pressure reading was just 111/69. I’m convinced this is due to my change in diet. I normally have blood pressure at the higher end of normal and it can shoot up at the doctors due to white coat hypertension. Skin check was all clear too thankfully. Now I can look forward to new glasses on Monday!

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.03 AM

Ok enough with the health lecture. On to some shopping. It’s brass monkeys here at them moment and I’ve been cruising the coat sections. This coat from ASOS is gorgeous, and even better it’s reduced! I’m torn between the khaki (keeps popping back into stock) or the grey.

khaki ASOS coat ASOS coat with seam

Also I must tell you about these fabulous harem joggers from H&M – new in, and I am wearing mine today. Super comfortable, great quality and just $29.99 in a variety of colors. I’m wearing a medium.

H&M harem

Perfect for on and off at the doctors!

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.51 AMJoggers – H&M // Jumper – Zara (sale – can’t see online) // Coat – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby (old) // Bag – Alexander Wang Diego (off TheOutnet.com)

Finally – yes I got out there again – it was freakin’ freezing but the sleeve says it all…

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 11.51.39 AMShoes – New Balance Vazee (best running shoes I’ve ever worn!) // Tights – Nike (on sale) // Top – Nike

Starting 2016 the right way

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I was reading Nikki over at Midlifechic.com the other day. Her Project Happier really struck a chord with me.

I am a naturally outgoing person, being a Leo, and mostly love being around other people. I would say 90% of the time I am naturally happy and I always tend to take things in my stride. Over the past couple of years though that remaining 10% has raised it’s ugly head more regularly than I’d like.

I think I’ve always felt a sense of loss since moving to Atlanta. As much as I love living here, grief at having ‘lost’ my life in the UK can occur. It’s a sense of ‘loss’ and ‘being lost’. In 2015 I think it was exacerbated by my melanoma diagnosis. As amazing as my husband and family are, it was trying going through something so traumatic away from ‘home’. I went on anti-depressants for a while which ultimately led to a 40lb weight gain in a very short period of time. At the end of the year I decided the pills weren’t really needed and that the weight gain was probably exacerbating any ‘sadness’ I was experiencing. So I am starting 2016 with my own ‘Project Happiness’. I’m going to tackle that troublesome 10% and flip it to HAPPY!

I’ve started with a clean eating program – Whole30. I’ve always exercised frequently – if you follow on Instagram myself and a few others still use #PSFitClub for motivation. It’s now time to fix my food intake. I yo-yo a lot and I LOVE food. Living in the South with fried grits, biscuits and fried chicken does not help! So instead of following a ‘diet’ I have immersed myself in what I hope will be a ‘lifestyle’ change. In fact I have just taken the kids to their favorite diner for breakfast before school resumes tomorrow, and as torturous as I knew it would be watching them consume pancakes and syrup and vanilla milkshakes, I actually really enjoyed my omelette with sliced tomato. Honest! Whole30 isn’t supposed to be about weight loss – more to do with resetting your digestive system and ridding yourself of sugar cravings, but I’m hoping with the workouts I will be on the right path to regaining my svelte figure in a healthy manner. It’s also supposed to help your mind too – it really is compelling reading. I’ll keep you posted and my Instagram will give you a glimpse of my daily eating and challenges if you are interested!

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 12.00.07 PMJumper – Everlane // Coat – Zara // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Jeans – Zara (old) // Sneakers – Nike Air Max

Screen Shot 2016-01-05 at 12.00.20 PMSneakers – Nike Thea in Olive // Pants – Reebok (on sale here) // Jumper – H&M // Bag – Mansur Gavriel // Hat – Nordstrom (old but blue on sale here)

OOTD catch up!

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Yes it’s chaos here! Last week of school done – with the odd day off sick for Poppy – uuurgh. All healthy now thankfully so we are ready to throw ourselves into the festivities! So far we have tickets for Star Wars, and an intimate gig with Lloyd Cole lined up – I’m not sure which I am more excited about. Lloyd possibly – especially after singing his greatest hits full blast in the car yesterday! So before we all sink further into the festive mayhem here is a quick outfit round up from the last few days!

H&M fur coat, Everlane, Proenza Schouler PS1, Golden GooseJacket – H&M // Jumper – Everlane // Jeans – Zara // Sneakers – Golden Goose (40% off here) // Bag – Proenza Schouler (some colors on sale here)

jumper dressJumper – H&M // Faux leather trousers – Zara (similar here) // Boots – Isabel Marant x H&M (old) // Bag – Proenza Schouler (some colors on sale here)

zara blouseJeans – ASOS // Blouse – Zara // Cardigan – Zara // Boots – Acne Jensen (some colors in sale) // Bag – Proenza Schouler (some colors on sale here)

Bells are ringing

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Bell bottoms that is…Every so often I tire of my skinnies and boyfriend jeans and crave the leg lengthening, slimming bell bottom. flares 7 flares 6 flares 5 flares 4 Flares 3 Flares 2 flares 1

Here are my picks of the season to help you emulate these amazing Pinterest images.

These were the first to catch my eye from Zara

Zara flare

For not much more you can have a pair in leather.

Zara leather

I settled with these from ASOS as they all have elastic waists – not much to complain about there!

These are Blank NYC pull on cotton mix and come in waist sizes so you can be more accurate with fit.

Blank NYC pull on

Sods law the ones I am wearing today are now reduced – Blank NYC faux leather pull ons. I’m in a 29″ and they are perfect.

faux leather Blank NYC

These crepe flares are fabulous – super comfortable and swishy!

crepe flares

I also ordered the jersey ones to try – I found these slightly looser in the thigh with less of the extreme bell bottom cut. Also now reduced! I tried a US 8 in both of these and again they were spot on.

jersey flares

I nearly got sucked into the sequin legging crew again this Christmas, but I have to say I far prefer these H&M glitter flares on me. I bought a medium and they are amazing. Lovely and fitted through the thigh and that elastic waist will be a life saver over the festive period!

glitter flares

These are similar but gold rather than silver sparkle – also more of a wide leg trousers than a true bell bottom. Again fabulous in a medium on me and the elastic waist makes them like pajama bottoms for Christmas day! I think both would look super with sneakers or a dressier shoe.

Glitter wide leg trousers

And finally here’s how I’m wearing the Blank NYC faux leather pair today. I certainly need a heel with these – my Newburys are high enough but my Sam Edelman Bradleys will be perfect.

Flares - JoannaFlares – Blank NYC from ASOS // Jumper – H&M // Boots – Newbury from Rag & Bone

You may have seen this on Facebook and Twitter but I want to thank Deborah from Fabulous after 40 for my lovely feature. I am truly honored and flattered! You can read my interview here.

Finally some outfits from the past week – it’s too bloody warm here!

culottes 2_edited-1Boots – Sam Edelman Bradley (on sale) // Culottes – Faux leather River Island from ASOS // Top – AllSaints (old)

IM sneakesrJacket – AllSaints // Shoes – Isabel Marant (TheOutnet.com) // Jeans – J.Crew // Shirt – J.Crew (old)

Zara knitShoes – Stella McCartney (NAP Sale) // Knit suit – Zara (old) // Bag – Stella McCartney (NAP Sale now further reduced)

 

 

Partywear!

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Yet again I have very few Christmas parties lined up. Something for which I am truly grateful for – especially when vague memories of drunken Christmas parties from my City days rear their ugly heads! Free wine, dancing and 25 years old – a messy, messy recipe – especially when London black cabs disappear off the streets at midnight, and cell phones are not common place. Yes, yes, yes I am much happier with a lovely dinner out with friends these days!

However, that does not mean to say I don’t like to get the glad rags on still! I’m all for dressing up for the season! This year H&M have knocked it out of the park with sequins and sparkles at great prices, so you can indulge in a one hit wonder for the festive season!

I am all about jumpsuits and boy do they have some amazing ones on offer. Don’t be scared of the romper either – with opaque tights and ankle boots they can be a winner at any age!

This halter neck jumpsuit is stunning – so 70s and very sexy.

glitter jumpsuit

I adore this sequin romper – imagine with opaque tights and some block heeled ankle boots.

sequin romper

How divine is this one shoulder jumpsuit? Again super sexy with a little 80s thing going on. At just $59.99 it’s in my cart as we speak!

one shoulder

I haven’t hit the order button yet as I am torn between that one and this one – it looks incredible comfortable and is just $39.99.

glitter

Another romper – it looks far more expensive than it’s price tag. Just love, love the lace and the high neck – it might not love my boobs though.

black and lace

Finally how stunning is this little number. I so badly want to wear this but fear the neckline is too high for my chest. If you have less up top than me – you lucky girls I implore you to try it!

Jumpsuit red lace

I’m wearing a bit of daytime sequin too from H&M today – this jumper is only $19.99. I’m wearing an XL as I wanted it oversized. I’ve already had compliments a plenty on it at the gas station this morning!

mansur gavriel carine roitfeld Uniqlo Golden goose sequins and furJumper – H&M // Jeans – J.Crew // Sneakers – Golden Goose (several on sale here) // Coat – Carine Roitfeld x Uniqlo // Bag – Mansur Gavriel

Yesterday was spent getting the garden dressed for Christmas. I have spent all morning trying to tell a daft, deaf dog that no matter how loud or often she barks, the ‘intruder’ in the red hat in the garden will not leave as he is inflated, staked in the ground and plugged in!

navy bomber jacket Toga Pulla bootsBomber jacket – TopShop // Jeans – Zara // Boots – navy Toga Pulla // Jumper – AllSaints

My NAP sale picks!

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Bags and shoes – that is where my heart lies when it comes to Net-a-porter.com. A reliable online store, great delivery times and great customer service. Not a lot that is ‘cheap’, but if you are after that special present, or just an ‘I got through 2015’ treat here’s what I would pick!

I’m just a little bit obsessed with the Stella McCartney Falabella bag. I used to be one of those that just didn’t get it – faux leather but designer prices? However, since holding one in my hands in Saks a few weeks ago, I completely get it. The ‘pleather’ is so soft and beautifully made, the shape is perfect -a great size for everything, and the chain gives it that edginess that I look for. Not to mention I can wear it as a shoulder bag or tote. I am just in love. NAP has several styles in the sale. My heart is set on the Leopard print that is reduced by 30% but I bloody adore the fur one too!

This fringe one is just beautiful, and possibly, a fabulous upgrade from my H&M bags that I use frequently enough to justify an upgrade! Reduced by a significant 30%.

fringe falabella

This tiny fur is a great evening bag and is reduced by 30%.

fur falabella

Oh be still my beating heart – can I justify a fur bag?

fur large falabella

This is the one I adore – extremely versatile. I love it. 30% discounted.

leopard falabella

More leopard print but this time McQ Alexander McQueen – I love the tote I have and I am sure the quality of this will be equal, and it is 30% off.

Mcq leopard pring

Finally I think this Alexander Wang camera bag is a great ‘about town’ bag, not to mention it provides me with my ‘I love everything grey’! Reduced, again, by 30%.

AWang camera bag

Yes – this is still eye-wateringly expensive in the sale – but I LOVE the Givenchy Pandora so much and this cobalt blue is so statement – it could carry you through the summer too worn with reds, purples and corals. My Husband says he refuses to buy bags for me, so maybe I will just have to buy it and get on with it! Reduced by 30%.

givenchy

Ok so now footwear. Of course the Golden Goose are my first choice/recommendation.

I have these and love them – a perfect neutral but with a little pearl effect on the toe and tongue – just beautiful.

tan GG

The sparkly low tops are gorgeous. I am a convert to the low top – I still prefer the ‘slide’ style above but these in blue are stunning and 40% off.

sparkly GG

Stella McCartney again now – these platforms are SUPERB.

velvet stella McC snakeskin Stella

These are glitter – how pefect!?

glitter SM

For those of us with simpler tastes there are also some Nikes and Adidas in the sale. I have both of these styles and they are fabulous!

toptens

blue air max

Finally how cute are these star converse?

star converse

So pipe dreaming or not it’s still fun to have a look!

We’re having a quiet day today after a fun Thanksgiving. I’m sitting here eating cheese on toast, with a mug of tea listening to BBC Radio 2. Bliss:)

Thanksgiving sparkles balancing on a rock with my prosecco – we’re just mad here;)

thanksgiving 2Leggings – H&M (last years but similar here) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jumper – Boden Off Duty (30% off everything now with code 7J4Z)

Then out for lunch on Friday, when I was determined to wear my shearling even with temperatures in the 60s!

shearlingJeans – Zara // Jacket – AllSaints (30% off with code CYBER) // Boots – Newbury boots (25% off here with code BF25) // Jumper – Everlane

 

 

What to wear now the cold is here!

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I’m so excited! Atlanta is COLD! Yay!! At last I get to wear some of my winter clothes – of which I have far too many for our climate! I’ll be in flip flops by March again…but I won’t rub it in!

So what am I wearing now the cold is here? Well I have my eye on several of these beautiful faux fur stoles. Even though it is cold here, with our car culture, I can pretty much get away with a leather jacket and scarf. So why not dress up a great biker jacket with one of these beauties?

Sue first noticed this one in TopShop and I have it in my closet – it looks far more expensive than it’s price tag of $60.

colorblockThis green stole is beautiful – much more subtle, but again it looks more than it’s price tag of $52.

19R51IBRN_2_thumbI love mongolian furs – this takes me back 20 years when I had a black mongolian fur jacket that I bought on Portobello Road with my measly student funds.

ombreThis New Look stole is gorgeous – it keeps going in and out of stock on Asos – but be persistent their website updates real time. At just $36 it’s hardly surprising it’s selling out!

image1xxlThis is another option from New Look – super fun and perfect with a black leather jacket.

image3xxl

Talking of leather jackets, I’m so, so excited to be able to wear my AllSaints jackets at last!

AllSaints leather jacket Earnest Sewn jeans Golden GooseSneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Earnest Sewn // Jacket – AllSaints // Tee – AllSaints

Then yesterday I wore this to head to the Georgia Dome to watch the Falcons!

AllSaints leather jacket Zara jeans Adidas Top Ten FlaconsSneakers – Adidas Top Tens // Jeans – Zara // Tee – Falcons // Jacket – AllSaints (similar here) // Scarf – ASOS

Falcons tee Falcons game

On Friday I popped into Target for one thing. I left having blown the budget on the kids’ clothes. They have some amazing items in right now – especially for tween girls, plus save 40% on girls’ sweaters online!

H&M Splendid Zara Nike Air Max Target Balenciaga City bagSneakers – Nike Air Max // Jeans – Zara // T-shirt – Splendid // Cardigan – H&M

On arriving back home laden with goodies for Poppy and Hugh, I was thrilled to find my Carine Roitfeld coat from Uniqlo had finally arrived. Their customer service has been atrocious – no one picking up in their call center, orders being cancelled with no explanation, and delivery taking an obscene length of time. Not good, not good at all for a global retailer. Thank goodness I love it!

carinne roitfeld for Uniqlo coat

Finally today has been blissful – just stunning weather for our first day on holiday and we headed to the local park deer spotting. Our boxers loved it!

everlane uniqlo Golden GooseSweater – Everlane // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // Coat – Uniqlo

One last thing – we all know it’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday this week, and the offers have already started pouring in! One to take note of that has 18 hours left to run, is at TheOutnet.com – use Twenty15 at checkout to get an extra 20% off their already discounted stock – some amazing bargains to be had!!

My Halloween costume

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So now my See by Chloé boots have arrived I have the choice of Puss in Boots or Captain Hook! These boots will be perfect with a frilly blouse and jacket and some fab makeup!

I am THRILLED with them. They are the softest leather and have a suede interior so they stay up really well – the suede ‘sticks’ or ‘clings’ to your skin or jeans. They have a lovely slouch to them and the foot of the boot is super comfy. I have my regular 38.5 and they are perfect – definitely true to size.

see-by-chloe-black-epona-fringed-leather-over-the-knee-boots-product-1-298850805-normal_large_flex

bootsBoots – See by Chloé Epona // Jeans – Zara // Cardigan – Banana Republic // Top – AllSaints (similar here) // Lipstick – NARS Audacious Audrey

I love the tan version too – they’d be gorgeous with all grey or winter white.

tan chloe

As always with great ‘it’ boots of the season there are some fabulous tributes around. The best I’ve seen are the Desert fringe boot from TopShop. You’d be hard pushed to tell the difference and they get great reviews.

black TopShop boot tan TopShop boot

Before I go I must share these fab finds from TheOutnet.com – it is killing me browsing on there at the moment – I must resist!

This beautiful Alexander Wang Diego in Beet/Merlot is 45% discounted.

alexander-wang--diego-bucket-bag-product-1-22007542-0-944920731-normal

And this cross body from Alexander Wang with stingray is 50% discounted!

stingray

Finally my outfit from yesterday – I got dressed only to go to the Doctors and be told I just had a bad cold. Yes I know that thanks – viral not bacterial so no antibiotics required!

GreyTrousers – J.Crew (old but similar here) // Top – Everlane // Shoes – Zara (old)

All Black

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I adore dressing for cold weather. My British genes are strong and wrapping up on cold dark mornings is something I look forward to every year…then after a week or so I am over it! My favorite way to dress is all black, or with a little grey, with some bright berry lipstick – this is NARS Audacious in Janet – I love it!

blackBoots – Toga Pullas (Ignore NAPs advice – they are true to size) // Jeans – Zara (similar here) // Sweater – H&M

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!

chloe-black-susanna-boots-product-1-904177707-normal_large_flex

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.

topshop-black-bridleway-trim-boots-product-1-968137397-normal_large_flex

They are also available in a stunning burgundy.

topshop-burgundy-bridleway-trim-boots-purple-product-2-968221454-normal_large_flex

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.

splendid-black-murietta-suede-booties-mocha-product-1-618262539-normal_large_flex

The beige version is just beautiful.

splendid-nut-murietta-bootie-brown-product-3-042235068-normal_large_flex

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.

toga-pulla-26black-tp22-aj006-black-product-2-532643229-normal_large_flex

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.

toga-pulla-navy-navy-embossed-leather-buckled-boots-blue-product-4-927212418-normal_large_flex

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.

stuart-weitzman-blue-the-lowland-boot-product-1-27633904-2-712065569-normal_large_flex

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!

see-by-chloe-black-over-the-knee-boots-product-2-220846991-normal_large_flex

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.