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Everyday Fashion

Everyday Fashion

Trust Me In My Trainers

Trust.

Way back when… in middle school I went on a trip, with my classmates and a few teachers, where we hiked, walked, repelled and navigated our way through the dense woods of The Rocky Mountains. We were given a compass, a map, had to carry our own pack and had 24 hours to find our way to the return bus on the other side of the forest. It was, at the time, a fun, cool, trendy thing to do…. But looking back it was one of the first experiences I had with learning to trust my instincts, my gut and my fellow human. I had to assume someone else would not lead me astray and in turn they had to trust the same in me. In the end, despite some bad navigation, a few wrong turns and couple tumbles we all made it out okay. It was the beginning of my journey to learn to trust.

Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo

shop the look: Denim // sweater // trainers // tote // earrings // ring

What about this casual everyday outfit doesn’t say trust me?!? I’m wearing trainers and pearl earrings… what’s not to trust in that!!!! This sweater arrived in my mother’s suitcase… and was not actually meant to be mine! But I have stolen it and I have claimed it. It is amazing and under $40. I not only styled it for this post but I threw it in my bag for Marrakesh where I wore it exploring the souks, palaces and gardens. It is not just another beige sweater… okay it is. But who doesn’t need more beige?!? It is easily paired with anything- I mean anything. You should recognize these denim jeans from this post and as promised I continue to wear them– almost too often, according to my husband. I love the patchwork and the length- the unfinished hem is my favorite- adds just enough flare. As these are currently sold out I have linked similar ones <here> and <here>. These T R I A N E R S….. just trust me and get yourself a pair now. Not tomorrow. Today. I have already put miles on them both in London and in Marrakesh. As ya’ll know I am a pretty casual gal and these are a must have for anyone who also considers themselves casual but likes to keep their looks trendy and sharp. In fact, as I am sitting on the plane writing this I am wearing this beige sweater and these trainers. So…. trust me, you need these and you will wear them.

one Click shopping:

I have linked all the identical items and many similar items for you to create this look. Just click on the icon to be taken directly to a retailer for shopping.

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Since that expedition my life has been one big game of trust. Each day I get to decide how much trust I will put in someone else or in myself or in my instinct. Getting married is the ultimate test of trust. Having a child is the culmination of my ability to demonstrate and show trust to someone else. Being a friend, and a good friend at that, is rooted in trust- on both sides. Sometimes I get burned. By others or by my instincts. But I have not stopped trusting… I have not stopped offering trust to those I may have betrayed and I have not stopped accepting trust from those who have betrayed me. Is it easy?? No, at times it is extremely difficult. Is it worth it?? Yes, every single time.

Trusting in someone else is an act of letting go of yourself. It is an exercise in constantly being vulnerable. It is the practice of learning to not always be in control. We all could use a little more trust in our lives- whether it be in yourself or in someone else.

With Love,

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Everyday Fashion

Holiday Traditions in Chunky Knits

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…. and I could not be happier!!!

In fact, here in London, due to no Thanksgiving it has been looking a lot like Christmas since the beginning of November. All the shop windows are decked out in Xmas themes- this year Liberty took on the Nutcracker and their window displays are amazing. We have started decorating at home but with Brendan and I jetting off to Marrakesh this past weekend we still have a bit of work left to do on the decorating front. But with my mom in London for the next two weeks and Declan old enough to start to understand Christmas I am so excited to begin indulging in all my favorite holiday traditions.

Photos: Victoria Metaxas

Shop the look: Denim // sweater // flats <similar> // ring // clutch

This cute little cupcake shop has the most amazingly sweet holiday decorations and I loved shooting here. Just after our shoot Victoria, my photographer, and I indulged ourselves in these amazing cakes and coffee. While it was freezing outside I was perfectly warm in this over-sized chunky cable knit sweater. I can not get enough of this sweater. It is big enough to layer underneath and the neutral color is perfectly paired with any trousers or denim. These jeans are my new favorite and should look familiar from this post here. Perfect fit, perfect distressing and perfect color. Adding a fun red shoe just made the whole look pop and scream H O L I D A Y. While these flats are a few seasons old I have linked similar pairs <here> and <here>. My clutch actually comes as part of the Neverfull that I am obsessed with but I have linked a few other clutches <here> and <here>.

For as long as I can remember I have gone with my mother to see the Nutcracker- each and every Christmas. In fact, this is the first year in as far back as I can recall that we will not be going together (living in a foreign country will do that). The thrill of getting dressed up, enjoying a nice dinner and then watching Clara be swept away by her Prince never gets old for me. For generations my family has been having the same Christmas Eve dinner and the same Christmas morning breakfast- I remember my grandmother cooking both when I was a child. Now-a-days my dad makes the noodles and coffee cakes and recently my brother has begun to take on the job. With my in-laws we always have Eggs Benedict for breakfast on Christmas morning. This year in London I will have both my dad’s homemade coffee cake and Eggs Benedict- I simply can not wait.

There are endless memories of years past where I find myself with my dad finishing shopping and wrapping presents on Christmas Eve Some of my most favorite memories of Christmas are from learning to wrap presents… a little unknown fact about me: I can tie a perfect bow and I learned this from watching and practicing with my mother for hours. The joy of wrapping up gifts is one of my most favorite things about the holidays. I love picking out the wrapping paper, deciding which bows and ribbons to use and then finally addressing them Gift giving is something I enjoy so much and I love to see beautifully wrapped presents.

For the first time Brendan and I will be spending the holidays away from both of our families (however my sister-in-law will be joining) and it will be a small affair. We will have a tree, Declan will get to begin to learn about the magic of believing and we will spend the day being forever grateful of what we have. This year we start new traditions for our family, we will carry on those from generations and we will celebrate the meaning of Christmas- together in our small London flat.

Cheers Everyone-

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Everyday Fashion

‘Tunic’ Wanna be My Friend???

Isn’t that a loaded question?!? When you move away from the only place you ever called home where the only people you have ever called friends live one is faced with the decision to spend time missing everyone and sulking or to put yourself out there and find some new friends.

Well, I have done both.

Trying to find new friends in your mid-thirties in a foreign country, albeit they speak a similar language, is very challenging, humbling and takes a lot of time. Essentially I was transported back to kindergarten where I found myself asking ” do you want to be my friend?”

Photos: Zoe Griffin

SHop the look: Denim // Tunic // boots // bag // jacket

Luckily, I have this fabulous tunic that certainly gives off the “I am so cool please be my friend” vibe! This blush color is becoming one of my favorites for this time of year and this easy flowy tunic is the best of them. It is super warm, as it is a Merino blend, and the length is perfect for either denim or leggings (faux leather leggings <here> would also be fabulous). Be prepared to see these denim jeans many times in the coming months as they are the P E R F E C T denim. I also have them in a darker wash. They fit perfectly, they do not stretch and they are very comfortable. While you can not see it, due to the boots, they have a small bit of distressing which adds a nice flare. You may recognize these OTK boots from this post where I gushed about how much I love them… well I will just say all the same things in this post! I love these boots- I wear them constantly and see no reason not to live in them! This season I am loving them with skinnies and sweaters and especially leggings and tunics. This jacket is 100% my favorite go to- warm, stylish and essential. Unfortunately, this bag is sold out, in this color, but I have linked the same Neverfull in other colors <here> <here>

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Making new friends proved to be much more challenging than I originally expected. Sure, I knew I would have to put myself out there, I knew I would have to be the one to initiate conversation with complete strangers and I knew I would have to always be on my best behavior. But what I did not know was how tough it would be to crack through that tough British exterior of so many women. I think coming from Denver where I had a a very very large group of friends created an added layer of disappointment when trying to build a social group here… I had to be reminded that a group of 12-15 best friends is very uncommon… I had to be reminded that having friends for 20+ years is a rarity….

What I found in return was a few very special, amazing, inspiring friends. What I found were ladies who organically chose to be my friend- there is no history holding them to me What I found was a commonality of like mindedness, of similar morals and of zero preconceptions. I have meet some AMAZING women, I have re-connected with acquaintances who have turned into best friends and I have spent time with ladies who continuously inspire me.

What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.

SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // TUNIC // BOOTS // BAG // JACKET

While I miss my friends in Denver and I miss some of the comforts of life long friendships I am so amazed by the woman I call friends here in London. I am happy to report that not all British women have a cold exterior. Many of my friends are also expats, like myself, but many are not. But at the end of the day I have built a collection of supportive, hysterical, caring and adventurous friends… Cheers Ladies!

With Love,

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Everyday Fashion

All Laced Up: Keeping Secrets

Recently I was asked to keep a very big secret for someone. At the time I did not think much of it… I mean as girls we tell each other secrets all the time, right?!? But how often do we actually keep those secrets?? Reflecting back on this question I realized I have been a terrible secret keeper and what does that say about my character??? YIKES. I want people to feel comfortable coming to me. I want my friends to not only trust me but to believe my word. If I am asked to keep a secret the person sharing should feel confident I will keep that secret and until recently I am not sure I would have kept their secrets safe.

Photos: Zoe Griffin

shop the look: denim // sweater // booties // bag <similar>//

Like being laced up in this amazing soft and cozy sweater I am turning over a leaf of being laced up with my lips! This sweater is incredibly soft and the prefect sweater to add to your winter wardrobe. It is cozy, comfy and easy to pair with denim or trousers. If you have not seen the lace-up trend then maybe you have been living under a rock- love it! I paired it with these classic skinnies from J.Crew and currently they are on sale for under $100 (use code HOLIDAY for up to 40% off). They come in several other washes and I have my eyes on the darker wash- very classic and clean. Keeping with the simple theme these booties are a must have and so incredible comfortable- I walk a lot and these babies never fail my feet! No need to settle on style for comfort. I love the gray color as a change from my usual black or tan. Such a basic pieces that will fit perfectly into your winter wardrobe (dare I say the “W” word)! Winter is in full swing here and this easy lace up sweater, denim and booties will be on repeat throughout the coming winter days.

Secrets create a dynamic to a friendship that elevates it from surface to substantial. The fact that my friend trusted me with this piece of information reminds me that she respects me, she cherishes me and believes my word. I intent to keep this secret to prove to her (and myself) that I am all of those things she sees in me. When I tell someone a secret it is often times because I am overwhelmed with emotion and just need a little help… I need someone else to hold on to that piece of information until I am ready to process it. I need that person to keep it safe- to keep is sacred. I will be back for it.. just as soon as I am ready. I know, in my heart, that is what happened with my friend. She needed a safe place to store her thoughts, a shelter for her emotions and a keeper of her secrets. They are not mine to share. It is taken some serious heartache in my life to fully understand that just because I hold a piece of information does not give me the privilege to share it.

Lace it up. My lips are sealed!

So friends…make sure you keep those thoughts and emotions safe for those around you. Be the person someone cherishes and trust- I certainly continue to strive to be that person. Each day finding new comfort in being a secrete keeper… really makes you feel special.

With Love,

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Everyday Fashion

Giving Thanks: A Quick List

So… I struggled with this post NOT because I am not thankful or that I do not have so many things to be thankful for but because I am not sure simple words can express just how thankful I am this year.

In a Nutshell:

I am ever thankful for Brendan. Declan is the most precious gift I could have and everyday I am thankful I get to raise this little human My parents- duh! My in-laws (parents and sisters). My family in Colorado. My friends. Living in London. Getting to write a blog and share my life with you.

Photos: Victoria Metaxas

shop the look: denim // top // jacket // booties // bag // sunglasses

The lighter side of this post is obviously this adorable outfit… I am also very thankful for comfy, cute clothes! New amazing denim alert… another great find from H & M! The distressed and patched nature of these add just enough flare but keep them pretty neutral. I am thankful for J.Crew. And even more for this tuxedo inspired top. You needed this in your closet yesterday but now you can get it here and use code ‘FESTIVE’ at checkout. Alright friends, it is winter in London and therefore I have not left the house without this essential faux fur hooded jacket in days. Seriously, it is not only adorable but it is warm. I have linked several others <here> and <here> so you have options. As the holidays are sneaking up (see my perfect holiday dress here) I can not recommend this tote enough… it is perfect for everyday and it literally accompanies me almost everywhere. Booties are a season old but I have included several of my other favorites <here> and <here>.

As I reflect on what I am truly the most thankful for I am left with a list of people. There are so many people who continuously inspire me, who continue to push me, who love me, who support me, who make me tear up with laughter and who make me forever thankful. The reality is that I am so incredibly lucky to live the life I do. To spend my days exploring London, writing and styling Pish to Posh, traveling with my family and connecting with people is truly a gift I cherish everyday.

The List:

My husband- without hesitation- is the most influential person in my life and I am absolutely indebted to his love. Thank you Brendan.

My son has thrived in London. He has developed a British accent and I quickly went from “mama” to “mummy” and I could not be more thankful. He loves his life here, he is happy, he is inquisitive, he is curious and he is funny. Thank you Declan.

The two who gave me life are simply unbelievable. The endless support- all the way from Denver- the endless love and the endless humor they provide in my life is un-matchable. Thank you Mom and Daddy.

Marriage is about the joining of two families… I am lucky to have the most amazing family gifted to me through marriage. They are honest, opinionated, trustworthy, loving and humorous. Thank you Maxwell’s.

Not only do I have great in-laws but I also have the best family in Denver. They keep me grounded, they love my dog, they help me with all things computer and they simply adore my son. Thank you Fry’s.

A friendship that withstood college, children and a move across the world is almost unheard of but I am lucky enough to have it. Thank you April.

one click shopping:

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There is certainly no way to express or to include every single person who I am thankful for- that would be the longest post ever as I truly have so many to thank.

This Thanksgiving I hope you find yourself surrounded by people who inspire you, support you, love you and make you happy. This year Thanksgiving will be a small affair with one great friend joining us (British do not celebrate… I mean…..). We will raise a glass in cheers for all that we are thankful for….

Thank you for stopping by and reading… thank you for indulging me in my endeavor! Forever grateful.

With Love and Thanks,

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Indulging in Guilty Pleasures: Perfect Holiday Dress
- Reality television.
- Reality magazines.
- Camo print.
- Binge reading.
- brownies.
These are my most cherished guilty pleasures. I mean it when I say they are cherished because while they are guilty pleasures I cherish each moment, each bite and each article of clothing that I get.

These days it is hard to find the time to indulge in reality television (or reading) plus there is the factor of being in another country. I tried to substitute my Bravo and E! with some UK wannabes… but they just do not compare. So it is a rare occasion that I get to watch anything from the states! But when I do it is such a treat and I typically find myself mesmerized and always wanting more… the true definition of a guilty pleasure.

shop the look: dress // clutch // EARRINGS // bracelet // ring // jacket <similar>

As the Holiday party invitations are stating to arrive I got excited about finding the perfect Holiday dress. And I am convinced that people indulge themselves much more around the holidays so I am merrying the two for this post. Lace is a M U S T have for winter this year. It is everywhere. And this lace frock is 100% the perfect party dress. It is stylish, comfortable, classy and fits like a glove. Do not wait as this baby will sell out. The compliments you will receive when you walk into that Holiday party are going to be overwhelming. I paired the dress with my designer dubs <original post here> and they complimented the feminine lace perfectly by adding a touch of edgynesss. I chose to do very simple jewelry and really let the dress be the statment piece- simple gold studs, dainty gold bracelet and simple gold ring. It really is about the dress. Given the potential weather elements during holiday parties I typically bring out my very festive red coat- it is about 4 years old but has lasted me forever.

The retailer- & Other Stories– is fast becoming my favorite store here in London. Luckily they have an online for US unless you live in California or New York where you can visit an actual shop. Check them out… I promise you will find many things you love. Let me know what you love!!!

Indulge yourself

Getting to indulge in these guilty pleasure every so often really keeps me motivated on tough days. I set goals and when I accomplish them I reward myself with an hour of reading, or some brownies… yes I said S O M E. In fact, the last time I ate just one brownie at a time was…. never. Being able to splurge on something camo makes me so happy. But if I did these things all the time they would loose their appeal. It is important to leave a few things sacred- a few things for special occasions- like a lace dress or watching reality television. Too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing.

What indulgences will you treat yourself to this holiday season?? You will probably find me wearing this dress, eating brownies watching Bravo!!

Happy shopping! Remember all thumbnail photos are linked directly to a retailer for easy one step shopping. Just click and go.

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With love,
Everyday Fashion

‘Fall’ing… Ask for Help!

The amount of times I have ‘fallen’ is a fairly large number. I mean I am 34 (shhh) so I have had my fair share of stumbles through life- some are self inflicted and some are a victim of circumstance. We we all fall. We all stumble and the aftermath is when we truly learn something. And while those lessons are very important I find the biggest learning from my falls and stumbles has been learning how to ask for help. Sure, the pain and consequences you endure in self inflicting falling is a great learning tool but sometimes you can not pick yourself up alone. It took me years to learn this. Honestly, it took some pretty terrible circumstances to learn to ask for the help I needed. But I am not just talking about those huge situations; I am talking about the everyday challenges we all face.

shop the look: denim // turtleneck // vest // boots // bag // Jacket

Not only do I fall all the time but I love fall and this outfit is the perfect ‘falling’ outfit (see what I did there…) . Basic denim here friends, perfect color, perfect fit and perfect price. If I can find denim under $100 that I love I consider it a win BUT this pair is actually under $50 and they are the essential everyday denim to add to your wardrobe. If you know me well, or have been in my closet, you are aware I gravitate towards stripes… well here is an excellent choice for a striped turtleneck. This baby can be worn solo or as a layering piece under a vest or even a sweater. Every girl should have a pair of classic riding boots. I have had these for a few years and they have yet to fail me. Comfort is key for me given my walk-about lifestyle and these boots are a go to for fall days romping around with Declan.

Being from Colorado I am pretty particular on my outwears given how often I wear them. I look for not only style (duh) but quality and this Joules puffer vest is perfect. I love the diagonal quilting and the fact it keeps me perfectly warm on a crisp fall day. This camo utility jacket should look familiar to you, especially if you follow me on Instagram <here> because I have been wearing it constantly this fall. It is roomy enough to fit a vest under it for some layering warmth and the print is perfect. I am not sure I could ask for much more in a utility jacket.

Asking for help is hard.

This past weekend I ended up with a terrible cold- one that left me voiceless and exhausted. Now, Brendan may have enjoyed this little break from my chattering but life must go on and my toddler was not having any of it. So, I took the time to rest and finally asked Brendan for help. It was humbling and left me guilt stricken but in the end it helped me be able to get back up. It was minor for Brendan but huge for me. Many of you know that Declan spent a significant amount of time in the hospital during the first year of his life – everything has sorted itself out now- but I was constantly in a situation where I was forced to ask for help. Help from doctors, help from my mother (praise her over and over), help from nurses, help from friends. Asking for help does not infer failure on my behalf. Asking for help does not insinuate incompetence.

Thank you to all those who have helped me along this road of life. Thank you to those who have helped me pick up the pieces. And thank you to those who continue to offer help- even when I am reluctant to take it 🙂 I am, however, still very cautious of who I ask for help from but there are times in life where I simply can not do it alone.

Challenge yourself that in the coming week you ask for help- with the Holidays fast approaching we all get super busy and swamped… prefect opportunity to ask for help… and to pick up a few of these fall essentials before they sell out.

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With Love,

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