Everyday Fashion

Discovering London and finding new places to explore has been one of our passions since we touched down over a year ago- taking the train out to castles, hoping on the bus and cruising across town or walking down the street of a new neighborhood have really kept us out and about… sometimes though, the best if just around the corner.  Just around our own corner is Battersea Park and it is here that we have spent a lot of time as a family. The playgrounds here are wildly adventurous, the events here always exceed our expectations, the beauty can, truly, can only be captured in our memories and the atmosphere exudes proper London playfulness.  With Declan and Rubble the hunt for a good park is always high on the list but we continuously find ourselves back here, in Battersea.  This was one of the first parks we visited when Brendan and I were house hunting, in July 2015, and it is only fitting that we have come full circle (both via the calendar and emotionally) and started yet another journey, here,  in this park.

Photos: Gui Pinto 

SHOP THE LOOK: Denim // Shirt // Booties <current style> // Necklace // Bag // Watch // Earrings // Bracelet //

This shoot was our first, ever,  professional family shoot- Declan had never had professional photos taken and he was OBSESSED with our photographer.  He loved mimicking him, he loved telling him stories about Peppa Pig and he loved having his photo taken!  Picking the outfit for this shoot was very easy for me- it needed to be easy, comfortable, fun and practical.  Honestly, all of these items,  including the booties, are some of the most comfortable clothes I own.  In fact, this flannel <similar, similar,  similar > would be worn to bed if I thought it acceptable!  As many of you know, I love love love statement necklaces and I love love love JCrew… well this baby is the perfect match of both!  Given I have a toddler, who is not yet potty-trained (he’s only two and half and I may be procrastinating)- I need a bag that can fit a diaper, snacks, wallet, Oyster card, lipstuff, phone, keys, the occasional toy, etc,etc,etc- this satchel pretty much is my go-to for park dates, errands, tube travel, coffee runs and school drop drop off/pick up.  This day was such a wonderful reminder of how easy and casual life can be… we laughed a lot, we played a lot, we smiled a lot.

Many of you know that I lived in Berlin when I was younger- my dad’s work relocated us there for 10 months- I went to a British school, lived in a German home and traveled to almost every country in Europe.  I couldn’t have imagined it then that I would be living in London, raising my son who goes to a British nursery school and traveling around Europe with my husband…It is amazing how life brings you back to your roots in so many ways- it is amazing that a simple park adventure reminds me of where I came from and how important travel and adventures are to shaping your future.   As time goes on and the years pass by I hope our family never looses the passion to explore- as I never did from my time living in Berlin- I hope Declan grows up hungry to never stop learning, to never be complacent, to never stop discovering- . I hope, as our lives carry on- day by day- that we always cherish the moments spent in this park- we cherish the adventures we took- we remember the days we spent exploring.  I hope, by creating a childhood rooted in new adventures and experiences, one day Declan is inspired to live abroad (and I promise I will not cry) and then life really will have come full circle.

With Love,

A few items are sold out so I have added many similar items.

Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

Shop the look: Denim <similar> // Sweater <similar>  // Booties // Bag // Sunglasses // Watch // Earrings-old <similar> 

Who loves change?  Not me – well I am trying stop fighting it and accept it (often times I literally have no other choice)- but I don’t love change but I have learned to embrace it.  Feeling comfortable and content can have many positives that it is hard to find any reason to change… any reason to alter and shift.  When you are comfortable life seems to float by often times without hiccups or headaches… when you are comfortable you begin to feel grounded and rooted… when you are comfortable sometimes you are able to forget about life knocking at your door.  Well, as much as I love being comfortable, I am here to tell you that embracing change (no matter the circumstance) has been one of the most rewarding, satisfying and worthwhile learnings- albeit it difficult.  I know I know… that all sounds crazy but it is true.  We could get into a conversations about the deep rooted aspects of change but today let’s stick with something a little more fun… embracing the change from American clothing brands to British.  So, while I would love to discuss and converse about life’s deep and meaningful happenings I think I’ll stick to the surface on this one… that post may come later!

We don’t fear the unknown.  We fear what we think you know of the unknown

When I left Denver I knew I was arriving into one of the fashion capital’s of the world… I knew the British style was drastically different than my American… I knew I would have to brand adjust… but I was terrified.  What if I can’t find anything that fits my American body, what if I can’t find anything with color, what will I ever do without Nordstrom, how will I live without Target- complete and utter fear.  It took me many attempts and sometimes hours to get dressed just to go to the grocery store… it took me many attempts to figure out how to wear black and blue together… it took me many months to proficiently tie a blanket scarf…. it took me many failed attempts to find a replacement to both Nordstrom and Target (however there really is no true replacement)… it took me months to fully embrace the unknown British brands and adjust to the change I was facing but boy am I glad I did.  I have found some amazing new favorites brands- like Joules, Zara (yes there are a few popping up in the states), Jigsaw, Asos (again available in the states but not to the extend as UK), Whistles– the list goes on and on.  While I miss my weekly Nordstrom stops, or spending hours wandering Target I am so loving my new found British stores- and there are a few of my old favorites available so I am not left totally missing the USA.

This outfit is all new brands- the distressed jeans are Zara- the oversized turtleneck is Joules and these booties are Ash (and while available in the states I snagged them from the cutest high street boutique).  This look wasn’t about flare, or making a statement, or trying a new style- it was about accepting my new fashion options and embracing my new look.  I feel empowered in my new British outfits- I feel like the change that was forced upon me has been worth every tear of frustration, every dressing room meltdown and every fading memory of my old shopping habits.  Navigating the unknown of the British fashion world was daunting and overwhelming (to the say the least) but through a strong determination to embrace and accept the change I was able to come out on top- I was able to conquer the fear and set aside my fright about what I would do with the unknown.

With Love,

Below are both exact and similar items- while the exact are all UK – I did link similar US items to create the same look. Gorgeous sunflowers can be found at your local florist 🙂 Happy Shopping!

Photos: Victoria Metaxas

Shop The Look: Asos Stripe Shirt Dress // Asos Keep Sake Flat Over the Knee Boots // Michael Kors Darci Watch // Katie Loxton Perfect Pouch // Kate Spade Small Square Stud Earrings // David Yurman Pearl Cable Ring //

I am the kind of gal who likes to dress for an occasion- to buy something new for an event- to get fancy every so often… so you can imagine how excited I was when I was invited, by friend in the industry, to a catwalk show at London Fashion Weekend.  And then, as if one event wasn’t enough, I won tickets to another show …. so that meant TWO new outfits.  What should I wear to a catwalk show in the fashion capital of the world (not that Denver isn’t a fashion mecca)…????  After much consideration and many magazine subscriptions later I was set on creating a look encompassing the flirtatious nature of an evening out with my husband, a feminine dress to glam up my wardrobe and shoes to dominate and make a statement… I love a good statement necklace (obviously) but my feet have been feeling a bit left out!!!  Enter shirts dresses and over the knee boots… There is something very playful and freeing about this amazing Asos shirt dress <sale alert under $30> — it fits just about any body type and it has just enough “swing” to make it fun to wear.  Plus, lets be honest any dress paired with black over the knee boots becomes sexy, flirtatious and playful.  Not only are over the knee boots one of fall’s hottest trends they are perfect for day or night- especially here in London- and they were spot-on for my first catwalk and fashion week experience (more on that in a minute).  For years, I struggled with taller boots- boots that went above my calf and realistically above my ankle- I always felt they looked unnatural and like I was trying too hard- I felt like they hit my knee in a weird place, or they creased at odd angle around my ankles… EXCUSES- all excuses.  Not one of those reasons was based in reality-  they were created in my head as reasons for remaining held to an image of me, created by others.  Last week, walking around in these boots they felt natural, they creased in all the right places and they pushed the envelope just enough.

A minimal investment for maximum experience

London Fashion Weekend was exhilarating, energizing and simply sensational- I fear my words and descriptions of the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the event does not do it justice and falls short in relaying just how invigorating it all was. I left feeling like I could conquer any dream- I left feeling inspired and motivated- I left eager to continue this journey.  In fact, LFWEND could not have come at a better time- with the recent launch of Pish to Posh this event truly was the culminating affair to my amazing week.  Prior to the show I meet and worked with the ever talented Victoria Metaxas (follow her @victoriametaxas), Brendan joined me on Friday for a catwalk show and special lunch at The Ivy Chelsea Garden; a restaurant I have pining to go to since arriving in London.  On Saturday lunch with the ladies, another show and shopping. The weekend ended with a mellow family Sunday which  grounded me and centered me for the coming week.  This experience was one for the memory books- in the coming weeks and months when doubt fills my mind I will flip back to these pages to be reminded of the empowering emotions this weekend left on my heart.

With love,

Below are exact items and several similar items to help you create your own fun flirty frock look:

Shop the Look: J Crew Toothpick Jeans // Caslon Side Split Cowl Neck Tunic // Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flats // Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Neverfull // Top Shop Lakota 60's Round Sunglasses // Micheal Kors Layton Chronograph Watch // John Hardy Dot Gold and Silver Chain Bracelet // Argento Medium Hammered Hoop Earrings 

When we moved to London we were determined to get out of the house, make sure we did not let the weather deter us and to create new traditions and experiences that we would remember for life.  We have been able to get out of the house- normally do not let the weather affect our outings- however, truth be told, we can not claim to have been 100% successful with either of those… We have been 100% successful in creating, at least one, new traditions– we started Sunday Pub Hour- every Sunday after Declan wakes from nap we head to the pub for our weekly pint(s). Now, given we are in London, surrounded by Englishmen and country pubs, this would seemed an easy task- but we learned it took some effort to find the perfect pub to host our emerging tradition.  With a little effort and  many pints later we were successful in finding the quintessential British pub about three blocks from our flat- The Eagle Ale House.  Now this pub comes equipped with everything needed for a winning pub hour- cask beer (unpasteurized & less fizzy), carpet, 1960’s worn leather sofas, fireplaces, summer beer garden, dog friendly, hand pies (like hot-pockets but better), bar tenders who love your son and broadcasts of Britain’s finest football (or soccer) and rugby matches.  What more can you ask for in your neighborhood watering hole??? It took us many months to find the perfect pub and there were many contenders but in the end The Eagle really could not be beat- it continues to be a staple in our Sunday routine.  We have had many visitors to pub hour, we have invited many people to pub hour and we insist that rain or shine we continue the tradition each week. As the sun begins to set earlier and earlier I find light in knowing we will continue this weekly tradition….

The new traditions we are building remind me to not become beholden to irrelevant routines or rules… like wearing white after Labor Day.  This became more and more apparent to me this season as I just could not seem to put my white denim away – I not only love the fit of these J Crew Toothpick Jeans but I also love the way they easily shift from summer to autumn.  Given there is no Labor Day, here in the UK, it was easy to negate  this rule- and honestly it is so unconnected to modern day fashion- and while I felt a little rebellious and am confident my Nanny is shaking her head at me from heaven I am happy to be breaking this rule.  British women are empowering in their style beliefs- “if you want to wear it, wear it” – who better to decided what I should wear then myself- why am I bound to a fashion rule that pre-dates even my grandparents???  This season I am not!!!  Paired with a pull over, like this Free People one (mine is an older Zella pull over <no longer available>), and my Tory Burch basic ballet flats; white jeans become the quintessential autumn fashion staple at Pub Hour.

Building and starting new rituals has not only given us a sampling of the many pubs here in Clapham (our neighborhood)- a refined taste for English cider and cask ales- and an ever growing bar tab-  but it has also brought our family closer- we all look forward to Sunday afternoon where we can all (including Declan) relax, enjoy each others company, chat about upcoming plans and meet some new locals… Pub hour is not just about the pints- in the end its about finding comfort in our new life and about finding security in knowing we are making memories of a lifetime.

Below are both identical and similar products to help you create your own Sunday Pub look- click on thumbnails to be taken to retailers to purchase! Happy Shopping!

Photos: @gui_pinto_

HELLO WORLD!!!

This is it- I have hit the publish button- I have launched my blog- I am now living and breathing Pish to Posh.

For the last year or more I have been following some amazing women and men on social media and blogging websites and everyday I have been inspired- to be a better women, to live without fear (or try to), to be a better mom, to be a better wife, to be a better human.  Today I start the journey of inspiring others- Welcome to Pish to Posh.  This has been a long time coming and I have kept it a secret – at some point I hope to look back and wonder why- but for now it was to protect myself.  It was to shelter my heart for just a few more months, weeks or even days- it was to protect myself from the potential heartache this journey could case- it was to feel shielded from others opinions…. but what good are any of those things if I am living in fear.  Now, I am not talking about ghosts or goblins, or dark corners, or sketchy neighborhoods – I am talking about the heart racing fear of putting myself out there for the WORLD to see- for the WORLD to meet- for the WORLD to watch.  For years I have been afraid of what others may think if they knew the true me- what others may say if they knew the real me- how others may react…. I choose to not live that way anymore. I choose this.  I choose to live my dream- to share my world with you.  Most of Pish to Posh will be fashion related- how I style my everyday outfits- how I wear my favorite jeans- what shoes I am in love with- what sweaters are on repeat-what trends I love and which ones I love less- BUT it will also be about the Small Things that make life great- it will be about Declan, my ever active son, it will be about Brendan, the love my life and amazing husband and it will be about Rubble, my canine companion- it will be about my adventures of being an expat, of living in London- it will be about growing as a human.  As I continue along this journey of pursuing my passion and dream I hope you join me- I hope you get a glimpse of who I truly am-

My hope is that at the end of the day you find inspiration from Pish to Posh- whether it be in fashion, life or love.  My hope is that you feel empowered to be yourself.  My hope is that you find strength and happiness in your everyday world.  Each day the sun rises and each day the sun sets- and what happens in between is what makes up a our lives.  Live yours so that each rising sun gives you hope an each setting sun sees your accomplishments celebrated.

This shoot was a special one for me- it was the first.  I was a nervous disaster.  I had found this skirt at Zara and instantly feel in love with it- I wanted to pair it with something a little less formal given I am normally not a fancy gal- this basic tee from Zara was the perfect compliment.  My vision for this shoot was inspired, a bit, from the Sex in the City intro and I wanted to highlight the amazing scenery I see everyday in London.  The Prince Albert Bridge is not too far from our house and it is next Battersea Park, one of our favorites- I knew this would be the answer as it offers the big city views but gives the neighborhood feel of normalcy.  For weeks I had planned and calculated exactly how it would all go- exactly what I would wear- exactly how my hair would look- exactly where we would shoot – and then life happened. Nothing was exact.  In fact it was all un-exact.  Changing clothes in a park, trying to put on bright red lipstick without a mirror, navigating the cars and bicycles on the bridge, trying to combat the wind almost made me re-think the whole idea.  But in the end the day was amazing-  we captured the essence of Pish to Posh.

Shop the Look: Zara Frilly Tule Skirt // Zara Basic T-Shirt // Aldo Fanei Statement Necklace // <similar>Marc Jacobs Leather Wrislet Wallet // <similar> T-Strap Black Leather Heels // John Hardy Dot Gold Silver Chain Bracelet // Tiffany & Co. Bead Stud Earrings //

Below are additional items and products to help you re-create your own look:

“Shoes are a girls best friend” and this season I have many new friends and a few old staples – such a parallel to my life.  I am loving the abundance of booties this fall/autumn (the Brits call it autumn).  There are so many colors, shapes and varieties from the fall collections that no matter your personal style there are bound to be more than a few to tickle your fancy!  I have included my most favorite shoes for the autumn season.

As you probably noticed a lot of my fall shoes are black or dark colored and this is intentional.  Here in London- black is BASIC- black is EXPECTED- black is CLASSIC.  And while I love the tan and camel colors that are dominating fall footwear this season I am committed to embracing my London life.  Furthermore, black is essential in the winter and many of these shoes will transition right into the next season.  I am a lover of shoes and I would love to have several options in all styles but I have also learned that quality is more important than quantity.  In the past I wanted to fill my closet with shoes… who cared about quality I just wanted it to “look” like I had a lot of shoes.. but living here has taught me the importance of quality and with quality comes expense- this season I focused on two good pairs of booties, one good pair of taller boots and one good pair of slip ons.  I need booties/flats/trainers that are comfortable enough to walk up to 5 miles a day- and all of the above choices offer me that.  The concept of reasonably priced is too subjective for me to make a claim that these are all “affordable” but I am budget conscious (otherwise I have to answer to Brendan!) and so most of these would fall in a category titled “Sensible Spending”.

People often say you can tell a lot about someone from the shoes they wear… I wonder what my feet are telling people???

Camo.  I LOVE (capital letter worthy) Camo.  It’s such an easy neutral without being boring nor mundane.  It can be dressed up and it can be casual.  It can be sporty and it can even be classy.  Wearing camo is like wearing a timeless staple that is easily interchangeable yet makes a statement.  This dress was a perfect find from my very favourite Denver boutique Hailee Grace –if you haven’t already go see Hailee and Grace at the store- they are brilliant- and I knew I needed it the minute I saw it.  I was able to get it shipped to me, here in London, and I couldn’t be more excited to put it on repeat for my weekly outings. Paired with these adorable booties or flats it is the perfect gem to take me from the end of summer straight into fall <make sure you check out my favorite fall shoes post for more ideas>. This dress is so easy to accessorize giving me the perfect canvas to add a chunky statement necklace- this one from Aldo  adds just enough flare to make this the perfect date night outfit.  Paired with a simple layered strand necklace, like this one from BaubleBar adds an elegant touch to soften the camo appearance.  Down on my “high street” I found this amazing little clutch by Katie Loxton and I am in love with it.  It is just the right size and fits everything I need for a night out- phone, wallet, lip colour, keys all with a bit of space left over.  

London has a seemingly long and varied fall (or autumn, if you’re a Brit) season and while the leaves do not give me the picture perfect landscape of  Colorado, I am blessed to experience yet another changing of the season here in the UK.  As we just celebrated our one-year London anniversary I am continuously pinching myself to remind me this isn’t a dream- this is my reality- that the powers at play brought us here and that our family gets to experience this amazing city, this amazing adventure and this amazing life.  We have a few trips planned this autumn and  exciting events so watch the blog and Instagram for updates on those!

This being one of my first fashion posts for the blog- complete with commentary- I wanted to ensure I got all the details just perfect… picking the perfect shoes, having perfectly flowing curled hair (which did not happen), perfecting my makeup to ensure it enhances (and covers all those spots), standing up straight, not closing my eyes…the list is endless- and then I remembered that “perfect” is what I make it.  Perfect could be the fit of this dress.  Perfect could be the complimenting statement necklace.  Perfect could be the maiden voyage of my black booties. Perfect could be the incredible photography skills demonstrated by relentlessly supportive husband, Brendan.  But today the “prefect” was feeling comfortable in my own skin.

As my dress is only available in store at Hailee Grace (seriously go check them out) I have linked several similar items below.  I always try to find the most comparable to what I am wearing- in fit, style and price.  

SHOP THE LOOK: Everly Camo Dress- sold out- similar here // Steve Madden Jaydun Leather Ankle Boots // Aldo Faeni Statement Necklace // Katie Loxton Ta-Dah Perfect  Pouch // Michael Kors Chronograph Mini Bradshaw // Tiffany & Co Bead Stud