Browsing Tag:

denim

  • Everyday Fashion

    Mirror Mirror… I see Bold Prints

    Reflection brings change or so they say.

    As we have been unpacking and settling back into Denver I have been trying to spend a lot of time reflecting on the last seventeen months… but I can’t seem to find my mirror.  Both figuratively and literally.

    When you look in a mirror what do you see looking back? Is it too superficial to see the physical features of your face or body or clothes looking back and if so, why??  Where did the stigma of caring what you look like become so negative?  I personally spend a great deal of time in front of the mirror- styling outfits, testing out beauty products and experimenting with new hair and make-up trends- so when I look in the mirror I see the physical aspects.  Except, recently, when I look in the mirror I see myself blankly staring back. Despite the new makeup and hair or styling the perfect outfit I have been lacking the other reflection.  Something has been missing.

    Oh, that’s right MY MIRROR.

    Luckily for those around me I found my mirror and have been doing some serious reflecting.

    Photos: Jenna Sparks 

    shop the look: denim // top // booties // bag // watch 

    As you know I gravitate towards neutrals and mainly grays. whites and black so when I saw this bold patterned top I was surprised how much I loved it.  The bold pattern paired perfectly with these patchwork denim as all the blue tones swirled together.  This bold top is the perfect lightweight top for spring, perfect color combination for any skin tones and the flowy nature makes it flattering on anyone!!  It is currently on sale so make sure to get it before they are all gone.  These denim were part of the “operation update my denim” upon my return from London.  I simply love them and the are well under $100.  This brand, Articles of Society, is fast becoming my go-to for all things denim (sizing note- order a size down as they typically run big).

    After “Operation Denim Update” was complete I embarked on a mission to find some new springish booties  And since I am no longer walking 5-7 miles in the rain (sometimes) I am taking full advantage of these laser cut/perforated ones.  Love love love the color of these new babies as they will transition well into spring.  They are a low enough heel that I can chase Declan around in them but still feel a bit more polished than a trainer.  They come in several other colors and some non-laser cut.

    mirror mirror

    Once my mirror found its way home (it was on loan while we were away) I have been able to really think about and processes the changes.  I have been able to start to pinpoint why there has been a blank stare when I look in the mirror.

    I made a lot of assumptions before I left London on how this transition would be and I am beginning to realize that making assumptions about a situation that is completely new does not, usually, set me up for success.  And I as I reflect on this I am reminded that this path of life is not laid out for me- that I am the one who decides what to make of each day- I am the one who can choose to change that blank stare- if I don’t like something then I need to change it.

    With Love,


     

  • Everyday Fashion

    Love in Chelsea Plaid

    So, its Valentines Day.

    In full transparency I am not the biggest fan of this day.  BUT I am the biggest fan of my husband and I am the biggest fan of being in LOVE.  I have celebrated 34 Valentines Days and some of them have been fabulous and some have been depressing and some have even been exciting and thrilling but what I have realized over the years is the importance of having love in my life.

    I have been married for 6 1/2 years and I fall more in love with Brendan everyday (well most days!).  I could write post after post about how happy I am, I could spend hours chatting your ear off about the comfort of finding someone who accepts me and understands me or I could gush for days about how much Brendan makes me feel grounded while simultaneously giving me wings to fly.. and since today is Valentines Day I just might!! Well maybe not a whole post!

    The location of these photos was one of my favorite places in London- they were taken at the Chelsea Court House on Kings Road- every singe time I went by there were people getting married.  Many of you  know I am obsessed with weddings and I love everything wedding related.  In fact, my wedding was the ABSOLUTE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.  So before I left London I insisted on shooting here (for a Valentines Day post) to keep that love alive in my memory and in my future.  As you can see the steps are scattered with confetti from weddings past- of love celebrated over time- of couples who have made the ultimate declaration of love.

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    shop the look: Denim // top // heels // jacket <Similar>  // clutch // sunnies

    Typically I don’t wear traditional Valentines Day colors and while this plaid button up is not exactly red or pink it is a warmer tone and therefore fitting enough for the occasion…. right?!?  And it is a classic button up that is easily paired with anything- in fact I wore it under a crew neck sweatshirt the other day.  It is  light material so perfect for transitioning into spring, it is a little loose fitting which makes it the perfect candidate for a half tuck and I am in love with the bright color plaid.  These denim are just classic skinny cut with a clean appearance and easy to wear with just about anything.  Every fashionista needs a pair of timeless skinnies and these are the answer.  Heels are slowly becoming more of a friend to me- I am sure you can tell as I have been styling these nude ones quiet a lot.  And the  more I wear them the more comfortable they are becoming.  But this look could also be paired with a cute bootie or some fun slip ons.

    Let’s talk about the details: the coat is an absolute favorite of mine and I made the mistake of having it <similar> shipped back from the London so I won’t get it back until May!!  Ugh.  It would be prefect on a cool winter morning here in Colorado!  This clutch should look familiar from this post and I am so happy with the purchase!  It holds a lot for a clutch and sometimes I need to take 14 different lip colors with me so size is very important- ha!!  A classic aviator sunnie is a must have and I have not found a better pair then these.  Stick with the originals, right!!

    forever in love

    Having a built in Valentine for the rest of my life is fabulous but the fact that I get to spend the other 364 days with him is really what makes me the happiest.  Unfortunately it is easy to be lost in the everyday and everyday can sometimes be less defined by love.  But if each day I remember to tell Brendan just how much I love him and everyday I remember to make sure he feels his love is not lost on me.  Are we perfect???  NOPE.  But we are forever in love and forever committed to showing that to each other. On this special day of LOVE I am lucky to be spending it with my forever Valentine.

    With Extra Love,


  • Everyday Fashion

    Indecisive V-Necks. Or not??

    Decisions. They are what make up our each and every day.

    Some are voluntary and conscious.
    Some are involuntary and  routine.
    Some are easy.
    Some are hard.

    The problem I am having is the decisions that should be involuntary and easy are all of a sudden really hard and take a lot of conscious thought.  And the opposite is true.  Decisions I used to spend a lot of time on and required a bit more voluntary action have become routine and easy.

    For example- I used to wake right up, never hit the snooze button and was ready to start my day- wide eyed and excited.  Now, I snooze for like 35 minutes sometimes, find any excuse to stay in bed and then drag myself into the kitchen to start my day…. so what has changed??  I still sleep the same number of hours, I still sleep as soundly as I did and I still follow all the same bed time routines… honestly, it is a puzzle.

    But the problem is not just getting up. There has been a switch across my whole life.  I thrive at making huge  life decisions and am challenged at making daily decisions.  Oh, gheez!

     

    Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo 

    SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // SWEATER // BOOTS // NECKLACE <SIMILAR> // BAG 

    Friends! Run run run to get this sweater.  It is the best sweater I have bought or styled this whole season- honestly.  I love the fit, the color (it comes in many other options) and the material.  It is perfect for under a light jacket as it is super warm.  It is easily worn with a longer layering tee underneath and leggings or with denim as seen here.  These boots are becoming a favorite as I wear them more and I am loving them with skirts!  These are my ever popular J.Crew toothpick jeans and as you can see I wear them all time  The dark color makes them perfect for daytime or evening.  This exact necklace is a few seasons old but J.Crew always has the best statement pieces so I have linked several others <here> <here> <here>.  The bag was a Christmas present and I am simply in love with it- perfect color for winter and will transition so well into spring/summer.  A nice bag can really take an outfit up a few notches- this baby sure makes me feel sophisticated!

    These photos were taken in Clapham Common which is at the end of my street- I literally walk down this path almost everyday.  I was so lucky to have my photographer make the journey to South London for this shoot- these photos will be the prefect reminder of just how beautiful my neighborhood was! But you can be rest assured it took me many many days o decide exactly where I would shoot.

    D E C I S I O N S— T H E    B R E A K D O W N

    Let’s start with life decisions… like moving; we made the decision and then we continued on with life.  Decision over.  Decision done.
    Let’s talk about my breakfast decisions…. do I want coffee or tea? Coffee, so I made coffee and then wanted tea.  Cereal or eggs, well cereal is easier but eggs are better for you- but eggs I have to wash the pan after, cereal is just one bowl…. so I had toast.

    My life just runs this way and I am starting to wonder what is wrong with me?!?  Ha.  I think maybe I am so worn out from making such challenging large impact decisions that I use up my ‘decision making quota’. And so I have toast.  Either way I am working on being better at determining the appropriate amount of thoughts and effort of decisions… should I spent 45 minutes deciding whether to wear burgundy or wine colored lip stick?  Should I spend 3 to 4 days deciding whether to get extra soft tissues or just regular soft tissues?  I guess I will get back to you when I decided… or do not decide…   Just don’t hold your breath waiting!

    With Love,


  • Everyday Fashion

    Mid Season Rut: Shearling Vest

    M I D   S E A S O N  R U T…..

    Snap out of it! And bring me with you!!

    Friends, I am in the mid-season rut.  Anyone else??  You know half way through a season when you stare at your closet and nothing is pretty, everything is blahh, the newness of everything has worn off and even the tried and true favorites are not making the cut.  And when this happens I seem to wallow and wallow and find myself spiraling.  Well its time for me to climb out.  Starting today.  Or maybe tomorrow.

    Typically I love getting dressed, planning outfits, going shopping- all things fashion related. But recently I have very little motivation and I am tired of getting dressed!  In fact, today, I did not even get out of my sweat pants.  As I was browsing online or in stores I just got tired of the same old chunky sweater, the same distressed jeans, the same booties.   Now, there is NOTHING wrong with chunky sweaters, distressed denim and booties but I was craving a little inspiration and a little variety.  I felt like I had all the chunky sweaters I needed or all the distressed denim one girl could handle…so how do I pull myself out of the rut??

    No, I am actually asking!!!!

    Photos: Zoe Griffin 

    SHop the Look:  Denim // v neck // vest // booties // tote // earrings // necklace<SImilar>

    So for starters I went with a variety of the “chunky sweater”… a chunky sweater VEST.  This lovely  has the best collar and makes any plain outfit pop and I love that I can throw it on over just about any shirt- button down, flowy, tee, turtleneck.  I shared it on Instagram last week as it is currently one sale!  It is the perfect amount of chunk without being too chunky… I was a bit over chunky! This layering V-neck tunic has been a staple this season and I wear it constantly! It is currently on sale and comes in a multitude of colors.  I wear it under everything and it is perfect with a scarf or statement necklace.  The denim is a top fav for me- seriously! I wear them at least once a week, maybe twice, and I have them in two other washes.  This outfit was a  bit blah for me to start so I added some chunky jewelry from J. Crew.  The necklace is from last season so I have linked some similar <here> and <here>.  These earrings jumped into my hands when I saw them… I obviously had to buy them– they just jumped right in!

    One of the others things I have been doing in order to get me out of my rut is adding a new lip color! While I am not normally a super bold lip girl and I tend to do a bit more gloss I feel in love with this new product.  This Hourglass Opaque Rouge in Empress is excellent.  There are several other colors to chose from.

    In the end I am climbing out of my rut. I will make it to the surface- I can see the silver lining.  But I am no stranger to feeling a bit blahh.  This go around I really tried to identify exactly what was making me feel stuck.  I worked at alleviating all the other noise in my head and focused on how to efficiently and quickly get myself out of the rut.  This season shopping did not help.  This season it was about feeling it from the inside out- it was about remembering that everyone has bad days and that each morning I get to choose how to proceed with my day.  Each day I started to climb out a little further- sure there were days were I slipped back but I can say I am on the way out!!!  Feels really good to feel good.  And no shame in saying so!!

    Hope you all had a great Christmas!!!  Santa was very good to our family.  Wishing the same for you and yours.  Thanks for stopping by-

    With Love,


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  • Everyday Fashion

    Reflections 2016

     

    So… its almost 2017… Yep I said it; accepting it is a different statement.  It is time to do some reflecting on this past year.

    I am not a resolution girl.

    My life is constantly changing and therefore to meet that demand I need to be constantly changing and evolving and I find reflecting is the best way to roll through life. Resolutions seem so finite.

    This year I have a lot to reflect on however two main theme keeps showing up.  The idea of living my life based on what I want and not out of fear.  And how important it is to find gratitude in every aspect of life.  Over the last year I have spent a lot of conscious energy learning to be grateful and to show gratitude for all I have.  I am lucky enough to live in London, if only for a few more weeks- and I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this opportunity.  Launching Pish to Posh was a step away from living in fear- I was ready to be myself.

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas

    shop the look: denim // top // jacket <similar> // booties // clutch

    This was a fun outfit to put together… I was tired of sweaters…I was tired of gray (just for the day) and I wanted something a bit holiday but not too over the top.  Speaking of tops- lets talk about this top! Zara never fails me and this embroidered piece was another score.  The pop of color is just enough and I love the detail of the flowers.  I, obviously, love these patchwork denim as you have seen them in several of the previous posts <here><here> but they just seem to pair, so well, with everything.  Casual tops, dressy tops, sweaters, sweatshirts- everything.  I had originally styled this with black heels but when the day came to shoot it was pouring rain. In fact, all of these photos were, literally, taken in a constant drizzle- ugh London.  I opted for a more water friendly shoe and I am ever grateful I did.  These booties are so easy to wear both for casual looks or for a more dressy appearance.

    gratitude

    Traveling around Europe, England and London has been my way showing the gratitude I feel.  Ensuring I live in the moment and take the opportunities right in front of me  is the best way I know to actively demonstrate how lucky and grateful I am.  Exploring what the world offers is how I capture the sense of gratitude in my everyday.  Giving Declan the ability to experience new cultures, new sights, new sounds helps him to develop a sense of gratitude at an early age.

    Live Without Fear

    While my mom was here in London there was great discussions about breaking away from the fear of not doing things. Whether it be the clothes you are wearing, trying new food, exploring a new city or even reading a different genera book. And the conclusion was overwhelming in the direction of how important it is to not let fear guide my life.  I launched Pish to Posh under this premise.  I was tired of living in fear of what others may think or how others may have perceived me. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made! In fact, I feel a sense of weight lifted- carrying around fear is an awful heavy burden.

    As I look forward  to 2017 I am excited about the opportunity to continue being grateful and living without fear.  I also know that the next 365 will bring new occasions to reflect on my life and to embrace change.

    What are you reflections from 2016???

    With Love,

    I have included several similar items in the widget below for both the embroidered top and the jacket as they are not available through this directory.  Happy Shopping!

  • 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.

    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,

    ajm

     

     

     

     

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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-

    ajm

    easy one click shopping- identical items and many similar- get shopping!

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