top shop Archives - Pish to Posh

Family Time: Winter Sweater

Happy Tuesday Lovelies!

My family has always been the single most important thing to me. And this weekend I was reminded of this. As I sit and write the laughter of three children playing, my mom bustling in the kitchen and the sweet sounds of my brother playing the piano fill me with a sense of peace and calmness. Since our move back to Colorado I have not felt very grounded, I have been struggling to connect with my new (former) home and each day I yearn to return to London. I kept waiting for something to help me feel more connected, I was seeking happiness that did not seem available- I guess all I needed was to head “home” for the weekend.

One of the things I have always said, despite my living in London ,is Colorado will always be my home- the place I come to when I feel lost- the place my family lives and the place I always thought I wanted to raise my family…. luckily all those things are still true but it has taken me a while to believe them again.

This weekend when Declan and I arrived in the mountains to my childhood home- it began to snow. Not just a little dusting but giant giant flakes- the kind you can catch on your tongue, the kind that leaves your hair wet and covers your jacket in white. I began to feel “at home”. It was the beginning of what proved itself to be the perfect homecoming.

Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo

SHOP THE LOOK: DENIM // SWEATER <SIMILAR> // BOOTIES // TOTE

The weather has been crazy the last few weeks and typically I would be living in heavy sweaters this <similar> fabulous winter white cable knit and these soft comfortable distressed skinnies! If I was only allowed to wear one pair of distressed jeans for the rest of the season I would choose these without hesitation. I really feel Top Shop has come a long way in their denim and I am super in love with these babies. This exact sweater is no long available –one because it was a London sale purchase and two because it is sold out on line– but I have linked several very very <similar> <similar> ones. This exact sweater was perfect for the extremely cold day and the perfect winter white color makes it an excellent choice. I would love to wear this with white skinnies as I love to pair similar neutrals of different tones- this sweater is perfect for that.

These booties have about 500 miles on them due them being the absolute perfect bootie. They are so comfortable and I have yet to find a pair that competes. The suede has worn in perfectly and now has that weathered aged look that I strive for. Given these are a bit on the pricey side I have linked several others including several on sale- a classic neutral bootie is a must have- make sure you grab a pair ASAP <similar> <similar> <similar>

homecoming

Throughout the rest of the weekend I was brought back to my childhood as I watched my son sled in the backyard, warm up next to the fire place, help plow the snow and grow to love the mountains. As I think back to the memories I have of this house I am anxious to allow my new family to build those same memories. Those that fill this house are more than just people to me- they are the memories that ground me, they are the reason I am continuously inspired, they are the unconditional love I feel each day- they are my family. And I am finally starting to feel reconnected to my life here. The mountains are my happy place and this weekend I was genuinely happy- a feeling I haven’t felt since I left London three weeks ago. My family proved to me again that there is nothing more important nor stronger than those bonds.

With Love,

Everyday Fashion

London Lessons Learned Part 1

Its THURSDAY— that means the weekend starts today… well officially tomorrow…. okay actually in two days!

Either way I hope you have had a great week. Anything fantastic happen????

As the title would suggest I wanted to share some of the lessons learned while living abroad and this edition will be those silly daily things that took some getting used to. I mean, I have a whole list of deep and meaningful lessons learned but for today lets keep it light! Recently, I spoke a bit about some of the fashion difference between London and Denver in this post and so much of that applies to the lessons learned.

I learned lessons in fashion habits, in grocery shopping, in social norms, in trash collection, in restaurant services, in ordering wine, doing laundry and how to transport myself around the city.

Photos: Victoria Metaxas

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

Gingham…. a new favorite… and ever popular! I stumbled upon this top, a bit by accident, but thrilled I did. It is a dream to wear and I love the pattern. I have bee known to love stripes but I think gingham is taking over! The three-quarter sleeves guarantee its transition into the spring. It runs a bit large so order down from your typical size (especially for the smaller busted ladies). I paired it with the classic British black denim. These new jeans are great as they are long enough to be worn with heels but can be rolled for a cute bootie and are much softer than some of my others. There is a bit of stretch in them making them perfect for work where you sit a lot! The bracelet was a gift many years ago but I have linked several others <similar> <similar>. This long pendant should look familiar from this post <here> but I obviously have it on repeat. I love how long it hangs! Every fashion forward close needs a classic black leather jacket and this one, while several years old, has been an absolute staple! I have linked several <similar> <similar>. Snag one up ASAP.

Now to quick of list of learnings!

Grocery shopping is done online- otherwise I have to carry everything home in a bag or on my back- online!
Wine comes in different sizes here- I can get 125ml, 250ml or a bottle -always order the 250ml (why not??).
Hunter Boots are worn on the commons/park for walking your dog- not as a fashionable boot. They are for mucking.
There are very few dryers around London- most people have a washer only- and if you have a dryer like we do it take 6.5 hours to complete a wash and dry cycle and I do not transfer the clothes- it is one machine- a washer/dryer combo.
You do not tip at a restaurant or a bar and if you choose to it is only 12.5%. It is certainly not expected.
Neighbors are not your friends- it is weird to smile at people walking down the street – not because everyone is grumpy but because everyone is on their own agenda and that is just social norm.
On trash collection day all the trash must be inside a large black plastic bag and must be placed on the sidewalk by 6am… there is no machine dumping trash cans- it is all done by hand.
Getting around the city without a car is really easy in London- there are plenty of options- bus, train, tube, light-rail- and some days I may find myself on all them…. until there is a strike and NOTHING is running- no public transport. I stay home those days. Ha.

While the lesson are wide and varied I am ever thankful that I had the opportunity to experience an entirely new culture and lifestyle!

Thank you for continuing along this journey with me-

With Love,