Winter is in full swing; let’s embrace everything about it and learn to style some great sleek winter looks. Winter is my favorite season and I am excited to share this sleek winter look in partnership with Corkys Footwear.
Alright, I admit it. I love athleisure and especially winter athleisure. As a mom who spends most her time transporting my toddler to and from school, schlepping his stuff to and from the car, sitting on the ground playing trucks and constantly picking up after him wearing clothes that are comfortable and practical is of up most important; enter athleisure. And with winter in full swing it’s time to chat about winter athleisure.
When I am purchasing athleisure I make it a top priority to keep it all under $100. Every so often I will splurge on a jacket that is above that price range but for the day to day I strongly feel you can find some good winter athleisure for under $100. To start, ZELLA , from Nordstrom, is my go to. They make quality stuff that is perfect for fitness but fits perfectly into a winter athleisure street style. Another brand I like is ATHLETA but they are on the higher end of the price range. BUT they are currently have a huge sale with many items up to 50% off. I have linked my favorites below.
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
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>
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,
Hope you have had great week- any big plans for this weekend?? Declan and I are going to continue exploring this beautiful place we are calling home for two more weeks. Maybe take the train somewhere – a quick day trip. I deiced to make this post a bit more light as the last several have been so heavy and emotional. I really try to be honest and transparent and given my life has been pretty heavy and emotional I guess it only fitting that the posts have matched that.
Let’s instead talk about some difference in the fashion habits of Londoners and Denverits ( I made that word up). To start I want to say that I have learned a lot about fashion while living here, I have been challenged to think outside the box, I have been inspired to elevate my wardrobe a bit but I have also found I am missing some comforts of home. In London it is just not common to see people out and about in anything other than street clothes and typically nice ones at that! I love that. I love the fact that London women take so much pride in their appearances and style that they show it off everyday. However, I love my casual workout looks so I am ready to be a bit more comfortable in Denver!
BLACK. Londoners love black. Black denim, black jackets, black boots, black tights, black sweaters, black bags, black skirts. Black. I have never owned or worn so much black in my life. In the past I would typically reserve a full black outfit for either a funeral or a dressy night out… not here. At least 3-4 times a week I am out and about in black denim, black booties and a black sweater. Maybe it is to match the gloomy winter days or maybe it is because black looks good on everyone!!! Either way, I love it BUT am ready to get home and wear some color- you can look forward to more colorful looks in the next few months.
But until then enjoy the British influence in my wardrobe!
Photos: Zoe Griffin
This look has London written all over it- black tights, black booties, black jacket and then a dark neutral gray sweater dress. I snagged this sweater dress from recent sale at Gap and I am loving it. It is so comfortable, easy to wear and looks great both day and night. These polka dot black tights are the prefect mix of the Londoner and Denver in me- black but not too dark and still a fun side of flare. The women in London typically own anywhere from 5-15 pairs of black tights- they L O V E black tights. I think it is because they love to wear dresses/skirts. Add a pair of black tights and you have yourself the quintessential British outfit! These babies are the perfect addition to your black tight collection- even if you are just starting yours. The jacket is fabulous and should look familiar from several other post including this one here. I wear it daily. Literally, everyday I wear this jacket. Over casual denim and sweaters, over dresses and I have even been known to throw it over my athleisure outfit; on those rare days. Speaking of do you all want to see some athleisure looks styled and featured on the blog????
The necklace in this look is old and actually broke just after we took these pictures! So I have linked several <similar> <similar> and will be getting a few for myself now that I am back in the market. With all the black and neutrals I still like to add some color or texture with a statement necklace- kind of my go to. In fact, I have a friend over here who calls statements necklaces “Amanda necklaces”… such a sweet compliment.
One of the last major differences between Londoners and Denverits is the hair… now here is where Denver wins! So, in London there is always a chance for rain and if there is no rain the air is very wet and humid so the idea of spending any amount of time doing your hair is pointless. Curl falls out immediately. Straight hair becomes super frizzy. I get it now- it took me a long time to come to terms with this but as I am on the verge of my departure I understand why London women do not really do their hair!
With Love,
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So here we are at the beginning of another year.
Up to date this has been the most challenging post and to be honest I am not sure why. It is not like I am announcing any big news, I do not really have anything profound to say and I am not even sure this post has a clear message. I do believe it has been challenging because my mind, emotions and concentration has been elsewhere. Since I started Pish to Posh (just three months ago) I have made it the center of my life. I have committed any spare time to nurturing it, I have spent all my child-free time writing and honing my craft and many many evenings learning the logistics of how to run a blog… but this last week I have spent very little time on any of those things.
As we embark on a new year and yet another huge transition for our family I have spent the last several days completely and utterly tuned into my family- to Brendan, to Declan. Brendan leaves in three days. He moves back home on Thursday and so I have spent every minute trying to take in all of London with him before he goes. This is it- it is happening.
Photos: Zoe Griffin Photo
This sweater is 100% a staple you need in your closet. It is soft (pajama style)- need I say more?!? If you follow me on Instagram – which you should- you would have seen that I bought it in two colors! Are you wondering if I wear anything but gray sweaters???? Well truth be told I do but when I am not I tend to dress up a neutral with a chunky statement necklace. It adds a visual element and a bit of texture. This exact one is sold out but I have linked a very <similar> one. J Crew is literally my go-to for denim this season and these are yet another example. I love the dark color, the fit and the look. Just get yourself a pair!! While I tend to stick to booties or boots in London due to being outside all the time I chose flats with this look to really keep it easy and casual. I love my Tory Burch flats and they have lasted me AGES. Snag yourself up pair as a late Christmas gift ;-). Unfortunately this faux fur hooded jacket is sold out but I have found an almost identical one (even has the toggles) and it is currently on sale. The gray tote is giant- I literally can fit my whole life in there. I love an over-sized bag; a good catch all.
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have
Being present and focused in the moment it harder than I had anticipated. I wanted our last family days to be filled with creating more memories, seeing all our friends before Brendan leaves, re-visiting our favorite places around and just being with our little family. But at times all we were talking about were the logistics of moving both on the London end and the future Colorado side. That is not how we want to remember these last days. But in the end I think it is the W H O L E experience we are trying to preserve and re-live in three short days. And the reality is that we can not. We can not go back and do it all again. We can continue to enjoy the next few days and that is what I plan to do.
So, my apologies if this post seems less thoughtful, less focused, a bit rambly and a bit short… I am out enjoying my last days in London as a complete family.
How will you be present in life as this new year begins?
With Love,
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