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winter fashion

  • Everyday Fashion

    2016 Top 10

    Happy Almost New Year!!

    So, last week I shared with you my reflections from 2016 <original post> and while this a look back it is not thought provoking or sentimental!

    I wanted to compile a list that was encompassing of everything I experienced this year but that list proved to be WAY to long for a blog post! So I narrowed it down- as challenging as that was- to the TOP 10 memories or events from the last year.   I am so fortunate to have been able to experience so much in the last year and I am so grateful for all the memories I have created and shared with my family and friends.  While the list is not inclusive of every memory or event – it does include the most important, special and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

     

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    shop the look; denim // tunic sweater // heels // tote

    This year I have tried on a lot of clothes- A LOT.  And I can say that this tunic sweater and these flare jeans are 1000% the most comfortable items in my wardrobe (not counting pajamas, ha!). I literally wanted to take a nap in them after this shoot!  Maybe I did?!?  Anyway…. This tunic sweater is soft, cozy, warm, comfortable and currently on sale for under $30 (it also comes in black and white stripe).  These flared denim <original post> are some of the most comfortable, easy to wear and perfect fitting jeans I have.  They were very long when I got them (and I am 5’7″) so I had them tailored and I left a little bit of length so they can be worn with heels. I love how it keeps the flare just enough to make them look clean and classy.  The heels are growing on me and the more I wear them the more comfortable they are! The neutral color makes them perfect for any outfit.  I am sure you are tired of me gushing about how great this tote is so I will keep it brief.  If you are looking for a life-long investment piece then snag it up ASAP.  You wont be sorry.


    My Top 10 from 2016-in no particular order (maybe…)
    1. Visiting 3 continents, 6 countries and countless cities.
    2. Family beach holiday in Alicante
    3. Spending one day in Amsterdam with my mom
    4. Touching down in Africa. 
    5. Listening to Declans British accent develop.
    6. Watching the little girl I used to nanny for graduate from high school- 13 years after I met her.
    7. Living in London for 365 days
    8. The day Rubble (my dog) moved to London
    9. Launching Pish to Posh 
    10. Celebrating 6 years of marriage 

    Obviously, this list could be ten times longer but I will leave you with those ten.  I hope your list is long and filled with love and laughter.  Celebrate all you have accomplished this year- its truly amazing!

    As this year comes to a close I want to thank you- each and everyone of you- for all the support and love you have showed me.  I am forever beholden to you.  Each and every week you come back allows me to continue to do what I love.

    thank you. from the bottom of my heart.

    See you in 2017,

     

  • 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

    The Magic of Christmas: I Still Believe

    I still believe.

    And if you have known for any length of time you will know the significance of this word and this idea for me. For years, I have chosen ‘Believe’ as the single word I live by.  The word was splattered everywhere at my wedding, it is the signature on my emails and you can find it in almost every room of my house. I believe- in something- each day it may be different- but I believe.  It’s a daily reminder of motivation and of purpose and around the Holidays it is the reminder that there is something bigger than myself.

    shop the look: denim // top // shoes // hat // cape // clutch 

    In the spirit of the season and in the spirit of believing I must say I believe this hat and these shoes are two of my most favorite recent purchases.  As the holiday season (and life) often calls for fancier dress I was on the hunt for a pair of neutral classic heels and I came upon these lovelies from Michael Kors.  While I will not brag about the comfort as I am not one to say heels are particularly comfortable I will say I could happily wear them for a night out, a holiday lunch or Christmas party.  I love adding a bit of fancy to my everyday (ie the shoes) but as I am more casual gal I needed to keep this outfit easy and ready to wear… enter the beanie! I love the color, the feel and the fit.  If you watch my Instastories you will have seen it worn many times- tis the season for beanies! The denim is J. Crew and I cannot recommend these enough- I have these exact fit in two other washes- pretty much the only denim I am wearing. The dark color is great for a more dressed up appearance up but can also be worn for the everyday errand running or lunch date.  I paired it all with a simple grey mock turtleneck to keep the outfit looking sleek and streamlined.  This is a great layering piece- perfect with a faux fur vest or puffer over-top or even a soft cozy cardigan.

    This cape was a present from Brendan last Christmas.  It is quintessential British cape and I love it.  Not only does the lining make me smile but the warmth is unmatchable.  It is pure wool, heavy, thick and amazing.  I have linked a few others <here> and <here> as I am aware this exact one is a bit pricey.

    Tis’ the season to believe and even at 34 years old I still believe in the magic of Christmas.  The last time I read The Polar Express to Declan, just the other night, I was literally choked up by the ending (if you are not familiar the little boy receives a bell from Santa that can only be heard by those who continue to believe in the magic of Christmas).  I realized as I read this children’s story to my son that I have never stopped believing.  The bell still rings for me- each and every year.  The magic of Christmas completely consumes my heart and my mind- it is the driving factor in continuing the traditions of the season (see my post about Holiday traditions here), it is the reminder that magic is what you make it and it is the intention of ensuring my son grows up believing.

    While I will never preach my religious views to you and I accept and respect everyone’s opinion to feel and practice the way they choose, part of the magic in believing lies in my faith.  It is about believing in something bigger than myself- that this life is a gift given to me. It is about believing in my purpose in this life.  Teaching my son about the magic of Christmas, about the beliefs of our faith and about the importance of respecting what he is given is a journey that only gets more and more important each year.  I never want Declan to stop hearing the bells….

    And I promise to never stop believing.

    With Love,


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  • Everyday Fashion

    Layered Up With Emotions

    Emotions are tricky.  Sometimes they get the best of us.  Sometimes they serve no purpose but to muddle up the future.  And sometimes they paint a perfectly clear picture.

    This post will have all of that.  It is muddled and layered with compounding emotions.  I see a perfectly clear picture of happiness yet my emotions seem to be getting the better of me.

    If you have been following me for any length of time it should be perfectly clear how much I love LONDON.  The opportunities presented to us here are so vast we haven’t even scratched the surface.  Our family is the happiest we have ever been.  Over the last 15 months my world has changed so much- not just our physical location- but how I think about the world, how I interact with the world and how I see my future.  My eyes have been opened to life driven by appreciation, gratitude and adventure.  While being in London has taught me these things I am hopeful that I can carry them with me no matter my location….

    Because my location is about to change….

    Photos: Victoria Metaxas 

    shop the look: denim // tunic // zip up sweater // jacket // boots // tote

    My emotions are all layered up so why shouldn’t my outfits be!!  Especially now that it is bitter cold and winter is no longer just knocking but has welcomed herself in.  These essential layering pieces are perfect for the cold London days… and will be perfect for my next destination (read on to find out where that is-ha!).  Let’s start with this zip up sweater from Gap.  Buy it.  It has become an absolute staple in my winter wardrobe- it is soft and easy to throw on for some extra warmth.  It comes in a variety of colors and is currently on sale.  The v-neck long sleeve tunic tee underneath is another essential Gap must have.  If the weather is nice enough it is perfectly worn alone or perhaps with a blanket scarf <here> <here>.  But it has become a must have under my chunky knits- including this one from my Holiday traditions post.  Colored denim is certainly a need for any winter wardrobe- there are only so many days you can wear regular denim before you start to get bored, right! I am really loving this green color as it still a great neutral pallet.  Booties… perfect for walking, winter and wandering.  Snag some up for this winter season. Plus they are currently on sale!!

    Can we all stop and take a look at this fabulous shearling coat??? It is warm, soft and feels like you are wearing a down blanket in public.  It isn’t great for rainy London days but where I am going it doesn’t rain all that often- especially in the winter.  It is a bit more fitted and tailored so I normally wear it over thinner sweaters and flowy tops.

    Alright…  if you have gotten this far it is either because you are my mom, you are anxious to find out where we are headed or because you are scrolling to the one click shopping widget below…. Well either way the mystery is over.

     

    C O L O R A D O!!!!

     

    Denver, get prepared we are headed your way.  While flights are still being booked and international movers are being arranged I am thrilled to share that we are moving home- back to Denver.  While this decision was an extremely difficult one for Brendan and I and while we are feeling intensely bittersweet we are ever grateful for the last 15 months spent as an expat family.  Just like moving to London, upon touchdown in Denver, we are ready to hit the ground running.  Brendan will be starting a new job, Declan will be starting a new preschool and I will be starting the next chapter of Pish to Posh.  As we embark upon this new journey we cannot help but feel a sense of loss, a sense of potential missed opportunities and a sense of unfinished business.  I will leave a small piece of my heart here  in London but I know I will be back to get it.  London will forever and always hold a V E R Y special place in my heart… it was the place where I saw my son thrive for the first time, it was the place my marriage became tough as nails and it was the place I found and pursued my passion.  London- you are a force to be reckoned with… but Colorado is my true home.

     

    All the lessons learned and attitudes changed will be driving our new life in Colorado.  Our time spent in London was nothing short of amazing and worth every single tear, triumph and toll we encountered.

    It is with a heavy heart but a hopeful outlook that we leave this incredible adventure.

    To The Next Layer-