My birthday jacket








Yes, this was me on my birthday, sporting the new jacket that my daughter chose and my husband financed, which is pretty much the perfect arrangement I'd say. Sasha has a great eye and knows my style, as you can see. I love the unique nature of the jacket - the colours, the patchwork and the tiny studs, all of which say class act to me. Arriving just on the cusp of our departure for our holidays, this soft suede bomber jacket will be ideal for warmer weather when I need to step out in style in Rome, Malta and Barcelona. Thank you Sasha for finding a such a perfect gift.

A week ago one of my favourite fashion bloggers, Suzanne Carillo posted an article which asked her readers to chose our style statement for 2016 (see here). Suzanne then went on to state her own, as "Artistic, unique, relevant, fun and strong". If you have time, please take a moment to visit her blog and you will soon understand how well she has summarised herself. I admire Suzanne's bold sense of dressing that isn't about following trends. As a savvy shopper she finds bargains in the sales, loves to charity shop and has some great tips on dressing as seen here. Her strong sense of self is what I admire so much and is something I recognise in myself too. 

I considered her question as to my own style statement and came up with "I aspire to inspire". Apologies if this comes across as very grand and self inflated, it's not meant to at all. The older I get, the more I feel I know myself and what suits my body shape. I've found that if I wear the right combination of colours and shapes it greatly increases my confidence. This often results in women of my age talking to me about my clothes and where I bought them, and can also create the opportunity for them to talk about why they wear what they do or why they think they couldn't wear what I do.

As we mature we all need to cultivate the older version of ourselves and maintain the individuality that we had in our younger days. It's so easy to let fashion, trends or an interest in clothes pass us by as we age, believing that it's no longer important. I disagree, hence my motto of "Let's bin the beige and have fun with colour". I like to think that my boldness may inspire one or two to step out of their comfort zone. Whether it's just to try out a new shade of lipstick, or some coloured tights or even revisit a trend they loved when they were younger. I'd like to think my blog may liberate, inspire, inject some fun or at the very least give food for thought. "Could I wear something like that?" you may ask. Well you won't know unless you try. A trial within the privacy of your bedroom is the best way to see how you feel, see if you have the right shoes, belt, jewellery to complete the look. Taking time to do this is essential. I hate the rush of changing rooms, where you feel obliged to scurry in and out so quickly, too quickly to weigh up the look at all. Take an hour at home, in the daytime, when you have good light to see the true colours and see what you can find in your wardrobe to match or compliment the piece in question. Go on, you may surprise yourself!

Before I go, I feel I must mention these boots which have lain dormant in my wardrobe for over 20 years now. I bought them in a swish boutique on Gandi Street in Exeter and they pretty much drained all of my reserves in one fell swoop. It was love at first sight. The price tag became insignificant. I knew I had to have them. I'm sure this is common to other shopaholics - the fight is over before it has begun. Give in. You know you're gonna have to buy 'em, so just get on with it. Hot sweats, racing heart, panic, all of the ensuing signals to try to stop this train wreck will amount to nothing. And so it was. And here they still are, as sensational as ever. They are by DKNY and everything about them is fantastic. From the exquisite scrolling pattern, to the staggering heel shape and the opulent purple leather lining, they are outrageously beautiful. Whimper, pine and drool over them from a distance as they won't be up for sale on my (forthcoming) eBay page anytime soon.

Jacket: KattyKitt Vintage. Dress: charity shop. Polo neck: charity shop. Boots: DKNY. Tights: Dorothy Perkins. Blue rings: charity shop.

Linking with
Cherie at Style Nudge 
Allison at Sydney Fashion Hunter 




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18 comments

  1. Oh this is totally me.... This is an outfit I can drool over. Beautiful. The jacket is gorgeous. The adventurous pattern mixing side of you is where you and Suzanne meet. In this outfit you meet me. And like you I have bought DKNY boots a long time ago which were also frightfully expensive but a dream to see and wear. As for the styling form of Suzanne: i came up with: fun, trying something new from time to time, traditional (or classic) with a twist, clean lines.
    Figures, doesn't it?
    Greetje

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    1. You're right Greetje, this is where my styling does meet yours. I felt myself holding back, trying to be restrained and let the jacket have it's moment in the spotlight, but just couldn't resist to showcase the wonderful boots too. I don't think I overplayed my hand though, if it's got your vote of approval - hurrah! Your summation of Suzanne is spot on. We love her, don't we?
      Anna x

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  2. Anna, those boots must never lay dormant again! They need to be strutted about to be seen! They so totally match the vibe of the jacket but without competing against them.
    And your birthday jacket with it's colours especially matching your rings, brings a smile to my face.
    Ditch the beige indeed! Life is a constant journey so the best way to gain the most from it, is to be open to trying some new things every now and then.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Can you believe I forgot about these Jacqueline? They were moved from under the bed to the top of the wardrobe then hidden underneath a coat. But here they are and yes, you'll be seeing them again. I'm utterly thrilled with this jacket and the timing couldn't be better to get the chance to wear it. Thanks so much for your lovely feedback x
      Anna

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  3. I must say I love how people have interpreted my worksheet and come up with some perfect style statements for themselves.

    Thanks for the shout-out. : )

    There is no doubt that this outfit is wonderfully inspiring. You've hit your mark dead on. The boots...ah the boots! They require their own showcase.

    I have a pair of red suede boots from the 60's that are too small for my feet but I keep them in my office to look at because they are so beautiful. I'd do the same with these. A work of art on their own.

    The whole ensemble is perfect for an art gallery owner.


    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  4. Red suede boots, oooooo. Now they could maybe just show up in the background of your next photo shoot to give us all a peek. I'm amazed at how I managed to lose track of these for so long. Surely an indication of stuffication overload!
    Anna x

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  5. Wowee!!! Between the boots & the jacket---you are looking fabulous! I love how you want to inspire others---I feel the same way! I always feel like we need to be role models for the younger kids---show them that age makes us better, not invisible!! jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. I couldn't agree more Jodie! Women do have times when they lose themselves, such as the baby years when money is tight and the last thing they can think about is themselves. And the post-menopausal woman can find herself questioning her identity too. To me, a graduate of these turbulent days, I'm willing other women on to find themselves again, only better, stronger and more confident. Thanks so much for your lovely positive feedback x
      Anna

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  6. You are definitely inspirational!!! Majestic colours and elegance!! The jacket is beautiful!!!Xx

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    1. Kezzie you're a tonic, a balm, a breath of fresh air. Thank you x
      Anna

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  7. Oh how wonderful to find those boots marinating in your closet!! And the jacket is just so nice and flattering and very festive for your birthday. Yes, my Dear, you do inspire.

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    1. Connie, how very sweet of you. Am thrilled to rediscover these boots and love them even more dearly now. And didn't they do well with this jacket? - it's a gem of a piece, timeless.
      Anna x

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  8. Anna - the jacket is lovely and what a super birthday present! The boots are gorgeous and what a surprise for you to rediscover them. That's what happens when you don't discard your clothes! It's not going to happen to me any time soon...

    I'm not sure I have a style statement - I hadn't really thought about it but I think mine is 'smart casual'. I wish I could say my style is elegant and I'd love it to be elegant, but at heart I'm a deeply practical person and elegance is not really suited to my busy but retired lifestyle. I aspire to elegance on occasions!

    Ciao

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Veronica this was one of favourite birthdays in a long time. As you say, holding onto your clothes does have its rewards. Your final sentence could be your perfect style statement - "I aspire to elegance on occasions" That works x
      Anna

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  9. Oh YES. These boots are glorious in their toned-down opulence. It's just an impression I know, but they look as though they could be made of embossed pewter. They're exquisite Anna, but I'm sure their esthetic value is only part of their appeal. Exceptional caftsmanship is a rare quality in today's quickfix culture. They deserve your awe.
    Now, just hang on a sec while I go and check whether I have anything similar, languishing forgotten in my wardrobe!!
    baci Sxx
    sarsapaillasal.blogspot.com

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    1. Haha Sally, did you happen to find anything similar secreted somewhere then? It does seem ridiculous that I could have forgotten these beauties, but rest assured that they'll be regulars on the blog now. Am so glad you too appreciate the craftsmanship - they're worth every penny I spent x
      Anna

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  10. Oh YES. These boots are glorious in their toned-down opulence. It's just an impression I know, but they look as though they could be made of embossed pewter. They're exquisite Anna, but I'm sure their esthetic value is only part of their appeal. Exceptional caftsmanship is a rare quality in today's quickfix culture. They deserve your awe.
    Now, just hang on a sec while I go and check whether I have anything similar, languishing forgotten in my wardrobe!!
    baci Sxx
    sarsapaillasal.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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