One simple dress + one red underskirt = Joy!

So this is one of my charity shop finds from my recent jaunt to Harrogate. I mean the dress, which was originally from Topshop before it ended up in someones "to go" pile. The underskirt was my Christmas present to my dear friend Bo a couple of years ago. She lives in Portugal and I don't think has had many opportunities to wear it, therefore she very kindly sent it back for me to wear. And now that I've found the perfect frock to showcase it, I trotted off to work feeling pretty pleased with myself. Vain, what, moi? 











Sometimes an outfit just comes together without much orchestrating from me. A colour starts things off, then one item leads to another, and before I know it, the whole shebang is there. Without the red underskirt this is an OK outfit to my mind, but by adding that splash of red, the whole thing just sings. I feel duty bound to add a bit of joy to my life as often as I can. And the thought that this joy may be spread and shared through my ramblings and colourful blog photos is a real bonus. Life is a gift, and gifts are all the better for sharing.




My early morning sea swimming starts me off with a burst of joy. By the time I get out of the sea, after whatever distance, my mood is one of joy. How can I not feel fantastic after the ultimate exercise in clear, blue sea with only the birds and an occasional seal for company? To experience nature, to be part of this daily wonder, well, I'm forever grateful for that rebirth every morning. I get a chance to count my blessings, say my thanks for all the riches my life offers up, and ask for guidance with whatever challenges may occur in the day ahead. On a much more practical level, I'm always grateful that the icy waters have been good to me; the current and swell not been too overwhelming; and the sea hasn't been too choppy or too plain-old-freezing for me to bear! 

Jacket: TK Maxx. Dress: Topshop (charity shop). Underskirt: eBay. Tights: Dorothy Perkins. Shoes: Boden. Belt: charity shop. Rings: charity shop. Sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with
Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish
Cherie of Style Nudge 




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26 comments

  1. What a wonderful idea to dress up that dress. I've seen the dress on without the skirt and it looks casual and I can't believe how different it looks here. Great styling.
    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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    1. How lovely to know that you've seen the before as well as the after! This underskirt is truly transformational isn't it? I have a pink lace dress waiting in the wings for the same special treatment, so do keep an eye out for it...
      Anna x

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  2. I LOVE this dress! Your idea of the petticoat underneath is so inspired.

    You truly do look joyful.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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    1. This is what dressing up is all about, isn't it Suzanne? Sheer joy indeed!
      Anna x

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  3. I know exactly what you mean Anna, when you talk about getting out of sea after your swim. I feel the same when I'm walking and feeling at one with nature and the world and it always lightens my mood - and I'm nearly always happy!

    The petticoat under the dress was inspiration and really makes it sing. It looks lovely on you and I love all the blue accessories - jacket included.

    xxx

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Nature is a wonderful thing, and is probably more healing for the soul than we know. I'm so glad to find that you too have found your "happy place" with its soothing effects. And well, this petticoat (love that word) affords such a simple transformation, yet makes such an impact, I love it!
      Anna x

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  4. Well, I will never tire of that blue biker Anna and it looks fun and flirty with the red underskirt.
    A fabulous combination!
    Every day is indeed a gift, you are right! This fun and joy-filled outfit is a gift worth sharing.
    Who could fail to smile and be happy in a red underskirt?
    XXX
    Samantha
    fakefabulous.com

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    1. You're right Samantha. This red underskirt is certainly making me smile and by the sounds of it, many others too. This has to be very reason for running a fashion blog - to share this pleasure and bring just a moment of joy. Thank you x
      Anna

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  5. How lovely to dress up your dress!!
    My step mom has petticoats from her square dancing days...but I never thought to wear them under a normal dress!
    How inspiring Anna!!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Jodie x It seems to me that you lovely ladies need to get them ol' petticoats out and do a bit of dressing up yourselves! I'll keep an eye out for that feature...
      Anna x

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  6. This is a BRILLIANT outfit!! The statement red against the glorious rhapsody in blue works amazingly! I really like the brogues too!!!!x

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    1. Thanks Kezzie, I think it's a BRILLIANT outfit too! The dash of red really lifts all those blues and really does make them sing. Hurrah x
      Anna

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  7. Oh that underskirt and that blue jacket with that dress. Just perfect, I love it!

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    1. Thanks Gemma. It felt pretty perfect too! Thanks so much for dropping by.
      Anna x

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  8. You have absolutely no idea how much I am in love with you and your dress just about now, Anna.

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    1. Well, Sheela you're such a star to come back and tell me. Thank you my lovely!
      Anna x

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  9. How cute are you???! Darling idea with that red underskirt - I would be like a 5 year old and twirling around all day! Love it!

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    1. Cammi, thank you so much for the compliments. I did, indeed, spend most of the day swishing about like a veritable 5 year old! It was so much fun, that I'm already planning the next outfit that will benefit from a splash of red frills too.
      Anna x

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  10. Oh, WOW, this is a stellar outfit, Anna! First, I am in love with all that deep, deep cobalt blue - I just want to fall into it and swim around, much like your ocean. Second, I am a big fan of the "floofy underskirt" (I may own a few of them...). Third, a RED floofy underskirt is absolutely amazing with this palette! You look fantastic.

    Thank you so much for your lovely, supportive comments, my dear. Much appreciated.

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    1. So good to have your approval with this one. I had hoped that it would chime with you. It did feel like a bit of a coup when this all came together. I spent the entire day finding an excuse to swish down the stairs from my office so that I could make an entrance into the gallery. Such glamour for daytime dressing felt quite heady!
      Anna x

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  11. Wow, your outfit is total gorgeousness, you are making me feel boring! I just love all those pops of colour going on.Truly fabulous x

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    1. Thanks Laurie. It was a bit OTT for daywear, but I don't really go out much in the evenings. I'm lucky that my job is very creative, so is the perfect excuse to swan about looking like this. You do fab and glamour, just in your own way x
      Anna

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  12. Your skirt is wonderful!

    DadieB. ~
    dadiebradshaw.altervista.org

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  13. I can only imagine that delightful tingle when you emerge from the water. How life-giving. And you carry it on with this absolutely fun outfit. I bet you were spinning all day long. I also love how you chose those shoes to go with this. Joyful.

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    1. Life is to be embraced in all things, to my mind. Icy sea swimming, and glorious over the top outfits are all part of that. But I know I'm preaching to the converted with you Melanie. Glad you got the shoes - I felt they grounded the whole look x
      Anna

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