All in black today

I've only worn this fab jacket once before (see here) and thought I really ought to be trying to get the cost-per-wear down. As you probably know, I don't wear a lot of black as I'm a big fan of bright colours, but sometimes it's good to mix things up and do something different. So here we go with basic black spiced up with a touch of orange.  


I hate to be predictable in my dressing, but more than that, the worst thing anyone could ever say about me is that I'm boring. I may, in fact, be a clothes bore, but that's something I can happily live with! My motto of "Let's bin the beige and have fun with colour" comes from the notion that beige is the most boring colour in the whole spectrum. (I do accept that the beige tones when sported by the the uber-classy Victoria Beckham and her genre can look beautifully understated, and I was one who in her younger years felt comfortable in beige too.)  Middle age however, for some women, heralds the onset of a loss of identity and verve for life often resulting in the birth of the beige years. I know this is a gross generalisation, and if you're a fellow blogger, then we know it won't apply to you, and by virtue reading this, that excludes you too, as you must have an interest in colourful clothes otherwise you'd surely not be part of my readership. In all honesty, I don't level this at anyone I actually know. This generic, beige-wearing, identity-less, style-less, post-menopausal ghost of her former self, is in essence, the me I dread becoming. It's what drives me to suck the marrow out of life; to dress wholly for myself, be the most honest version of me, the flamboyant, colourful self that makes my heart sing when I look at the veritable kaleidoscope of colours hanging in my wardrobe today. 




This look of surprise and delight is because my favourite doggy-driver, Charlie, has just appeared. Polly managed to capture his wind-swept look as he zoomed around the corner towards us. First photo-bomb of the day!









So, to give you a quick run down of the outfit - Michael Kors jacket which I bought from TK Maxx in Feb; harem pants were a purchase again from TK last September and have only been featured once as here; frilled and pleated orange shell top is from Coast, but picked up in charity shop in Harrogate; the boots are new from the sale at Office last month; the Madonna inspired handbag was a find in a charity shop in Truro last month. Rings are charity shop finds too.

Linking with
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb 
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style 

Anna x

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20 comments

  1. That's a great jacket! Good job bring the cost per wear down 50%! :-)

    And the orange top adds the perfect color to the outfit! But I also love all the interest in your mainly black outfit - the cool wedges, the harem pants, the interesting details on your jacket!

    I don't wear beige since I look awful in it, but I do wear a lot of neutrals. I always scroll through my IG feed and when there are too many neutrals in a row, I know it's time to add some color! :-)

    Happy Sunday!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. It's funny that a true cream colour looks ok on me, but beige does look dreadful! I was happy that all the details today made this a less-than-basic black outfit. You're right, it's all about keeping it interesting.
      Anna x

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  2. Of course I agree that color is the spice of life---in fact, there are many times I feel like I need to add in more neutrals just so I don't look so "clownish"! But I like my whites & beiges to pop the colors!
    This jacket adds such an edge to any outfit!! Now I want to see it with something other than black on the bottom!!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. That clownish thought does cross my mind from time to time too Jodie. I like white and cream, but beige just washes me out. That's a good challenge for me to find something colourful to wear with the jacket next time - thanks for that!
      Anna x

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  3. I loathe beige! It is the saddest of all colours, I think.

    However, I adore this wonderful funky outfit, Anna! The jacket with that purse? Brilliant! And I covet that orange ruffly blouse.

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    1. I didn't think I'd seen beige in your closet either Sheila. It is indeed a bit of a sad old colour. Glad you appreciated the jacket and bag theme. The beautiful Coast top was a snip at £4.95 - perfect for the summer ahead.
      Anna x

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  4. This is a brilliant look! Black and orange go very well together!

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    1. Thanks Kezzie. I nearly went for the obvious white option, but thought I needed a pop of colour and this really did the job.
      Anna x

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  5. Like you, I'm not a wearer of much black either but sometimes its the perfect foil for something as wonderful as that ruffled shirt, the cocktail rings and the killer boots.
    So many people seem to think beige is "classy" but I'd rather be trashy and interesting than posh and dull. xxxx

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    1. Vix I love that - trashy and interesting! I'm with you on preferring that to posh and dull x
      Anna

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  6. That pop of orange really spices up this outfit and the purse adds a fun touch!
    I know what you mean with cost-per-wear, sometimes I keep track just for fun. Some outfits are practically free while I hate to think about one of my "fashion mistakes" - a dress I've worn three times in three years which cost $150. When I think about the fact that I paid $50. to wear it for an evening, it makes me regret buying it. I'll be lucky if I wear it three more times in the next three years. Oh well.

    As for beige, I do wear it sometimes, but my cousin insists it's an old lady colour.

    Have a great week!

    ❤️carmen

    https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com

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    1. I must admit it's only my more costly buys that make me think of the cost-per-wear. Your dress at $50 per night does seem painfully expensive, but maybe in the fullness of time it will keep coming down? And I must admit that I do have to agree with your cousin. Beige = old lady. That pretty much sums it up in my eyes too!
      Same to you - have a lovely week x
      Anna

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  7. All Black?
    I was intrigued....I knew you couldn't really do it!
    There had to be a little "something" and, low and behold there it is.
    A slap of orange.
    Fabulous details.
    Fierce shoes.
    And, a knock-out figure.
    I now WANT to see you in beige.....something beige...anything beige......I bet even beige could not kill your flair!
    XXX
    Samantha

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    1. That's what I love about you Samantha - you're always the first to throw down the gauntlet. I look positively ill in beige. Worn out, washed out, peely-wally, call it what you like, but it doesn't do me any favours. Black I find similary draining, hence the splash of orange. Glad you like it all x
      Anna

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  8. Wonderful post, Anna - and I love, love your ruffled blouse against the studded jacket! And the look on your face when you see your doggy-driver - priceless. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks Patti! Seeing Charlie is indeed one of the highlights of my day x
      Anna

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  9. That orange is a beacon, loud and clear saying 'HERE I AM'! And more power to it.
    Looks fantastic with the black and although the rest of the outfit is black, there's so much interesting shapes and details - the studs, the drape of the trousers, the wedged boots, the rings. Yes, yes, yes.
    And totally, no, no, no to beige.
    And your photo-bombing friend is just adorable!
    Thank you for your kind words on the blog the other day. I appreciated it. Sorry I've not popped by for a while but blogging had to take a back seat.

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

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    1. Great to hear from you Jacqueline. I'm always playing catch up with all my reading of other blogs too. Sometimes something just has to go. Thanks for your lovely comments and the support for the no beige campaign LOL
      Anna x

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  10. Dare I say it ? I actually am a lover of beige! I can't help loving those classic colours. However you look stunning in black and orange. Love that jacket !

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  11. Sorry about the late reply, but regarding the color of black and orange I must say I loved yours! Loved the hint of the popping color and the top is lovely with its ruffles too. Such a vibrant piece! Xx

    www.thefashionfolks.com

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