Dull but not dreary

The weather may look dull, but that gave me the perfect opportunity to bring out my wonderful new, aka upcycled, Hobbs velvet trench coat. A recent purchase from last month's charity shopping blitz (see here), I have only gotten around to giving it a bit of a face lift by replacing the buttons with these pretty floral ones in both round and square shapes. I love to personalise clothes like this, giving them a little tweak here and there to make them unique.


The coat only cost me £10 and is in great condition. It's a thick velvet with the bonus of a bit of stretch making it really comfortable. I've used buttons by Stockwell Ceramics whose range is vast see here. I particularly like the single button on the back.













May seems to be such a crazy month for weather here in the UK. Sometimes it's like a summer's day, and others it's blowing a cold north wind with driving wind. This is playing havoc with my plans for outfits, as I will be lured into believing what the main weather forecasters predict, but once I've come back from my swim, will realise that our local weather is something completely different. Today's solution of trench coat at the start of the day worked really well while it was cold and grey in the morning. By the afternoon it was bright and sunny and my lacy top was the perfect answer for a warm session at work. 

A quick run through of what I'm wearing goes like this - velvet trench coat comes from Hobbs via charity shop. The fab floral trousers are again from a charity shop but made by H&M. I think this pattern was featured last summer, but these were brand new, still with the label attached saying £19.99 and I paid £5. The lime green lace, peplum top was from H&M. Underneath I have a vest top from Primark. My pink patent brogues are again from H&M. The handbag was a prize find many years ago in the Oxfam boutique in Bath which was a wonderful place to browse and find true vintage pieces. This handbag is a designer piece - "Bespoke Designs By Samantha Carrey" the label proudly states. My necklace is handmade by Vanessa Robson who runs her own business making ceramic jewellery trading as Magpie and Butterfly.  My cerise cocktail ring was a gift and the pink and silver ring was a recent purchase in a charity shop in Harrogate.

I'm linking up with these lovely ladies today -
Cherie of Style Nudge 

Anna x

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19 comments

  1. LOVE this outfit!

    I am a sucker for velvet coats of any kind...this looks like such a wonderful score.

    The colour mixing is wonderful. I'd happily steal it all from your closet ; P

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks Suzanne. I could easily imagine you wearing this too! Your burnt orange trench coat was inspiration for me to bring this out, and the buttons are my little twist. So glad you like it x
      Anna

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  2. Replacing the buttons are a fabulous way to change up an item!!! What were the buttons like originally?
    This is such a great example of textural print mixing!! I bow to you Anna!!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. The buttons were dark brown and pretty nondescript. I often change buttons on things like cardigans and the like to lift them out of the ordinary. Thanks for your constant support Jodie x
      Anna

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  3. Lovely, vibrant colours and I adore your shoes!

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    1. Thank you so much. Theses shoes seem to get a great response. Lovely to hear from you x
      Anna

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  4. I love everything about this outfit, especially how you switched out the coat buttons to funk it up. Excellent idea! And the colour of your top looks fantastic with the pants. Great colour blast. Thank you.

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    1. Great feedback, Melanie, thank you so much! The top is one of my favourites from about 3 years ago, so it's good to be able to keep bringing it out for a re-style x
      Anna

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  5. I think the buttons are fabulous! They'd make brilliant earrings, as well! They really bring the velvet coat alive. Loved the underneath outfit, too. Very colourful and stylish.

    The weather is a bloody nightmare - I was tempted to put my heating on this evening!

    xxxx

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. You're right about them making good earrings, Veronica. I think they do sell lots of the buttons as jewellery too. Check out the website - not too pricey. I hate the fact that I packed all my winter clothes away this weekend and all I want to do it get all my cashmere sweaters out again!
      Anna x

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  6. Well, I got a peek at your shopping spree on the other page, but was more amazed even that you went on that little Airbus! Oh my! I used to be afraid of flying, but now I feel if im on a big jet,I can deal! ha. I love this look head to toe, the pink brogues, the floral pants ( i have a pair and love) but most of all that amazing jacket! I have a fair amount of velvet jackets and love the shape and color with this look! Very nice with the lacey top
    thanks for linking up with Turning Heads tuesday
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. I used to be very scared of flying when my children were young, but am much happier now. I don't think the size of plane is relevant - if it's your time to go, it's your time to go! I'm glad you like this outfit and I must admit it does comprise of lots of interesting pieces. Lovely to hear from you again x
      Anna

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  7. Love that velvet coat Anna! What a great find and it fits you perfectly!

    ❤️carmen

    https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you Carmen. I'm delight with this, but only wish that I had a bit longer to wear it before I'll have to pack it away for the summer.
      Anna x

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  8. Hi Anna, I've been on "retreat" for about two months (no, I haven't actually BEEN anywhere, I've just been conceding myself a salutory reassessment of my blogging self).
    I love this outfit, and swapping buttons is such a fun, effective way to refashion/personalise. But the fifth picture is photographic genius. Just gorgeous how your bag accents the greens of the seaweed.
    Baci Sxx
    sarsaparillasal.blogspot.it

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    1. It's so lovely to hear from you after this long gap. I will come over to see what you've been up to now that you're on the scene again. Thanks for the lovely feedback x
      Anna

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  9. Hi Anna, great blog, and that jumper is lovely I love the colour. Great to link up..Jacqui
    www.mummaabstylish.com

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    1. Hi Jacqui. Thanks for the comments, and great to hook up with you too!
      Anna x

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  10. Love you style! Shoes are great! So fun reading your blog!

    Julia
    www.whenthegirlsrule.com

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