Hand-me-down

It seems that life has come full circle for me. For most of my childhood I wore hand-me-downs from my two elder sisters. It was pretty much the norm back in the 1960's, when money was tight and credit cards didn't exist. Borrowing money was taboo in those days, and life was lived in a much more simple way. If you couldn't afford it, then you didn't have it. My parents both worked full time, but with four children to feed and clothe, my clothes had always done the rounds by the time they reached me. Today I'm wearing a dress which comes from my eldest sister and now that I'm all grown up it's not a bind to have a hand-me-down from her; it is in fact a real pleasure.


Sandra has always been a woman who is confident in what she wears. Never one to follow trends, or worry about making a fashion statement, she knows what suits her and wears her clothes with panache. She scoured charity shops when she was a hard-up student, and to this day still does, usually finding beautiful designer pieces to mix with odd, quirky handmade finds. She moved house a few months ago and managed to do that wonderful clutter clearing thing I talked about recently here. This was much to my benefit as I received a clothes parcel containing all sorts of choice items, including this unusual dress. It reminds me of a skirt that Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb wore when she was on holiday in Santorini see here (not the same, I know, but it brings this one to mind). I've no idea of where it is, or even if the imagery is of a real place or imaginary, but I think it's so pretty. I had such fun pulling my accessories together as these colours are favourites in my personal palette and therefore I had lots to chose from.








I had lots of compliments about this dress and the outfit in general which was lovely. The dress has no label so no details for you there. Sandals are by Refresh from TK Maxx. Lace top was from a charity shop, again with no label. Barrel bag is by NW3 (no longer available), turquoise ring and bangle are old, yellow ring is by Martin James, and rose gold watch is by Michael Kors. Necklace was a gift. Sunglasses are by Quay Australia and the belt was from a charity shop. 

Today is another work day for me and probably many others, but I'd like to say I hope everyone has a wonderful time joining in with the celebrations for the 90th birthday of our Queen. Yesterday on the island we hosted a tea party in the afternoon and last night a crowd gathered to see a huge bonfire lit on the school green as part of our island's celebrations. Everyone raised a glass to toast her Majesty and the peach coloured bubbles infused all with a wonderful rosy glow. In world full of troubles and worries, it's so good to have a positive focus and there can't be any better than this. Good luck to you if you're hosting your own street party today. I wonder if the bunting will be flying in your street? Have a great weekend and I look forward to catching up again on Wednesday.

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


Anna x

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22 comments

  1. Anna, that is a gorgeous dress! I love the colours and the design around the skirt. Lucky you to have it handed down from your sister.

    I like the yellow bag and those wedges I could actually wear...

    Have a great week!

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. What a bit of luck it was for me to inherit this gorgeous frock. I love the simple shape and the pretty pattern and just know I'll get lots of wear out of it this summer. And yes, these wedges are not too high and are really comfy! Have a lovely week too x
      Anna

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  2. Beautiful dress! I love the colors and the images on the skirt! And you accessorized it perfectly! A very nice hand-me-down indeed!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. It's so beautiful, isn't it Andrea? The accessories were all to hand and it just came together perfectly. Thanks for your lovely comments x
      Anna

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  3. I think it really looks marvellous! I adore it- it looks like a Dirndl with a modern twist!So nice to get handmedowns. Sadly, my sister rarely gives me hers now, it's the otherway round, I give her mine!!!x

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    1. Thanks for your feedback Kezzie. It's funny how hand-me-downs are loving passed on and received now that we're adults x
      Anna

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  4. I love the colours in this outfit - turquoise and yellow are in that sweet spot for me as well. Happy Birthday to Her Majesty!

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    1. Turquoise and yellow are both so feminine and easy to wear without going the whole hog into pink and peach. Lovely to have your comments x
      Anna

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  5. You look absolutely stunning in this dress Anna, it's such a pretty pretty dress and looks so great with that statement belt. Love your outfit from head to toe. Much love, Kirsten xx

    www.thelifbissue.com

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    1. Dearest Kirsten, how lovely to have your great feedback on this ensemble - I so appreciate it x
      Anna

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  6. What a lovely combination with the aqua and yellow accessories. We celebrated with a lovely cream tea. The bunting was flying and the tables ready when the heavens opened so the street party was swiftly moved into the church hall.

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    1. Aqua and yellow are such favourites of mine as you can see. Well done with your street party. I know the weather was an issue for some, but it didn't manage to dampen down the enthusiasm did it?
      Anna x

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  7. Very pretty dress and what a surprise that you already had shoes that matched! And your purse looks so fun! Always enjoy your pictures!

    Julia
    www.whenthegirlsrule.com

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    1. Thank you so much Julia. I was delighted how well the sandals went with this gorgeous dress too. Am really pleased to hear that you're a regular reader. Thank you for your support x
      Anna

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  8. This dress reminds me of the type Doris Day wore in some of her movies. Lovely and feminine with a bit of artsy fun in the beach town print. The word "frock" can only be applied to dresses like these. Will you were it without the lace t shirt when the weather gets hot?

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    1. It is indeed a very Doris Day frock. I love the term frock by the way. I'm not sure how I'll wear it later on this summer, but think I may have a lighter tee shirt or vest for modesty as it's a bit loose at the top. So lovely to hear from you x
      Anna

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    2. I have started wearing sports bras in a complementary color under some of my roomy summer tops. Whatever peeks out just becomes part of the look. I buy inexpensive ones in larger comfy sizes. I'm NOT well endowed so I'm not sporting any real cleavage that would be over the top for my ripe age of 64.

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    3. I have started wearing sports bras in a complementary color under some of my roomy summer tops. Whatever peeks out just becomes part of the look. I buy inexpensive ones in larger comfy sizes. I'm NOT well endowed so I'm not sporting any real cleavage that would be over the top for my ripe age of 64.

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  9. This dress reminds me of the type Doris Day wore in some of her movies. Lovely and feminine with a bit of artsy fun in the beach town print. The word "frock" can only be applied to dresses like these. Will you were it without the lace t shirt when the weather gets hot?

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  10. Love the print and the colors! The belt and all of the lovely accessories really tie in nicely with it. You look great. I come from a family of 4, 2 brothers, a sister and me. My sister and I werent able to do hand me downs unfortanealy as we are not the same size. I think great one can appreciate the garment further :-)
    thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Thanks Jess for your lovely compliments. I'm not that sure I was the same size as my sisters either, but that didn't stop the hand me downs coming - I just had to wear them for longer until they eventually did fit! I do blame that start in life for my passion for new clothes now.
      Anna x

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