It's magic


Every woman deserves to have an item of clothing that can work a bit of magic. For me, it's this bright red flouffy underskrt. Whenever I put it on I feel transformed; playful, flirtatious, joyful - it's magic! Maybe not everyday wear for some I know, but for me, if I need to inject a bit of fun into my day, out comes the petticoat. 











I've pulled together this outfit today from that bloggers standby - shopping my closet. The rollneck sweater was a brand new piece picked up from a charity shop; it caught my eye because of the gold buttons on the cuffs as well as the slimfit shape. I'd put it away in September and then completely forgotten about it. The skirt was a hand-me-down from my daughter (or should that be a pass-me-up?), anyway, it too was brand new with the label still attached. And the tights, well what a great find they were! I came across a bag of tights under the bed (like we all have, right?) and inside were a couple of pairs of these wonderful thick tights that have a slightly fleecy lining. I'm probably well behind with this trend, but golly how warm they are! I have no recollection where or when I bought them, or they may even have come from Sasha too, but hey what a find.

This month I've noticed that a few bloggers on Instagram are taking a month off from clothes shopping and I've decided to join in with the challenge. I'm not due to go away to the mainland again until April, so I thought I'd steer clear of the online sales at Office and H&M which are generally my downfall and see if I can go cold turkey until then. April in the charity shops will herald all sorts of spring and summer goodies - that's what I need to focus on. I was very lucky with both Christmas and birthday presents so I do have quite a few new clothes to add to the blog over the next few months. It's going to be an interesting few months I think. Wish me luck!

Outift details - sweater: H&M (similar), skirt: H&M (similar), underskirt: eBay, belt: New Look, boots: Office (sold out, but these are similar), rings and necklace: gifts, sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Cherie of Style Nudge

Anna x

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30 comments

  1. I love the skirt Anna! I don't think I have a magic item in my closet but I know I do have some magically comforting items. I will keep an eye out for one. I'm cutting my shopping down a lot right now too just b/c I'm trying to be more disciplined. I haven't visited your blog in a couple of weeks so I'm catching up this Sunday morning while drinking my coffee. Have a wonderful day! Julia xx

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    1. Magic or magically comforting pretty much amount to the same thing in my book. Thanks for dropping by Julia and no matter that you've been busy, I'm delighted to welcome you back again x
      Anna

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  2. Also, I know you asked for ideas for future posts. I echo one of the other commenters to show us around your island. I wouldn't mind a post without clothing that shows the abbey garden there or your town or your gallery or really anything about your island life. It's so foreign to my life and this is such a good time of year to dream about travels and foreign countries and just see how other people live. Those could be filler posts when you're not killin' it with the outfits!

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    1. Thanks Julia for your ideas - I'll give that some thought once the weather picks up. I think the dull, wet and windy weather is what's been the issue whether it's for clothes or panoramic shots, but things will perk up come the spring I'm sure!
      Anna x

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  3. Oh, Anna!! I love how you describe that red underskirt.
    And it makes me want to try to be creative in my closet with my blue, tulle skirt!!
    Happy Sunday!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. The petticoat really does inspire me. I hope you'll get some great ideas for your tulle skirt - it sounds fab! Have you shown it previously?

      Have a great week x
      Anna

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  4. I think pass me ups sounds much better!

    Good luck with your non shopping month; it's always a good thing to do, You can put what you would have spent towards your shopping spree in April. I, too, am not spending if at all possible so I can save some money for Ireland in April.

    The skirt is lovely and the red fluffy underskirt underneath is such a fun item. God bless daughters and their pass me ups!

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    1. Being frugal is not in my nature. I'm generous to a fault and equally extravagant, so these next few months will be a real trial for me. I must dodge over to see how you're faring with you non-shopping time too.

      Have a fab week x
      Anna

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  5. I think those kinds of ruffled slips are called crinoline skirts here in the US. Anyway you are clearly having the BEST kind of fashion fun wearing this bright red one.
    I have only had one of these in my entire 65 years on the planet and that was when I made my first communion. I remember that it had a lot of unique features. It had texture, sound, and movement like no other garment I owned
    It was special and I don't think I ever wore it again...how sad!!!
    Anyway your photos were sort of liberating Anna! Thanks!

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    1. So you don't think it's about time you made up for all of those lost years? I could imagine you would look great in a short one of these like mine - you've got fab legs Judy, so what are you waiting for? Even if you kept it for a special party...?

      Thanks for your lovely comments x
      Anna

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  6. Good luck on the shopping ban - I just sorted through a ton of stuff in my closet and pulled some more giveaways, so I'm excited to...give it away! I have a mint-green crinoline like yours that I'll be wearing next week - they just make you want to prance about, don't they! Lovely look, Anna!

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    1. I'm due to have a huge clear out too and will be sending mine to the Salvation Army to be recycled. I look forward to catching up with you to see that mint green version. Mint green is a lovely colour - I wonder what you'll be pairing it up with?

      See you soon x
      Anna

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  7. Oh that skirt is magic for sure! I love the story of how your outfit came together, esp the under-the-bed bag : > Thanks for linking up, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Oh Patti, please tell me it's normal to have these surprise bags under the bed - surely you have them too? Hahaha. To be perfectly honest, under every bed in our house seems to be a little Alladin's cave.

      Wishing you a lovely week x
      Anna

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  8. Anna, your red tulle skirt is glorious , I can see why you love it and just perfect under the floral skirt. The black the perfect foil for the cheery accents. Good luck with your shopping free time, sometimes it is just the trick to explore what we have and play in our closets. Look forward to where your imagination will lead.

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    1. I too am looking forward to having a good root about to find some forgotten goodies. I'm sure there will be lots of surprises in store.

      Thanks for your lovely comments Jill x
      Anna

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  10. such a lovely skirt, I love all those colors contrasting with the black tights and top, you're gorgeous!. And I'm admiring your red petticoat, wowwww, that's Fabulousness with a Capital F!!
    wish you luck with your shopping ban!.
    besos

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    1. I do wear a lot of black in the winter months, so this was an easy way to perk things up a bit. I swear that we all need one of these big petticoats in our arsenal against the blues - how can you fail to feel anything but fabulous with all of this frothy loveliness swishing around you?

      Have a lovely week x
      Anna

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  11. The skirt is lovely and I love the petticoat- it really does give it that great wow factor!!! The month off shopping is great!x

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    1. I'm pleased to say that I haven't bought any clothes/shoes at all in January, which gives me a good start. All I have to do now is carry on for the next two months!

      Cheers
      Anna x

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  12. Love the bright colors here Ana and of course the petticoat! It does look to instant ly make you smile, i bet! I love the chunky boots too, a bit of a dichotomy with the flouncy skirt and i love it. Mmm not sure I have a magic item, but the fact that I can wear a block heel feels magical to me! I am also not buying this month as I could use some spring items.
    Have a great week
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. I'm so glad you appreciate the floncy skirt and chunky boots - it feels good. I know how difficult high heels are for you to wear, so the joy of block heels is not lost on me - well done! Sounds like shopping my closet is a popular choice this month Jess.

      Wishing you a great week too x
      Anna

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  13. I am with you on this quest (because I have to re-stock my saving accounts...) In April I hope to get my credit cards back from the freezer. Until then: cold turkey.
    Since December 12.. Still going strong.
    I love your outfit and wouldn't mind such a luscious red skirt myself.
    The fleecy lined tights is something Susanne Carillo talks about as well. Never seen them in The Netherlands. But perhaps I haven'st looked for them.
    Great way of still wearing skirts in winter with such tights.
    Greetje

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    1. Congratulations Greetje! December the 12 was almost a month ago and you're holding out until April - that's a fair challenge.

      I could see your long limbs adorned by one of these flouncy underskirts - it would look fab with your over the knee boots too. Wow, that would be a look!

      It seems that the shopping fairy delivered my fleecy tights otherwise I'd share with you where I bought them. Maybe yes, you just need to ask around. They are so cosy!

      Have a great week x
      Anna

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  14. Hi Rachel, thanks for that. I'm please you like it x

    Anna

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  15. Very cute skirt, it suits you...I should start a shopping free time and find new combinations for the ( many) clothes I have in my closet too, but not sure to succeed :too many temptations around!!

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    1. Hi Dan, I think you've hit the nail on the head there! The temptations are so strong, especially if you're surrounded by shops where you live. I think it helps if, like me, you don't have many places to buy clothes locally. Also, I'm saving up for a big holiday next year so have a reason to be good.

      Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  16. I LOVE this skirt Anna, such fun and life! Teamed with black black you look fabulous! xx

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    1. Hi Elizabeth, so kind of you to drop by again. I love to have a power piece in my wardrobe and this works for me. Thanks for your comments x
      Anna

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