Seemed like a good idea

The other day I had a long walk around the outskirts of the island, stopping here to take in the view and decided that this ruin (The Old Blockhouse) might make a good backdrop for a photo shoot. That day it was sunny and very calm, but when I returned a day later the wind had risen to almost gale force meaning that I had to take cover as best as I could. 









There was a holiday maker walking along the path below the castle while I was setting up my tripod and camera. He probably thought I was crazy, taking off my coat and changing out of trainers into my heels to stand there getting blasted in the wind. It was totally impossible trying to get some decent close-ups as the tripod was wavering about, in danger of completely blowing over in the gusts. I tried to weigh it down with my bag and shoes, but it was all very precarious and a bit of a worry in case my camera got smashed to the ground.

Anyway, it was quite exhilarating to stand on the top, watching the white tops on the sea and the surge of the waves out beyond Men-A-Vaur rock. I wanted to capture that to show you but my battery died just after this final shot. 

I paired up this tweed jacket (charity shopped in December) with my long loved tweed skirt (ancient from TK Maxx) and these leopard print shoes (also from TK Maxx by BCBGeneration - these are rather lovely) and a roll neck which I bought on eBay a couple of years ago. The handbag is crocodile skin and was a charity shop trophy for my last big splurge in Exeter about 18 months ago. Sunglasses are by Quay Australia and my rings are old.


The reason I bought the jacket is for this wonderful gem trim. I love the colourful lining too. Can you guess the brand? It's Next. I was really surprised. You'll no doubt see this again in the Spring - I can't wait for Polly to capture it a bit better than I did!

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

Anna x

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26 comments

  1. I really like this outfit. Next do some lovely jackets; especially Chanel copies. I often pick them up in the charity shops but a girl can have too many jackets - and I have!

    I love the skirt especially as it flares out at the bottom; I think it's a very flattering style. The shoes are gorgeous.

    I'm not sure I would cope with tripod and camera taking photos out of doors - I'd feel very self conscious but as you live in such a wonderful place it would be silly not to!

    Have a great (and wind free) week.

    xxx

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    1. I somehow thought that Next was the working woman's shop - all grey's and black and very uninspiring, but this blows my theory out of the water Veronica.
      I'm getting quite a collection of jackets too and think I may have to slow things down now, maybe just buying the exceptionally nice one. The skirt is a fab shape and every time I think I'm tiring of it, I suddenly come across it again with renewed love.
      And yes, I do feel a bit self conscious too, that's why I tend to go out to far flung spots, but even then there's always someone around. I just get on with it with a sense of purpose and pretend I'm doing something very important.
      Have a lovely week too x
      Anna

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  2. What a fun outfit, especially the Next jacket and print shoes. Love the bag, what a find! I never feel comfortable shooting myself and try to do it without anyone seeing me. You did a great job with a wonderful location.

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    1. The outfit and the wild weather did make for quite a fun shoot, much to my surprise.
      Yes, I understand that awkwardness about taking your own shots, but I currently don't have any choice. I just blast on through with it as if I'm doing a job that really has to be done. I think if you do anything with a sense of conviction people tend to drift away as it all looks quite important.
      Thanks for your comments again Fiona x
      Anna

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  3. Wind is a nightmare to contend with when trying to take outfit photos! My hair is long and flyaway so I always look a wreck! YOU did well!
    I like the fun feature on the sleeves on the jacket, that is brilliant! Yay, I remember this blockhouse! It was a good idea to go elsewhere!
    Non-bloggers do not understand the photo thing...sigh....xx

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    1. I decided that I'd just have to make the wind a feature of this shoot and thank goodness it worked. And yes, my hair looked like rats tails by the end of it, but hopefully that didn't matter.
      I'm surrounded by such beautiful scenery that I thought I really ought to be making the most of it. Some shots are not as sharp as I'd like, but the sense of fun hopefully compensates for that.
      Have a lovely week Kezzie x
      Anna

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  4. What us bloggers do huh? But what beautiful shots you got Anna. Love the trim on the jacket and the mix of tweeds. x
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. I know, Laurie, tis some for of madness! The jacket was a really great find, as I just love that pretty trim.
      Hope you're enjoying a fab Valentine's Dayx
      Anna

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  5. Oh, so fun! I love all these textures together, Anna. The details on the jacket are even better. The wind is crazy, hey? I don't have to deal with it too much, except when it's gusty on the stairs.

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    1. I suppose I could have gone home and waited for a bit of calm weather, but I like to capture the wild side of the island as well as the beach beautiful side. And yes, it added a bit of fun to the proceedings.

      Hope you're enjoying a lovely Valentine's Day x
      Anna

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  6. I'm still not brave enough to take shots on my own, outside of the house! Stylish jacket - looks great on you. Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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    1. The trick is to find a quiet spot for the first couple of times and after that it just gets easier.
      Thanks for dropping by Jacqui x
      Anna

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  7. Anna, I could picture trying to stabilise your tripod in order to take those lovely picks. Your outfit is very lovely, rich in textures, prints and colour mix
    lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au

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    1. I was really keen to showcase this outfit as it's a new jacket, but honestly Anna, it was bedlam! The wind was whistling around, through and across the top of the castle and my tripod was rattling and lifting off of one leg - I thought my camera was a goner at one point!

      So lovely to hear from you again x
      Anna

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  8. Look at you, a breath of fresh wind and all tweediness. I may not have combined these but I think they're both very uniquely textural and I do GET your self expression here Anna. You're so thoughtful to find us exciting new backdrops each time. These photos really take us along for the shoot so nicely!

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    1. Aw, thank you Judy for all of your feedback. I like to keep the blog looking interesting. I liked the mix of tweeds as it could have been too easy to go all matchy-matchy which might not be so effective. This has a bit more impact I think.

      Hope you've having a brilliant Valentine's Day x
      Anna

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  9. Love the textile on that jacket and the "gems" are a lovely bonus!

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    1. Thanks Anne, aren't they cute?

      Wishing you a lovely Valentine's Day x
      Anna

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  10. Amazing photos! I want to be there.

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

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    1. Mary it was a crazy, wild day, but really exhilirating too.

      Happy Valentine's Day x
      Anna

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  11. Beautiful photos! Lovely look!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

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  12. Anna, you did well to capture such great shots despite all that mother nature threw your way that day. I had a play with a tripod and camera self timer (no remote) and gave up in disgust , no patience either. The jacket was quite a find , the gems do make it rather special. Enjoy your week.

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    1. I don't have a remote either Jill, just a timer to give me 10 seconds to get into some sort of a pose - it's quite good for infusing a bit of energy to the proceedings!

      I was quite pleased with this jacket and can see it will be coming out again in the spring (hopefully not too long from now).

      Hope you're having a good week x
      Anna

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  13. Ha ha! I have shoes very similar to yours Anna! The first time I've seen something (clothing-wise) that we have in common! Such a pretty skirt too. Besides your hair getting whipped around by the wind, your photo shoot is pretty good. You're too hard on yourself. Even in the full sun images, there are no bad shadows. I wish we could have seen the ocean and the waves like you wanted to show us. I so enjoy this little eye vacation on your island! xx

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  14. Spectacular VIEW and I love how you mixed prints!
    XO
    - www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com

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