Winter coat

Yes, it suddenly dawned on me that any minute now we're going to be embracing all that is spring and I've yet to show you my new winter coat. My daugther Sasha bought it for my Christmas and it's been a fine addition to my winter wardrobe. This slim fitting leopard print coat comes from Tesco of all places and was in the sale for about £15 I think. I pointed it out to her when we were shopping together et voila, there it was on Christmas day!








I've worn the coat today with these fabulous orange satin disco pants from the Conscious Collection at H&M from quite a few years ago adding this mohair sweater by Diesel which I've also had for years. It's got a tiny bit of itch to it, so I always pop a vest top underneath to make it more comfortable. The ginger and spice colours of the look were just calling out for my nutmeg suede boots from Office and I finished it all off with my heavy gauge gold necklace (another gift from Sasha) along with some old rings. Oh, and let's not forget my old faithfuls - sunglasses by Quay Australia.

The winter has evoporated once again and I'm aware that our season on the island is just beginning again. I'm pleased that I've managed to get out and about in between the winter storms to capture some new backdrops for you. This setting is in the woodlands just above the church, looking out across Old Grimsby and onwards to Men-a-Vaur rock. One of my blogging friends, Julia from When the girls rule blog (see here) has asked to see more of the island - well this little corner is mainly populated by holiday cottages, but also is where the church, community centre and primary school are all located. My son, Jamie lives in a tiny bungalow at Old Grimsby where a lot of the young members of staff are housed in flats and staff accomodation. Our winter population is about 150, but that almost doubles in the summer when the seasonal workers arrive. With no shopping malls, night clubs, fast food joints or other temptations, the island is the perfect location to work for a summer and save up. Some, like me, come for a summer and fall in love, not just with island life, but with an islander, and never leave.




When I arrived on the islands (in 1978) Round Island Lighthouse was permanantly manned but is now operated remotely. On a stormy day the waves crash onto the rocks below and can break over the buildings on the island, sometimes obliterating the lighthouse completely. The sight can be exhilirating and is a great reminder of how tiny and insignificant we are at the hands of nature.

Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Anna x

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35 comments

  1. So glad you shared your winter coat before it was too late. A fine coat it is too. There's something extra satisfying about finding something great in Tesco or Sainsburys.
    Gail
    www.isthismutton.com

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    1. Yes, Gail, you're so right! All the better when it's a trophy piece from the supermarket. What kind of crazy logic is that? But it's true.

      I loved your velvet offerings - the jacket has really worn well hasn't it?

      Have a great week x
      Anna

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  2. Oh, the pictures are sooo pretty. Even though it's winter I love how the ground is different colors of orange and brown. Would love to hear the story of the summer of 1978 too! Perhaps in person sometime! That picture of the church in the sunlight looks almost like a painting. And I never picture palm trees when I think of Great Britain! Thank you for showing us around. I loved it!

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    1. I'm so pleased you enjoyed those Julia. Our tiny island is so diverse yet beautiful in every way. I have another church photo I'm about to post on Instagram that really is pretty as a picture.

      I'm so envious of bloggers meet ups. Being so remote is a bit of a handicap some times. Dear Kezzie rolled up on our shores last summer and that was such a pleasure to show her and her mother around. Come visit, I'll give you the tour!

      Anna x

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  3. I can't get enough orangy goodness and this outfit is making me smile from ear to ear!
    I love it Anna!!
    So bold, bright and delicious.
    Yet, still practical and cosy.
    Perfect.
    XXX
    Sam
    Fake Fabulous | Style and fashion, over 40

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    1. You and I really hit the Jaffa cakes this week didn't we - there's orangey! Golly, that advert was probably way before your time, sorry. No matter, the colour makes us both smile and that's the point.

      Wishing you a great week x
      Anna

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  4. I'm glad you shared the coat before it was too late!!! The bright oranges of the outfit are very pleasing!! I have a couple of itchy jumpers that I have to do that to also! So nice to see more of the island and looking so green and restful!! Xx

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    1. I did another shoot with this coat, so may post that too.

      I got an email about how to get rid of the itch - hair conditioner. Wash the sweater, then rinse in hair conditioner and leave it for few minutes to soak. Do a final rinse and it ought to be fixed. I'm going to try it with mine.

      Maybe next time you come we can yomp around the woods and headlands that we didn't get to last time...?

      Have a lovely week x
      Anna

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  5. What a beautiful photo of that lighthouse Anna!!
    And I know what you mean about the winter ending and not having worn everything yet!! I still have a couple of things like that---how did that happen?
    And I know I've said this before, but I love that you wear color and embrace it so much!! That aspect really resonates with me!!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Thanks Jodie. I was particularly pleased with that shot of the lighthouse - the colours of the sea and sky were so intense.

      Yes, winter has slipped past and I for one, am not sorry. And thanks for saying that about the colours - it really cheers me too!

      Anna x

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  6. Lighthouses aren't manned here on Canada's west coast anymore either, which I think is a shame. (I would totally live in one!) I love your gorgeous leopard coat! I have a jacket from the H&M Conscious Collection too - those orange satin pants are just fab.

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    1. I love the idea of living in a lighthouse. Think of all of that inbuilt exercising you'd do every day, never mind the awesome views.

      Orange satin and leopard print - I'm such a shy and retiring thing :)

      Anna x

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  7. Beautifly styled Anna.I buy a lot from F&F Some are great bargains.I could definitely fall in love with that island too.I'm heading up to Cornwall in March to a place called Looe. Quite looking forward to it . Hope you can join the link up sometime on Thursday eve onwards x
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. I'm a sucker for a bargain Laurie, especially if you can sweep it through with the groceries - it seems to hurt less!

      I've never been to Looe, so will be interested to hear what it's like. Will you do a shoot while you're there? Maybe next time you're planning on coming to Cornwall we could arrange a meet up?

      See you on Thursday x
      Anna

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    2. I would love that Anna. We could do a shoot together! I'm sure I will take some pics. If only it could be as picturesque as your island xx

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    3. Food for thought Laurie. Let's think about this for the future, eh?

      Anna x

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  8. What a marvel your island home truly is and your photographs are wonderful Anna! I didn't expect to see the palm trees!!! When my husband and I traveled to a Ireland some 20 years ago we were shocked to see them there as well!
    Your new leopard coat is very sophisticated and the bright pants and sweater set it off beautifully! Your daughter was observant, loving and wise to buy this for you.

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    1. It is indeed a little island paradise. Wild gorse and cliffs to the north and white sweeps of sand to the south with woodlands and lakes in the centre, as well as our world famous Abbey Garden - all squeezed into one mile by two. Kezzie was bowled over by it when she visited last summer.

      And yes, my daughter is all of those things and more. I'm so lucky.

      Thanks for dropping by again Jude x
      Anna

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  9. I always love seeing photos of your beautiful island! And your Christmas present is wonderful! And how fabulous are those orange pants! The entire look is fantastic!

    Have a wonderful week dear Anna!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. Thanks Andrea. It's a real pleasure to live here and just as much pleasure in sharing it too.

      Wearing satin disco pants as I squelched though the woodland paths felt a bit crazy, but the contrasting background was what I was after. Thankfully I didn't meet another soul.

      Wishing you a lovely week too x
      Anna

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  10. You certainly do live in a lovely spot in the world.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. It's pretty neat isn't it Suzanne. Come visit some time?

      Have a lovely week x
      Anna

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  11. What stunning views - no wonder you fell it love with them (and your husband, of course!)

    I tried to buy your coat, Anna, but it had sold out in my size but I'm very pleased with my La Redoute sale one, too. You look smashing in your leopard print and I love all the orange and spice colours with it.

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    1. It's a pretty stunning island all in all Veronni. You really ought to plan a visit some time. I give a very good guided tour - ask Kezzie!

      Your coat is equally lovely, so we both did well. The bright colours are such a great lift on a winter's day, aren't they?

      Wishing you a fab week x
      Anna

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  12. Beautiful photos! I love the coat, such a pretty texture and fabric.

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

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    1. Thanks so much Mary. I'm delighted with this coat and can see it will be a long term favourite.

      Have a good week x
      Anna

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  13. What a slice of heaven your hometown is! And I love, love the satin "disco" trousers xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. I think we're all proud of our hometown aren't we? And the island is undeniably photogenic too. I'm blessed.

      Hahaha, I'm nearly 60 and gadding about in the woods in orange satin disco pants. But heck, what do I care?

      Lovely to hear from you my dear x
      Anna

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  14. Your part of the world looks very lovely and peaceful, I can why you fell in love with it. I love the splash of orange colour of various intensity. Pity, you have soon to put this beautiful coat back in the closet soon
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au

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    1. These islands are very peaceful and offer a great escape from the madness of mainland life. No traffic jams or long commutes are such a bonus too.

      I hope to eke out the life of this coat until about May as our weather is still pretty unsettled until then.

      Wishing you a Happy St David's Day!
      Anna x

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  15. I love this location so much. It conjures up all kinds of scenes from novels. And there you are, fitting right in. I love your description of the pants - orange satin disco pants! Yeeeah. That would put a spring in our step, but especially with everything else you've added. Your daughter's gift to you is wonderful!

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    1. The island is a wonderful mix of breathtaking scenery and I still haven't managed to feature it all yet.

      I did get the odd raised eyebrow as I whizzed past on my bike on the way to this location, but at least my garb is becoming less of a shock as time goes on. The coat was such a welcome gift - hurrah for Sasha!

      Have a fab week x
      Anna

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  16. Thanks for breezing in with your lovely comments Rachel x

    Anna

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  17. those pictures are amazing!, I love those beautiful landscapes and also those bits of real life!
    Your coat looks lovely, that leopard motive is subtle enough to make it mix nicely with everything!, and I love your orange pants, that's a fabulous color!
    besos

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    1. Thanks so much Monica. The landscape here is quite unique to have so many elements housed in such a small space.

      The leopard print is quite subtle which is lovely and yes, the orange pants are pretty sensational, thanks!

      Anna x

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