Summer flashback (all dressed up with nowhere to go)

I sit here writing while hailstones are bouncing off the garden by my window, hitting the daffodils as if there's a point to be made, "Spring isn't quite here yet!" maybe? A fierce gale is blowing outside and I'm sitting waiting, hoping that I'll get a call to say the annual beach-clean event this morning is being cancelled until kinder weather blesses our island shores. in the meantime I've decided to plunge deep into my draft box and bring out a lovely reminder of last summer. The all-dressed-up-and-nowhere-to-go look came about rather organically as I'll explain...


I found this elegant shift dress by Reiss in a charity shop in the early summer and thought it would be perfect for those days at work when I felt the urge to look smart. Dark blue and navy always make me look a bit pale (check out my peely-wally pins), but I'm trying to expand my repertoire of colours, so thought I'd give this a whirl. In an effort to bring some light to my complexion I've added my favourite chunky peals and that does seem to soften the dark dress. The beaded sandals (Monsoon) and clutch (Accessorize) were finds from the same thrifting session and a great ploy to lift the colour scheme too.



As the day was a bit breezy I decided I needed to add a jacket to the ensemble and this one seemed perfect. It's by Jaeger and was an absolute snip at £8.95 in a charity shop in Truro.






By the end of the day, just as Polly and I were cashing up, I remembered that I'd found a hat during one of my earlier shopping sprees. I mentioned that this might be a great finishing touch to this rather posh ensemble and here's how we finished the day -



Perhaps it can be seen as a trial run for some invitation yet to come? At least I know I've go this stashed away in readiness. My necklace was from Debenhams many moons ago, the rings are old, my watch is by Michael Kors and sunglasses are by Quay Australia.

The good news is that the Spring Beach Clean has been cancelled. And when you see the view from my kitchen window you'll understand why.


Linking with 
Laurie of Vanity And Me
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb


                                                 Anna x

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30 comments

  1. You've found some great clothes in charity shops! The dress is so flattering on you and the pearls and jacket are the bomb. I have quite a few dressy outfits which are waiting for their moment in the sun...

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    1. The fact that I have such a limited time to shop when I'm away does seem to have sharpened my retail skills! I feel all the fabrics as I swish along the racks and if I find a good one, then I'll stop to check it out further. Colours are another important factor, hence this beautiful fuchsia jacket.
      You and I are clearly from the same school of thought - be prepared!

      Have a great week x
      Anna

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  2. That is a gorgeous dress - love the neckline and the colour is really lovely on you. I like the added pinks from the jacket and the shoes/clutch. Ooh, choppy weather, that's the best. Okay, but now you do have to explain - I know that "pins" are legs, but "peely-wally"?? What the heck does that mean?

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    1. I could see you sporting this outfit too Sheila - would it cause a stir at work?
      Peely-wally is a Scottish phrase meaning very pale in colour. I do drop these little colloquialisms in when I can't find a better phrase.
      I enjoy these storms when they blow through on my day off - not much fun when you try to get out and about in them though!

      Enjoy your week x
      Anna

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    2. I can use that phrase with my Scottish friends. Thanks Anna.

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  3. What a great look! I really like how we can see the layers being added.

    I often find that putting pale next to pale isn't the way to go. I like you in bright colours best. (I think I like everyone in bright colours best! Ha ha!)

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. My reveals are often shown the other way around, but you're right, this way does make better sense Suzanne.

      A punch of colour is usually my preference, although I do like to keep trying new combinations to see if they're flattering. My embroidered jacket and pale pink skirt, for example, was suprisingly popular despite the lack of punch!

      Wishing you a fab week x
      Anna

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  4. I agree with Suzanne! Go bright!
    I rather like being all cozy inside when the weather outside has gone wild. I'm sure you didn't swim in that chop either!
    This is a really beautiful sitting ensemble. Goodness gracious the shoes are such perfection with the dress and jacket!!! You are an amazing thrift shopper Anna.
    And yeah, what the heck is a peely wally?

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    1. Brights are pretty much my default setting and they do make me feel more energetic too, but thanks for your encouragement!

      You're right Jude, I didn't venture out to swim, or in fact venture out to do anything in the wild weather. My rule of thumb regarding swimming is that if I can't manage to cycle or even stay upright on my bike, then I really ought not to be ought in the sea. It's a promise I keep for my husband.

      And yes, you may have already seen - my native tongue crops up from time to time and this phrase means very pale aka true Celtic skin that barely sees the light of day!

      Have a wonderful week x
      Anna

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  5. You look stunning in these bright colors! Love how the clutch and shoes just tie it all together.

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

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    1. Thanks Mary. I was particularly pleased to find these accessories to match this super jacket.

      Have a great week x
      Anna

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  6. Thank you for a little glimpse of summer!

    It is a stunning dress, Anna, and the jacket,shoes and bag and especially the pearls go beautifully with it. You look very elegant and as if you are off to the Queen's Garden Party...

    Thank goodness for the hailstones!

    xx

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    1. You're very welcome Vronni!

      So pleased to hear you like the outfit, despite it being slightly over the top for a day at work. I smiled at the the mention of the Queen's Garden Party - I did attend a Garden Party for Prince Charles and Camilla a few years ago...

      It was lovely to have an enforced day indoors, so yes, thank goodness for the hailstones!

      Wishing you a great week ahead x
      Anna

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  7. Peely wally is a super phrase! This is a BRILLIANT smart outfit and yes, definitely need to be worn!!! All items are great bits!! Oooh, the sea looks very choppy!!

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    1. Kezzie dearest, thank you so much for your enthusiasm. Maybe overly smart I wonder now - perhaps that's why it's been in my draftbox for over 6 months!

      Oh my goodness, choppy is an understatement for the wild state of the sea yesterday and Saturday too. It can be so exciting to watch through the window when you're all wrapped up safe from harm.

      Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  8. We've both gone to the bright side today Anna - your new-to-you jacket is so excellent! Love those shoes too - it's time for some pretty shoes, eh? The sea here is wild and choppy today, although the outdoors temps are in the high 60's : >

    xox,
    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks so much Patti. A pop of pink was surely what we both needed to brighten our winter day. How lovely to have temperatures as high as 60! Lucky you x

      Anna

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  9. Bright pink and navy is one of my fave combos.It looks a good shade of navy too. I like my navy to be nearer to French navy than to black. You do find some fab things in charity shops! I hope the sea has calmed down.
    Tessa xx

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    1. The colour combination is a new one to me, but I think I like it. My days scouring charity shops usually work out ok, but it's pretty intense I can tell you!
      Yes, the wind has finally dropped, but now we're shrouded in fog. Marooned again!

      Anna x

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  10. Hello Anna, just found your blog.
    I have enjoyed reading your post,i could feel the summer vibes.
    You have a very beautiful sense of style so chic and i love how you paired it with these modern sunglasses. Your clutch is so nice.
    have a nice day
    best

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    1. Welcome and thanks for dropping by. I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the post. I know it's always summer on someone's blog and today it was my turn! Thanks for your lovely comments x

      Anna

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  11. Great colour combination on you Anna , a very stylish outfit for when the dress up do invitations roll in. Your charity shops do seem to have a better class of stock than those here and you do have a good eye. Hope your weather has settled.

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    1. Thanks so much Jill. I have a girlfriend who shops in the London area and has some wonderful charity shops finds, although the prices can be a bit higher too. I'm very lucky I think, to hit the shops at just the right time.

      And yes, we've swapped the stormy weather for foggy damp days currently. No flights either so we're marooned until it all clears. Such are the joys of island life!

      Anna x

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  12. lovely color combo, fabulous accessorizing and so delightful to see you wearing that beautiful dress! You rock!
    besos

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    1. Thanks so much for this rave review Monica! I wondered if it was a bit conventional, but we are so similar in trying out all kinds of styles, aren't we?

      Anna x

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  13. Well, that was a reminder that better weather will eventually come. That is a very pretty dress and I love how you added the shoes and clutch with their patterns to the mix. Cleaning the beach in that weather seems futile. Seems like reading a good book with a cup of tea is a better option. Excited that Polly is coming back. Boy, that went by fast didn't it? Julia

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    1. Thank goodness that common sense prevailed with the beach clean. It's been rescheduled to next weekend, so fingers crossed we'll get some better weather.

      I'm thrilled to have Polly back on board. And golly, yes didn't the time just whizz past?

      Have a great week my dear x

      Anna

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  14. That is the view from your kitchen window? Well.. not bad! Not bad at all.
    As you can imagine, I am all for this outfit haha. I love Reiss and I love Jaeger. I love blue and I love bright pink. So thank you. And for the record: you know how to do smart for when you grow older haha. You don't need me for inspiration. Besides, I often move in the opposite direction.
    Greetje

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    1. I know, how lucky am I to have a view like this? My workplace is only 50 metres along the road to the right of this window so shares the same view from a slightly different angle.

      Smart, casual and everything in between Greetje. I'm sure we'll be crossing back and forth in the years to come as we try out the fashions despite our age!

      Anna x

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