Hurrah for Harrogate!

Yes, here we have the post about my annual business trip to Harrogate which also happens to be one of my best shopping trips too. I'm back home now, firmly at the helm at work and wearing the most fabulous of outfits, even if I say so myself.













Outfit details are - leather trousers are from TK Maxx (£14.99!), jacket by Autonomy (charity shopped), blouse from Sainsbury's, boots from River Island, necklace from Du Barry, clutch borrowed from Sasha, rings are charity shopped, sunglasses from Quay Austraila.

So let's rewind to the beginning shall we? I started my trip with a stopover at Sasha's new flat in Truro (where's the photos from this, I now ask myself?) and a visit to the hairdressers. My stylist, Matthew, is also the owner of Afina (see more about the salon here) one of the busiest salons in the county, where massage chairs at the backwash come as standard, and the welcome drink ranges from a glass of bubbles, a blast of caffeine or soothing herbal tea according to your fancy.




Matthew worked his magic and after various hair treatments I'm feeling ready to step out in style with the elegant ladies of Harrogate. The following day was spent on the train heading north reading this month's book for book club which is an absorbing read, a captivating story and as you can see has the most ornate of covers.


The main objective of my trip to Harrogate is to visit the British Craft Trade Fair see here to find new, often hand crafted gifts to sell in the art gallery I manage. The show delivers exactly what it says on the tin: British made goods that are craft orientated rather than mass produced. 







I met Matthew Read last year at the fair. This year I'm back to replenish my stock of these beautiful one-off pieces of gold and silver jewellery. Matthew is an extraordinary craftsman who collects all sorts of rare jewels and minerals (such as pieces of meteorites) to mount and mould into his quirky jewellery.See his website here to find out more about him.

The trade fair is based in one large hall located out at the Great Yorkshire Showground. After quartering the aisles for hours I would step outside for a breath of fresh air, take on some fuel and consider my plan. Spring is in full bloom here.


One of the new suppliers I found this year was Hazel Holland from House of Hazel. This range of tableware has a wonderful, fresh contemporary vibe that will sit perfectly in our gallery - I can't wait to put a window display together. Hazel also makes plush cushions and sells co-ordinating fabrics to compliment the range.




Hazel and her husband, artist Tom Holland, work from their studio in Penryn - see here for her website. Tom has been one of my gallery artists for years, and yet I've been blissfully unaware of Hazel's work. Their stand at the fair became a daily highlight for me to drop by and chat about how our endeavours were going.

This year, as every year, I stayed in a lovely guesthouse on the Kings Road in Harrogate, The Alamah (details here) which is run by Judy and Sue. The house is as warm and welcoming as they are, with every creature comfort you could need. Breakfast is a running banquet or in my case, more simple fare which set me up for the day ahead and the big bed was luxury at the end of my miles clocked up at the fair.




The boiled eggs hidden under these old fashioned egg cosies are the best protein packed fuel for me. Sue waits table while Judy acts as chef. I don't know of anywhere else you'd get the chef come to your table to check that the eggs were scrambled to your liking whilst they're still in the pan! I featured Judy's ceremony of the eggs to my table one morning as the little spiral egg cup in the background bobbed and danced its way to me - find it on my instagram here  

And yes, let's not be too coy about the other draw to Harrogate - the shopping! The sales were on, but aren't they always? I scored new shoes and boots from all sorts of shops, none of them charity.


From left to right, back row to front it reads like this - black and gold boots from River Island, silver boots from Primark, tassel sandals from River Island, pink and orange sandals from River Island, black lace heels, pale gold heels, coral and gold trainers, floral mules and burgundy oxfords are all from TK Maxx. Yes, that will keep me going for a few months.


Here's the loot all waiting to be loaded into the taxi ready for the journey home. I did in fact have to leave the blue holdall with Sasha to bring home for me as I couldn't carry it! I caught the train and finally the ship home to Scilly on Thursday. The islands were bathed in sunshine as we rounded into St Mary's quay. It was great to be back.


I count my blessings every time I see this sight. Island living suits me, and much as I love my trips to the mainland it's no longer a way of life that I hanker after. These forays to hunt and gather fulfil my needs and I'm happy to retreat to this smaller island existence. The season is well under way here and my focus is now all about the job. Our first exhibition of the year is next on my agenda and I'll be able to share that with you next week.

I'll leave you with the clothes spread as per usual. I think it's a great haul, mainly from charity shops with the odd purchase from TK Maxx. 


Linking with -
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style 



Anna x

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42 comments

  1. What a lovely trip! The green outfit is truly stunning!

    Hazel's tableware and pillows look fantastic! What great additions to your gallery!

    And I love all the shoes you got! And what a clothes loot! Can't wait to see all the wonderful outfits you'll be putting together!

    Hope you had a great weekend!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. Thanks Andrea. I always go back to view these posts and think these hauls probably look excessive, but when you consider that I don't have access to these shops for the majority of the time, then it's not so bad is it? Is it? Hahaha!

      And yes, I can't wait to incorporate these new things into my wardrobe and see what new outfits emerge.

      Wishing you a fab weekend too x
      Anna

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  2. Now that's what I call a shopping haul! Look forward to your stylings Anna. You have made a great start with the green :-)
    Your hairdresser does a great job too! And I really liked the Hazel Holland pottery/china. Enjoyed reading about your day xx
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. It was a mega haul wasn't it? I could have tied this in with the Pantone colour of the year if I'd been clever, eh?

      Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  3. Well look at you......wearing that GREEN outfit with confidence and STYLE! LOVE it! xoxoxo

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    1. Yeh, get me baby! It did feel like a real confidence boost Shauna when I put this on. Sometimes it just all works!

      Anna x

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  4. Ahhh...looking at your wonderful spread always puts a smile on my face!! And the shoes----it just made my heart beat a little faster!!
    Totally can't wait to see you in them soon!
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. It somehow helps to alleviate the pangs of guilt knowing that I'm sharing and hopefully spreading some joy with my shopping sprees. And the shoes, indeed! Well, aren't they all fab?

      Anna x

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  5. The first thing I thought when I saw you was..."GREEN leather pants!!! I DIE!!!" Ha ha!

    They must be pleather at that price. Sweet though. And they even look comfy with an elastic waist.

    How brilliant to have a shopping trip where your goal is to buy handmade items from the artists. It is a bit of a dream job.

    I loved it too when we lived on Vancouver Island. I miss it all the time although I do think your island is much smaller and far fewer people live there.

    So many shoes!!! What fun!

    I'll catch up with you again in a few weeks after my trip to Hong Kong to visit my husband.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. These green leather pants are to die for Suzanne, and even though you can't believe it, yes they're real leather! I'll take a photo of the inside next time for you to see.

      Dream job and dream island is pretty much it too. The island is only one mile wide by two miles long and we have a winter population of about 130 I think, so is probably fewer than Vancouver Island.

      And well, the shoes, ahem, I do feel slightly embarassed to have amassed so many in such a short space of time.

      Have a wonderful trip!

      Anna x

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  6. Oh WOW GREEN leather pants! Fabulous! thanks for this informative, colourful post, Anna. I loved travelling around with you. xx

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    1. Thanks for that Elizabeth. It's great to document these trips and fun for me to go back and revisit them too.

      Anna x

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  7. Oh my goodness! Where to start? Love the green leather trousers and jacket on you and the boots are fabulous! You're also wearing a long necklace which I don't think I've seen you wear before - it's lovely.

    The silver jewellery designer and maker's stuff is lovely and I love those cushions! Have you ever heard of Bluebell Gray? She makes wonder ful cushions and prints - way, way out of my price range but so beautiful.

    You certainly bought some amazing shoes and the charity shop haul also looks intriguing - can't wait to see what you bought.

    I'm very intrigued also by the gadget on your plate of boiled eggs - is it to cut the tops of eggs with? Egg scissors. if you like. How very clever!
    xxx

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    1. Yes Vronni, the long necklace is pretty much a new departure for me, but I saw it in a shop window after I bought the black shirt and thought it would compliment it beautifully.

      And the gadget is indeed egg scissors if you like. It's an effective little tool.

      Anna x

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  8. What a fabulous shopping trip you did! All those lovely clothes and shoes - how wonderful!
    I visited Harrogate for the first time in December, and loved it. I'm originally from Yorkshire but had never been (I'm from South Yorkshire) and have lived the past 30 years in Portugal.
    Your outfit is absolutely fabulous. I can't believe you got leather jeans for 14!!! I'm very envious! Especially as green is my current favourite colour.
    Suzy xx
    www.suzyturner.com

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    1. Suzy how funny that you lived in Yorkshire and never visited Harrogate at that time. I love the town and look forward to my annual trip, not least for the excellent shopping to be had there!

      The leather jeans were the bargain of the session, best of all because of the colour - somehow I wouldn't have been half so excited if they'd been boring ol' black.

      Anna x

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  9. Sounds like an incredible trip!! Loved reading through all of it.

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

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    1. Thanks so much Mary. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it x

      Anna

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  10. What a striking Green Goddess you are Anna! I just adore the sheer vibrancy of that particular shade of green. So uplifting and especially perfect for Spring.
    And I particularly love the colours Hazel uses in her work. Beautiful. Sounds like you had a uber productive trip!

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Golly, Green Goddess - that's a blast from the past isn't it Jacqueline? But I love it, thanks!

      The combination of colours that Hazel uses is so zingy isn't it? I can't wait to have them in the gallery.

      Uber productive is right!

      Anna x

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  11. Great post, loved reading about your trip. The haul is amazing. How much more individualistic are the charity shop and TK Maxx finds! The green trousers and jacket look very high end.
    Gail

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    1. You're so right Gail. I love to find these little gems from charity shops and then top them up with the odd designer piece from TK Maxx. It makes for more interesting outfits I think. This outfit will remain a special one for some time I think, I love it.

      Anna x

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  12. Wow, you are 100% correct about those green leather pants! A stunning look. And what a fun (although tiring, I am sure) job to scout out new talent and treasures. Looks like you did indeed get a lovely haul to take home xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. You can't fail to love these trousers can you Patti?

      Yes, it's tiring to search out the right products, but worth the effort too. And hey, the extra benefit of all of those lovely charity shops eases the strain!

      Anna x

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  13. Such a wonderful day, Perfect outfit and what a great selection of fabulous shoes - I'm in awe of them! So nice to read about your day - thanks so much. x Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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    1. Thanks so much Jacqui. The trade fair is a three day event, which is the right length of time to let you see everything on the first day, review things on the second, and then finally order your stock on the last day. It's quite intense viewing every stand, comparing and checking if it's the right thing for your outlet. Having said all that, I do love finding new products.

      Ah yes, the shoes are a great haul, aren't they?

      Anna x

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  14. I require those green leather pants - you must send them to me immediately! :) Wow, what a great outfit! I am boggled by the efficiency of your shopping. I know my shopping is frequent, but the volume of your shops leaves me feeling greedy and unfulfilled (I have issues...). I just want to rummage through all of your things!

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    1. Haha, I knew you'd love these Sheila! It's my fave outfit of the moment, so I'll have to pace myself.

      I'm a finely honed shopping demon, driven by the small window of opportunity that presents itself. It's essential for me to be totally focussed on these jaunts as it'll be months until I get so much as a sniff at a charity shop again - that serves to sharpen the mind somewhat!

      Your shopping sprees act as nourishment to me, but yes, they can also leave me feeling greedy and unfulfilled too so we're in the same boat. And hey, you're welcome to come and rummage in my things anytime x

      Anna

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  15. You standing proudly back on Scilly, sharing your new glamorous green ensemble made me feel slightly giddy about the results of your shopping trip. I think of green as a bit of a neutral color. In nature, it can be paired with ANY other color! So, I'm looking forward to seeing those green leather pants in many delightful iterations! $14.00 has to be the steal of the season!!!
    It was also fun to see the business end of your shopping. Meeting with artisans and viewing their crafts provides a nice contrast to your other shopping goals.
    Yikes Anna! Even I felt a sense of happiness and relief to see your island home in the horizon as you approached with your precious cargo in tow.
    JOB WELL DONE GIRLFRIEND!!!

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    1. Dearest Jude, it's so lovely to have your input as you really seem to share all of the pleasure and joy I get from these trips. The trousers are the best bargain ever, and I don't think I'll ever top them, but what fun I'll have finding lots of different permutations to showcase them again and again.

      I'm very lucky to travel away on business like this and it's no hardship at all. As I said, I count my blessings, particularly on returning to this tiny paradise isle. I'm always grateful, never take any of it for granted and am delighted to have returned triumphant with all of this lovely loot!

      Anna x

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  16. WOw, sounds like a wonderful trip Anna! I love everything you did and saw The salon, shopping,and the treats of the day ( salon.. looking for treasures). I think I could live on an island! I look at the peaceful picture of the water that you shared here and think, yes! I also love the green on you. Leather pants look fab and a steal!
    Glad you enjoyed your trip.
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Dear Jess, it was a blast as you can see. This green is a good colour for both of us isn't it? Island life takes some beating. The returning visitors are testament to the lure of the lifestyle on offer here. The slower pace, open spaces, no air pollution, as well as the chance to connect with nature all add up to a wonderful holiday location.

      Thanks for dropping by x
      Anna

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  17. Hazel's designs are absolutely wonderful, that blast of colour has me weak at the knees!
    Blimey, that is a lot of shopping! xxx

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    1. Yes, you can't beat these bright pops of colour to jazz up a design can you Vix?

      Anna x

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  18. I love these posts! I get to see your trip plus your country -- so fun! I can't believe it's already time to start your show season. Seems like just a week or two ago we were saying goodbye to Polly for the winter. I really admire how you put your heart into your work and the support you give to artists. You are such an all-around awesome woman!

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    1. Aw shucks, that all so nice of you to say Julia.

      I'm so lucky to have a job like this. It's diverse in its demands on me and different almost every day as to what might turn up on my desk, but that's the wonderful creative challenge.

      Anna x

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  19. looks like your trip was a total success, Anna, especially in a shoe derartment. You are right, this green outfit is absolutely fabulous.
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au

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    1. It was another great start to my business year Anna. And yes, the shoes were the icing on the cake.

      Thanks!
      Anna x

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  20. You are a razzle dazzle shopping DEMON!! Hahaha!! How lovely that you could stock up during your trip. I thought that was an entire leather suit but I see now that the jacket isn't leather. What luck to have such a great combo. And the artist wares are spectacular. It's wonderful the win-win relationships you can grow with this fine group. I wonder if I could get O to bring me the pan of eggs to see if they are to my liking. Hahaha!!! What a great trip!

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    1. The flood of panic that courses through my veins transforms me into a whirling dervish Melanie. So much to see/buy and so little time to do it in!

      I love sourcing new products, the right products, for our little gallery and making the right connections is a sweet feeling of success indeed.

      Good luck with your eggs!

      Anna x

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  21. I LOVE this post! So nice to see your purchases! Oooh, you read the Essex Serpent! CBC JUST read it and is writing a guest review on it for my blog! It will be good to hear what you think WHEN he gets around to the review!
    OOOh, Hazel's wares look fabulous!!
    The green colour of your jacket and trousers are fantastic!!x

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    1. Thanks Kezzie! It was a bit of a haul wasn't it?

      And yes, I'll be interested to read his review too. We're due to meet up for bookclub soon so I'll be putting my thoughts forward and hearing what the others have to say. I'm always sad to finish a good book, but have plenty others get on with.

      The green is pretty eye-popping. Someone asked me if I was celebrating St Patrick's day a bit belatedly!

      Anna x

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