Black trouser challenge 13

Well, well, well, I really can't believe I've been going so long with my self-imposed Black Trouser challenge. I kinda thought six weeks would be good and yet here I am still with some ideas in the pipeline. My new pink belt has inspired some different summery outfits, but I worry that autumn may descend before I can show you them. Yes, boots and jackets are waiting in the wings however!


Today's shoot took place in two halves due to a sudden shower that caught Polly and I on the hop. We had to change our location too thanks to the blustery wind so all in all it felt a bit shambolic. Does that show?








  

Rain splatters on silk handbag and jacket were not really what I had planned...



And this is where charity shopping really has its rewards. My oriental jacket was a thrift shop find earlier this summer and cost me £4.50, so imagine my delight when this weeks You magazine featured it as the latest trend. I'm loving pre-loved fashion! And I'm not alone in this. Waste experts "Wrap" have recently published a report stating that fast fashion is on the wane with consumers preferring to buy secondhand from charity shops and auction websites resulting in us throwing away 50,000 fewer tons of clothes annually than we used to - that's the equivalent to 300 jumbo jets full of clothes! Half of the population are now buying secondhand clothes. In addition to this, make do and mend is rising in popularity with workshops, repair cafes, repair surgeries and online sewing tutorials enabling us to take on projects that previously may have caused us to through away clothes. Getting help and gaining new skills is prolonging the life of our clothes by up to another 18 months all of which helps with this most green issue. Hurrah for this groundswell of change and well done to all of us who are part of this new shopping revolution!

Outfit details - trousers: River Island, jacket: Siruili, sandals (ancient): River Island, rings: pre-loved, handbag: gift, sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb


Anna x

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23 comments

  1. Lovely outfit, and such a fab jacket and cute handbag, they look awesome together! even more fabulous because they're pre-loved!
    Your pants have proven to be really versatile, they look interesting every time! and so cool!
    besos

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    1. I love it when you find things in your wardrobe that work so perfectly together. The trousers have been a great purchase, but may be coming to end of their spell of enchantment...

      Thank so much Monica!
      Anna x

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  2. That is good news that more people are shopping second-hand (although I'll have to stop telling people where all the good shops are, ha!). I love this blouse, but I fear this is the point where I say *yawn* to the black trousers. I love these, esp. the ruffle, but I can't help thinking a different bottom would add so much more interest to this outfit. I don't think I could keep wearing the same pants week after week!

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    1. I'll take this on the chin Sheila and thank you for your honesty. Yours and all my readers' comments matter to me and much as I dress for myself, I run the blog for its entertainment value as well as hoping to inspire. I certainly don't want this challenge to become a bore. Week in, week out was what I wanted to do as some women do actually (have to) wear black trousers just so. Having said that, they may well pop up again in the future!

      Anna x

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  3. Shambolic and "on the hop" are terrific !!
    I going to agree with Sheila about those darling and "oh so versatile" black pants Anna. I'm ready to see more of your fashion arsenal and I too believe that another color bottom might show off that great oriental style top to greater affect.
    I am a big proponent of second hand shopping. I LOVE getting items I would NEVER buy at full price from vendors who cater to folks with much bigger purses than mine. Second hand shopping is one of the virtues I look for in any blogger I follow. Thanks for encouraging us with the latest statistical information on these changes in buying habits of fashion consumers.
    You look like you're being blown a bit in these photos but you look happy and beautiful as always!

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    1. It seems that this feature has indeed run its course and I'm fine with that. My stats say that these are highly viewed however, but maybe not by those who comment. So Jude, I'll thank you too for being frank about these delightful fancy pants and warn you that they are still loved by me and therefore will not be banished forever. I've got plenty of summer outfits to squeeze onto the blog before the season changes so be ready for the siege!

      Thanks as always,
      Anna x

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  4. I love this outfit and am glad you have styled the trousers in so many ways. Are you the fashion maven of your island?

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    1. Cheers for that Patti. I'm not so sure I'm the fashion maven, just in the lucky position of having the best job that allows me the excuse to dress up.

      Anna x

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  5. I tried thrift stores, I really did. But it is not for me. Instead I buy less!

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    1. I love your style Nancy regardless of thrifted or not. By the way, is there a trick to finding where to comment on your blog - I can never find it. (A senior moment on my part, I fear!)

      Anna x

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  6. Those black trousers have certainly been a good buy and proved so versatile , loved your little Chinese jacket too. Interesting information about the drift away from fast fashion, definately a step in the right direction.

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    1. The little jacket was a scoop, and yes I've loved styling these trousers, but may give them a rest for a while...

      The figures were worth sharing as it's more than just a flash in the pan I'd say. A step in the right direction indeed.

      Anna x

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  7. I'm delighted and a bit surprised to learn that so many people are shopping thrift. I hope it is a trend that continues though. The earth's resources are far too precious to be wasted on new clothing lines.

    I love the Asian jacket. I have bought some in the past while thrifting. I think they are a timeless classic.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Yes, it's good news that our shopping habits are changing for the better. This little jacket is the first of its kind for me and I'm keen to see how I can style it in the future. But not another weekly challenge, I quickly add!

      Anna x

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  8. I love that blue and the little bag is so cute. I wonder if you could stretch your trouser challenge to #20? By the way I saw a pair of trousers in Topshop that you would love - they're Prince of Wales check and have fluted bottoms just like your black ones.

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    1. As you'll see Gail, I'm stepping back from the challenge to have a breather. In due course they may make the odd guest appearance...

      Topshop have a few lovely new styles of trousers I fancy, but am trying to be good, hahaha!

      Anna x

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  9. What a great bargain your Chinese jacket was and I'm pleased to hear that so many of us are buying second hand now. Love those sandals...they certainly don't look 'ancient'. What a surprise to hear JW mention your name today! X

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    1. Yes, hurrah for pre-loved Fiona!

      I had hoped to keep the JW thing quiet until I'd listened to it, but won't hear it myself until later. Please don't judge me, is all I can say. I think my 15 minutes of fame went to my head and I became a bit of a gibbering idiot. I know I gush on the blog, but really, this is a whole new level! I hope you enjoy and feel free to laugh at my expense, it's fine x

      Anna

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  11. Super stylish, these trousers have paired well again Anna - well done, great job! Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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  12. That statistic makes me very happy!!! You look amazing in it. I LOVE that shade- so beautiful!x

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    1. Thanks so much! I thought the figures were so encouraging too, Kezzie.

      Anna x

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