A trial run

Yes, it's that time of year when I start doing the big try on, getting ready for the party season. I've got a couple of parties on the horizon as well as drink do's to prepare for so I like to be ready. 


I'm still besotted with these red sock boots, so please accept my apologies if you've tired of them already. Be warned - they will be making a few more appearances! 


When I wore them for the first time (see here) I didn't need tights, but the cold weather and length of this dress mean that's not an option. I'm not sure if black is the right thing here though...Maybe plain black would have been better?



The book handbag was a prize find in Primark in London. It was a fraction of the cost of the real McCoy ones I've seen in other shops.


This must be the first red dress I've had since I was a child. It's from H&M and was partnered with the boots in an advert. I don't normally fall for the spoon fed version of fashion, but I thought it was so simple yet effective.


I thought this charity shop owl necklace was the perfect ploy for the Harry Potter book bag, and only £5 too!


Maybe this could be an option for Christmas day? I'm not sure it's dressy enough for an evening party, but again, that's just me. This is where I ask you for your opinion. I'll be popping up again over the next couple of weeks to run some Christmas outfits past you, so please feel free to give me your thoughts. You can email me if you're too shy to post a comment.


Outfit details - coat: vintage, dress: H&M, boots: H&M, necklace and rings: charity shopped, handbag: Primark, sunglasses: Quay Australia, tights: H&M.

I've just taken delivery of a box of shopping from my Black Friday splurge. I'll let you know how that goes once I've had a try on. In addition, I'm aware that I've yet to show you my shopping from London, so I maybe need to have a post where I do a round up of all that's new in my wardrobe as we hurtle towards Christmas. I'm acutely aware of how short lived this hugely hyped holiday is so I'm fighting shy of buying any more in the way of glitter and sparkle as I own quite a lot of glitzy items already. I'm currently searching for the perfect pair of black shoes that will last beyond the party season and will let you know how that plays out too. 

How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? Did you wait until Black Friday to hit the shops? And what about your big food shop? Do you do that online or do you brave the supermarket in that last minute rush? Are you one of those very organised types who picks up something every week for months in advance? Do tell - I'm keen to hear how life plays out beyond our little island especially at this time of year. Whatever you're up to, do try to enjoy what you're doing without getting too stressed. See you soon!

Anna x

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19 comments

  1. so lovely outfit, I love a red dress and you rock it!, and I also love your coat, and those cute accessories!
    (I would pick purple or magenta tights, matching the coat, but I know that sometimes I'm too loud!)
    besos

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    1. Thanks Monica! I think I may take your advice and try some purple tights with this next time; that really appeals to me.

      Anna x

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  2. Red is always a fun bold choice. Of course you know I love the booties : )

    I make most of my Christmas gifts. I'm such a nerd! Thank heavens because the stores become absolute zoos at this time of year. The more I can avoid them the better.

    Since it will just be three of us for Christmas (that's including the dog) I'll be doing my Swedish veggieballs a week in advance so they are ready. We all love them. Even the pug.

    Suzanne

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  3. I absolutely love the colors in this outfit Anna, and I vote for these hose!! I think it's more fun with the print ones!!
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Okay Jodie. It's good to have some feedback as sometimes I think we're just too close to these things.

      Anna x

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  4. Oh I don't get bored with these boots! You're just making me jealous. I saw that Mary, curlybyrdiechirps, had a fabulous combination with red. She wore burgundy thighs with bright red. I thought it looked amazing!

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    1. Thanks for the introduction Nancy, I've just taken a look at that clever bit of styling and can see what you're raving about. It did indeed look amazing!

      Anna x

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  5. I think the tights are spot on - ha ha! No, seriously because they have pattern/texture I think they led more interest than plain black, but you will have to try on a pair of plain black tights, take a photo and see what you think. I like this outfit on you and the boots go so well with the dress - and the fab vintage coat.

    I love the bag - perfect for book lovers!
    xx

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    1. Thanks Vronni. I've taken on your comments and also like the idea of Monica's to add purple tights, so I'm going to have a try on this weekend. The bag is so cute - I'm thrilled with it as I'd hankered after one when I saw them in a boutique in Truro, with boutique prices!

      Have a lovely weekend!
      Anna x

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  6. Ooooh, I love the dress- it is so stylish¬!!
    Well, believe it or not, I have not bought anything for myself in the Black Friday sales though I did get my sister a Lightbox with a discount. I also bought my Dad, StepMum and Sister books that they wanted and although I didn't end up getting a black Friday deal (I searched so much for the cheapest deal on the books!) , I am glad I bought them when I did!

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    1. Cheers Kezzie. I think you did very well in the sales. It can be quite exhausting checking all the prices to see if you're getting the best deals don't you think? I'm always pleased just to get some presents ticked off my list so early in the run up to Christmas.

      Anna x

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  7. I'm not hosting anything this year, so that takes all the pressure off there, but like you, I have oodles of events and parties in my future, and I'm really trying to shop my closet and wear some of the beautiful things I already own.

    That red dress and shoes are absolutely lovely, gorgeous, all the adjectives! I am sucker for a sweater dress. I love the patterned tights and do not think they are too much (I would like striped tights with those boots for a mod/hair-metal look, ha ha!).

    I would love to see a "haul" post of just the clothes you bought - you don't have to model them! I just love to poke in people's closets so I wanna see!

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    1. Like you, Sheila, I'm not hosting parties, but will be attending a couple which is always much less stressful. The red dress is that plisse material and moves about with a sweet little swish. And so another idea enters the mix - I do have striped tights so they will have to be part of the big trying on session this weekend too.
      I'll get the loot together and take some snaps for you. I'm rather pleased with the most recent Zara additions from the Black Friday sale...

      Anna x

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  8. That first photo where you're wearing that gorgeous coat with the red dress is just spectacular Anna. I think you'll find the perfect holiday event for this great outfit. If you don't wear it for the holidays I'm still confident that it will find it's moment!
    Given a recent move to another state that's a nine hour drive from our home of 30+ years I see a very low key holiday for my husband and I this year. I'm glad to have left much of the holiday frenzy years behind. We'll have to find some new traditions.

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    1. Thanks Jude, I'm so pleased with the feedback about this outfit. It was the first time I'd put all of these elements together and wasn't 100% confident. I'm sure I'll wear it at some point, like you say.
      Good luck with your first Christmas in a new community. I do hope that you take part in a bit socializing no matter how low key - it's all about breaking the ice with the new neighbours isn't it?

      Anna x

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  9. The black patterned leg are so pretty with the dress and boots, maybe the coat confused matters. You've got yourself a perfect Christmas outfit in the bag with this one. Hugs, x.

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    1. I know what you mean about the coat Mary, but you've seen what I'm like - more is always my keyword. I'm pleased that the fancy tights got the thumbs up from the majority, but I'll try on a few more options this weekend in case there's a better look.

      Anna x

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  10. Haha! I am one of the unorganised kind! I haven't hardly scratched the surface of my still growing family. Think of me running around London like a headless chicken! I think you could glam that dress up for a party easily Anna. But I'm looking forward to seeing more party outfits xx

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    1. Eight grandchildren and counting isn't it, Laurie? I'm not surprised you're feeling a bit disorganised! I still have a little time to find the perfect party outfits and yes, you'll be seeing them all soon.

      Good luck with your Christmas shopping!
      Anna x

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