One of the best things about making friends within the blogging world has to be our common bond through fashion. Jacqui of Mummabstylish and I got on like a house on fire when we met up in London (see here), chatting about all our ideas and concerns on our joint blogging horizon. She told me about her rule of three; the magic number of colours that she uses to create her outfits. The idea had never occurred to me and we laughed about that too.
So here's my ode to Jacqui in yellow, green and burgundy. I suppose in this pure form, it also meets the criteria for colour blocking as I've eschewed my normal pattern play too.
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb has recently posted a feature on fashion bloggers who excel at minimalist styling which got me thinking: why does minimalist dressing look so classy on these women and yet I know would look so bland on me? Apart from the obvious - they're young, slim and pretty of course! Anyway, do click the link to see the ultimate in chic understatement.
With this in mind, today I thought I take a baby step towards minimalist style by dropping down to three colours, albeit quite bold ones. I say baby steps as it's still over the top in other ways; namely the tiers on the tunic as well as the velvet trim and tiny beads.
I will be honest with you, the idea of an entire collection of clothes that comprises of black, white and neutrals leaves me totally cold, but in the interests of a style challenge I think I may have a go. But not yet, my lovely readers! With Christmas only a month away, I have more bold colours and patterns, a sprinkling of glitter and of course, a liberal dose of sequins all lined up for your delectation.
The tunic is actually an early Christmas present from a friend. She lives in Portugal and had ordered it online to be posted direct to me. She prompted me to open it in case I didn't like it, meaning I could just send it on to her. Sorry Bo, as you can see it's rather fabulous and I'm keeping it!
And that brings me onto another style matter. I would never, never have chosen this shape of top. Tunics are just not my thing. My reasons are usually to do with the boxy shape, the lack of definition, and the focus on the bust making me look bigger than I like. However, I was so bowled over by the colour that I was happy to step out of my comfort zone and try it on. It's a lovely floaty material and it feels really feminine. I'm a convert!
Outfit details - coat: The Vintage Boutique Collection from TK Maxx, top: Zara, trousers: Tesco, boots: pre-loved, sunglasses: Quay Australia, rings: Sainsbury's, necklace: gift, handbag: purchased in Rome, no brand.
This week I'll be linking up with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style
Samantha of Fake Fabulous
This shot captures me as I've just hung my coat up in the hedge and was waiting to see if the wind would whisk it off.
Here's a couple of snaps taken from my office window over the past week. This view is balm to the soul. Have a great week and see you again soon!
Anna x
What a bold jewel toned outfit! It is very different for you and I totally understand your apprehension about the tunic but I agree that the colour makes up for the lack of definition.
ReplyDeleteI really like this outfit and think you have done an amazing job that is still very much aligned with your personal sense of style.
I'm really digging that coat! LOVE the colour! I might have to see if we have that same coat here. I doubt it.
I have to say that although those minimalist styles were fine and very typical of the average 20 or 30 something they did make me yawn. It all blurred into one look for me. In fact I felt like they were a bit like clones. Their looks might be considered chic and timeless but where is the personality?
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
So lovely to have your positive feedback Suzanne. This gift was the best thing ever to make me try something new. I do have other tunics, but am aware that I don't often wear them for all the reasons I stated. Each of the colours spark off each other and really lift my mood at this time of year.
DeleteI know what you mean about minimalist styles, but I still fancy trying them out myself to see if I can indeed still maintain my personality within the restrictions. Another challenges beckons methinks!
Anna x
I was reading a glossy mag the other day slagging off orange and purple together and you have just proved them wrong... I disagreed too!
ReplyDeleteFabulous colours, texture and shapes.
An all round winner!
XXX
Samantha
Hahaha, what do they know, eh? Thanks for another positive on this.
DeleteAnna x
I absolutely love your saffron colour dress, Anna. Wearing three strong colours takes a lot of courage and great understanding of colour coordination and you've done it very well
ReplyDeleteI can see why you chose these shoes, Laurie, they look very elegant and yet extremely comfortable. Sometimes I do get my shoes scuffed, I think it depends on the style. I also love the skirt and this red frayed jacket that looks so lovely on you.
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au
Thanks so much for this Anna, the colours might be off putting for some, but I do love the bright and bold.
DeleteAnna x
I LOVE this tunic, and will take it off your hands when you tire of it, Anna! I like seeing you try a different silhouette! This really shows off your fabulous legs. Love the bold colours and the change of no pattern - you rock this, as I know will rock anything stylish!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila. I felt the bold colours helped to compensate for the lack of pattern play so that I was still feeling very me in this. And yes, of course, I'll keep you in mind when/if I do tire of it!
DeleteAnna x
The sunset photos at the very end of this post have some of the same colors as your outfit! The furry forest green,billowing rich gold and sleek deep purple are so seasonal and texturally delicious!!
ReplyDeleteYum, yum, yum Anna!!
What a delightful review Judy, thank you! The colours do bring to mind some rather delicious foods, so yes, yum indeed.
DeleteAnna x
Wow! I love everything about this look! First, that coat! Inwas at a Bazar in the Netherlands yesterday and I saw a simular coat and did not buy it! I walked by it three times and now I regret it like hell! At first I thought you were wearing otk boots. But those boots are great too and perfect with the legging. I actually got years in my eyes by seeing that house on the background. It is so Brittish! That tell s me I am already getting homesick! Pfff, afther two months already!
ReplyDeleteOh dear Nancy, I know that sense of regret so well. It's funny that even after three passes you still didn't get the subconcious message that you needed it! Can you go back to look for it again? Between this regret and the dose of homesickness, I fear my post hasn't been a joy for you at all.
DeleteAnna x
This is a very interesting post, Anna. I love this look on you; I'm surprised you don't like tunics because as you can see you look fab in this one! It is a gorgeous colour of yellow and the yellow bag is a beautiful match. Fab boots and faux fur coat too.
ReplyDeleteI have a rule/style of three as well, but it's different to Jacqui's. I try to wear 3 different garments together; so - trousers/top/kimono; skirt/shirt/cardigan; jeans/blouse/waistcoat, for example. I also always try to have at least one patterned or different textured item amongst the three. I think I like this rule of three because I like layering.
Hope you have a great week.
xxx
I know you're a big fan of tunics and they always look good on you, but somehow I just don't seem to be drawn to them. I think it was maybe a Gok Wan thing about not wearing clothes that disguise your shape, or was it Trinny and Suzanna? No matter, I took it to heart I suppose.
DeleteI love to hear about these rules for dressing. It's not something that has guided me as I think I'm just a bit organic with how my outfits evolve. But hey, it does work for you as you always look spot on, no matter what kind of clothes you wear.
Anna x
These colors are marvelous together - all bold and with personality (I too wonder why I can't pull off the "one great tee plus jeans" look - and I think you've nailed it. When you're 25, everything looks good!) You made a gorgeous outfit, and have a wonderful week ahead. xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Yes, I'm sure you're right Patti - when we were 25 we rocked absolutely everything we wore! Thanks for your lovely comments and also for the link up party.
DeleteAnna x
Totally gorgeous, totally fabulous!! I'm a terrible minimalist also, and I think that's a good thing about us!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie. We are what we are, and that's fine isn't it? But I may have to give the minimalist look a try!
DeleteAnna x
Just catching up with all of your posts Anna! I love her idea of using three colors. I will have to give that a try. I love your little yellow purse too. I'm intrigued to see you try the minimalist approach. Honestly, I think you will be cool elegance. Julia
ReplyDeleteHello again Julia, and thanks for your lovely positive comments. I'm intrigued to see if I can pull off a minimalist style maybe once or twice, so watch this space!
DeleteAnna x
You look so gorgeous in mustard, bourdeaux and emerald - all three great colors for the season. All your pieces are gorgeous, Anna. =)
ReplyDeleteWelcome by on Thursday this week and every week to join my style linkup and share your gorgeous style with me and my readers. Thanks, Ada. =)
Hello and welcome to you Ada! Thanks so much for your lovely, positive comments. It's always good to have some new feedback. I'll swing by your blog tomorrow.
DeleteAnna x
totally fabulous tunic, glad that you kept it, the color is awesome, the shape is cool!. And I like this 'color block' style too, and I'm enjoying all the colors and textures, that's a lovely outfit and You Rock it totally!
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking forward all those 'bold colours and patterns, a sprinkling of glitter and of course, a liberal dose of sequins', mwahaha, that sounds Fabulous with a capital F!!
besos
Hi Monica! I thought this colourfest might appeal to you. I'm so looking forward to getting all my Christmas sparkles out over the next month. I think silver is going to be a big feature with me too, so get ready...
DeleteAnna x
I love all the trends you put together! Gorgeous look!
ReplyDeletehttp://chicglamstyle.com
Thanks so much Rachel! I must drop by and say hello to you too.
DeleteAnna x
Wow Anna you look amazing! My colour rule works extremely well on you, and thanks so much for the mention - I think we've learnt a little from each other, I'm trying hard to add colour and pattern to my outfits. Oh and that tunic is a SUPER colour - love it. x Jacqui www.mummabstylish.com
ReplyDeleteYour advice worked so well with this Jacqui. The minute I opened the parcel and saw something so very different I thought of you and decided to follow your lead. It all worked really well, even though I was a bit out of my comfort zone.
DeleteHave a lovely weekend!
Anna x