Do your own thing!

I'm a little late posting this week due to having a nasty tummy bug since Monday. I'm on the mend now, weak as a kitten, but no longer lying prone which is progress. Being forced to stop is no bad thing sometimes, although this wasn't exactly stopping if you get what I mean. As I was resting this morning I read an article in a recent You Magazine about Lorraine Kelly and her quote really resonated with me - maybe with you too?

You Magazine 15th April 2018

I bet we all feel an affinity with this wonderful lady who has become a household name. As a fellow Scot I feel proud that this lovely lass rose from the provinces to take London by storm, ending up wearing the crown of breakfast TV, all the while remaining grounded and reassuringly ordinary. I agree with Lorraine when she says, " One of the few consolations of growing older is that you have far more self-confidence than when you were young."

Take the following outfit - 


In my formative years I read in Jackie magazine (the style bible for my teenage years) that only the most flat chested Twiggy-esque types could wear smock dresses/coats. I took this to heart as my own chest blossomed beyond the reach of this particular fashion. Even now as an assertive, self possessed woman I still carry all these rules around with me when I go shopping. But lately I thank goodness for being able to counter these style restrictions with the "who gives a damn?" of maturity.


There were so many features that attracted me to this duster coat/swing coat when I found it in Harrogate recently - the checked pattern, the colourway, the darling pleated hem, the bow-tied sleeves, the patch pockets - all of which countered the fact that it was a smock coat. I'm not what you'd call busty, but the fabric falling from the bust can only make you look bigger and vanity usually gets the better of me, however in this case this entirety won me over. 


And thank goodness for that, cos isn't it just the sweetest thing ever!


I had thought that this was a vintage find, but like my dear blogging friend Sheila I took a moment to research the label and found that it's an American brand and is the sister company to Fovever21. And it's a scoop at £15!


No matter how I tried I couldn't get the big hair and big coat to swing in the same direction!


As you can see I've totally embraced the whole smock thing here with the empire line top by Cameo Rose (preloved). I used the cream tone of the lace to inform my choice of trousers; the F&F wide legged crops were in the autumn sale last year for £5. And the shoe boots were an obvious when I picked up the coat - yellow and blue in checks and florals - of course they go!


Today's jewellery is all preloved although the sunglasses are new from Quay Australia.

And to finish off I'd love to have my soundtrack for this post from my favourite artist Paloma Faith. The track is called "Make your own kind of music" see here. The remake of the hit by Mama Cass is perfect for those of us who appreciate an anthem on our journey of self expression. Until next time ...


Anna x

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14 comments

  1. It's true! There aren't many benefits to getting older, but that boost in self-confidence is definitely one of them. I also have tended to avoid the smock/swing look but I also just bought a little swing coat! Thanks for the shout-out, hon - I have bought a Twelve by Twelve piece before - they tend to be nicer quality than the cheapass F21.

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    1. Hurrah for the joys of getting older Sheila! You and I certainly don't look like shy retiring wallflowers do we? I'm heading over for a big catch up with you today.

      Have a brilliant weekend!
      Anna x

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    1. Glad you like it Vronni!

      Wishing you a lovely weekend!

      Anna x

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  3. Hope you're feeling better Anna. Nothing worse. That's a great saying by Lorraine and I have to say there's something about being older and not giving a damn at our age. I wished I had felt like this when I was younger!
    Laurie xx

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    1. I think this sense of liberation is a fair trade-off for all the changes we experience as we age, don't you Laurie? You know what they say, "Youth is wasted on the young!"

      Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend!

      Anna x

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  4. Smash those rules! Right on! This is a divine swing coat and smock top underneath. It's so cool how you've combined the boldness of the coat with the more refined-feeling top with the lace detailing. Great. Yes, it is liberating when you don't care what the world thinks.

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    1. Turning sixty has been like passing through a magic mirror for me Mel. Peer pressure no longer exists as this age, instead I seem to encounter nothing but encouragement and I really do feel I can wear what the heck I want. Hurrah!

      Have a fab weekend!
      Anna x

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  5. Totally agree , the freedom of being comfortable with yourself and not giving a toss about those silly style rules or what others think is so liberating.
    This little swing coat looks so good on you and no doubt will have lots of wear. The black and white with your pearls is also such a glam outfit. Hope your recovery is a speedy one. Jill. xx

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    1. Thanks so much Jill, I'm feeling much better now.

      The term "coming of age" is much more relevant to us now as we find out who we really are now that we're no longer held hostage to the swings of our hormones. I no longer feel the need to apologise for an outlandish outfit - it's more a case of "this is me, take it or leave it" - totally liberating!

      Anna x

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  6. This bright and happy smock coat is truly the sweetest thing!!! I like everything about it and that includes the silhouette of your bustline. Smocks hide our curves and I think that's one of the reasons that they're appealing. They have cuteness,charm, comfort and lack sophistication. Sometimes we want to express those parts of ourselves! There's a unique joy in breaking a fashion rule. Behold, empowerment!

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    1. Your observations are always so astute and resonate with me deeply Jude - thank you!

      I suppose I'm not one to hide my figure under big clothes ordinarily which is probably why I steer clear of smocks generally, but this coat was too pretty to miss.

      Behold, empowerment indeed my dear!

      Have a lovely weekend!

      Anna x

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  7. mwahah, I'm glad that you purchased this lovely coat, with its fabulous print and fabulous details!, such an stunning piece and you rock it!.
    Sometimes rules and 'flattering factor' could have an influence on our outfits, but I really believe in self expression, fun and creativity, and totally love what you wear!.
    besos

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    1. You're so right Monica - self expression is the thing, the best reason to do what we do. Dressing up ought to be fun and this coat certainly brought out my sense of fun here.

      Have a great week!
      Anna x

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