Windsmoor dress


A Windsmoor dress - how very conservative of me! I've taken myself by surprise with this one you know. Last week while I was away on the mainland, I just happened to slip into one of my favourite Truro charity shops and this took my eye. The classic shape looked as if it might be figure flattering, so off I went to the changing room. Some changing rooms in charity shops comprise of a tiny, badly lit curtained-off area, housing a wobbly chair rammed into a corner with one measly hook which threatens to fall off the wall if you dare hang anything up on it. They generally also suffer with shrunken curtain syndrome where the sad scrap of material hangs mid-air with little or no chance of touching the wall on both sides, resulting in a bit of strategic shuffling and hopping about as you make vain attempts at pinning it closed using shopping bags; ultimately it leaves you with the decision as to which bit of you you is going to be revealed to the loiterers queueing outside. In this particular shop however, there is a properly designed changing room area, with two generously billowing curtained compartments which are brightly lit and have room for both chair and shelf for ones handbag as well as several hooks to accommodate an extensive trying on session. No wonder it's one of my favourites!


I've always thought of Windsmoor as being a terribly grown up brand, but then it occurred to me that maybe at 60 I'm grown up enough to wear it now. On trying it on I discovered that yes, the cut is very flattering and the silky fabric, although a man made polyester, did in fact swish about as if it were more like silk. The front of the dress crosses over with a slight gathering above the waist and the neckline finishes with some stitches to avoid any over exposure. The dress has two very tiny shoulder pads. The longer length too which I thought might be a bit grannyish was instead saying stylish and elegant. All in all, Windsmoor had won me over! £10 very well spent I say.


I'm showcasing my new (preloved) Cupcake handbag which was from the Harrogate charity-fest. It's compact and bijou one might say and pretty enough to compliment this 40's style dress. I have two rose gold bangles worn with my Emily Nixon ring on one hand and the other ring is preloved. The pink elasticated belt is from eBay.


The silver and rose gold feather necklace and matching bracelet came in a box that states "When feathers appear, angels are near" - isn't that lovely? This was gift from my dear friend Bo. 


I'm slightly bemused that this little critter seems to have flown out of my ear!


These gold wedge sandals came from TK Maxx last year and hopefully will earn their keep in my wardrobe again this summer. Yikes! Did I just say summer? Yes it's nearly June, and I can hardly believe we're half way into another year. Where on earth did the time go?


I've already worn this dress twice since I bought it; the other time I accessorised with my big pearl necklace and swapped the sandals for mid green suede Mary Jane's - it was a much more 40's look which earned me a few compliments on the day. I'm rather pleased with this new frock and can see it will be very useful over the next couple of months. What do you think about this rather conventional style - is it something that you would or already do wear? I'd love to have your feedback. 

Have a great day!
Anna x

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22 comments

  1. You finally found the wedge sandals! These are exactly the same as my orange ones Anna! I think the dress looks gorgeous on you,please save this aside for me when you've had enough of it!
    Laurie xx

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    1. Yes, I found these last year, but they're still in second place to those orange ones of yours Laurie! I'll keep you in mind for the dress, although I fancy it would be too big for your tiny frame, my dear.

      Have a great day!
      Anna x

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  2. This is a beautiful dress, Anna, and I can see why it attracted you. It's a fab pattern (lots of useful colours for mixing one's accessories with!), and the cut is perfect on you. I love a classic cut in an unconventional print - it's like my Spanish ladies dress! Can't believe it's June already - when are we going to find time to wear all these wonderful things enough??

    Happy week to you, my dear! Thank you for your lovely comments!

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    1. It is indeed a beautiful dress and does make me feel very sophisticated which is far from my default setting. It will lend itself to lots of mixing and matching so yes, I think it will make a few more appearances on the blog this summer.

      Have a super day!
      Anna x

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  3. The print is absolutely lovely, so yes, I would have pounced on that dress too. There's no frumpiness whatsoever in the way you styled it. That little handbag is absolutely divine! I had a good chuckle at the charity shop changing room situation, which seems to be the same here in Belgium. xxx

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    1. Thank you for saying there's no frumpiness, as that's one of my terror words Ann. God forbid I shall end up a frump in my 60's! And yes, how utterly cute is this handbag? It's lovely find a good changing room, hence why I keep going back to this charity shop for its fitting-room heaven!

      Have a lovely day!
      Anna x

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  4. The dress is fab on you, both for style and colours. But oh for a waist slim enough for one of those lovely belts! I usually go for viscose or cotton as I often find polyester feels a bit sweaty but it does depend on the fabric as I don't have a problem with polyester fleeces.

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    1. Thanks Tessa. I know what you mean about sweaty old synthetics, but this dress (why, it's Windsmoor Darling!) isn't in the least bit that way. I felt sleek and cool in it each time I've worn it so far and it did get lots of compliments. The slim waist is all an illusion my dear - big dress, lots of fabric, cinched in with elastic belt - hey presto it looks like a tiny waist!

      Have a great day!
      Anna x

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    2. Glad to hear it's sleek and cool to wear. xx

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  5. I think it's a fabulous dress!, love its pattern and really flattering shape. And you've given it a twist with lots of attitude and great accessories! (lovely bag and belt!), it looks modern, cool and really beautiful!. And you look gorgeous wearing it!
    besos

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    1. Thanks Monica for all these positives. I'm thrilled with this find and am sure you'll be seeing it more of it this year. Accessories make all the difference don't you think?

      Have a lovely day!
      anna x

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  6. I never thought I would see you in a Windsmoor dress Anna but this one has such a vibrant print - it suits you perfectly with the belt and cute bag.

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    1. It's an absolute hoot Gail - me, the charity shop queen, in a Windsmoor dress! But golly, I really do love it and can see lots of different possibilities for it this summer.

      Thanks for dropping by!
      Anna x

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  7. I chuckled most enthusiastically when reading your description about the general state of certain changing "rooms". It's always a toss-up as to which bits to expose :P I must say, this dress has many facets, its vibe can be oh so easily modified depending on accessories, and is most definitely very little money very well spent xoxo

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    1. The state of the changing rooms along with the smell of old clothes are enough to put many people off when it comes to charity shops, but if you can get over these things the rewards are great, as seen by this beautiful frock. It will indeed lend itself to many looks which is very exciting! So lovely to hear from you!

      Have a good week!
      Anna x

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  8. Anna You are looking as vibrant, happy and gorgeous as ever!
    The labels dont matter but the prints do and that one is a stunner!
    I too just found a fab charity maxi for £6 bargain
    have a fab weekend
    best Ashley x

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    1. Thanks so much Ashley. And oh, what joy at finding a great preloved bargain! I agree that the label isn't important it's the quality that's the deal breaker.

      Enjoy your week!
      Anna x

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  9. Conventional = Classic sometimes... I think it's the print of this dress that makes it much less conventional and that bright pink belt pops the colors perfectly! Good investment Anna!
    P.S. How about a brightly colored straw hat to kick it up another notch? :-):-)

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    1. The dress is a classic Jude, but the print does stop it being too conventional. And the accessories help with that too, I'd say. I do have the odd, bright straw hat which I will test drive - thanks my dear!

      Have a lovely week!
      Anna x

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  10. Windsmoor is indeed a grown up brand; I agree. An ex boss of mine in the early to lat 80s wore Windsmoor dresses and pleated skirt and matching tops a lot and she always looked fabulous.

    The dress is lovely on you and you look very stylish in it. A very good buy.

    Have a fab weekend,
    xxxx

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    1. The quality of this piece is exceptional and most definitely shows the true value of its original price, whatever that was. Once I've finished with it, I can see it will still be in great nick and will be another bargain for the next owner - not that that will be any time soon!

      Have a fab week!
      Anna x

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  11. I'm so pleased you found this dress Anna, because it looks perfect on you. Love how you've styled it. Jacqui Mummabstylish

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