Joie de vivre


Happy Sunday to you my lovely readers!

Today's outfit inspired these shots of joie de vivre. This is my Praise the Lord pose which sets the perfect tone for this post as I prepare for my morning stint at church, assisting the Warden with her duties.


I can't think of a better way to start the day than acknowledging how blessed I am to live where I do, surrounded by people that I love, doing a job which stretches and fulfils me. The sun doesn't always shine on this little island paradise, but that doesn't mean to say I can't start the day with joy in my heart for this wonderful life.


I ought to set these moves to music!


Polly and I spend two minutes every morning trying to capture my enthusiasm for life embodied in the outfit of the day. If I can spread a little happiness through these shots then we've done well.


I'm sure that a good old belly laugh is the best bit of exercise for both heart and lungs!

And so, on to the outfit. These shorts are vintage and have loitered in the back of my cupboard for the past couple of years, taunting me, goading me, daring me to try to style them. I bought these when Sasha and I went to Exmouth where we had a true charity shopping fest. I was drawn to the gorgeous colour of them plus the fact that they're a great vintage piece. However, they're a challenge with those darts and pleats around the tummy creating a bit of puffiness. And the length too isn't necessarily the most flattering. Yes, I'm uber self critical, I know.


I think that one of the reasons I shied away from wearing these is that they remind me of a pair of men's golfing shorts - just add some knee length Argyle socks, tongued brogues with studs on the soles and a cashmere sweater and the golfer in me would be ready to go! So for an old bird who's constantly searching for the glamour in life this was a good challenge.


The best way to glam up an outfit surely has to be to add frills, making this blouse by Jovonna (from TK Maxx) the perfect solution. Cinching the waist in with a smart belt (preloved, Country Casuals) draws the eye upwards towards the waist rather than the tummy which is another good ploy. Adding a fair old smattering of jewellery (all preloved apart from the necklace by Melissa James) is another way to ramp up the glam factor.


These pretty summer sandals were in the Sainsbury's sale last summer at £5, so not only were they a bargain, but are a great way finish to this look. I'm not normally a fan of white shoes, but Sasha, my partner in (shopping) crime, encouraged me to try them, and they have proved to be a very useful summer shoe. I'm delighted to have cracked this, and you never know, I may find another variation on this shorts ensemble to show you if summer lingers on.


I'll leave you with these shots from Blockhouse beach where I had my morning swim yesterday. The sea was calm and not too chilly at all making for a relaxing and energising start to the day. I'm heading off to the beach now before breakfast then I'll be in church by 10. If you see me, do stop me to say Hi!




Have a fab week!
Anna x

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14 comments

  1. Your joie de vivre is contagious! What a fantastic colour those shorts have, but I do understand the pitfalls of styling it. You did a great job adding that fabulously frilly white blouse! Your Praise the Lord pose made me smile, as by coincidence I did one of my own in my last post but one! Have a great week, Anna xxx

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    1. I'm so pleased that this rubbed off on you! The colour was what drew me to these shorts all that time ago, but golly I do stuggle with tummy pleats - maybe better if you're tall I suppose? So glad you enjoyed it.

      Have a good week,
      Anna x

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  2. You do look full of life, Anna! Lovely outfit and what a pleasant surprise to see your shorts! They are fabulous - I think the leg is slim enough not to overwhelm you. Lovely details as always. Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Me in shorts isn't a regular sight on the blog, is it Sheila? Anyway, I think I just about got away with these. Glad you liked it.

      Cheers,
      Anna

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  3. If I scroll through very quickly you zre doing a darling "happy dance" and your spirit is contagious Anna!!
    I have a pale blue, pin striped blouse that is identical to this one! I have shoulders like alinebacker (American football) so I'm hoping the extra pouf makes a narrow hip illusion...

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    1. So pleased that this happy factor is rippling out to my dear readers, including you Jude. I too have wide shoulders and swear that the visual trickery of that V shaped frill does wonders and does indeed give a great slimming illusion.

      Have a super week!
      Anna x

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  4. I always like your outfits, but I love photos from the Island. In three weeks I will be finally in the UK again! Have a happy week!

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    1. I'm delighted that the mix of outfits and island shots keeps you and so many of my readers coming back. I hope you have fun in the UK and that the weather is kind to you - September can sometimes be quite balmy on the islands.

      Cheers,
      Anna x

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  5. Thanks for sharing your joie de vivre, dear lady!, love your attitude and your enthusiasm! and love a good laugh too!
    And I like your culottes, such an amazing color!, and you've styled it really nicely with frills and coolness!
    besos

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    1. I'm so pleased that this post appealed to you too Monica. Lots of laughter has to be good for the soul, don't you agree?
      The shorts/culottes were fun to wear and the feedback about the colour was great too.

      Enjoy your week!
      Anna x

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  6. Your enthusiasm is very contagious! Hurrah for that! The shorts work very well I think -possibly it is the colour that I love best! Bargain shoes. I don't like white shoes really either but I bought a pair in the charity shop yesterday!x

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    1. Hello Kezzie, how lovely to hear from you again! The pop of colour is brilliant isn't it? Get us braving it with white shoes eh? Look out world, here we come!

      Have a fab week!
      Anna x

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  7. I'm so pleased you went for this outfit as I love it! Everything about it in fact! Jacqui Mummabstylish

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    1. Thanks for this positive response Jacqui! As you can tell I wasn't all that confident about those shorts - when I look at them, I'm still not!

      Cheers,
      Anna x

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