Hello again and how are you? Well, I hope. Today I'm sharing my antidote to the winter blahs, which as you can see it a blast of colour. Every winter I struggle with the winter blues aka Seasonal Affective Disorder and this year I've deliberately introduced some eye-popping colours to my wardrobe in an attempt to hold things at bay.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room first though. The micro mini skirt is completely out of character for me - as a rule I don't do mini skirts (or cleavage) on principle, but this riot of colour caught my attention on a recent trawl of the charity shops in Truro and I just couldn't say no. The brand is Topshop and I must that admit on seeing the shots of it, in particular how very short it is, I do wonder how many more times I'll be brave enough to wear it.
You can see the attraction of this Navajo inspired skirt though, can't you?
Moving swiftly one then, let's talk about the star burst brothel creepers shall we? I bought these in one of my most favourite (non-charity) shops in Truro, Enjoy Clothing, which is bang in the centre of the city. The shoes are by a brand called T.U.K. and are rather fabulous don't you think? The day I tried them on I was wearing my bright pink and red woollen winter coat and the shop assistant said "Well, of course you'll have to buy those!" and how right she was.
I think I gotta call these my cosmic creepers from now on.
The orange puffa jacket is by Topshop and was in the sale last month. It's super cosy and will be perfect with jeans too. I have to get out and about a lot in the winter, mostly on my bike and this will be ideal for keeping me warm as I buzz about on my winter chores. The pink fluffy jumper was another happy find in the retro shop - the brand is Wild Flower and this wasn't second hand either. The pop of pink will cheer up any dull day.
I managed to hijack Steve at the end of this lunch break to do a quick photo shoot of this version of the outfit. This is the beach right in front of our house at New Grimsby. The shots with me in the long coat were done at Old Grimsby on my own with tripod and timer.
The pink resin ring was a gift and the orange one is was made by a local lady some time ago.
That mini skirt doesn't seem to look any longer when I wear it at the other side of the island!
And golly, when I sit down it looks just like a colourful belt!
Anyway folks, I do hope that today's outfit has acted as a pick-me-up for you too. Before you all rush to say the skirt is fine, I'm honestly okay about my Bridget Jones Absent From Work skirt (hope you remember that scene too). The thick black tights (cotton/bamboo and very comfy) do help enormously. And I've decided that if I can't bear to wear it again, the skirt will make an utterly fabulous cushion cover!
Until next time, my lovelies, have a great week!
Anna x
The skirt is rather magnificent and looks great on you. The shoes are so unusual but such fun. I will have to try your colour antidote because I also find winter a depressing time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail. I swear I do feel much brighter, more lively if I'm wear a good pop of colour, regardless of the season.
DeleteAnna x
Well, there is no doubting tha skirt is indisputably present with a riot of gorgeous colour and pattern. You have a fine pair of pins for a mini skirt. And isn't it fun that brothel creepers are now available for the ladies too! A fun read, thanks Anna, and one that I'll go back to when SAD comes a-knockin'.
ReplyDeleteHugs, keep warm, keep colourful, x.
The dreaded S.A.D. seems to be a silent invader for many of us. I do hope that my colour therapy might help you Mary, even if it's just a slight improvement. I plan to write another piece about my other weapon against the joy-thief soon.
DeleteAnna x
what a fabulous outfit!, I love all those lovely bold colors!, the orange jacket, the fuchsia pullover, the TUK creepers which match your coat!! that's totally amazing!. And obviously, I think that your skirt looks stunning and you have fabulous legs! You Totally Rock!!
ReplyDeleteI'd steal this outfit in a heartbeat. So inspiring!!
besos
Aw what a rave review from you Monica, thanks! This is indeed a very you outfit too as we both love these riotous colours don't we? The creepers were a fantastic find - I can't wait to mix them up with the rest of my wardrobe and see what happens next!
DeleteAnna x
If you have the legs of course you can wear mini skirts, there are no rules, right? caveat being with opaque tights and not sheer ones once you are a little older. Cleavage the same, it's all relative but if you are not showing your legs off then a little cleavage is fine what ever age you are!!
ReplyDeleteIt's all so very personal these kind of rules/choices, don't you think? And comfort surely is the main factor in helping you decide. I just don't like cleavage - I think it's too bedroom for daytime exposure, but that's only my opinion. I think I watched too many Carry On films when I was young - cleavage always reminds me of Barbra Windsor in those saucy roles. And the mini skirt reminds me of Kenny Everett, so you can see how my formative years have massively impacted on/warped my adult self. It's crazy and hilarious I know!
DeleteAnna x
I used to wear skirts this short up until about three years ago. Since then I've gone longer and longer. I felt a disconnect when I looked at myself in the mirror, a sure sign that what I was wearing didn't make me feel like me.
ReplyDeleteI LOL when you said it looked like a belt.
The bold colours are wonderful together though.
Your idea is great, it will make a wonderful pillow : )
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I'm a bit of a late starter with the mini skirt and know it's not a long term look for me, but while it feel like fun I'll continue to wear them. I do wonder though why winter shorts and thick tights don't feel quite as racy? The skirt will definitely end up as cushion cover at some stage!
DeleteAnna x
I think you know I'm going to love that skirt - it looks awesome on you, and you look awesome in it! The pattern and colours are fab in the entire outfit. Cosmic Creepers for the win! I love this riot of colour.
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the length, though, Anna! I'm a fan of minis (still), but there may come a day when I just go, "NOPE" and that will be it. Go with your heart - no regrets!
This was a joyful look for me and one that I'll fall back on again and again over the winter to give me a boost, mood-wise. But yes, you're absolutely right, the day will likewise come for me to say no more, but until then I'm enjoying this colour-fest of an outfit.
DeleteAnna x
I think the mini skirt looks great! I would have worn it with leggings but then I don't have such good legs as you! The colours are beautiful and the creepers are such fun items - cosmic creepers indeed!
ReplyDeleteI do hope the wearing of bright colours helps allay some of your SAD. I'm sorry to hear you suffer from that. We do have such long winters and the absence of light can be so depressing.
Your lovely bright outfit has certainly cheered up my cold and foggy day!
xxxxxx
It's funny how I didn't even consider putting leggings under this skirt - I'm maybe not as creative as I think Vronni! I definitely feel an improvement in mood when I'm wearing bright colours. Strangely enough, the winter days do make me want to wear dark colours and I do fight against that draw.
DeleteAnna x
As a fellow sufferer from SAD, I can only agree that wearing colour is one of the best antidotes to the blues. Wearing colour not only makes you feel better, it will make other people feel better as well. Who wants to look at people dressed in drab colours when it's dark, grey and cold outside? You're very brave wearing that mini skirt, but it does suit you rather well. Love the fluffy pink jumpers and oh my, those brothel creepers are sublime! xxx
ReplyDeleteOh Ann, you're so right about colour helping those who see you in brights too. I'll keep that in mind that it's my gift to the community next time I'm awash in eye-popping colours. Brave or mad to wear a mini when you're 60? I think the majority would say mad! But hey, the masses aren't my worry.
DeleteAnna x
What a brightness! And those rings! Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteCheers Nancy! We love these bits of fun and fancy don't we?
DeleteAnna x
This will brighten even the darkest day - it's super. I love the skirt and would definitely wear that with long boots. Happy weekend Anna. x Jacqui Mummabstylish
ReplyDeleteThanks Jacqui. The first time I wore this skirt it was with long boots, so yes that changes the look too.
DeleteAnna x
I think you look terrific, but if the skirt length embarrasses you when you try it again then leggings or tight shorts/man swimsuit under would be ideal. I think they are called "pervert pants" or something like that!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I've never heard of pervert pants and they do sound hilarious! My niece wears cycling shorts under her mini skirts, which I suppose does afford the same modesty barrier. I'll keep that in mind, thanks Jan!
DeleteAnna x
Of course you can wear that skirt; you have fab legs and I love the bright colours..they certainly brightened up my day x
ReplyDeleteSo very kind of you to say Hilda. I'm not sure if I really do have fab legs, it's more a case of great tights and finding the right poses I think, but thanks anyway, sweetie!
DeleteAnna x
That true colourful style that I envy about you Anna. Another great look xx
ReplyDeleteOur signature styles are at the opposite ends of the spectrum Laurie with you being all sleek and elegant in creams and black. But I think that's probably why we admire each other isn't it?
DeleteCheers, Anna x
I LOVE this outfit to bits!!
ReplyDeleteOK, so the skirt is short. You've addressed that with your classic black tights! You've also drawn attention to the colorful, fun, and sporty vibe of this look by wearing shoes that have humor and cosmic karma!! Topping it with the furry, hot pink sweater and orange, puffer jacket underplay sexy and ramp up the joyful!!
I'd check out adding another layer of complimentary, colorful, tribal fabric to the bottom of this skirt to lengthen it before I'd make it a cushion cover!! I wear short, sporty, skirts over LEGGINGS and pair with booties quite often. I think it's a great way to cover the crotch area. So, the skirt actually makes the leggings more modest. At 68 it's one of my favorite looks. :-)
Thanks so much for your vote of support for this one Jude. The idea of leggings under the skirt is one that had completely eluded me. But better still, is your idea of adding a colourful complimentary band of fabric to the bottom of the skirt - now that really has captured my imagination! I do have another reincarnation of this look to reveal another time though which also may appear a tad more modest. By the way, I love the fact that you're still rocking a mini at your age too - go Jude!
DeleteAnna x
I just read this on another blog; "that's why God made tights!"
DeleteGeez Anna, I lied. I'm only 67 ( not 68) as of this past October! Brain fart...
ReplyDeleteHahaha, it makes a change for a woman to add years rather than subtract them!
Delete