Weekend beach escape


Hello from Cradle Porth!

On Saturday morning Steve and I took ourselves off to the beach for a walk crossing the banks of deserted sand below Blockhouse beach and beyond. The wind was brisk, just right for blowing the cobwebs away.There wasn't a soul in sight as we dodged across the soft sand to stare out across the huge horizon towards the mainland. Like the rest of the UK, we're still waiting for the restrictions to be lifted so that the island can re-open and welcome our guests back for their summer break. By the end of the week we may know more, but in the meantime, we had one last long walk enjoying the silence and space. 




These past three months have been surreal. At first I considered the time off as a gift, but as we started to see the death rate rise, the enormity of the situation hit home. As the state of emergency has been dropped from what was a level 5 down to a level 3 three now, we on the islands are preparing for our first true exposure to the pandemic. We've been lucky so far not to have any cases (reported) within the Isles of Scilly and can only hope that by putting all of the right measures in place for these small island communities that we'll all be safe over the forthcoming months. Social distancing, hand-washing, masks and gloves will be our line of defense as they have been used to great effect worldwide. The warmth of greeting will be the same, just displayed over a distance.






These thoughts were on my mind as we stretched our legs, basking in the freedom that is island life. It's this sense of freedom that surely acts as a lure for our visitors. Scilly is all about wide open spaces and nothing says that more than a huge sky with the twinkling azure sea below and an expanse of virgin white sand without a footprint ahead of you.






So, let's talk outfits, shall we? You may recall me showcasing this jumpsuit not so long ago (see here). I've checked on the Tu Clothing website today and can't find it anymore which makes me pleased that I followed my instincts to buy it when I did. I bought the jumpsuit before we were plunged into lock-down and had already decided that it would herald a monumental change in my shopping habits. So much so, that I had decided that it would be my last clothes purchase for 12 months. I've kept this under my hat for a few months to try to keep the pressure off and also to give myself a chance to see how it would pan out. Then, within a couple of weeks of deciding on my shopping ban, lock-down was implemented and suddenly it all seemed very trivial in the grand scheme of things.




As normal life is just about to try to re-establish itself, I thought it might be timely to share this with you. And oh goodness, I do realise that for the sake of the economy we're all being encouraged to get out and spend, but I'm sure my annual spend really isn't going to make a huge impact. The Year of Less by Cait Flanders inspired me at the time of reading way back in February and I knew it was something that I'd hankered after for some time. Even though I shop mainly in charity shops with perhaps only 20% of my retail shopping from the high street, I still am painfully aware that I have more than enough clothes. Lock-down has given me the perfect opportunity to delve deep into my closet as well as under every bed and inside cupboards full boxes and suitcases. And yes, I really do have more than enough clothes to last me for the next 12 months. Advertising will try to tell me otherwise and crikey I see the irony of this coming from a gal whose defining moment in her 60th year was to be chosen by JD Williams to tout their wares, but I'll be sticking my fingers in my ears and avoiding TV ads for the duration. I've found a few charity shop buys still with labels on from previous mainland trips and these will be drip fed through the blog when I have a shopping urge.




I love the simplicity of a jumpsuit as it requires so little to make an outfit. I decided to keep within a natural palette adding a simple stretch belt (preloved) to give a bit of definition. I must add however, that the waist is actually elasticated and can be worn without a belt. 




The Converse boots were from TK Maxx last year and are great for kicking about at the weekends.




The tribal print necklace is the only dash of colour with an ethnic vibe. I bought this in the Topshop sale last summer for £10. The gold floral and gemstone ring was a Christmas present from a girlfriend and the other is a charity shop piece. My old faithful sunglasses are by Quay Australia.




Anyway, that's been a whole lot of chat for one day, so I've leave you with some shots that encapsulate the joy and freedom that Tresco means to me.












Thanks for joining me again today. I'll be back again with Dress Up Friday and hope that you can swing by then. Take care!




 Anna x

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16 comments

  1. I like the jumpsuit with a belt! Makes me want one. I am on a shopping diet for 2020, including pre-loved. I had many jumpsuits in the 80's :) Lise

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    1. Maybe you could find something similar within your wardrobe? A shopping diet sounds less restrictive than completely giving it up - a compromise perhaps?

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  2. Stunning photos of one of my favourite places. Supercool jumpsuit, do I spy a bit of silvery glitter on one of the legs or is it a trick of the light? Tessa x

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    1. Glad you appreciate the backdrop Tessa. Silver glitter sounds great - alas, it was just a trick of the light!

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  3. What a tranquil and soothing place that beach is! I wish I could walk along there right now. Love the jumpsuit, Anna! You look fabulous in it.

    I have been shopping less, but only due to the lock-down and my reduced hours/pay. However, I don't know that I'll go back to my old every-week shopping habits after this. I have really rediscovered my wardrobe, and well, it's pretty darned awesome. I'm glad you have had a similar discovery, my dear.

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    1. I'm so lucky to live where I do and never take it for granted.

      Your clothes collection is indeed pretty awesome and yes, I could imagine that you'd manage to cut down on your retail therapy without it showing at all x

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  4. So Tresco is not that far from the main land is it? What a magical place. And how good of you that you made that decision. I wish I could do that. I try for 2 months and then I tend to shop a hole lot! Ridiculous, but I really can't help myself....

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    1. The islands are 28 miles south west of mainland UK, so not that far away I suppose. It takes 15 minutes by plane or 2.5 hours by ferry to travel to us.

      I understand what a challenge it is not to go shopping, but the trouble with buying something new is that very soon the magic wears off and we want something else new... I've managed for three months and really like pushing myself to create new outfits from old clothes.

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  5. Beautiful photographs Anna; how lucky you are to live in such a stunning place.
    Well done you on your decision to take a break from spending on clothes shopping; I wish I
    could say likewise; I always seem to be adding to my collection of clothes - ‘the year of less’ sounds like an inspiration read.
    I’m in no hurry to stand in the queues that seem to be forming as shops re open; I just need to stop looking at fashion on-line that leads to another purchase. X

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    1. Thanks Phyl. I'm always quick to remind myself how lucky I've been to end up living in such a beautiful place. Gratitude is essential.

      I do understand the lure of online shopping and for me the only way to cope with the temptation is to completely avoid it. I'm really very weak willed!

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  6. Well what a shame for me that boiler suit is sold out! But lucky for you my friend. You've accessorised it beautifully - the necklace is perfect and I love the sneakers. I can't wait to stroll T K Maxx, maybe I'll go tomorrow now! Jacqui x

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    1. I do envy you the idea of strolling around TK Maxx - that's why I will be avoiding retail therapy completely as I'd surely succumb all too quickly!

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  7. These are such beautiful photos of you! Freedom! I am so glad that the isles have been free from Covid and I really hope it stays like that! I would LOVE to come and visit in the Summer (if we could) but I worry that everything will be booked anyway as if we can, I imagine everyone will head there if they can't travel abroad.
    The boiler suit is very cool!
    Well done on your no shopping- that's very good. I've bought a few things second hand and some jewellery from some designers during lockdown.

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    1. I think that bookings are very strong for the summer and autumn so far, but I do wonder if you might find space on one of the campsites?

      I'm delighted with this boilersuit and even more so now that it's my last purchase for a year!

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  8. What lovely photos!, and I love your jumpsuit and how brilliantly you've accessorized it, really fab styling!. You Totally Rock!
    And I'm really glad that you've determined to stop shopping, I think that all we have enough clothes for a year (or several years, actually!) so it's nice to stop and enjoy the things we already have. You have all my support!
    besos

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    1. I'm an avid fan of your recycling and sewing projects and would like to try some things like that too. I think that would satisfy both my create urge and the desire for different things to wear.

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