Where did autumn go?




Hi there! How's tricks? Life here on the island is finally slowing down to an easier pace and looking around me this week I've been wondering what on earth happened to autumn? We seemed to fast forward from balmy September into the depths of winter within the space of a couple of weeks. I've now packed away the last of my summer fripperies and am back in the land of woolly socks and winter coats again.




I was delighted to rediscover this oxblood Next leather coat during the seasonal clothes changeover. I bought it in the Truro Oxfam shop last year for £30 and think it's a blooming bargain at that price. The colour is an unusual one for me, but it has become a firm favourite already. Leather is wonderfully wind proof and therefore perfect for island life where we're subjected to wild winds for almost half of the year. Worn here at the weekend it's great for a casual look, but is also handy for a smart finish to my work wear too.




I like the simple straight lines of the jacket - no belt or flap pockets to create bulk - and love the fact that it doesn't have a back vent. Oh goodness, how drafty they can be, flapping open when the wind attacks you from behind!







Dressing down for the weekend is my time to be quirky and creative away from work. I've teamed the pre-loved fairisle vest (known as a tank top in my youth) with skinny jeans embellished with embroidered flowers, beads and pearls for this trend clashing look. The tan heavy brogues by John White have leather soles which sound out with every step - a great way to announce this style statement. Under the vest I'm wearing a skinny ribbed sweater to keep out the cold - this was from Primark.





The jeans were from TK Maxx a couple of years ago when ornate embroidered jeans were in fashion. Trends may come and go, but if I like something I'll wear it regardless. They have a bit of stretch which adds to the comfort value of them, another winning feature.




The floral leather belt is rather ancient which again adds appeal and character to the piece. The wool vest is by Ralph Lauren, a wonderful charity shop find. The scottie dog bracelet and matching necklace were a lovely set which I bought in Harrogate about 5 years ago. I have them wrapped up in one of my jewellery boxes where they lie forgotten for months on end, waiting to be found once again with renewed delight. Such joy for me in these simple pleasures!




The flower ring was charity shopped and the domed ring was from a street market in Cape Town. Sunglasses are by Quay Australia.




The classic leather brogues are from that era when I seemed to purchase them in almost every colour - cream, mint green, blue, black, brown, silver, gunmetal, pink, burgundy, two tone blue and bronze, two tone yellow and brown, flats and heels - and in leather, suede and patent leather too. These ones came from my beloved TK Maxx. Talking of which I'm on the final push now of my 12 month shopping ban. It's 8 months since I went shopping for clothes or shoes, although I did one online purchase in March. My autumn/winter clothes collection is a fraction of what I have for spring/summer, but that's probably because I really don't like this time of year. Perhaps if I made more of an effort to find interesting and colourful clothes for the darker months I might enjoy this season much more? Still, that won't be happening any time soon.




Thanks for swinging by today and if you're a new reader then why not introduce yourself in the comments box? It's always lovely to have your feedback. Fingers crossed we shall all have some nice weather this weekend so that we can get out for some fresh air and exercise. I'll be out and about taking photos for the blog, weather permitting, as well as catching up on some long overdue housework!


Have a super weekend!

Anna x

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16 comments

  1. I love the colour of this Anna. You can't beat a good classic leather coat and they seem to be having a real trend moment on all the socials. xx

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    1. Cheers Laurie. I love it when my charity shop finds end up being on trend!

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  2. Anna you look lovely today, really autumnal in your berry coloured coat. What a find that was! I can never resist a charity shop leather coat or jacket. Your embroidered jeans are gorgeous too! Happy weekend!

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    1. I'm pleased to hear that I'm not the only one who has a weakness for these bargains Juliana. Thanks x

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  3. Sorry to hear that the seasons switched on you so quickly, Anna! It seems like our stretch of glorious weather has ended, with rains on the way (I guess living in a temperate rainforest climate is a hint). I often refer to this time of year (and March/April) as "Leather Weather" due to the light rain and strong winds - leather is the best!

    Your new coat is amazing - I was chuffed to find a skirt in that colour that I'd totally forgotten about from last year. I see quite a bit of Ralph Lauren here (we used to have a swanky boutique in the 90s), and I will be a fan of embroidered anything until the day I die, lol. Those are adorable brogues, and why wouldn't you have them in every possible colour??

    Have a fabulous weekend, my dear!

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    1. I do like that saying, Leather Weather! It suits us for quite a lot of the year too. Isn't it lovely when you come across these lovely surprise pieces? I've just found a leather maxi skirt with the labels still attached - the next style challenge coming up perhaps?

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  4. Winning look for Autumn, and you'll get plenty of wear from that super leather coat - just perfect. Jacqui x

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    1. I'm so happy to have this coat back in the mix again Jacqui. I used to have a dark green one very similar when I was a teenager - golly how cool I thought I was then!

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  5. Yes the temperature over here is to cold too. And rainy. So boring. What a good color that coat has. Have a good weekend and hope to see you at my Fancy Friday link up party.

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    1. One of these days Nancy I'll get my act together and hop across for the link up!

      By the way, I loved your velvet maxi skirt on Insta the other day x

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  6. Ahhh those '70s tank tops...you've had me reminiscing about one I knitted in pink random yarn. I wore it with one of those Van Allen blouses with a big, rounded collar and turn-back cuffs.

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    1. What a brilliant blast from the past you've just conjured up - thank you!

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  7. I love this outfit Anna; it’s casual and stylish and gorgeous.
    Your coat is such a lovely colour and great cut too; what a lucky find!
    I remember having jeans similar to the pair you are wearing; they were from Next and I wore them out.
    Great choice of brogues.. I have a very similar pair...you have just reminded me to wear them.

    Hope you had a lovely weekend. X

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    1. Cheers Phyl! Yes, do get those brogues out - it's the perfect time of year for them. I'm going to pair some mint green ones with a long dress for work this week. Fingers crossed I can get some photos if the weather is good x

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  8. When I saw this outfit, I actually felt like you were combining various Doctor Who characters' styles- the tank is Sylvester McCoy, the leather jacket is Martha Jones combined with Christopher Eccelston- the brogues are Amy Pond with Bill Potts jeans- I love it!

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    1. Hahaha! This really tickles me Kezzie as I'm not a fan of Doctor Who and therefore don't know any of these characters. Still, if you love it that's all that matters x

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