Out and About, our December Style Not Age challenge




Suddenly it's the last Monday of the month and we're back with our Style Not Age challenge - this month Hilda chose "Out and About" as the prompt for our outfits. I, for one, am happy to have a reason to cover up after consuming too many Christmas calories!




Hilda looks very snug in her cosy coat and boots (both from Primark) paired with these trendy camo leggings from F&F. Catch her full story on Over The Hilda blog. 




Emma from Style Splash looks stylish as ever in her mini skirt and fur jacket, topped off with that adorable hat. 




This tangerine jacket adds zing to Jacqui's ensemble of loungewear and heels for a look that takes her anywhere. See her back story on Mummabstylish




Gail's spin on this month's challenge is very cool - her velvet coat and faux leather Spanx leggings are an interesting mix of textures along with a dash of red to enliven the look. See more on Is this Mutton blog.




Some months I find the outfit to be the challenge, but this month it was the weather that proved to be the battle. None of my usual photographers were available either and so I was up against it time-wise when I set out with tripod in hand to find a spot out of the wind between the showers yesterday afternoon. I donned my much loved vintage woollen coat and set out in search of a sheltered corner.




I thought this backdrop would have been acceptable, but this gust of wind just about knocked my top-heavy tripod over. I managed to grab the camera as it headed downwards and decided to cut my losses and move on.




A big black cloud was looming towards me here...




...but before it hit I popped my buttons open to reveal my new Christmas sweater. This fuchsia cashmere sweater ticked all the must haves by way of colour, warmth and snuggle appeal - all from M&S (see here). Some of you may recall me saying that I'd given a very specific wishlist to my nearest and dearest this year, mainly because I'm still on my 12 month clothes shopping ban. This pink cashmere jumper was on my hubby's list. I paired it with some stretch jeans (ideal for that post-Christmas tum) by Curve Appeal, purchased from TK Maxx last year.




This rather fabulous bag is by Claudine Searle who creates bags from recycled coats and leather pieces. My son bought me this and the pink leather gloves. How very satisfying this new chose-your-own-presents idea proved to be. We all agreed to this new plan and it resulted in everyone getting useful as opposed to unwanted gifts. Hurrah!




The beaded wooden necklace was a Christmas present from a girlfriend who knew nothing of my Christmas colour scheme, but clearly knows me very well anyway. My rings are both very old. Sunglasses are by Quay Australia.




My Chelsea boots are by Office, but again are not new.




I'll be back at work again today like so many others, but it's been great to have some downtime with the family. All the frantic preparations and stresses seemed to melt away when we finally sat down together for our Christmas Eve meal. This year, more than ever, we counted our blessings for our life here on this tiny, remote island. That very feature of remoteness seems to have kept us safe this year, resulting in the Isles of Scilly being the only place in England to remain in Tier 1. However, the lure of Scilly is so great that a family from Tier 4 were apprehended by local police as they arrived by plane into the islands just before Christmas. Within the hour they were on their way back to the UK mainland from whence they came. You'll excuse me if I call them selfish. It's this cavalier, "It's not me", behaviour which could result in an outbreak of the virus within our tiny community, a community where we have no provisions for caring for the very sick in large numbers. Our tiny cottage hospital has no ICU or respirators and we have limited NHS staff within the islands. We consider ourselves more vulnerable than most. 


On a lighter note, I shall endeavour to showcase my "What I would have worn on New Year's Eve" party outfit in my next post on Friday. I've yet to decide on what level of sequins and sparkles that'll be, never mind the kind of weather I might have to contend with for some outdoor photography!

                                                                     Anna x

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18 comments

  1. Don't get me started on some people's cavalier attitude! I love your cosy outfit from top to toe.And what a great bag. Well done on getting those photos despite the adverse weather conditions. Hugh from Ireland. xx

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    1. Thanks so much for this Hilda. I have camo envy with those trousers of yours xx

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  2. Such a gorgeous coat Anna! I love your boots and bag too. This time of year makes it difficult for getting photos - it's often dark at 3pm here! I hope you can stay in tier 1, I can't believe some people would travel there under these circumstances - especally from tier 4! Some people are so inconsiderate!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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    1. It's a bit of a challenge to get good light and good weather conditions all at the same time isn't it?

      Fingers crossed that the Tier system starts to make an impact soon xx

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  3. Glad that you’re safe Anna; people will always be inconsiderate and thoughtless, it never ceases to amaze me the risks that are taken during this pandemic!

    I love your striking coat, pink gloves and unusual bag. Your blue boots contrast beautifully. You look very warm and stylish. X

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    1. In a few days time all of our guests will be gone and life on the islands will resume as before. We become a huge island bubble simply by having no-one leaving or coming in and with that comes a sense of safety for us all.

      I'm so pleased you like this winter offering - it is indeed very cosy!

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  4. Well done for braving the wind and getting the photos. You look snug and stylish at the same time. I do so hope that people will stay put and not put you at risk on the isles. I can't wait to get the vaccine and visit again. I ope the wait won't be too long. Stay safe and well. Happy New Year Tessa xx

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    1. Thanks for that Hilda and Happy New Year to you too.

      I look forward to welcoming you into the Gallery again in 2021 x

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  5. Loving your coat and love your cashmere sweater and those beads, so cool and matchy!, you look fabulous in this outfit!.
    And so great idea to have chosen your own presents, so everybody is happy!. No wasted time nor unwanted presents, so everybody can relax and enjoy!
    Hope you keep yourselves safe, despite reckless people!
    Wish you a Happy New Year!
    Besos Y Feliz Año Nuevo

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    1. This cosy pink outfit was a cheery ensemble, perfect for a walk out on a winter's day.

      I've not done much mixing at all over the festive season, but there again I have my family around me which is all I need.

      Happy New Year to you too! xx

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  6. OMG, how can people do that?? Being on an Island here, we are experiencing similar things - we have the lowest percentage of cases here, and people keep trying to come here, even though non-essential travel has been banned.

    I love that coat so much that I'm making grabby hands at the screen, lol. You look amazing, and those boots were the perfect choice, Anna. I love your cashmere turtleneck - isn't it nice to be able to ask for exactly what we want? It's the biggest bonus of being a grown-up!

    A very Happy New Year to you, Steve, and all your family and friends there on Scilly, Anna. Here's to 2021, and may it be smooth sailing.

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    1. All we need is for everyone to do the right thing, and yet that message doesn't seem to get through to some people does it?

      And yes, the joy of being a grown up does mean that we can ask for what we really want.

      Sending you warmest wishes from this side of the world Sheila. Take care and have a very Happy New Year xx

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  7. Anna, this coat is so fabulous! And I love your boots and that amazing bag, too! Windy photo shoots are the worst, but sometimes you get some really fun pictures from it, too! Wishing you all the best in the new year!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Thanks so much Shelbee. It's lovely to hear from you again.

      Happy New Year to you too x

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  8. What a great coat Anna, it's perfect for going out and about in! Perfect challenge for us all, loving our challenges. Jacqui x

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    1. Cheers Jacqui. It's great to have this monthly get-together's isn't it x

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