Brooch pile

I've shown this jacket on Instagram, but not with the same configuration of brooches so here's the new and improved version. A blogging friend, Suzanne Carillo (see her blog here), had featured her brooch pile jacket around the same time and we had laughed about our creative efforts being so similar at times.

I couldn't say which particular one of these is my favourite, but I do love the crammed full effect the brooches all create. I saw a fashion feature recently that showed a denim jacket with brooches which were sprinkled all over the entire thing. It was pretty in its own way and I might try it if I tire of this.

I really like this bag and shoes combo. Ostrich and leopard print are great partners in my eyes.

I can see that this brooch collecting could be addictive. Another blogging friend of my Kezzie (see her blog here) features her brooches often and each one has a story. I'm not sure if brooches might ever replace my passion for clothes, but it's another little offshoot which will be a joy I'm sure. 

The denim jacket was a £5 bargain in a charity shop and the brand is GAP. My orange top is by Coast (charity shop) and skirt is from Boden. Shoes are by Salord Jover and handbag brand is L Credi from TK Maxx. Watch is by Michael Kors, rose gold bangle is by Kate Spade, rings are old, as are the pearl necklaces.

Wishing you all a great weekend and hope you can drop by again soon!

Anna x

My thanks go to the photographers

Today's post relies on a host of photographs taken by a handful of friends and family who have stepped in when asked. I'd like to say a thank you to them all here, as without them this blogging malarkey wouldn't be as easy or as much fun.

Thanks to Jamie for this shot of Sasha and I after our lunch at the Ruin Cafe the other day.

And to Sasha for capturing this idyllic view afterwards.

To Chris and Val for joining Kate and I on a breezy afternoon to take a lovely series of shots of two friends enjoying a companionable dip together.

Kate is a regular visitor to the island and this year we've pledged to fit in as many swims as we can every time she's here.

Thanks go to Jane, a friend I made on the yoga retreat here last year. She and her family stumbled across us after our morning swim and we imposed on her son to take some snaps before they headed off along the shell-strewn beach to continue with their walk.

Green beach was decorated with ribbons of shells which whooshed and clattered as the tide rose and fell over the top of them. Nature's gentle musical accompaniment for us while we dressed.

Thanks are due also to Kevin's wife Lorraine for taking these photos of one very serious looking training session for someone and a sunny afternoon dip for the other.

"I'm not racing" I said as we stood on the shoreline. But as Kevin set off his stopwatch the competitive streak in me took hold. My front crawl is fine in a short burst, but not at his speed however. We maybe set off together, but it didn't stay at that level pegging for long. Kevin was an absolute gent though and periodically stopped to wait for me as I resorted to my steady breast stroke.

Kevin was buzzing. I waded back to the shore as he headed off for another couple of laps of the bay. We both swam in the Scilly Swim Challenge in 2015 (Kevin in the fast group and me in with the plodders). Now Kevin is in training for this year's event. Well done that man! Read my full account of the most memorable of days here.

And so onto the main event. My biggest thanks must go to Polly my wonderful blog photographer and Gallery Assistant. Polly is a whizz with all the tricks my camera has to offer. She bubbles with enthusiasm for her daily chore and helps in making my blog the sleek, polished showcase that it is. Thank you Polly for all that you do x

Oh, and let's not forget my thanks to all of the locals who cheerily add that special something as they photo-bomb us during our early morning shoots - thanks to another Kevin...

...and to Charlie who insists we capture his best side too.

This relaxed pose comes from knowing that dearest Polly will be doing her utmost to getting the best shot every time. Thank you Polly. Thank you too, to all who drift in and out of my life bringing such pleasure and rich memories. Until next time x

Jacket: Gap. Faux leather jeans: H&M. Polo neck: M&S (charity shop). Pink brogues: H&M. Handbag: charity shop. Silver rings: charity shop. Rose gold bangle: Kate Spade New York. Watch: Michael Kors. Sunglasses: Quay Australia.

That post shopping spree buzz!

Those of you who have to shop in bulk like me (very few of you I suppose) will agree that the months of doing without are usually worth the wait. After my recent trip to Harrogate, I have a wonderful collection of clothes to add to my already healthy closet. First of all, I tend to wear entire outfits from this new collection and then gradually integrate them with the not-so-new clothes. So here I am still in the honeymoon phase enjoying an entirely new ensemble which cost me a darn sight less than an arm and a leg!

I'm still a bit giddy with excitement at all these new choices. Today's pick was born from this beautiful jacket. I've found a charity shop in Truro that receives regular consignments of brand new stock from H&M, which is where this jacket comes from. I fancy that they may in fact be returned items, which would answer that particular question. While I was in Harrogate, I actually found a different charity shop which has a similar agreement with Boden. My oh my, these are well worth keeping regular tabs on if you ever come across them. Sasha is now a frequent browser in the Truro shop and has picked up some fantastic bargains to enhance her wardrobe. This gorgeous jacket cost me all of £5! Can you believe it? It was the only one like it, and just happened to be in my size. Lucky old me then! 

The skirt was my very last find before I came home. A new charity shop has recently opened in Penzance and it was there that I came across this pink skirt from Gap. Pink is my most joyful discovery in the colour spectrum and I'm still building up my pink collection. The woollen fabric has a light yet tweedy feel and is lined too, so what's not to love? And the cut lends itself to a cute little flippy hem which feels lovely and flirty when I walk. Flirty, not tarty, is the point. Lastly, I have to mention the boots which are again from a charity shop, but are hardly worn. The leather is super soft and the colour is perfect to tone along with the skirt. Even the tights are new. Another H&M steal at £1. 

My old faithful handbag joined in the showcasing of this latest ensemble. I love orange and pink together, don't you? Such bright fizz and fun when they sit side by side like this. I was delighted when I came across this fab pink and silver ring on my travels. Where exactly I can't say, it was just in a charity shop somewhere along the line. Eventually it all becomes a lovely blur of joyful finds and trophy pieces for me to carry home, brandishing them aloft over my head for all to see. Oh, the thrill of (charity) shopping!

Jacket: H&M (charity shop). Skirt: Gap (charity shop). Top: Sainsbury (sale). Tights: H&M (charity shop). Boots: Carvela (charity shop). Necklace: gift (Phase Eight). Pink flower ring: gift. Long pink ring: charity shop. Handbag: L. Credi (TK Maxx). Sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb 
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style