Summer Sizzlers, our Style Not Age challenge for July

Hello and welcome again to our monthly style challenge! It's my turn this time to choose the theme and what could be more appropriate than Summer Sizzlers? Our recent heatwave had many of us cooling off in sea or heading for shade at home. My offering is an oldie but goodie, a lace jumpsuit from TK Maxx many moons ago. So let's take a look at my style sisters to see how they tackled this one...

Jacqui's jaw-dropper outfit looks like she's stepped straight off a film set! Hat from Dune, swimsuit from Debenhams and lace trousers (old) certainly live up to the remit. See more on her blog here. 

Gail from Is This Mutton has paired up lime green and fizzy pink for her Summer Sizzler look. Cute, fresh and very summery Gail snapped this on her Greek holiday which was indeed a sizzler with temperatures pushing 40 degrees! Catch her back story here.

Emma from the Style Splash is another to send us one of her holiday snaps, this time from Funchal. Orange is her Summer Sizzler colour and oh, how stylish she looks! Find all the details on her blog as above. 

Hilda has opted for orange too, wearing a shirt and jeans bought locally along with orange shoes by Clark's. She's making a fab style statement as she takes herself off for her 40th Wedding anniversary - huge congratulations to you!

I've shopped my closet for this whole outfit which always feels good. The orange strappy sandals were from H&M, gilt belt was from Primark and sunglasses are from Zara - all old.

Rings are both old as well as being pre-loved. 

My orange, turquoise and gold disk necklace was a purchase from Charlie Dodge jewellery. 

My photo-shoot was located at my second home, my husband's shed in the centre of Tresco, well off the beaten track. This is where he is working on our boat in the evenings and weekends and where I seem to be spending most of my free time too. His tiny office served as a changing room and his wing mirror worked fine for hair and make-up. His truck was a great contrast for my glam jumpsuit don't you think?

Thanks for swinging by to join our Style challenge - I do hope you've enjoyed it!

                                                                             Anna x

My yellow linen frock

Hello again! How has your Monday been? I started the week with this burst of sunshine aka my new linen frock by Francesca Bettini, a recent purchase from TK Maxx in Truro. I've replaced the self-tie belt for a beaded number from Tu at Sainsbury's some time ago which adds a dash of colour.

I've swapped over to my every day summer handbag, an Oral Kiely waxed canvas bag that's a great size and also a lovely combination of colours for this time of year. My friend Bo gave it to me as a present a couple of years ago, not long after I had visited the exhibition of her works in London.

Jewellery-wise I opted for these orange and lime green rings, all pre-loved. The bangles in yellow and multi colour plastic are second hand too as is the gold metal brooch. 

The gold framed round sunglasses were from River Island many moons ago, but are wearing well. They add a quirky edge to any outfit or even a 60's vibe if the outfit calls for it.

The orange strappy sandals were from H&M a couple of years ago. 

I'm so pleased with this linen frock that I'm considering trying to make another one myself. I've not ventured into the world of dressmaking, but I fancy that it's not so different from the sewing I did during lock-down. I've sent off for some linen samples and am now torn as to whether I can just wing it and copy the shape of the dress or if I ought to buy a pattern. If there are any experienced seamstresses out there, then please do chip in with your advice. 

Wishing you a fabulous week!

Anna x

Sunny day pattern play

Hello and happy Sunday to you! 

Today's outfit comes from mid-heatwave last month when those endless sunny days just kept on coming. The change of weather has me searching for a bright and breezy outfit to act as an antidote to the rain, wind and overcast skies we are experiencing on the islands currently and this may be the very thing.

My Pleased as Punch face.

My mission of the day clearly was to wear a rainbow whilst adding a riot of pattern play too. Call me attention seeking if you like, but it's what makes me smile and injects some joy into the day at the same time. The paisley and geometric print top is by Topshop, the culottes are by Bohoo and the coral handbag is by Superbia (all are preloved) and the jewellery is a mish mash of old and charity shopped. My old favourite sunnies are by Quay and if you want to see my wishlist pair from this brand then click here to see them - how cool are they?

The criss cross suede sandals came from H&M earlier this summer and they're still available online here. I love cork wedges as they're light to wear as well as being stable to walk in making a win-win situation, yay!

Mid August seems to signal the last of the summer sales as the autumn fashions hit the high streets. Even the charity shops are changing their displays to alert us to the change in season. As ever, I shall be holding on like grim death to all of my summer finery in the hope of more sunshine on these splendid isles. With two more summer exhibitions to come, you can rest assured that all things floaty and vibrant will be evident in my ensembles for those evenings. Daywear for me won't be taking a turn into the autumnal hues quite yet as I squeeze the very last glint of sunlight out of my wardrobe.

I'll leave you with some shots, one of which I posted on my Instagram feed recently, of a wonderfully inspiring young lady who we encountered whilst out boating the other week. This intrepid traveller had circumnavigated the island of Bryher and was heading South back down the channel towards St Mary's. One backpack was stored on the front of her paddle board and on the back was another. We encountered her again two days later on a much fresher trip when she was crossing from St Mary's to St Martin's and as the choppy swell hit her she would crouch down to recover her balance from time to time. As we watched her nearing the safety of the island Steve and I agreed that this was a gutsy girl. I admire her free spirit, her bravery and thirst for adventure. Hurrah to you, young lady! 

Wishing you a joyful week!

Anna x