Last year, this year.

If you're a long term follower you may well remember this jumpsuit from last summer. I wore it to an opening night party at the gallery see here. This year I've drafted in a whole lot of long gowns for my partying and therefore this has been demoted from posh to everyday. I'm sure this is what we all do isn't it? The dress that starts out being for a special occasion, once the event is over can't keep it's place at the top of the heap forever, can it? Granted, if it's all sparkle and sequins, then it may always remain as evening wear, but aside from those, I'm always happy to demote so that I can get the wear out of it.

To change things up I've added some different accessories, namely this colourful beaded belt which I'm wearing with the clasp at the back to give the rear view a bit of interest. While we're on the subject of rear views, I just have to say how unflattering this jumpsuit is in that department. Let's see, I hear you cry, but no! A woman has to have some pride, please. Suffice to say that I appear to have yards of arse in this ensemble (sorry if that was a bit coarse). If I'd know how this area was not to be highlighted I wouldn't have drawn attention to it by adding this back to front belt. Hey ho, the deed is done. The daytime debut of the jumpsuit was warmly received with lots of compliments on the fabulous cut and print. Early on in the morning I started off wearing my black and white floral jacket too, but it was soon warm enough to dispense with the extra layer. The other difference I introduced this time is the accent colour of turquoise which seems to work well against the russet tone. Last year, this year, I think the styling works well with both, but I prefer this latest version. What do you think?

Jumpsuit is from F&F at Tesco (this one is nice), jacket from Zara (I like this new version), shoes from New Look(similar), handbag charity shopped, sunglasses from Quay Australia, belt by Tu at Sainsbury (sold out) and my jewellery is old/charity shopped.

Linking with 

Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish. 

Sammy of Bargain Baglady 

Anna x

Brooch pile revised

One of the downsides of being a perfectionist is that I'm always in competition with myself. I know I can always do/be better and this reaches into every corner of my life. Take my brooch pile jacket from earlier on this summer see here. I was delighted with how this came together, but after a couple of wears I felt it could maybe benefit from a tweak or two. So here we have the new, improved version...

I wore the jacket on the mainland recently and it really drew quite a few compliments. The jacket dazzled and shone and I basked in its reflected glory. The need to improve it has passed now - it's as perfect as it needs to be. My shrink will be impressed with my progress.

Jacket from Gap, dress from TK Maxx as are sandals (these are nice). Watch is by Michael Kors and sailors knot bangle is by Kate Spade New York, rings are all gifts. Sunglasses are from Quay Australia.

Linking with

Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun 

Anna x

As suggested by ...Julie

Once again it's time for a reader of the day to steer my outfit choice. A very kindly worded email from Julie has prompted me to bring out this 70's psychedelic blouse again after she saw it some time ago see here and thought it could do with another outing. This was a great suggestion allowing me to go all out with my favourite of all games - yes, pattern play. The blouse and trousers (or shirt and pants if you're across the way) are maybe a bit bright for some, but spell out fun in my book.

The recycled paintbrush necklace is by Zincwhite. Fab isn't it?

Thank you Julie for this recommendation which has given rise to such a jolly summer outfit. It's great to have a hand with the daily decision making and if you have a favourite piece you'd like to see again I'd love to hear from you. Please do contact me either in the comments below or by email through the contacts box in the sidebar or here through my Instagram account. I love having your input, your feedback or suggestions and even questions are all very welcome.

Blouse is by The Old Welle via charity shop, the trousers (no label), shoes are from Topshop and the bag is a Candybag. The jeans jacket is from Benetton (no longer available), necklace Zincwhite designs, sunglasses are by Quay Australia and rings are charity shopped.

Anna x

Showers and flowers

It seems impossible for me to write up a post without referring to the weather. A visitor recently pointed out how their focus whilst here on holiday was all about the tides and the weather. We are indeed ruled by the tides and the need to be in the right place (quay) at the right time to catch the vital mode of transport, the boats. And being stranded without a car also focuses the mind on the weather as a whole day out can be blighted by forgetting to bring an extra layer of clothing. So you'll understand the influence with today's outfit. Showers means in this case a layer in the form of this flowered jacket from Zara (via a charity shop) which has been well worth the pittance I payed for it. Endlessly versatile in both colourway and pattern I keep leafing it into my daily outfits with ne'er an apology.

Those in the know will tell you to always keep an eye on the boats. The boats indicate which direction those grey rain clouds are coming from - they always face into the wind giving us a heads up as to what's in the pipeline. This vantage point today lets us see the weather ahead. Talking of which, I'd better get inside before that next shower arrives!

Today's outfit features the jacket from Zara (similar), skirt from H&M (similar), shoes from New Look (similar), tee shirt from M&S and handbag from a charity shop. Sunglasses are from Quay Australia, and all the silver jewellery is charity shopped. The fab orange nail polish is by Rita Ora at Rimmel in Tangerine Tent.

Linking with 

Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun 

Anna x

Hello summer. Goodbye summer!

I wonder if my most recent post jinxed things? The British weather is unpredictable at its best, but now I've told the world we're having a heatwave see here, the mist has crept in, quickly followed by rain and the temperature has dropped. Surely I can't be held personally responsible for the demise of the great British summer?

Anyhoo, here I was basking in the sunshine one early morning in my summer neutrals. I know I'm renowned for my bright, colourful dressing, and for that reason only I like to opt for something a bit different occasionally. This sweet grey and white top was gifted from by my sister Sandra and is the perfect match for my white linen skirt with the sprinkling of grey spots. I've finished the whole look off with my black and white striped courts and some silver jewellery. Summer neutrals, I'm loving 'em! 

My outfit comprises of the top which was a gift and skirt from a charity shop. Shoes are by New Look, watch is by Michael Kors, silver necklace, bangle and rings are all charity shopped.

Linking with

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Cherie of Style Nudge

Patti of Not Dead Yet Style 

Anna x

We're having a heatwave!

Yes, the UK is having a heatwave which means that here on the Isles of Scilly, there are a whole lot of unprepared visitors who have swapped their lily white skin for a lobster coloured, shiny, UV blasted version of themselves. The lack of industry pumping out pollution over our skies allows the sunlight unfiltered access to us mortals below with painful results at times. Our local shop has run out of suncream in every factor but 50 - unfortunately it really ought to be 50 that everyone is applying here! My solution is to slap on cream after my shower every day and on a scorcher like today cover up with a cool maxi dress. 

What is the huge shiny orb in the sky?

Incredible though it may seem, yes, Polly assures me it's actually the sun. That coy, pale disc often seen shyly peeping through the clouds has been shining like a good 'un for days!

Time for a celebratory twirl I think!

I charity shopped this colourful maxi dress last September when I had a huge shopping spree weekend with Sasha in Exeter. Its first outing was in Palermo when we were on our cruise in February see here. The frock garnered such a lot of compliments today, that I'll have to bring it out a bit more often now I know it's a winner. 

The other winning piece is the wonderful handbag my friend Suzie brought me when she was visiting us last month all the way from New Zealand. She used to live here on the island for many, many happy years, but is now settled with the love of her life in New Zealand complete with dog, cat and homestead with veg garden and small flock of sheep which Reg shears himself. The handbag was made locally and features feathers, pieces of Paua shell and carved bone. I didn't realise I needed a summer handbag until she gave me this, but now I'm using it all the time. Thanks again Suzie!

The belt is a charity shop scoop from last year too. Shoes are very old, so old that I can't read the print inside to see what the brand is. Sunglasses are by Quay Australia, and my nail polish passion is Rita Ora for Rimmel in Tangerine Tent which matches these two thrifted rings beautifully. Watch is by Michael Kors and rose gold bangle is by Kate Spade.  

Linking with 

Dawn Lucy of Fashion Should Be Fun 

Anna x