Brocade, velvet, frills and gems

I promised I'd step it up as we go spiralling headlong into the bedlam that is otherwise known as Christmas, and my first proffering is this beautiful black velvet bomber. It was in the sale at Tesco, half price if I recall, and certainly under £20 that's for sure, so a bargain.

I said I live by the sea - this is the view from my house. I never tire of it. Well you wouldn't, would you?

The other new purchase from Tesco's is this rather fabulous pair of stretch glazed cotton skinny jeans. Burgundy is the colour of the moment with me and I seem to be gathering quite a cache of it this season. I have a pair of burgundy leather boots which I tried on with this outfit but they were just too matchy-matchy to do it any favours. Yes, it could be argued that all one colour would make for long streamlined legs, but today's look is more Prince Charming than anything else and that relied on the brocade boots as the finishing flourish. This frilled blouse seems to get wheeled out most weeks and that's because it's an absolute mainstay in my wardrobe. My bright fuchsia one would have been equally effective, but maybe too much - I didn't try it as the cream is pretty much my go-to solution to most style problems. Cream is more flattering to my skin tone than white, frills always add a touch of the feminine especially with trousers, and the shape is so versatile it works with almost everything.

I have sequined skirts, glittery tops and sparkly clothes at the ready (as promised) in the hope that the weather will be settled (and bright) enough to get some photos taken. I may enlist some help again on Saturday so that I can wow you with some party inspiration. Our annual island Christmas party is coming up soon, and I could use your opinion as I try out my options for that too.

Details - jacket and jeans: Tesco, boots: Asos, blouse: eBay, belt, H&M, rings: charity shop, necklace: borrowed from my daughter, sunglasses: Sainsbury's.

The sun sets behind the islands in the distance. I'm sure I've posted enough photos of it for this to be a pretty familiar view by now, but here's another just for the heck of it.

Anna x

September's shift

And suddenly it's September! Not only September, but according to the weather guys, we're now in autumn. Well, just hang on there! I'm so not ready to pack up my summer clothes yet. In my world, summer continues until the weather breaks and that's usually October here on the islands. Expect prolonged periods of sleeveless tops, drifting into summer frocks with outbreaks of bare legs and the occasional silky jumpsuit in this corner of the UK. Any isolated areas of raincoats or heavier wet weather gear will not be making it onto the blog this month, oh no.

I wore this shift dress to work yesterday in an attempt to style a shift without looking like I'm off to a wedding. Maybe it's ended up looking more like a clubbing outfit this time? As you can tell I'm pretty extreme in my judgements of myself - my protective instinct I'm afraid, to say the worst thing before anyone else gets the chance to. A terrible insight into my psyche at this time of the morning, but let's not open that particular can of worms today eh? I do in fact like this combo of matchy-matchy bag and shoes with my default setting of pattern clashing to give it my own stamp of approval.

I wish you all a happy Friday and hope that you have a great weekend. I'll leave you with a couple of images from my Instagram this week showing the view from my backgarden one evening as the sun set and the other from the deck at the Ruin Beach Cafe where I joined Sasha and Polly for cocktails. These islands are idyllic during the summer, hence my inablility to give up on my favourite season despite what the the forecasters say.

Dress from F&F at Tesco (old), shoes and bag by Roland Cartier (thrifted), sunglasses by Quay Australia and all jewellery thrifted.

Anna x

Summer show: 6 of 6

Ah well, as the saying goes "All good things must come to an end", and so it has with my summer exhibitions. We've had an amazing run of shows this summer including this last one featuring three fine artists all so very diverse in their styles. But more about that in a moment as I really have to point you in the direction of the star of this particular evening, yes it's Polly! My darling assistant saved the best 'til last, making a dazzling entrance in this gold seqinned skater dress which sparkled and shone.

I'm so happy for Polly to have knocked me off my perch for the last evening.  She looks radiant from that gorgeous smile down to every last sparkling seqin. A passing boatman commented that she could be seen from Bryher! (The island opposite the gallery)

And as the evening sunshine dazzled these guys, let me introduce the attending artists, Alasdair Urquhart on the left and Stuart Kettle on the right. See Alasdair's work here and Stuart's can be seen here. The third of the trio, Anthony Garratt, couldn't make the opening night but you can view his striking paintings here. I love the fact that these three artists, more than ever, have managed to portray these islands so very differently. Their interpretations are as unique as the islands; full of character, individual, unrivalled in their beauty.

And for one last time this summer I'd like to say a very big thank you to the team who have held things together behind the scenes as well at on the frontline. Thank you Max, Polly and Heather!

Well, if we had to finish, then let it be on a perfect note like this. These two guests had spent an evening with us, enjoying the art, chatting to the artists and finally sipping wine as they watched the sun drop below the Bryher. We couldn't have laid on a better entertaiment than that I say.

My dress for the event was an absolute find from Tesco of all places, although the label denotes AX Paris, a concession I've previously found at New Look. Shoes are from H&M (sold out), necklace is from Dorothy Perkins (similar), my old faithful watch is by Michael Kors, bangle by Kate Spade New York and the rings are charity shopped.

This week I'll be linking with
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Cherie of Style Nudge
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style
Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish

Anna x

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