Wrapped up in fur and animal print




Hello lovelies! How's things with you?




The weather forecast for this weekend is for freezing temperatures and snow, hence this wintery outfit of the day. I'm so pleased that I've got a chance to wear this fabulous fun fur swing coat again. It's been a long term favourite of mine, getting dragged out year after year for the past two decades and yet it still looks on trend. Animal print seems to be forever in fashion (thank goodness) and today I'm mixing snakeskin and leopard print for a rich bit of pattern play.




The glamorous look is enhanced by the big coat collar, turned up against the wind in true Hollywood style! There's no way you can play down a look like this, is there?




I added these jumbo pearls (very old, from Debenhams) along with my white and black dappled Quay Australia sunglasses to ramp up the glam factor, finishing off with two rather ancient rings to tie in with the colour of the dress.




You'll have no doubt seen this dress before on the blog. It's a classic shape that hangs so nicely and is very flattering. I bought it online from the Topshop sale nearly two years ago now. I changed the matching belt for this white stretch one that I found in a charity shop. It's one of those frocks that always earns me compliments.






The shirtwaister is a dress that never seems to go out of fashion either and the sharp pleats makes the dress a surefire winner. 




The moss green sock boots are from Zara, maybe three years ago. I love the funky angle of the silver heels.




This swing coat was born to swing!




And that's about it for another week! I'll add some photos of the sewing project for those of you who might be interested. I've created a mix and match look so that I can keep ringing the changes. Yesterday my sewing machine was playing up and if I were experienced enough I'm sure I would have coped much better. Instead I was like a crazy dervish by the end of the afternoon and all because I wanted to finish it so that I could have today off. 






I maybe ought to have taken these photos before I'd lounged about on the top of these cushions for a couple of days. 










I'm sure I've missed a few permutations but you get my gist!

Anna x

Share:

And breathe ...


Hello and welcome!

Yes, it's been a hectic few weeks which you may have noticed by the lack of posting on the blog of late, but I'm happy to say that I'm back. The Gallery re-opened for business yesterday and this was my OOTD. My workload prior to opening was particularly challenging this year as we've had an upgrade to our till system. Uploading every item of stock for this was all consuming, waking me early in the mornings as I would remember yet another oddity that didn't fall into a listed category. For the past few weeks I've been bumbling into work by torchlight at 5am, keen to get ahead of the day's chores aside from this. But, at last, it's done and we're open!




There's nothing new to share today, but that's not to say the outfit isn't worth showing. The python print dress was a Topshop purchase last year and draws compliments with every wear. At this time of year I'm sporting a long sleeved thermal top underneath as well as these cream tights to keep me cosy. The boots were gifted to me by JD Williams way back in 2016 before I'd become a JD Williams "I AM" twinkle in their eye. See them styled four years ago here





The dress drapes beautifully, making me feel very elegant and well put together. I've swapped out the self-fabric belt, replacing it with a white and gold stretch one I found in a charity shop for £1 - a personal touch that makes the outfit mine. 









Lots of spinning and swooshing!








Jewellery comprises of large ring from TK Maxx many moons ago and the other ring is from an airport concession. My handbag of the moment is still this heart-throb leather and animal print cowhide combination from Paul Costelloe bags. As we all know, animal print is to be treated as a neutral and therefore I can't see that any outfit would battle with this fabulous accessory.






Today's sunglasses are another pair by Radley - check them out now for a bargain!




I  hope you're enjoying some downtime this weekend, just as I am. I had a lovely swim on Pentle Bay on the high tide this morning and when the sun made a welcome appearance this afternoon, I took myself off for a long walk, finishing off on the beach where I collected some sea glass. Next up I'll be putting the roast on for tea. I'm currently listening to Johnnie Walker on radio 2 with his "Sounds of the 70'" programme and today his delightful wife, Tiggy is co-hosting the show. I for one, think this ought to become a regular feature!

                                                                                     Anna x

Share:

Autumn dressing and a shopping spree


Hello again! How's your weekend gone? I'm having my first good day in ages and have managed to get some blog photos done as well as a few chores at home. It's good to know that I'm getting back on track. 


You may remember seeing me wearing this Topshop dress in the summer. I styled it then with white footwear too (see here). I bought the dress way back in June and it has received so many compliments over the months. I'm such a convert to the ease of wearing an all-in-one, whether it's dungarees or a dress; I just love not having to worry about matching separates. I'd like to think that's because I'm busy, not lazy!


The white patent boots by Marco Tozzi are a recent purchase from TK Maxx and were £34.99. 


The tweed jacket is pre-loved, the brand is Next and such a great classic piece. I've had it for over a year and yet this is the first time I've worn it. Not sure why it's taken me so long. It fits really well and is great for this time of year.


I swapped the belt over and replaced it with this charity shop one which picks up the gold and white of the dress.




The silver ring with gold etching is by Diana Porter, the flower ring is pre-loved.


I'll not keep you waiting any longer ... Here's my little bit of shopping from Truro recently. I succumbed to both high street fashion and pre-loved pieces from my top charity shops in the town. I'm pleased with the balance and collection that came together over the few days I was there.


This lovely velvet jacket is the start of my charity shopping finds. It was originally from Debenhams and cost £4.


The over-sized shirt was £5. I like the idea of a polo neck underneath this for the colder months and then it can be worn alone as the weather warms up again.


This cotton jumper is a nostalgic piece. I used to have a similar one way back in the 80's and foolishly passed it on to one of our jumble sales. I've no idea how I'll style it, but am delighted to have acquired a replacement. Good old Laura Ashley!


The Tu blouse cost £3. At that price I thought it would add a ray of sunshine to my winter wardrobe.


This hand knitted cardigan appeals again from a nostalgic point of view. The baby blue colour will be great to wear with jeans over a thermal top for those chilly autumn days. Worth the £3.50 it cost, without a doubt.


I'm sure this pre-loved stretch jersey shirt will be a useful addition to my collection of tops. It's from M&S, and cost me £4.50.


The woollen skirt is also pre-loved and again from M&S - it cost me £5.


And so, on to the high street purchases next. This cute tweed mini skirt is from F&F at Tesco, costing £15.


The blue leopard print top was from TK Maxx, costing £19.99. Love it!


This cute navy, white and red dress is from Primark at £15. Worn it already with a cream polo neck underneath. 


Another Primark purchase. I fancy that I'll keep this one back for wearing over the festive period.


Please tell me that you love these as much as I do! By Steve Madden, they were from TK Maxx, reduced to £34.99. 


And last but by no means least, this beautiful vintage dress has solved my dilemma as to what to wear on Christmas day. In the traditional red, green and gold, I just couldn't resist the charm of this lovely gauzy frock. A gold belt and some glitzy shoes will transform it into something very a la Anna's Island Style!

This week I'll be chasing up some old friendships and maybe some new ones as I'll be linking up with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb 
Jacqui of Mummabstylish 



Anna x

Share:
Created by bo design