Mint in the mist

The mist was more like fog, but that didn't work quite as well in the title. Visibility was poor, but our photo shoot was given an air of mystery thanks to our hazy backdrop. 

We had a day of fog last week when these shots were taken. Sea mist, fog, haar - call it what you like - it added a bit of a different feel to the background. The sparkling sea no longer stole the scene, it was all down to the outfit to dazzle. Step forward my brand new, perfectly formed, mint leather brogues. Ah yes, that's a good start. Then let's just add the beautifully matching faux leather mint jacket. Oh, and what about these wool Oxford Bags in navy and turquoise which I bought in Palermo in February while we were on our cruise? Well now we're talking. The retro print vintage blouse is a sweet addition, softening up the masculine bones of the outfit. In fact, let's add a string of pearls to keep this feminine vibe going. But I can't resist the juxtaposition of these fab green braces against the pearls; what a lovely play of yin and yang. Add a pop of pink by way of this cute clutch and a couple of toning rings and the deed is done. Does that dazzle enough? 

Jacket: Vero Moda (TK Maxx). Trousers: Byblos, Italy. Blouse: The Olde Well (charity shop). Shoes: Office (now reduced here) Handbag: Ness (charity shop). Pearls: charity shop. Braces: market stall in Palermo. Belt: Gap. Rings: old.

Linking with 
Dawn Lucy at Fashion Should Be Fun  

One simple dress + one red underskirt = Joy!

So this is one of my charity shop finds from my recent jaunt to Harrogate. I mean the dress, which was originally from Topshop before it ended up in someones "to go" pile. The underskirt was my Christmas present to my dear friend Bo a couple of years ago. She lives in Portugal and I don't think has had many opportunities to wear it, therefore she very kindly sent it back for me to wear. And now that I've found the perfect frock to showcase it, I trotted off to work feeling pretty pleased with myself. Vain, what, moi? 

Sometimes an outfit just comes together without much orchestrating from me. A colour starts things off, then one item leads to another, and before I know it, the whole shebang is there. Without the red underskirt this is an OK outfit to my mind, but by adding that splash of red, the whole thing just sings. I feel duty bound to add a bit of joy to my life as often as I can. And the thought that this joy may be spread and shared through my ramblings and colourful blog photos is a real bonus. Life is a gift, and gifts are all the better for sharing.

My early morning sea swimming starts me off with a burst of joy. By the time I get out of the sea, after whatever distance, my mood is one of joy. How can I not feel fantastic after the ultimate exercise in clear, blue sea with only the birds and an occasional seal for company? To experience nature, to be part of this daily wonder, well, I'm forever grateful for that rebirth every morning. I get a chance to count my blessings, say my thanks for all the riches my life offers up, and ask for guidance with whatever challenges may occur in the day ahead. On a much more practical level, I'm always grateful that the icy waters have been good to me; the current and swell not been too overwhelming; and the sea hasn't been too choppy or too plain-old-freezing for me to bear! 

Jacket: TK Maxx. Dress: Topshop (charity shop). Underskirt: eBay. Tights: Dorothy Perkins. Shoes: Boden. Belt: charity shop. Rings: charity shop. Sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with
Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish
Cherie of Style Nudge 

April showers

There's nothing we can do about April showers apart from finding the right jacket to fend them off. This silver Parka was my daughter's, but she grew tired of it. Her loss, my gain surely. I think the grey weather influenced my clothes choice but I managed to find a bit of sparkle amongst the monochrome as my tunic had a strand or two of lurex thread sprinkled throughout.

It was the end of the working day when Polly and I were just locking up to go home. I thought one more photo to catch the early evening sunshine wouldn't go amiss. The worst of the rain had cleared through by lunchtime; normal service was resumed.

This was the first (and last) time I wore this tunic/top/dress. I'd found it in a charity shop a few months back, but hadn't managed to find a good partnership for it. Today, however, I had the brainwave to add my faux leather jeans and suddenly there was the start of an outfit. The check blouse virtually jumped off the hanger as I was pondering my next move, and finally these sweet little brogues offered themselves up for inspection. I totally adore the shoes, but they're actually half a size too small. Every so often I get them out and think that they will stretch - this time - but they never do!

It was a good enough ensemble, but not the kind of thing that makes my heart sing. As part of my clearing out regime, I'm starting to get rid of these OK items, and this one is on its way to a fellow blogger who may love it a bit more than I did. I suppose it could have gone onto my "to sell" pile, but I could imagine the recipient wearing this and looking cute as anything. I hope she enjoys it.

Jacket: Primark. Tunic: charity shop. Trousers; H&M. Blouse: charity shop. Shoes: TK Maxx. Necklace: old. Rings: charity shop. Sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Rose gold from jewellery to shoes

I'm not usually one to wear minis, but I fell for this dress as it looked so cute on the hanger. The first time I wore it was with my pink brogues rather than these rose gold ones. However, when I look at the dress with the jacket over the top, and then belted up, well we get into an area of mini-ness I'm not so sure about. I'm not really a short skirt or cleavage kinda girl - it's all about your comfort zone isn't it?

Rose gold. These two words put together are music to my ears. I just can't get enough of this golden-pink hue and won't be getting over it any time soon. When I came across this rose gold dress recently I was over the moon. I love the simplicity of it, and even though it's made of a static-inducing synthetic material, I really fell for the cut and shape which was enough to override my reservations. However, once I got home at the end of the day and checked out how these photos looked, I decided it was just too short for me. I know I wore a short tunic recently as seen here, but my long cardigan acted as the ideal cover up. 

All is not lost however, as Polly was more than keen when I offered the dress to her. She is shorter than I am, and therefore the dress is knee length on her. Also, she added a long cardi as I really ought to have done! 

I think she looks so sweet in this pink and burgundy outfit. And I'll still get the pleasure of seeing the dress without that niggling doubt about the length of it, so it's a win-win for both of us.

Dress: TK Maxx. 
Anna -
Jacket: charity shop. Shoes: TK Maxx. Vintage handbag: charity shop. Tights: TK Maxx. Sun glasses: Quay Australia. Pendant: Charlie Dodge. Watch: Michael Kors. Bangle: Kate Spade New York. Rings:old.
Polly -
Cardigan: H&M. Tights: Primark. Boots: H&M.

Linking with
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style
Lindsey of The Pleated Poppy
Cherie of Style Nudge
Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish