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 

That post shopping spree buzz!

Those of you who have to shop in bulk like me (very few of you I suppose) will agree that the months of doing without are usually worth the wait. After my recent trip to Harrogate, I have a wonderful collection of clothes to add to my already healthy closet. First of all, I tend to wear entire outfits from this new collection and then gradually integrate them with the not-so-new clothes. So here I am still in the honeymoon phase enjoying an entirely new ensemble which cost me a darn sight less than an arm and a leg!

I'm still a bit giddy with excitement at all these new choices. Today's pick was born from this beautiful jacket. I've found a charity shop in Truro that receives regular consignments of brand new stock from H&M, which is where this jacket comes from. I fancy that they may in fact be returned items, which would answer that particular question. While I was in Harrogate, I actually found a different charity shop which has a similar agreement with Boden. My oh my, these are well worth keeping regular tabs on if you ever come across them. Sasha is now a frequent browser in the Truro shop and has picked up some fantastic bargains to enhance her wardrobe. This gorgeous jacket cost me all of £5! Can you believe it? It was the only one like it, and just happened to be in my size. Lucky old me then! 

The skirt was my very last find before I came home. A new charity shop has recently opened in Penzance and it was there that I came across this pink skirt from Gap. Pink is my most joyful discovery in the colour spectrum and I'm still building up my pink collection. The woollen fabric has a light yet tweedy feel and is lined too, so what's not to love? And the cut lends itself to a cute little flippy hem which feels lovely and flirty when I walk. Flirty, not tarty, is the point. Lastly, I have to mention the boots which are again from a charity shop, but are hardly worn. The leather is super soft and the colour is perfect to tone along with the skirt. Even the tights are new. Another H&M steal at £1. 

My old faithful handbag joined in the showcasing of this latest ensemble. I love orange and pink together, don't you? Such bright fizz and fun when they sit side by side like this. I was delighted when I came across this fab pink and silver ring on my travels. Where exactly I can't say, it was just in a charity shop somewhere along the line. Eventually it all becomes a lovely blur of joyful finds and trophy pieces for me to carry home, brandishing them aloft over my head for all to see. Oh, the thrill of (charity) shopping!

Jacket: H&M (charity shop). Skirt: Gap (charity shop). Top: Sainsbury (sale). Tights: H&M (charity shop). Boots: Carvela (charity shop). Necklace: gift (Phase Eight). Pink flower ring: gift. Long pink ring: charity shop. Handbag: L. Credi (TK Maxx). Sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb 
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style 

Driving down that cost-per-wear

The purchase of this leather jacket in February of this year was a heady extravagance while I was on holiday, but one which I knew I could justify. So here we have the peach coloured beauty lifting a run-of-the-mill dress out of the ordinary.

With the spring weather as unpredictable as ever, I'm pretty sure I'll still be wearing this little jacket for quite a few months to come. The neutral colour makes it so versatile as does the shape. I do have two other posts sitting in my draft box both showing this jacket too, so that makes the cpw currently about £50. Compared with some of my amazing charity shop finds I know this is pretty high, but this jacket is going to be around for many years. 

Talking of shops, at the time of this post going live, I'll still be on the mainland where I'll be attending the British Craft Trade Fair. This is my annual shopping trip for the gallery that I run. Hopefully I'll come back to the island laden with all sorts of wonderful gifts for the business. The BCTF takes place in Harrogate in Yorkshire which is quite a long old train ride from Cornwall; about a nine hour trip in fact. It's worth the effort though as one of the perks is that the ladies of Harrogate are very well heeled and donate some wonderful clothes to their local charity shops. At the time of writing, my suitcase is packed, but only half full in anticipation of my finds. In addition, I've added two soft holdalls in case my loot is extensive. Yes, yes, yes - you don't need to remind me of my resolution to have a mega clearout this year. But my logic is that by introducing some new bargains, I'll be ready to get rid of some of the old, well worn pieces. This kind of logic will be very familiar to other clothesaholics and fashion bloggers. Laugh all you want - it's what makes me happy. I'll be sharing my spoils with you on the blog soon. Watch this space...

Jacket: DSquared at TK Maxx. Dress: M&S (charity shop). Boots: River Island.  Necklace: Phase Eight. Tights: Dorothy Perkins. Watch: Michael Kors. Gold bangle: Kate Spade New York. Rings: charity shop.