The joy of autumn

You know me - Joy is my middle name and I'm constantly looking to find it in all I do. After all the grumbling about the demise of summer I've remembered one of the joys of this time of year and it's The Fluffy Jumper!

Poor Polly just about had kittens when I decided to clamber on the sea wall for this shoot. I think she confused my childish actions with the me actually being a child and therefore in danger.

My Titanic moment.

Yes, I just love to snuggle up in a fluffy jumper. This one is pre-loved and the brand is Atmosphere (Primark). I'm sporting all of my favourite autumn colours as well as these most comfortable of trainers by LA Gear. The slim fit trousers are from H&M, have a stretch fit and yes, add a lovely bit of pattern play which gladdens my heart. A thermal layer (I have lots of these in different colours) from M&S becomes one of my mainstays to keep out the chills at this time of year. Rings are pre-loved and my chain necklace was a gift.

As the days become shorter and the mornings inevitably darker I would offer this one piece of advice - fight off the gloom by using more colour in your outfits. It's all too easy to drift into the greys and darker colours as we get further into the winter months. The fashion magazines are prompting us to jump onto the bandwagon of wearing berry brights and pillar box reds and I must admit I have to agree. That punch of colour has a positive, mood-enhancing effect. I'll be following my own advice in my next post when I showcase my new pair of red boots, seemingly the must-have piece for our winter wardrobe. Not one to doggedly follow trends just for the sake of it, I have however, fallen head over heels with the sock boot and am keen to share the joyful, sleek, sassy footwear with you. Until then, have a great week!

Anna x

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