Denim Directions, our Style Not Age Challenge for March

Welcome to this month's style challenge!

A very warm welcome to you from our Style Not Age Collective, which seems even more important than ever this month. We all are in need of a bit of a distraction from our new reality and I hope that this colourful line-up with provide just that. Gail chose the theme this time so let's see what she came up with herself.

I totally love this combination of denim and fuchsia - it really pops. Catch up with Gail on her blog Is This Mutton for more about this fabulous outfit.

Jacqui's showcasing this new denim boilersuit from Matalan. A dash of glamour comes by way of her rainbow shoes. See more from her on Mummabstylish blog.

Sleek as ever in denim, Hilda is striding out in style with leopard print and fur gilet too - such a funky combination for our blogger Over the Hilda.

Emma's Style Splash plumped for a brilliant splash of pink as well as leopard print to go with her denim jacket to stunning effect. Do swing by the blogs to read the back stories for each of these outfits this month. 

And so on to my offering. The only new piece were my jeans (TK Maxx) which are actually quite old now. The silk kimono cost me £3 in a charity shop in Truro a couple of years ago, the red leather cowboy boots were another charity shop buy as was the denim shirt and red leather belt. 

As for my jewellery, the rings are both charity shop finds too.

Let's please just take a moment to admire my haircut shall we? I only draw your attention to it, as from here on it's all downhill! My social circle comprises now of my husband and my son, neither of whom are going to be able to help me maintain a spiffy old haircut for the next 3-6 months. Boooo-hooo! I do love to have a sharp haircut and wonder what my hair will look like at the end of this. I know I'm not alone with this and to be perfectly honest think it's good to have something so minor to focus on in the current climate. I've seen self haircut tutorials cropping up across social media and will probably have to avail myself of these to cut my fringe, but I fancy that once it's too long to resemble a style, I'll just have to scoop it up in a pony tail. And let's see how many grey hairs populate my hair colour within the next 6 months too...

And finally, here's yet another pair of new sunglasses from Radley London. I thought the colour was good for this denim feature today.

Thanks for joining us today. I hope our colourful offerings will help to brighten your day. As ever, I would urge you to stay home, stay safe and don't put anyone at risk through reckless or selfish actions. There's still an element of society who seem to think that the safety guidelines seem to apply to others and not them. I somehow feel that my readership aren't of this ilk, but if you know someone who's flouting the rules, then do call them out - it might just save lives.

                                                                                 Anna x

Bright pink jacket and leopard trousers

My homage to Greetje

Hello my lovely readers! Today, I'm linking through to my blogging friend Greetje who posted her pink and leopard print outfit recently, inspiring this offering of mine. Greetje's blog No Fear of Fashion is a weekly highlight for me and many others, a round-up of her week, featuring fashion and friends amid her busy life. I've linked back to her ensemble to see what sparked me off. The blogging community has supported me from the start of Anna's Island Style and more than ever we are pulling together to help each other maintain this ray of light within these dark times. Do please swing by to read her posts - she is classy and stylish and has always been kind and generous as a friend.

This is another nothing new outfit today, something that sits well with me currently. As we're all staying at home, then it's a no-brainer to be searching through our closets to create new outfits from our existing clothes. This ties in with my wish to buy less and recycle more this year. I'll admit I have however bought a few new bits and pieces over the past months and will gradually feed them into the blog when I fancy.

Steve was my photographer of the day on this blustery corner of the island. We're using the Fire Engine shed as our backdrop which is also a bit out of the way from other people too - a new consideration for us. Steve meets me from work and we capture shots on the way home, complying with the new lock-down. Even in our tiny island community we are shutting up shop and keeping out of harm's way. 

And so, on to the outfit - the pink trench is from Topshop (pre-loved), jumper is by Primark, jeans are from Zara (last year), belt from H&M (old) as are the boots. 

I'm wearing my old and much loved chunky pearl necklace which was from Debenhams, adding a touch of glamour to the mix. And yes, another new pair of Radley sunglasses too. They still have a sale on so you could stock up ready for those sunny days when you're out taking that bit of daily exercise.

My rings are both old and pre-loved too. I'm a bit sorry to see the wear and tear showing on this belt now. I love the ornate buckle and will be sad to let it go, but I expect it's going to wear through at some stage.

Long live my sock boots - every single pair! The trend has been and gone, but I love how elegant they are and make me feel, so I'll be wearing them until they too fall to pieces.

A few days ago I had cause to stop and consider the value of posting my blog during this national crisis. I came to the conclusion that if we're all having a bleak, difficult time, then maybe showing my outfit of the day isn't so much as shallow as a lift for those needing a distraction from the reality of the moment. I do hope that you've enjoyed this feature today and would love to hear your thoughts.

Remember - stay home and save lives x

Anna x

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

Spots and culottes

Hi, hello and welcome!

I've been wanting to showcase this spots and culottes outfit for weeks now. In fact, this is the third time I've had it on, ready for the blog. The first two times I spent most of the day waiting for my photographers to turn up and both times they forgot me. I suppose family can get away with that, can't they? We had a good laugh at the end of the day at least.

Even this photo shoot had it's problems with too much wind on one side of the island and then too much sunshine when Lora and I finally found a sheltered corner. Anyway, here we are with a double dose of spots; the mustard blouse is from Primark and the culottes are a hand-me-down from Sasha from a couple of years ago (purchased in Thailand when she was on her travels). She had a big clear out when she was moving house and I inherited a bundle of clothes which have trickled onto the blog ever since then. The culottes are pleated and swooshy as well as having a half elasticated waist at the back, making them comfy as well as rather lovely. My winter coat is by Covent Garden, from TK Maxx.

My sock boots from Zara are wearing well, as I'm sure this is the second winter I've worn them as well as throughout the spring and autumn too. I'm trying to ration myself as to how often I feature this Paul Costelloe bag in case you tire of it. In fact I'm using it as my winter handbag regardless of whether it goes with the outfit of the day, such is my love for this exquisite piece. I tend to leave it inadvertantly in the gallery window on display or at least on the front desk so that anyone passing during these bleak/wild days can share in my pleasure.

The gold jacket (H&M) was another gift, this time from my friend Ben who had seen it in a charity shop window and immediately thought of me. The colour is indeed very me and the fact that it's satin is another plus. The quilted sleeves and plain body are nice feature too.

I do love this spot with spot look but nearly discarded these photos because of the upwards angle. Lora was standing on some steps below me and really tried her best not to offend me with the wattle shots. We did a retake of the ensemble a few days later in a different location but without the mustard blouse but I felt it lacked that bit of punch.

The belt and rings are all pre-loved.

I'll be back again on Monday with the monthly style challenge from the Style Not Age Collective. This month we're all sporting a bit of Flower Power and we have a new member joining our group too, so please do swing by.

                                                                                    Anna x

Plus two's anyone?

Hello and how are you today?

I hope you're well and having a good weekend. Today's post is quite a contrast to my previous one, but is more seasonal I have to admit. Steve and I managed to find a spot tucked out of the wind last weekend to capture this winter outfit combining old, pre-loved and new pieces. 

The fur coat is quite ancient, but the cut is elegant and classic and the faux suede and faux fur combination is so cosy. The look was built around these pre-loved plus twos. I've searched the net for info on the difference between these and plus fours -  

there is a slight difference between plus twos and plus fours. Plus twos offer a two inch fold just below the knee, whereas the plus fours are very baggy, with a four inch fold over the knee! Generally, however, shooting trousers are designed to offer additional protection against the elements. 

I bought mine in the British Red Cross shop in Truro for the grand sum of £4.50. Today is my first effort at styling these golf/shooting breeks and I'd appreciate your feedback. The coat, as I said, is very old from French Connection and the plus twos are by Pret. The high heeled brogues help to turn these masculine pants into something much more feminine. I picked the shoes up when I was visiting a girlfriend in Portugal a few years ago. The tights are by Wolford and seem to have lasted forever. 

I particularly like the wee front pockets on the trousers. Not exactly functional, but cute no less. The embroidered belt is second hand and the brand is Fatface. The mustard rib sweater is from Primark. 

The statement necklace is from Topshop, rings are pre-loved and sunglasses are from Quay Australia. 

As I was putting this outfit together I was suddenly aware that it was very much all earth tones, and dare I say it's verging on that brown look which challenges me somewhat. Hence the splash of blue in the Argyle tights. I think this acts as the perfect ploy, don't you?

                                                                                           Anna x

Jewel Brights, our Style Not Age challenge for January

Welcome to our monthly style challenge!

Hello and thanks for joining us again for this month's Style Not Age challenge where we're featuring Jewel Brights. It's probably no surprise to you to learn that this was my choice. Who else would be proposing these colours? Needless to say this was a joyful undertaking for me; it gave me the perfect opportunity to showcase this fabulously ornate patterned skirt that does indeed shine with lots of jewel bright colours. Enraptured though I am, I'll hold back and direct us to the other ladies of the Collective first to see what they made of this theme.

Clearly Jacqui enjoyed this theme as much as I did! She's incorporated a wealth of rich and bright colours in this gorgeous outfit. Plus, she's sporting an envy-inducing tan from her recent skiing trip! Catch up on all her latest news on Mummabstylish.

Hilda struggled (she said) with this challenge, but eventually unearthed this superb ruby red coat and toning necklace which totally fit the bill. Pop over to her blog Over The Hilda to see more.

The Style Splash Emma has truly embraced Jewel Brights with this glorious emerald green trench alone, never mind all of the other colours that adorn this ensemble. Hurrah and well done I say!

Not satisfied with the vibrancy of the satin skirt, I decided to add these red cowboy boots and red glitter tights just to get the message across - I love Jewel Brights! The skirt is from TK Maxx and the brand is Urban Gypsy (I mixed the labels up with the silver trousers from my previous post). 

The boots are vintage, no label.

I found this suede crop cowboy jacket (second hand, no label) when I was on the loose in London a couple of months ago. My friend Ben had encouraged me to buy it, saying I ought to create a Dolly Parton look. 

This is my take on his suggestion.

The rich colours and pattern of this gorgeous skirt caught my eye straight away when I was browsing in TK Maxx. I know it will work well for an opening night party at the gallery this year, so do keep your eyes peeled for that. A pair of dainty high heels and perhaps a lace blouse would be equally pretty.

The gold flower ring was a Christmas present and the other was from an airport concession.

Many thanks for joining us today. Perhaps you've been inspired to run riot with some jewel brights too or maybe pick some up when you next go shopping? 

                                             Have a great week!

                                                                           Anna x