Are you a lemonader?




Hello there! I'm so happy to report that the veil of depression has lifted and it's business here as usual. I'd forgotten how quickly I sink into despair with any (small) physical setback. It only took some kind words of encouragement to remind me who I really am - a strong willed, capable and resiliant woman - and I was on the way back up. My sister Sandra sent me this link from Saturday's Guardian about Lemonading. What particularly struck a chord with me was this; (Lemonaders) infuse quality and enjoyment into everyday experience. This does indeed summarise my aim in life and could be my mission statement.




Another reminder of who I am came from a friend who prompted me to go back through my Instagram feed as if it were someone else. She pointed out that the images are not just of my outfits but of my joy at living where I do and squeezing as much happiness out of the everyday as possible, joy which others might overlook. The view across a bay, although familiar, is still a source of absolute delight for me. I can find pleasure in the smallest of things from a tiny shell found on the shoreline to the first page of a new book which holds such promise. Gratitude is an eveyday ritual, to be repeated often as these pleasures arise.




And so, on to the outfit. The sun shone sharply on Saturday, shaming me into getting out of my pit of despair and wallowing in the mini drama I was inhabiting and to look beyond the comfort of the sofa. I needed to shower and find some joy in colourful clothes. This is what I came up with - a bright medley of soft shades of pink, purple and coral with a dollop of turquoise to finish it all off. You'll laugh at the fact that I opted to walk to my intended photo site wearing this gold jacket as I believed it to be low key compared to the feather jacket thrust inside my tote bag.




The feather jacket was from Vinted last year, costing £5 - ridiculous but true! The jeans are from Primark, blouse and waistcoat are both from Vinted, as are the fabulous patent boots.




The cotton waistcoat is by Erika Classics Clothing in case you wanted to search for it. I've got a penchant for patterns of all sorts currently and this one ticks all the right boxes for me. I have a pair of pink trousers that will work really well with this as the weather heats up.




Simple accessories this week - sunglasses (old) from Radley London and my new ring by Emily Nixon along with silver and gold band (it says In Heaven On Earth) by Diana Porter.




This was colour therapy at work here, that's for sure. I'd moped around in grey old joggers and a brown wooly jumper for over a week so it was almost transformational to not only get outside again, but to feel bright and confident in gorgeous colours and textures. Of course, we all have times when illness and/or depression take us over, but that light at the end of the tunnel has to be pursued when it shows itself. I'm so grateful to be on the mend and to have had loving support at a time when I needed it.

                                                                        Anna x

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Summer show 1


Hello and welcome our first summer exhibition evening at the gallery. Last night our artist in attendance was Flynn O'Reilly who basked in the glorious weather and revelled in his opening night party. To say that the gallery was busy is an understatement and we all worked hard like the ubiquitous swan, graceful on the surface and pedalling like billy-oh under the surface.


Before the masses descended. Flynn's artwork hangs proudly on the back wall and drew him lots of interest over the course of the evening. He spent a couple of hours chatting to clients, discussing the work which was produced as a result of his winter residency on the island. His reward was to sell his first piece on the night, setting him up for a good show. See the full collection of the July shows here.


The first show in the bag, we stepped outside for a few snapshots of the event.



I'll admit it: I've already peaked outfit-wise! I wish I could be of the mindset to save the best 'til last, but the glorious summer weather plus the siren's call of my mermaid coat clinched it. All I can say is that you'll surely see this fabulous coat on another exhibition evening. 


The evening sunshine bounced off the iridescent scales/sequins of the coat, causing it to shimmer and dazzle. It garnered lots of compliments too as I explained that Steve had given me it for Christmas - on land as in the water, I'm forever a mermaid I joked. The coat was from Topshop, but no longer available I'm afraid. I've slipped a beaded vest top underneath - a charity shop find (£2.50) again the brand is Topshop and the satin trousers were a gift from my daughter. I love to put a look together that looks unique but that hasn't cost the earth. Recycling clothes is one of my pet loves as you know.


My thanks to Harriet, a visiting friend who kindly donated these fantastic rosy-hued mirrored sunglasses to me. They're by my favourite brand Quay Australia  who have a 25% offer on at the moment, so hurry and grab yourself a bargain. (I link through to them because I love them, no other reason.)




Yet another outfit that delivers the wonderful swoosh factor! Not only that, but when I walk, the coat rustles making a noise like the sea receding across shells on the shore.









Both rings are pre-loved and ridiculous bargains from a Truro charity shop.



I've had these satin kitten heels for years. They were from Wallis. I love the pale mint green lozenge gemstones adding a bit of bling to what might have been too much classic understatement otherwise.


I'm so fortunate to have an excuse to dress up to the nines like this. With one exhibition every 10 days over July and August, Polly and I are constantly planning the next outfit. I'm, needless to say, in my element bringing out all of my sparkly over-the-top ensembles, but I also have a couple of new dresses that are much more the floaty look than awash with bling. You know me, ever the chameleon! 


So that's it, one exhibition down and five to go. I do hope you've enjoyed the first round up of our summer shows and that you'll join me for the next one. In the meantime I hope to see you again at the weekend!

Enjoy the rest of the week!

                                                                                      Anna x

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Clothes sale on the 16th June in aid of charity - can you come?

I've delayed posting my second London feature today to invite you instead to a charity event on Saturday, that's this Saturday, 16th June between 10am and 4pm in Brancaster Staithe Village Hall, Norfolk.

A good friend of mine, Kathryn Gigg, had invited me along too to help, but unfortunately my busy life has just overtaken the event. I have however donated many items of clothing to be sold on the day, including some fabulous designer pieces as well as brands like Phase Eight and Monsoon. There will be lots more besides, and I do urge you to treat yourself to a lovely day out where you can browse the rails to maybe find something special from the collections of day and evening wear.


The contents of these three boxes were my stockpile for some magical day when I'd have plenty of time to iron, photograph and upload them onto eBay. But I've at last realised that I'm too time challenged, and always will be if I carry on like this. Time is money they say and I just can't afford to give my valuable time over to such a labour intensive task for goodness knows what return. So instead, I've sent these off with Kate when she visited Tresco last month and they are being sorted as we speak ready for this huge charity event. 

If you are within striking distance of Brancaster Straithe on Saturday and fancy browsing through the boutique style rails then do please read on to find out more. The all day shopping opportunity which has been organised by Alex Ware of Spaciallyaware will also offer a French style cafe for your refreshment needs. The eaterie is being run by Alex's other business, Norfolk Concierge.




If you do manage to go along, please say Hi to Kate who will, I'm sure be playing a major role in making the day a happy and successful one.




This was a shot from an early morning dip on the island the last time she was across - she may be dressed a bit more soberly for the fundraiser, but I'm confident that you'll recognise her from that wonderful smile. Have a great day Kate, Alex and all the team of helpers. I wish you the best of luck!
Brancaster Staithe Village
Hall*, SPACIALLYAWARE,
in support of two worthwhile
causes, is presenting a clothes
sale with a difference. Inspired
by Parisian Chic – A Style Guide
by Innes de la Fressange, we will
seek to recreate the small shops
and boutiques in Paris where
French women find and buy their
simple, elegant clothes which they
regularly rework for a new look.

Anna x

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