A colourful encounter

This is Myra, the most elegant of shoppers whom I met while I was recently in Truro. I always make a point of giving compliments where they are due and Myra was most definitely deserving of praise for her contemporary mix of colours and stylish look - in fact she was a joy to behold when I bumped into her in M&S.

Initially Myra's colourful outfit was the eyecatching feature (well that classy wicker shopper was worth a second look too) and that's what stopped me here at the bottom of the escalator. I asked if she'd mind me taking her photo and off we went. 

I moved her across the way to get her under better lighting and that's when I took in not only her flattering hairdo in these warm colours, but also her immaculate make-up and manicure. It'll be no surprise to learn that Myra worked for Estee Lauder for 25 years. Prior to that she had her own hair salon. She's even done some modelling for charity. Myra is a walking advert for great personal care.

We chatted about clothes and the daily pleasure of dressing up. Myra lives alone, but has a daughter and two lovely grandsons and admits that sometimes she does wonder if it's worth the effort, but hastily added that it's what makes her feel good and I agreed. We dress for ourselves, because, to coin a phrase, we are indeed worth it! She then added that she's 88. Wowee, what a style icon she is!

I later contacted her to ask if I could feature her on the blog and she's kindly sent me a few more snaps. From blushing bride to proud grandma Myra always steps out in style.

Myra's style tips are to wear a light colour against the face and if you're feeling a bit down then freshen up your make-up and slap on a big smile - it's an instant mood lifter.

                                                                    Anna x

Ode to Claudia

For those of you who have just returned from outer space or have some other paltry excuse for not being in the know, the series of Celebrity Traitors has just finished and many of us are in mourning for the loss of our new found best friends, myself included. More importantly, however, is the lack of style inspiration from the icon that is Claudia Winkleman aided by her stylist Sinead Mc Keefry. The above is my favourite outfit of the entire series which energised me to delve deep into my wardrobe...

Claudia and I are at opposite ends of the goth colour spectrum obviously, but I was very pleased with my very own style version of goth chic. Steve and I came across this field of beautiful pink nerines which acted as the perfect backdrop for my palest of pale offering.

The short cream fur jacket with gold bejewelled brooch was a birthday present (in January) from Sandra, my eldest sister. She too lives on an island, but at the other end of the UK in the far north of Scotland on mainland Orkney and had espied this in the window of a local charity shop, immediately thinking of me. I'm delighted to finally have the opportunity to wear it, especially for this showcase event.

My cream waterfall skirt was a Vinted buy last year and has been featured on the blog previously - see that here. I love the ultra feminine style and do wish I could justify wearing it more often. 

In true Claudia style I'm wearing long frilled sleeves in the form of this vintage frilly blouse from many years ago, but which has proven to be real asset to my wardrobe. 

The cream platform boots are very old indeed, from ASOS many years ago. And talking of boots, I've spent far too long over the past couple of weekends trying to hunt down a box of winter boots that I had clevery hidden in the loft in our shed. I was becoming more and more frustrated at myself and how this 'putting things away somewhere safe' often results in these treasure hunts. 

The main reason for this treasure hunt was to find my tartan boots as I hope to somehow find/sew a black net skirt as per Claudia's which I'd wear with said boots over the Christmas season. Having stated this now, I do worry that I'm hexing myself. I've tracked down the designer of her fabulous net confection and can't find it on the website, but lesser ones are retailing at £695 - way out of my budget!

So these are my thoughts from a very quiet Tresco. My antics when dressed up like this are surely a source of amusement to those who might catch a glimpse of me, but hey, what do I care?

Wishing you a great week ahead! Many thanks for visiting and hurrah for you if you're kind enough to interact by way of leaving me a comment - it's much appreciated.

                                                                                        Anna x

Anna meets...Philonena

It's been a while since I've run this feature, but I'd say it's been worth the wait as today I meet Philonena who was visiting the island during the Cider Festival in June. Her partner organised the music for the weekend. He was so pleased that I wanted to interview Philonena as he's very proud of her taking such care over her appearance and stepping out in style.

Anna: What brings you to this tiny island?

Philonena: My partner, Mike arranges gigs for the 59 Ford Band in the West Country.They play here at the Inn every year, mostly 50's/60's music as well as rock 'n' roll led by the singer, Phil who is a friend of ours.  This is my first visit to the Isles of Scilly and it's been lovely out here by the sea - it's very different to a normal gig. 

Anna: Do you like to dance?

Philonena: Yes, I love to dance. Mike and I like to jive and dance to rock 'n' roll as well as any kind of good music. 

Anna: Do you have a style icon who has influenced you?

Philonena: Audrey Hepburn. 

Anna: Would you like to tell my readers how old you are?

Philonena: I'm 67.

Anna: You have amazing skin for a woman of your age. What's your secret?

Philonena: I use oil on my skin rather than cream, but think my Mediterranean genes play a part too.

Anna: Where's home for you?

Philonena: I'm half Maltese, but have lived in Bristol since I was 15. I was born in Yorkshire and have lived in Cornwall amongst other places. 

Anna: Do you dress like this every day?

Philonena: Yes, I love 1950's dresses and wear them every day.

Anna: You've recently had a tattoo. Tell me about it.

Philonena: It's a very unique image, and not one I want to share as it's a one-off. It's based on me in a Union Jack dress in a 1950's style. I had it done on the inside of my arm so that it's not on show, but is there for me to see and enjoy. The tattooist had to use a extremely fine needle to achieve such a delicate image. 

Anna: What keeps you young?

Philonena: Music and dancing with my special partner keeps me young. We love going out and having holidays together.

Thank you Phee, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you!

One other thing that Philonena and I chatted about was her motivation for dressing as she does. She was keen to get across the fact that she doesn't dress for anyone else, but herself. This is who she is, not who she's trying to be, and I understand that completely. She is quite shy and reserved and is keen for me to see that she doesn't dress like this as a way of showing off. Philonena has a strong sense of self that's not reliant on society's approval - that's a great message for women of all ages, don't you agree?

Anna x