Faux leather February, our Style Not Age challenge

Hello again!

Yes, here we are on the last Monday of the month showcasing our monthly style challenge for you. Jacqui has come up with Faux leather February and in accordance we're all dancing to that tune. So let's see what the lady herself has to offer shall we?

Jacqui wears new faux leather culottes in chocolate brown with cream coat and boots for modern look. The sunflower pattern shirt is a spring inspired addition. See more on Mummabstylish. 

Emma's nod to the theme are the cute puff sleeves of her fitted top. The all black outfit is complimented by the orange check of the skirt and orange handbag. Catch up with her on the Style Splash blog. 

Hilda sports a faux leather bomber jacket with her flared jeans for a rock chick look. To see more of her casual weekend style see Over The Hilda. 

Gail's faux leather ensemble is a zingy combination of black and green, which reminds me of a post I did last year (see here). Her take on the challenge is classy with a stylish edge thanks to the fabulous pop of pink. See her back story on Is This Mutton.

My spin on faux leather had me delving deep into my wardrobe to find these pre-loved yet unworn leggings. The peplum top (also pre-loved and unworn) proved to be a cute pairing inspiring this awe-shucks pose. A peplum does that to me, encouraging me to forget my age and act out that cutesy alter ego. Cringe-worthy perhaps? Then cringe away!

The sheer floral top cost me all of £2.50 about 3 years ago and has been stashed away ever since. I can't bear to pass up a bargain, but only if the colourway is one that will work for me. The autumn colours are definitely ones that suit me and I knew that at some stage this would be a useful top. Now that I've worn it once I can see it will be diverse enough for another spin later.

I wanted to ramp up the retro vibe and choose this vintage necklace (a wonderful charity shop find from Feb 2020) to pair with my Quay Australia sunglasses. I was really pleased with how this came together.

My rings are in keeping with the pre-loved theme and you'll recognise my much worn patent leather boots from Topshop. 

I'll leave you with this final bit of flouncing around. I did actually have another version of faux leather in quite another vein which I'll share with you soon - a much more robust take I'd say... I do hope you've enjoyed this month's challenge and ask that you take a moment to read the back stories from my style buddies.

Wishing you a great week!

Anna x

Lockdown loungewear

Hello again! I've delved into my archive of photos to bring you this feature today. Last month Fiona and I had a lovely photo session in the Lighthouse Cottage, the newest rental cottage on the island. The loungewear suit is suddenly on trend during Lock-down 2, as the must-have item for wearing at home. It's only one step up from wearing pj's, but oh what a glamorous step up that is!

This has to be my favourite dressing down outfit despite it being years old now. I bought it in store from Zara when Steve and I were in London a few years ago. It was one of those instant love affairs and one that hasn't died. The velour is thick and warm, the embroidery is beautifully stitched and has remained strong and colourfast despite lots of wash and wear cycles. I add a long sleeved thermal top underneath during the colder months or a simple lightweight vest for comfort in the summer. 

I've tried to find a similar velour loungesuit on the market currently and found this lovely black version on ASOS - here. My only accessory is a pair of Quay Australia sunglasses today.

In the summer I pair this outfit with bright orange flat sandals and during the winter the perfect partners are my Topshop patent cuban heeled boots.

Thank you for your kind wishes from my last post. It's been about 10 days now since I was felled by gastric flu and today I plan to make my first foray outside. Seemingly there is life beyond my log burner and binge watching of the American TV series This Is Us ...

Looking out across Old Grimsby to the Blockhouse Castle with the view of the Eastern Isles beyond - pretty idyllic eh?

Anna x