Pistachio peplum top

The great thing about running this blog is the daily challenge to put clothes together to create great outfits, sometimes which even I've never seen. This is one of these. The peplum top has hung in my wardrobe for the past 2 years begging to be paired up with something, but what? I love this bright pistachio green and also love a peplum top as it's such a cute shape. But it's not an easy item to find the partner to. I thought a pencil skirt would be good and probably would be (maybe next time) but today was going to be a day for moving lots of art and hanging paintings too, so I needed something practical too.
The culottes are a fairly recent purchase and I've worn them on my Sunday shift at work when I tend to be a tad more casual. They are really comfortable, cool on hot days and I hate to admit it, but they have a fully elasticated waist. Maybe it's ok to do an elastic waist as long as the material isn't (taking a real retro step back) crimpelene? 

Culottes : H&M. Peplum top : H&M. Vest top : Primark. Sandals : TK Maxx. Necklace : Leju. Lemon stone dress ring : Martin James. Brown stone dress ring : East.

Lilac, the shade of the day

 When I chose today's outfit little did I know my shirt would be echoing the lilac jewels we found on the shoreline during our photo session. I had swum in the early morning, but luckily on that other side of the island the current hadn't brought these jellyfish into the bay. I don't know if they sting, but I will be keeping my eyes peeled when I head off for my next training session.
I've put this ensemble together from a few favourite items which have not yet been aired and I'm really pleased with the finished look. The piece I particularly love is my necklace which is rose quartz and amethyst and is quite heavy, but in a lovely substantial and reassuring way, if you get what I mean. I bought this quite a few years ago, but don't often find the right outfits to wear it with as I'm not really a pink girl. I've just read a great article in the July edition of Vogue re pink girls "The PINK vote" which was a real insight into the whole pink girly thing. Anyway, I bought this lilac shirt in Hobbs sale with a view to teaming it up with my statement piece and I think it works a treat.

Shirt : Hobbs. Skirt : Boden (eBay). Shoes : Office. Handbag : charity shop. Necklace : Emily Nixon. Pink bracelet and bangle : gifts. Big silver ring : charity shop. Opaque white stone ring : New Look. Sun glasses : Quay Australia.

Every cloud...

So, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining and my silver lining is the fab pair of sunglasses you see here. I've recently had an appointment at the optician's and have been advised to wear UV sunglasses every day even when it's overcast. I have Drusen of the optic nerve which affects both eyes and means the vision can deteriorate over time. A healthy diet with lots of leafy green veg is recommended and protecting the eyes from UV light is vital. I've bought a couple of pairs of fab UV sunglasses and will have to put up with strange looks as I am seen round and about the island wearing shades no matter the weather. I have to say thank-you to Jade Dalby, my very sweet beautician in Truro, who recommended I look at the website for Quay Australia sunglasses. When I told her I was going off to Boots to find some sunglasses, she responded that a fashion blogger needs something much less standard and far more fabulous! Thanks must go also, to Matt and the guys at Afina hair salon in Truro who gave me a last minute haircut and pamper just before I flew off to Scotland a few hours later. Great cut and schmooze, boys!
And a final mention must be for these outrageously gorgeous rose gold brogues, the only pair in TK Maxx of any size which just happened to fit me. Talk about a Cinderella moment!

Trousers : H&M. Shirt : H&M. Rose gold brogues : TK Maxx. Handbag : charity shop. Pendant : Vivienne Westwood. Silver rings : old. Sunglasses : Quay Australia. 

Orange disco pants

 It was a not-sure-what-to-wear-day that led to this ensemble. The crazy orange disco pants were a purchase a couple of years ago when I'd lost some weight and was pleased to fit into them, a find in H&M. They're stretch satin and something about being in my 50's with a newly slimmed figure brought out the rebel in me - who says I couldn't wear them? Well, two years down the line and this is their first outing, so clearly that confident rebellious gesture didn't last for long! I wonder if I didn't live in such a small community would I be more adventurous with my outfits? I suppose one of the good things about getting older is that I worry less and less about other peoples judgements. My husband is a great support regarding my clothes. His viewpoint is always important to me and when I told him I wanted to start a fashion blog for my age group, his response was "What harm can it do?". I keep that in mind if I want to try out something different, but am not sure how it'll be received. That usually clinches the deal.

Over shirt : TK Maxx. Trousers : H&M. Shoes : eBay. Necklace : charity shop: Hand of Fatima : Noel. Rose gold bangle : Kate Spade New York. Garnet ring : gift. Blue topaz ring : gift. Russian gold ring : wedding band.