Jazzy new jacket

I love this jacket which was a recent purchase from eBay. It's got an art deco feel and the colours are so zingy, it's a real mood booster. The shoes are new too and are a great half-way house between my favourite brogues and sandals. I'm not normally a fan of white shoes, but sometimes rules are just made to be broken. The fab leather bag is making it's first appearance after lounging in the back of the wardrobe for too long. If I was a clever packer it could easily double as a weekend bag, but I'm not really known for travelling light. I think the idea of a capsule wardrobe is a great notion, but I can never tell what I want to wear in advance - there's too much choice!

Jacket : eBay. Top : M&S. Coloured jeans : charity shop. Shoes : eBay. Pendant : New Zealand. Hand of Fatima bracelet : Noel. Blue multi stone ring : Primark. Opaque white stone ring : New Look. Leather handbag : Accessorize.

Garden fun

The sun was shining and Polly and I were in high spirits when we had our photo shoot beside this, another of Anthony Garratt's outdoor paintings. This was a last minute dash to capture the moment before it was dispatched to the mainland after the year of of display on the island. The art trail comprised of four large pieces, three of which are now back with the artist and the fourth will remain here on permanent display. Each large painting was completed in just one day in situ in June 2014 and remained exposed to the elements for a full 12 months. Part of the exercise was to document the view and to see how the weather impacted on each piece. The fourth painting will feature in a session of mine in due course.

Knowing the riotous colours of the garden painting helped me to decided on a monochrome outfit which a touch of accessorising in metallics including the tights which are silver metallic and black. The fab gold bag was revived from years ago and is perfect with my favourite silver brogues. I certainly can't be accused of being understated today and as you can see that makes me very happy.

Dress : Gok Wan at Sainsbury. Top : M&S. Necklace : old. Gold bag : Primark. Silver brogues : Office. Tights : eBay. Hand of Fatima : Noel. Rose gold bangle : Kate Spade New York. Silver lily ring : charity shop. Russian 3 band ring : wedding band. Gold sapphire ring : engagement ring.

Biba dress

It's a perk of the job getting to dress up every day to go to work, but some days my wardrobe doesn't offer up an idea of who I want to be. Today was one of those days, so the least amount of co-ordinating seemed like a good idea. This Biba print dress is a real easycare item and yet looks very sleek. Jazzy tights are always a simple way to add personality to an ensemble and they led me to unearthing my huge purple patent bag - how had a I left this hidden away for so long? And finally to ring the changes I left the brogues at home and have gone with a more feminine kitten heel. 

Trench coat : Jessica Simpson. Dress : M&S (charity shop). Thermal top : M&S. Tights : old. Shoes : Office. Bag : TK Maxx.  Rose gold bangle : Kate Spade New York. Hand of Fatima : Noel. Necklace : charity shop. Garnet ring : gift. Russian ring : wedding band. Blue Topaz ring : gift.

Monochrome, a departure from the norm.

This is Appletree Bay, my beach of choice for my early morning swims and you can see why. Over the past year the scene has been even more beautiful thanks to this amazing painting by Anthony Garratt. My photo shoot took place the evening before it was to be taken down and sent off to it's new home on the mainland. 

As a big fan of colours I have to admit a monochrome palette is not a common departure for me. However, I have over the past couple of years come to understand why black and white basics can be strong essentials in a woman's wardrobe. I think I shy away from them as I have quite pale skin and both colours can be quite draining. At this time of year I have a slight tan so can take black against my face a bit easier. This wonderful retro top was a find last summer when I was scooping up armfuls of loot in my favourite charity shop in Truro. I have to bulk buy as my trips are so infrequent, and I am aware that I must look like someone who has just discovered the joys of charity shopping and simply can't stop!

Jacket : Zara. Trousers : H&M. Top : charity shop. Shoes : Office. Rings and bangle : all gifts. Necklace : old.