So, we've all got a dress like this that seems to come out year after year and still looks fresh. I can't remember how long I've had it or where I bought it, but it's a great old faithful. It's easy to wear, works every time and suits me. Because it's such an oldie I did feel it maybe needed a bit of extra boost, and that comes in the form of this amazing necklace by Magpie Vintage. The piece is made from recycled vintage jewellery using old pearls and semi precious stones which have all had a life before this one. I love the idea that it's full of memories from years ago and like to imagine a strand of pearls being worn for a wedding or perhaps a christening, or a brooch on a war bride's coat. Sheer nostalgia, I know, but it appeals to my sense of romance. I opted for boots today instead of my default setting of brogues. I recently came across a fashion blog by another lady of my generation, Greetje Kamminga, who runs a blog called No Fear of Fashion - see here. Greetje has a post featuring a fantastic pair of cream ankle boots which I covet. Anyway, that got me thinking, and knowing that it will be some time until my next flurry around the shops, I decided to delve into the depths of my shoe boxes and came out with these. Yet another charity shop trophy, I've never worn them but decided today was their day. They're quite elegant and I particularly like the stitching, which led me to search through my belt rack to uncover the stretch belt which also has contrast stitching. I don't why I get such pleasure from the gathering of all of these very specific elements together to make an outfit. I love finding the right jewellery to offset the look, trying a selection of necklaces until it says what I want. And even the quest for the right pair of tights is time well spent for me. I chose these purple ones instead of half a dozen other purple ones as they have a geometric pattern which ties in with the print of the dress. All of these little pleasures add up to a feel good factor which I can wear for the rest of the day. Dress: old. Belt: charity shop. Boots: charity shop. Vest top: New Look. Tights: old. Necklace: Magpie Vintage. Watch: charity shop. Yellow stone ring: Martin James. Silver ring: charity shop. |
What, this old thing?
Cream jacket
Biker jacket and kitten heels?
These leather kitten heels were a great charity shop bargain at £4. I think they're cute yet very demure which is why I've married them up with my fabulous blue biker jacket. I love the contrast between the two opposing styles of dress. Tough rock chick meets demure lady about town. This is very me. Well, today this is very me. My style isn't about trying to shock or make some big statement. I just like mixing it up and doing my own thing. I love to see what the current trends are, what's in fashion, but it doesn't rule my buying habits. I think that's the main reason why I love vintage and charity shops; the original, one-off is much more interesting to me than following trends.
The colour of the jacket is the main reason I bought it. It called to me from the rack when I was recently in TK Maxx and yes, it was a bit of an attention seeker amongst all the black biker jackets. But how could I resist the siren call of electric blue? Try me on it begged, and who was I to argue? The minute I slipped it's silken sleeves on, the deed was done. The zip slid up gracefully almost to show me how a biker jacket could be elegant and refined. The look today is testament to how versatile I think this kind of jacket can be. I've paired it up with spotty slacks which are very sleek and business like. And I chose the flowered shirt to introduce the rose tones which gave me the perfect lead-in to my coral handbag satchel. To finish off, I chose the bright blue ring for obvious reasons, but also the diamante ring to echo the dressed up element of the outfit.
While I was recently on holiday in Exmouth I wore the jacket with jeans and flats. Biker jacket and jeans - very predictable you'd say. Well, it's here for you to see and compare. The fact is, I love, love this jacket and whichever way I style it up, I think it's going to be a story that will run and run. My passion for clothes is fuelled by fun. I want to continue this love affair for as long as I can and I hope you'll stay and enjoy the ride.
If you have a fashion favourite that's versatile then I'd love to hear about it. Crazy or conventional, I don't mind, I'm happy to share in your pleasure.
Jacket: TK Maxx. Trousers: H&M. Shirt: Marks and Spencer. Shoes: charity shop. Satchel: charity shop. Blue ring and diamante ring: charity shop. Sunglasses: Quay Australia.
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Memories of summer
It's high tide, flat calm and the sun is shining - just perfect for a bit of messing about in boats.
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We're cruising past Cromwell's Castle and I can see the white breakers ahead. Time to put the camera away and hold on as we go around the top.
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The bumpy ride over, we drift gently into the shores of Tean island.
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Coming into the shallows, we're about to pitch up onto our own desert island for the afternoon. Not so bad after a 10 minute boat ride.
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Clean, clear waters await.
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We're not the only ones who think it's a perfect day to be out on the water. |
Our trusty little cruiser is anchored up while we enjoy the peace and quiet, and a picnic lunch on the beach.
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Even a fashionista deserves to have a day off sometime. |
Time to motor home again. |
Some Herons perched on Hedge Rock. |
The sea is just like a millpond. Looks very tempting... |
This looks like a romantic way to travel. |
The Scillonian, brimming with visitors, is heading back to the mainland... |
...and we're heading off home too. It was a great day to be out on the water, and we enjoyed our little moment of isolated splendour too. The simple pleasures island life.
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