leopard print and velvet

These next couple of weeks are the best ever for bringing out the sparkle without looking the least bit out of place. My wardrobe is pretty well stocked with sequins, lurex, velvet and metallic shoes of every hue, all primed for stepping out over the festive season. But before I go any further I'll let you know that my outfit for Friday's party was the blue dress. I spent most of the day thinking I was going to wear my Friday's suggestion see here. It was only on Friday evening when I saw a TV presenter wearing a red sequin dress that I realised how effective that simple shape with a riot of sequins could look. It's about perspective sometimes isn't it? I was too close to see how lovely this was I suppose. Anyway I paired it up with the shoes and bag from the other outfit and bang, that was my party outfit. I went along with Kate, my utterly gorgeous niece and we had a lovely evening. Sorry Judy, for the lack of photos but my camera was at home on charge!

Friday was also Christmas Jumper Day here in the UK, a great fundraiser event in aid of Save the Children. The workforce from the island is encouraged to don their best Christmas jumper for a photo shoot followed by donations to the cause accompanied by all sorts of delicious cakes and mincepieces. 

If you're having problems finding me, just follow the ladies striking a pose in the name of blogging and I'm to the right - thanks gals for entering into the spirit of things!

Today's outfit is a mixture of old and new. The new, being these beautiful velvet trousers which come from F&F at Tesco's in the recent sale for only £9 and the old being this gold lurex cardigan which is so old I can't recall where I bought it. My sister Sandra gave me the lovely silk blouse which ties in with all of the luxurious fabrics. The gold loafers are from New Look (old), the rings too are old/charity shopped and the sunglasses are from Quay Australia.

Tuesday will be the 20th of the month and therefore time for another edition of Ping Pong Post. The festive item being styled is a fabulous sequined top from Ann in Hong Kong and I do hope you'll come back to see how we did.

This week I'll also be linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Patti of Not Dead Yet Style
Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish

Anna x

And yet more sequins...

Sequins yes, but not as you may have expected. Well, I wouldn't be me if I didn't deliver something a bit different, would I? This outfit channels the rock chick in me, but more than that, it also feels so blooming good thanks to trousers which fit like a dream, paired with boots that definitely put the ROCK into rock chick. It's a huge contrast to last year's party fare as seen here, but I think that's why I've been showcasing all of these other outfits: it's time for a change, but which me should I be this year? 

The sequins don't show their true colour in the sunlight - they're actually silver, yellow and rose gold on a black backdrop. 

I fancy that today's outfit may need me to convince you in it's favour. So firstly; paisley pattern is one of my all time favourites and when you add to that a liberal sprinkling of gold thread as well, then these trousers are pretty much top dog; next comes the dash of leopard print to give a funky edge, not to mention the fun of pattern clashing; finally, the top may look a bit dark or even blue/grey, but the fact is it's actually silver and gold and looks much more stunning in real life, matching the tone of the trousers and boots really well. A change in plans mean that I'm now attending the party without my husband as he's having to make a unexpected trip to the mainland. I'll tag along with some girlfriends instead, but this means I don't feel quite so bold about being all dolled up on my own. This, the most casual of all of the outfits, may feel more comfortable. (Casual = 4inch heels and metallic coloured sequins. Welcome to my world!)

The thing that can be said about all of my sparkly outfits is that come the summer months I'll be hosting my gallery exhibitions again which will afford me ample opportunity to dress up with all the glitz and glam not looking the least bit out of place. Whatever doesn't make the grade tonight can have it's debut in a few months time.

Details - trousers and top: H&M (old), boots: Michael Kors, handbag: charity shop, sunglasses: Quay Australia, necklace: Dorothy Perkins, rings and bracelet: old.

Anna x

Gold sequins, gold heels

Sunday's blue sequin dress was really well received, so much so that I feel a bit nervous about today's outfit. All of this week's outfits were captured in the same photo shoot, and I must admit that this one was my favourite. It felt more elegant, less over-the-top-party-animal I suppose. Friday's offering is very different again, but let's not get ahead of ourselves shall we?

I really like the slightly underplayed look of this ensemble (yes, gold sequins and gold heels are indeed underplayed in my world). It's still sparkly with some sequins on the top and clutch as well as obviously on the skirt, but doesn't feel as loud as the blue dress (see it here). It's more age appropriate I suppose, which is a first for me, as I can't really say that dressing for my age comes into my head very often. I wear what I like, because I like it and hope that sense of liberation comes across. As long as I feel comfortable in what I wear, I don't mind what anyone thinks. Life's too short for those kind of worries. (Yes, I'm aware that I do share my self doubts with you from time to time, but that usually ends up being my crazy body dysmorphia rather than actual clothes angst.)

And there you have it. Friday brings the last get up, and on Friday evening the party itself, so goodness knows if you'll have time to drop by to cast your final vote before I don my glad rags and take the party by storm. 

Details - skirt: H&M (sold out), top: TK Maxx, shoes: Primark, handbag: charity shop, necklace: unknown: sunglasses: Sainsbury's, rings: old.

Anna x

Bring on the sparkle

I've promised sparkle and here we have the first offering. My post is a bit later than I planned today, but that was due to the terrible weather this week, right up until yesterday when it poured with rain all day long. Today as you can see was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for a photo shoot by the sea. I've had this dress since January yet haven't worn it anywhere. I'm testing out a few outfits over the next few days so that I can get your feedback about what I ought to wear to the annual island party on Friday. Last year I really pushed the boat out see here, but think that this time I want to be less of the grande dame and wear something more fun that I can dance in too.

So this is no1. Wednesday's post will feature more sequined loveliness for your delectation and Friday's yet more again - all variations on a theme. Please feel free to drop me a line with your thoughts. I love to read your comments and perhaps this Christmas countdown could be your first time to be bold enough to let me know what you honestly think. I'm still waiting for a new pair of boots which will give me another option, but I'm not sure if I'll get the chance to photograph this in time. 

Details - dress: H&M, shoes: Debenhams, tights: old, clutch: charity shop, pendant: Vivienne Westwood, rings: charity shop, sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with -

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Patti of Not Dead Yet Style

Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish

Cherie of Style Nudge

Anna x