Anna's Island Style

5 over 50 challenge

Welcome to a brand new feature 5 Over 50 Challenge ! Less than a month ago I was contacted by fellow blogger Gail to see if I would take part in this new monthly challenge - and here we are - all of us are over 50 and out to have fun with our clothes. The first challenge has been set by Gail and is "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue". My offering goes like this -

Old: skirt. New: mules. Borrowed: bag. Blue: jacket.

And here's Gail of Is This Mutton blog who has been blogging since 2013. She covers not only fashion on her blog, but post features on beauty products as well as lifestyle. Another passion of Gail's is her garden and is often the location of her photo shoots. Gail likes to keep her styling fresh by trying new trends to avoid the dreaded Mutton label. And true to her word she's showcasing the latest embroidery trend here along with these fab ankle grazers. Follow Gail on instagram here.

Old: denim wedges. New: cotton striped long sleeve top. Borrowed: topaz necklace. Blue: print trousers

Next up is Jacqui of Mummabstylish blog who has been blogging since 2016. She has a large family and loves nothing better than going shopping with her three daughters. I wonder which of her daughters donated this gorgeous chunky necklace for her shoot? It's the perfect ploy for that new jumpsuit Jacqui! Cream shoes and jacket finish the look without stealing the show from this colourful jumpsuit. Follow Jacqui on instagram here.

Old: jacket.New: jumpsuit. Borrowed: necklace. Blue: bag.

My blogging friend Laurie of Vanity And Me is taking part in this challenge too. Laurie often features the classics and her sleek grooming makes the most simple of outfits shine. Much as she would probably describe her style as conservative, I think I have so much to learn from her. Simple white trousers never looked so chic as here with this fabulous print shirt. Understated elegance is what Laurie does best. Follow her on instagram here.

Old: trousers. New: shirt. Borrowed: bag and bangle. Blue: shirt.

Last, but by no means least, is Ashley of Lazy Daisy Jones blog. Ahsley is a lifestyle blogger who seems to cover every kind of wonderful. She is hugely creative and if you want to know how to do something, then it's probably on her blog. This challenge has served as my introduction to Ashley and I'm still trawling through her bright and colourful blog which is inspiring me to try my hand at all sorts of projects. Follow Ashley on instagram here.

Old: Chanel bag. New: shoes. Borrowed: t-shirt. Blue: jeans.

Gail's challenge ended up being a great excuse to pull lots of colours together as well as my fabulous moto jacket. I've not worn the jacket for a while and decided to try a new combination with this old maxi skirt that was a wonderful charity shop find last year. And why wear just one paisley print when you can wear two? My daughter gave me this blouse knowing how much I love orange and paisley, making it my all-time favourite top. Last of all, I jumped on the embroidery bandwagon last month by way of these adorable mules from TK Maxx. This is the first time I've worn this whole outfit together and I must admit I got lots of lovely feedback. Orange, paisley and embroidery seemed to tick the box for so many!

Outfit details -

Jacket: TOXIK3

Skirt: charity shopped (no label)

Blouse: H&M

Shoes: Red Kiss

Handbag: Country Casuals

Rings: old

Necklace: gift

Sunglasses: River Island

Thanks for joining me for the first 5 Over 50 Challenge and I do hope you've enjoyed meeting my blogging collective. See you on the 1st June for our next installment? I do hope so!

Linking with -

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Patti of Not Dead Yet Style.

Anna x

Saturday quickie

I don't often post on a Saturday, but this bank holiday weekend is a bit of a jumble with no post from me on Sunday, but a new feature is coming along on Monday. I won't spoil the surprise, but suffice to say that it's a new joint feature which will make a regular appearance on the 1st of every month.

I think that the only new piece here is the plether top which I bought earlier on this month in Harrogate. I'm sure you've seen the rest before. The lace peplum top is a summer favourite of mine as are these wedge sandals which elevate me to giddy heights for the day (and are unbelievably comfortable too thanks to the soft straps). I wore the culottes last summer (see here) when they gave me a bit of a confidence crisis. This time, thanks to lots of lovely comments from my readers, I decided to just wear the blooming things and get on with it, and as if by magic I felt so much happier in them. I think the important thing about wide cropped trousers like these is to get the rest of the outfit in the right proportions. The fitted top is shape defining and the peplum frill gives rear coverage as well as adding an extra feminine touch. It's the first time I've worn this as a complete ensemble and I like it. Hurrah!

Details - culottes: Jean Muir, shoes: New Look, plether top: H&M, peplum top: H&M, rings: old, necklace: gift, sunglasses: Quay Australia.

See you on Monday!

Anna x

As suggested by...Bun

I love how this feature has evolved from initially, where my readers suggested I wear something again that they've seen and liked, to now being where my readers send me something of theirs that they think will suit me. It's the very best kind of collaboration! If you have a piece that's needing a new home, that you think will fit in with my wardrobe and personal style, then drop me an email. Next month I could be putting your name in the intro.

The piece in question is this beautiful jacket which my dear friend Bun suggested she send to me as it didn't work for her. The style of it reminds me of one I have already, (see here) and I was therefore quick to accept. The woollen jacket is by British brand Moloh, and fits like a glove thank-you Bun! I love the button cuff detail and the nipped in waist, as well as the colourway. I don't have much red in my wardrobe, so this gives me the chance to bring out some special accessories, such as this Lulu Guinness mini-clutch. You won't believe it, but yes I did find this mint condition piece in a charity shop and have been waiting for the right outfit to showcase it. Best of all, this dear little clutch opens up to reveal a cotton shopper inside! Cute and practical as well as designer - you can't ask for more!

Deatils - jacket: Moloh, skirt: charity shopped, shoes: Debenhams, blouse: Country Rose, tights: Dorothy Perkins, belt: chariy shopped, mini-clutch: Lulu Guinness, necklace: M&S, pink rose ring: gift, pink and silver ring: charity shopped, pink and silver bangle: gift.

Anna x

When I came across this gorgeous little beauty in a charity shop in Harrogate the question did occur to me "Is there a cut-off age for wearing fringe jackets?" and no definitive answer came back. For many women they might be saying teens, 20's or whatever, but for me the test is to try it on and if it makes me smile and want to do a little dance then I buy it. I'm not one to conform as you know, nor am I out to shock or be totally outrageous. In my teens I came across the saying "Dare to be different" and that still chimes me now. I just want to be me; dressing to have fun; wanting to look good in my eyes; maybe even inspiring others; all of that makes me happy.

The wide trousers were bought at the same time and by pairing these together I felt they helped to create a hippy chick vibe which I love. The generous dollops of orange in the shape of these bold accessories add a great pop of colour and I finished with these metallic pumps which have sat (forgotten) in the box since I bought them from TK Maxx many years ago. Working in an art gallery gives me licence to be expressive in my dressing without raising too many eyebrows. Many moons ago I worked in a bank meaning I had to be so conservative with what I wore, but honestly, I found it all pretty depressing. I don't think I could go back to that kind of restrictive dressing again. Hopefully I won't have to.

Details - trousers: River Island, jacket: prettylittlething, tee shirt: M&S, handbag: Topshop, shoes: Ras, belt, bangle and rings: all charity shopped, necklace: old, sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Wanna see that little dance?