Midweek muddle

Today's outfit was shot a while back when we were experiencing a brisk north wind, hence the snug fitting scarf. As long as I've got my neck covered I can cope with the chillest of winds. What about you - is it neck, wrists or ankles that need to be cosy?

The muddle I refer to is the state of mind rather than the outfit, so apologies if I'm brief. I ought to be splashing about in the sea currently, but thought I'd post this first before I go. A head cold has kept me out of the water for the past week which would normally have driven me to despair, however I've been taking part in a yoga retreat on the island so don't feel such a failure. I've been doing Iyengar yoga for about four years now in weekly classes led by Lucy Aldridge who is everyone's idea of the perfect yoga teacher - lean, lithe, supple, aka very bendy and most important of all, has a great sense of humour, often interjecting these cheesy jokes between the toughest of poses. 

Exercise is what gives me my drive; the energy expended somehow being regenerated for me to use over the day ahead. I'm sure that's one of the reasons we all push ourselves to sweat and gasp and get fit. Yoga is less gasp, more stretch and is a wonderful blend of body, mind and spirit that is the best kind of escape I know of. The retreats always give my own practise a boost which compensates for the times when work takes precedence over class throughout the summer months. The holidays tend to get booked up very quickly as they offer a lovely blend of work and play. Classes last for 90minutes and take place at 7.30am and 5.30pm meaning you have the entire day free to go boating, walking, sightseeing or relaxing in the spa where you can swim or enjoy a massage amongst the many treatments on offer. The island works its magic no matter how you choose to spend your time. 

Sorry but there's not any photos of me in class, but if you follow the link you'll see Lucy striking a few poses. 

Outfit details - jacket: Next, jeans: M&S, scarf: gift, handbag: L Credi, boots: ASOS, sunglasses: River Island, rings: charity shopped.

Anna x

Nearly summer

I don't need much prompting to bring out my summer clothes - just the weakest rays of sunshine, and I'm gadding about in my latest finery! This cream textured biker jacket with rose gold zips and studs is my new favourite of the moment, bought from TK Maxx.

I gathered together some rose gold accessories here by way of my Michael Kors watch, the fossilised tooth pendant and this new rose gold ring found recently in a charity shop.

Almost everything here is new/new-to-me apart from the sweet little top which I procured from my daughter's stash last year. Cream, nude and rose gold make a lovely fresh palette for this summery photo shoot. The only punch of colour is the multi coloured handbag which was another charity shop find last month. The bargain of the day has to be the sandals which I found in a charity shop and were brand new, with a price tag of £2! There was a mark on the heel which was more of a scuff than anything else - just like I'd worn them for a day in fact, but certainly not enough for me to pass them by. The cleated soles means they have great grip allowing me to stride out despite their height. Usually anything this high has me teetering about, feeling a bit silly if the truth be known. The final shot shows me about to be photo-bombed - here goes!

That was Kevin, speeding past at a rate of knots. See you next time Kevin!

Outfit details - jacket: Coffee Shop New York, top: H&M, skirt: charity shopped, shoes: Miss KG, handbag and ring: charity shopped, pendant by Charlie Dodge, watch: Michael Kors, sunglasses: Quay Australia.

Linking with -

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Patti of Not Dead Yet Style

Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish

Laurie of Vanity And Me

Anna x

Gorgeous gingham

So you'll remember last month when I went to Harrogate and had a rather splendid shopping spree? Catch up here if you missed it. Well one thing that was rather unusual for my trip is that I planned to buy a specific piece that I'd seen in the magazines. True fashionistas always keep their finger on the pulse trend-wise, but my clothes shopping is usually led by whatever I come across in the charity shops leading me to walk my own fashion path. However I'd seen that the statement sleeve was the thing and decided that if I could find statement sleeves in gingham I'd be sorted. This was one trend that I wanted to follow.

The blouse that ticked all the boxes comes from George at Asda of all places. Yes, the shops are full of gingham currently and this one (see here) came in a close second, but it didn't have the statement sleeve I was looking for. I paid £12 for this lovely blouse and considering it's currently on trend and yet will become a classic over time, I think it was a good purchase. Much as I prefer to buy vintage clothing or at least shop in an eco-friendly way from charity shops, I think sometimes I have to allow myself some freedom to step away from my own confines and enjoy fashion from the wider market place. TK Maxx is a regular haunt of mine as is Office, purveyor of the finest brogues (that I can afford). Fashion should be fun and this top certainly feels good to wear, causing me to do a little shimmy on the shore.

Details - blouse: George at Asda, trousers: M&S, boots: ASOS, sunglasses: Quay Australia, ring and pendant: charity shopped.

Anna x

Colour burst

A few days ago I was bemoaning my midweek blahs, but today has been a joy thanks to this colour burst outfit. A splash of orange is just what the doctor ordered to lift the spirits and get me back on track. I've topped off the bright orange chinos with this art deco inspired jacket which I found on ebay a couple of years ago. I was in two minds as to what shoes to wear - neutral wedges would have been more leg lengthening (thigh slimming too), but my new tassel sandals looked so cute waiting at the front of my wardrobe that I just had to give them their day.

Details - jacket: eBay (made in Morocco, no brand), t shirt: M&S, chinos: Boden, sandals: River Island, handbag: L Credi, necklace: Charlie Dodge, sunglasses: Quay Australia, rings and bangle: all charity shopped.

Linking with - 

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb

Jess of Elegantly Dressed And Stylish

Patti of Not Dead Yet Style

Laurie of Vanity And Me

We've had a glorious day of sunshine here and I've managed to get two swims in, one early this morning and the other after work with my friend Kate who's here on holiday. We cycled to Appletree Bay just after 5pm. 

You have to laugh at our body language here - clearly we weren't expecting to share our outdoors swimming pool! The interlopers only stayed for a couple of minutes, but Chris our photographer captured the scene perfectly. 

Val and Chris are friends of Kate who thoroughly enjoy our swims without having to get wet and cold. Val loves collecting shells, searching for the tiny cowrie ones we have here hidden in the ribbons of shells strewn along the high tide line (no, not these big ones on the table). They're all heading off home tomorrow, but have had a lovely holiday with today's weather being the icing on the cake - honestly it could have passed as the height of the summer. Kate will be back again in June and I'm sure we'll get some swimming together then. Solitary swimming is fine, it's what I'm used to, but it's such a joy to share my hobby with a like-minded friend. See you soon Kate!

Anna x