Fluffy, feathery dress


Yes, here I am doing my own thing again, all the while thinking how much I miss Polly and her photographic skills. But I know she's not missing me. And why can I be so sure of that? Because today Polly is flying to New York for eight days holiday with her boyfriend. She promises to send me some snaps, but won't that just make me even more envious? New York is most definitely on my bucket list - what about you?


This was the backdrop that I wanted to have for this photo shoot, but as you can see the light wasn't working for this direction. Such are the compromises that must be made when you're working alone, ho hum! Anyway, it was a gorgeous sunny day when I took this and you have to agree that the view is pretty lovely isn't it? This is taken from my front garden which faces the island of Bryher - not too shabby eh?


I've worn this shaggy mini dress before, well quite a long time ago - it was the star of a Ping Pong Post many moons ago (see here). The excitement of these wonderful boots has me rooting around in my wardrobe trying to find a new outfit created from something old. I'm chasing a look, a feel, and as yet it's eluded me. But in the meantime, I'm having fun trying things on, testing how it all feels.


I even put a lovely little montage of accessories together from which I was hoping to build my perfect tartan showcase outfit, but the main features eluded me. All of the jewellery is charity shopped and of course, you'll remember my fabulous Candy Bag by Furla. If you know of something I've forgotten, something that would make these boots sing, then do feel free to prompt me!


The mustard Zara cords (see here) were bought with the idea that they would be the right thing, but somehow they miss the sweet spot.


But. Back to the outfit in hand. This is fine, don't you think? I was really pleased to dig out a teal pair of tights from the depths to compliment the feathery, fluffy dress, disguising the mini-ness of it. For those of you who don't know the island you'll see the gallery is just a stone's throw behind me as I do a little shimmy here in my front yard. My commute kills me some mornings!


My old faithful sunglasses from Quay Australia compliment the striped top and I chose some pre-loved rings to go with my silver chain necklace by Melissa James


Today's photo shoot did actually have a musical accompaniment as there was a band playing at the New Inn (just some 25 metres away). I jigged and shimmied about in my front yard, stopping and starting whenever someone went past. It was a Sunday afternoon Jazz session which went down a treat with everyone, including me.


Stop the press! I forgot to include this shot of my lovely friend Sheila who wore the sister (aka more groomed) version of my dress on her blog recently (see here), but be warned - Sheila's weekend posts require a cup of tea and a very comfy chair as they are mighty big!

Last weekend we had an island wedding and fingers crossed, I hope to share some photos of it with you as an extra post on Friday. I just need to double check with the bride that she's happy to be featured, so do pop back to see how that unfolds. And on the 19th of this month I have another special post coming up with an offer that you might not want to miss...

In the meantime, have a lovely week!
Anna x

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Red tartan/yellow tartan?


Hello and happy Sunday to you all!

I've hit on a bit of a tartanfest at the moment, but there will be no apologies proffered for this. I totally love tartan! My dilemma of late has been whether to buy trousers in red or yellow tartan, but the solution was solved perfectly when I came across these on the ASOS website. Aren't they fabulous? The brand is Tripp NYC and they cost £48. This is where my normal frugal ways of charity shopping help to subsidise these real price items. 


Tartan seems to be having a moment fashion-wise, but it's a forever favourite of mine, which I've chuntered on about recently, I know. Anyway, I've pretty much been searching for these jeans in either of these colourways with no success. I tried to find them in wide legged culottes too, but again they were just as elusive. It was a wee miracle to find the cool collaboration allowing me to wear both red and yellow at the same time. I'm well aware of the Marmite nature of these, but can only hope that you'll all agree that they are so very me!


These stretchy soft fabric, uber comfy trainers are from Zara, but they seem to be sold out now. I've found something similar though if you follow this link. I kinda like this skinny leg/big trainers look, but again it may not be for everyone. The one other style story I may try with these trousers though is my red sock boots - what do you think? Would two of my most favourite pieces together be too much for the fashion police? Do give me some feedback on that.


The plain black polo neck finishes the look without battling with bottom half of the outfit. I've added a simple black leather belt and black necklace as my accessories. 


The necklace is by Melissa James and the rings are both pre-loved. 


Today's shoot was taken at Green Beach with Blockhouse Castle over one shoulder and Blockhouse Cottages over the other. I've been swimming on this beach (on the high tide) lately as it's been stormy with the prevailing wind on the other side of the island. The sea at Appletree Bay has been too lively for me to swim safely there, but here on the leeward side of the island it was sheltered enough for me to enjoy my early morning swim as well as see the sunrise just above the cottages too. 


Yesterday morning I swam in an absolute downpour which was a first for me. I've never been a fan of swimming in the rain (or more precisely trying to dry off and get dressed in the rain), but I'm currently reading a wonderful book "Wild Woman Swimming" by the late Lynne Roper and she has converted me to the joys of nature's water play. The sensation of being at eye level with the bouncing raindrops is akin to seeing Christmas lights twinkling on and off as they hit the surface of the water. Between the visual effects and the clattering noise, the experience was enlivening and left me with a real joie de vivre. I added a little clip after this swim on my Instagram feed if you want to see my afterglow. 


And finally, yes I'm flying solo and today's shoot was taken not only with tripod and timer, but also using my brand new camera. It was only after taking these shots and walking home that I remembered that I'd not put the dial onto P for portrait nor had I used the telephoto lens to get some good close-ups too. This could be a steep learning curve for me. It's back to the booklet for me to learn a bit more in time for my next shoot. I was relieved however to at least have a break in the rain so that I could get outside for some new material. I do hope you've enjoyed some good weather this weekend too.


Thanks for dropping and I hope you have a lovely week!


Anna x

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From the archive


This shoot is from Polly's reign, a happy reminder of the heckling and laughter before she jumped ship, leaving me for another department and abandoning me to another winter of flying solo. I felt ambivalent about this outfit when I reviewed the photos, but at this stage I can see that beggars can't afford to be choosers. Today the grey skies, a gusting wind and heavy showers have sabotaged any thoughts I had of trying to do a shoot on my own. Pink fluffy jumper and rainbow mini skirt will have to wait for another day I think. Hahaha, and you think I'm joking, don't you!


Everything apart from the trousers is preloved. The leather jacket was a purchase in Harrogate in April and this is its first outing. The brand is House of Leather, London. The leather has a shiny gleam and looks well nourished as if it has been polished or fed with cream or wax. The elastic is taut showing no sag from age, fitting well at the cuffs and waist. I think I paid about £15 for it and am happy with that for the quality.


I paid £20 for the leather Radley bag and again this is in immaculate condition. It was a recent charity shop find, from Truro I think. Rings are preloved too.


The mustard trousers are advertised as culottes, showing how vertically challenged I must be. Yes, I'm laughing at my own jokes, sorry! See them here on the Zara site where the model is clearly tall and leggy and wearing them with high heels too. I bought them with the intention of wearing them with my latest crush - yes my tartan boots, but somehow that didn't work. My sunglasses are by Quay Australia and the roll neck was an eBay purchase years ago.


I like the mustard alongside the pony skin leopard print of these Oxfords (from Office and second hand). I've recently bought a pair of vintage high heeled boots that may work better with these trousers though. I've just sent them off to be re-heeled, so you'll have to wait to see how that pans out later. 


The white socks weren't me paying homage to Michael Jackson, more a momentary lapse in concentration when I was rummaging in my sock drawer. Later that morning I had to admit the error of my ways and nipped home to change them for black ones which merged much better with the shoes. Hah! And I consider myself a stylist, eh? Well actually, no I don't.


My summation of this look is that these wide, slightly cropped trousers do me no favours at all - well not with flat shoes that's for sure. I have short legs and these only serve to highlight that. But I do love them (both legs and trousers) none the less and will be trying to improve on this offering in due course. 


I'll leave you with this shot taken from my office window. That swirling bright light seemed to create a face in the clouds - does that look like a cute doggie to you?

Til next time, take care!
Anna x

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JD Williams does Christmas!


Hello and welcome to my slightly premature Christmas card shot!
(From left to right are Kath, Annie, Katie, Jenny and Savi.)

I'm totally thrilled to be involved in the JD Williams Christmas campaign with my JDW friends. These ladies have become a great new addition in my life. They also became my very first WhatsApp group which wasn't without its teething problems I can tell you! Our new found friendship has grown from our mutual delight at being chosen for this project. The initial "Who'd have thought?" and "Can you believe it?" messages have now been replaced more recently with "Well done!", "Have you seen...?" and "Don't we all look fab?". It's lovely to have this supports system with a common bond and understanding.


This Christmas Day look has me still toying with the idea of a second pair of these Meghan trousers which I bought in the cobalt version last month (see here). They do them in red, green and black but I can't decide between the red and the green. My new M&S tartan boots would work with either colour I'm sure, which is what's making the choice so darned difficult. What do you think? See the boots in question here


My party look is the Glitter Bardot top, Joanna Hope Jacquard Metallic Prom skirt and Rose gold sandals. These are a wide fit which was heaven. Filming took hours with lots of standing around in the interim and I wore these without flinching or needing to take them off. Definitely worth considering for dancing at the Christmas bash! If you can't wait to see the commercial live on TV you can catch it at the end of the blog. My party outfit details are also featured on the JDW blog. It's all rather surreal writing this, as is the fact that another rash of JDW magazine ads are out in the Christmas issues. See both the December Good Housekeeping and Prima for coverage of the campaign along with little ol' me. (Me in magazines and on TV is something I'd never have contemplated on my 60th birthday and now look at things!)


This larking about shot is one of my favourites, which will be no surprise to my regular readers. I love to have a bit of fun, especially in front of the camera, so this looks much more naturally me. Katie and I are both up for a bit of messing about, although she's the consummate professional and can deliver the perfect shot in the blink of an eye (she does a lot of work on TV commercials which is hardly surprising given her beautiful English Rose looks, so keep your eye out for her). Working with these women was fabulous and all the more so thanks to the wonderful team that turned us into the glamorous versions of ourselves. 


This is my make-up story board. With these iconic beauties to aspire to I was ever hopeful for the transformation ahead.


And this is my hair story board, again nothing to complain about here!




Hair, nails and make-up were all lovingly attended to which is a great treat. Each hair stylist or make-up technician is a perfectionist and that's so lovely to be on the receiving end of as they are such experts. Being done to, handing over that responsibility allows for a lovely stress free time, where you can just relax and enjoy the pampering. But also, all the team were ready for a chat if that's what you wanted. As this is our second time around we've gotten to know everyone and it's just like meeting old friends when they ask about family/travel details/bothersome skin issues - nothing is off limits!



So (fingers crossed) here's the new Christmas advert. If this doesn't work then just click onto the link here which will take you to the website where you'll definitely be able to see it. 

I'll revisit the JD Williams filming experience later this month with more of the behind the scenes footage and hopefully by then you'll all have seen the TV advert too. Have a super week everyone - I'll be back soon!

I'll be linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Anna x

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