And breathe ...

Hello and welcome!

Yes, it's been a hectic few weeks which you may have noticed by the lack of posting on the blog of late, but I'm happy to say that I'm back. The Gallery re-opened for business yesterday and this was my OOTD. My workload prior to opening was particularly challenging this year as we've had an upgrade to our till system. Uploading every item of stock for this was all consuming, waking me early in the mornings as I would remember yet another oddity that didn't fall into a listed category. For the past few weeks I've been bumbling into work by torchlight at 5am, keen to get ahead of the day's chores aside from this. But, at last, it's done and we're open!

There's nothing new to share today, but that's not to say the outfit isn't worth showing. The python print dress was a Topshop purchase last year and draws compliments with every wear. At this time of year I'm sporting a long sleeved thermal top underneath as well as these cream tights to keep me cosy. The boots were gifted to me by JD Williams way back in 2016 before I'd become a JD Williams "I AM" twinkle in their eye. See them styled four years ago here. 

The dress drapes beautifully, making me feel very elegant and well put together. I've swapped out the self-fabric belt, replacing it with a white and gold stretch one I found in a charity shop for £1 - a personal touch that makes the outfit mine. 

Lots of spinning and swooshing!

Jewellery comprises of large ring from TK Maxx many moons ago and the other ring is from an airport concession. My handbag of the moment is still this heart-throb leather and animal print cowhide combination from Paul Costelloe bags. As we all know, animal print is to be treated as a neutral and therefore I can't see that any outfit would battle with this fabulous accessory.

Today's sunglasses are another pair by Radley - check them out now for a bargain!

I  hope you're enjoying some downtime this weekend, just as I am. I had a lovely swim on Pentle Bay on the high tide this morning and when the sun made a welcome appearance this afternoon, I took myself off for a long walk, finishing off on the beach where I collected some sea glass. Next up I'll be putting the roast on for tea. I'm currently listening to Johnnie Walker on radio 2 with his "Sounds of the 70'" programme and today his delightful wife, Tiggy is co-hosting the show. I for one, think this ought to become a regular feature!

                                                                                     Anna x

International Women's Day 2020

Yay, I'm back and so are you!

Thanks for joining me today on this, International Women's Day. I thought it quite fitting to include this feature from the April issue of Coast magazine where I've been chosen as the Coast Character of the month. As part of #IWD2020 we are prompted to celebrate women's achievements and challenge stereotypes, therefore here I am blowing my own trumpet. 

International Women's Day 2020 campaign theme is #EachforEqual

An equal world is an enabled world.

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.

We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world.

Let's all be #EachforEqual. 

                                                                                 Anna x

A bit of pattern play

Hurrah, it's March!

I nearly shouted Hurrah, it's spring, but I've been reading up on when spring officially starts and the dates are varied. According to the meteorological calendar it's the 1st of March; tradition states it's the 21st of March; astronomers state the 20th, but this year we welcome the first day of spring on Thursday the 19th of March. Anyway, I'm feeling rather perky thanks to the lull in the storms and this very welcome dose of sunshine.

My happy state is not only down to the weather, but this jolly outfit that is a playful mix of checks and spots with a brilliant burst of pink which always cheers me up. A woolly winter coat is still an essential at the moment and this vintage favourite is snug with its buttons all the way up to the neck and longer length - perfect for keeping the drafts out! I bought it in Palermo four years ago when we were on a cruise (see here). This is where the blog acts as a great reminder of these happy times; I'm so pleased to have this visual diary of my life to look back on.

The rest of the outfit is this - pink fluffy sweater and cosmic creepers are both from Enjoy Clothing in Truro; the spotty denim jeans are pre-loved; the brand is Cosmic jeans and my scarf was a charity shop find many moons ago.

Brothel creepers may not be the height of fashion, but these cosmic dazzlers stole my heart when I first clapped eyes on them and I love them still. I don't wear them if it's threatening to rain as they're only fabric, but they're holding up well.

My rings are quite contrasting in style today, but both chosen for their colours. The perspex one was a gift and the other from an airport concession.

I'm so excited to share my new sunglasses with you. A friend of my is a designer of eyewear and gave me a bundle of sunglasses when we met up recently. They're by Radley and you can see the brand new range here.  I'm delighted that I've got a whole new sunglasses collection to wear this year, so do keep your eyes peeled for the next pair...

Thanks for dropping by again today . 

Hope you have a lovely week ahead of you!

Anna x

Tartan and fur

Yay for fur coats in February!

I know it's great to have a bit of spring in the air, but I'm still happy to be wearing fur in February, particularly this one that's still feeling new. Sasha bought me this for my birthday last month and I've been wearing it a lot, although not on the blog. So here's my favourite combo so far - yellow fur coat with my two tone tartan jeans. Oh goodness, how I love this look!

The jacket is from H&M and is soft as a cuddly teddybear. My reflex as I stretch my hand into my wardrobe for a coat is to pull this out and that's mostly because it's so delicously soft. I'm not one for repeat wearing so I do have to force myself to skim past it and am limiting myself to once a week currently. However, I'm aware that it's about to be March and wonder if it's a fashion faux pas to wear one's faux fur then? Hahaha, did you like that?

The outfit reads like this today - Quay Australia sunglasses, H&M fur coat (I couldn't find this one but they have a lovely blue fur coat here), green ribbed polo neck sweater from Primark, ASOS tartan jeans, Steve Madden trainers and yellow leather gloves from TK Maxx.

As you can see spring has indeed sprung here on the Isles of Scilly with the jolly yellow daffodils popping up all ove the place. Over my shoulder you can see the white rollers breaking out by Golden Ball. The winter storms have created some wild displays at the North End of the island.

So, this weekend as the UK prepares to be hit by Storm Jorge (pronounced hor-hay) what are your plans? I hope to get out for a walk if the weather allows or even a swim if it's not too wild and then the rest of my weekend will be dedicated to the gradual de-junking that continues (if somewhat slowly).

I finished reading this lovely book last weekend and it's helped to reignite my desire to take control of my shopaholic tendancies as well as my hoarding habits too.  I'll be attacking a particularly messy corner this weekend with shredder to hand as I plan to reorganise my filing and loosely termed paperwork. Wish me luck!

                                                                                 Anna x