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
Cherie of Style Nudge

Anna x

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Brocade, velvet, frills and gems

I promised I'd step it up as we go spiralling headlong into the bedlam that is otherwise known as Christmas, and my first proffering is this beautiful black velvet bomber. It was in the sale at Tesco, half price if I recall, and certainly under £20 that's for sure, so a bargain.








I said I live by the sea - this is the view from my house. I never tire of it. Well you wouldn't, would you?




The other new purchase from Tesco's is this rather fabulous pair of stretch glazed cotton skinny jeans. Burgundy is the colour of the moment with me and I seem to be gathering quite a cache of it this season. I have a pair of burgundy leather boots which I tried on with this outfit but they were just too matchy-matchy to do it any favours. Yes, it could be argued that all one colour would make for long streamlined legs, but today's look is more Prince Charming than anything else and that relied on the brocade boots as the finishing flourish. This frilled blouse seems to get wheeled out most weeks and that's because it's an absolute mainstay in my wardrobe. My bright fuchsia one would have been equally effective, but maybe too much - I didn't try it as the cream is pretty much my go-to solution to most style problems. Cream is more flattering to my skin tone than white, frills always add a touch of the feminine especially with trousers, and the shape is so versatile it works with almost everything.

I have sequined skirts, glittery tops and sparkly clothes at the ready (as promised) in the hope that the weather will be settled (and bright) enough to get some photos taken. I may enlist some help again on Saturday so that I can wow you with some party inspiration. Our annual island Christmas party is coming up soon, and I could use your opinion as I try out my options for that too.

Details - jacket and jeans: Tesco, boots: Asos, blouse: eBay, belt, H&M, rings: charity shop, necklace: borrowed from my daughter, sunglasses: Sainsbury's.

The sun sets behind the islands in the distance. I'm sure I've posted enough photos of it for this to be a pretty familiar view by now, but here's another just for the heck of it.



Anna x

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Here I go again

Yes, it's my (dreaded for some) trainers challenge again this month. Sorry Veronica, you may be excused from this one as I know it's not your favourite of shoe. For those of you who remain, I'll be brief. I'm aware that all around me bloggers are breaking out the sequins and glittery tights, but at least today's offering does have a bit of a bronze burnished look to it that could pass for a nod towards the glitz of Christmas.













I'm kinda liking this version. What about you? I've played along with the bronze tones in the jacket and trousers which do tie in so well with the shoes don't you think? A bit of pattern play comes by way of the leopard print cardi and I think it's fine. More than fine and better than the last effort see here. The definitive offering? Well, I do have one more lurking in my draft box, but will hold back until 2017 before I force that upon you all. 

I can't however hold back the forces of nature that are propelling me in the direction of even more bling than normal, so you'll have to get ready for swathes of velvet, and yards of sparkle in all sorts of textures. Yes, the festive season is upon us and I can't deny the urge to sparkle and shine any longer. You have been warned!

Details - jacket and trainers: TK Maxx, trousers and cardigan: H&M, necklace: Love Noel, rings:old, rose gold watch: Michael Kors, rose gold bangle: Kate Spade New York.

Anna x

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Autumn burst of colour

Yes, I've rifled my draft box again to bring you this wonderful burst of colour. Orange is one of my favourite colours, making me feel energetic and bright. As I write this, the outlook here is grey and overcast which is reason enough to bring these photos out. These are my winter shorts, made all the more wearable by the fact that I can add all sorts of crazy tights to add a bit more of a pop - these ones are a heavy denier in a mid purple which may look blue on your screen.











My regulars amongst you may have noticed that I was conspicuous by my absence on Friday, and this could be due to the fact that I paid a fleeting visit to my daughter on the mainland. The couple of days went past in a blur of shopping (Christmas and charity), hair and beauty appointments and catching up with Sasha in the evenings. I'd like to say that I'm flushed with success, but there always seems to be something I forget in these shopping sprees, and this time it was the cards and wrapping paper. So it looks like I'll be online later to remedy that. 

Here's a not very good shot of my loot. The major find has to be the 80's black dress with fabulous gold ruffle hem. I also bought an ostrich leather handbag in fuchsia to match my winter coat, to be featured in close-up soon.


Details of my outfit of the day are - shorts (old): Asos, blouse: eBay, fairisle vest: Ralph Lauren, boots: Asos, tights: old, sunglasses Quay Australia, rings: old.

Linking with -
Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb
Cherie of Style Nudge

Anna x

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Midweek madness

Late November, mid-week, and grey weather all sound like the perfect recipe for a touch of the miseries. But check out what's been lurking in my draft box... Polly and Anna's midweek madness!


This shaggy dress/tunic was featured on recent Ping Pong Post see here. And the blouse/boots combo was featured for the first time here. All together, I think they make beautiful music which is why I can be seen doing a fair bit of shimmying to the Charleston beat.

















I sometimes wonder if it's fitting for a woman of my age to be gadding about like this - but then I can't imagine being another version of me either. I work hard, play hard and do enjoy life to the hilt. I'd like to think that this little corner of the blogsphere brings some joy and maybe some inspiration to you lovely ladies who like me are chugging along nicely towards your 60's with a spring in your step and love in your hearts. Do take a moment in your day to express your own midweek madness - you have my full permission! 

Outfit details - dress: H&M, blouse: Next, boots: ASOS, tights: old, bangles and rings: charity shop, necklace: Magpie and Butterfly, rose gold watch: Michael Kors.

My office window overlooks New Grimsby bay, scene of so many beautiful sunsets at anytime of year. Here's one from a couple of days ago for my dear friend Angela to keep her going until her next visit.


Anna x

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