WHAT I WORE ON A HOT SUMMER DAY

Hello my dear readers, how are you all faring in 2024?

In this post I would like to continue what I started in the previous post, summer and linen.  If you missed my last post, you can catch up with us here.

Today I would like to present you my new linen waistcoat (UK version) or a vest, as its called in the United States.  If you live or have been in Australia during summer months, you sure know how hot and humid it could be, so wearing items like vests, singlets or spaghetti strap dresses makes perfect sense. 

Out of all summer fabs popping up on the streets of Sydney, the linen or light cotton vests seems the most popular.  Some women like to wear them paired with wide legged pants and flats sandals or sneakers, while others opted to wear them with pencil skirts and heeled shoes, a smart way of mixing casual and smart for the office.

I was on the lookout for a linen vest myself and when I saw a vest in bottle green colour in Zara, I couldn't resist adding it to my closet.  It came right on time, as the temperature in Sydney has soared to new heights in the last couple of weeks.  Today I am wearing it with my old white Bermuda shorts and flats but I also tried it with my new tie-dye skirt (worn here) and white linen pants (yet to be shown ) and it looks great with both.

It might make you chuckle looking at me wearing a scarf in the middle of the hot summer day but we are on the way to a museum and as all other public places in the city, it is heavily air-conditioned and very cold which makes me get seek easily, hence I seldom leave the house without one.

As I am writing this post, I am looking at the images that my younger daughter just sent me from one of the ski resorts in Japan, where the snow is up to her knees and the temperature is below zero.  And she is absolutely loving it.  Go figure 😀.

Until then,

Anna

XOXOXO

SUMMER ESSENTIALS - HOW I STYLED LINEN SKIRT TWO WAYS

 Hello, my dear friends, how is 2024 treating you so far?

We have been quite busy over the festive season as I am sure so was everyone else.  Our social calendars are fully booked with various events and activities It's traditionally the time when you catch up with your  friends to have that last meal before the year ends;  It's the time when a lot family and friends get-togethers are happening as travelling, partying and generally having a time with no care in the world.

We didn't do a lot of travelling per se but we did a lot of driving around Sydney and surrounds showcasing how beautiful our city is to my cousins from Germany.  And of course there was a lot of eating, drinking, talking and basking in the warmth of being a part of a loving family.

So as you can imagine, I didn't have much time to partake in the craziness aka as Black Friday Sale nor in the days that followed BFS.  I did, however, manage to pop into Zara and buy an A-line wrap-around skirt that am wearing a lot this summer.

I initially was attracted by the untraditional pattern of the tie-dye.  The A-line silhouette is very simple and flattering, the fabric is light and even if it creases a lot, hey it's linen and it's what expected from it, right?

My initial thoughts were to add it to my casual clothes section of the closet as linen is normally associated with the care-free life style and I really like wearing it with just a simple white t-shirt and sandals.  On the second thought, with the help of right accessories I can smarten it up into the next level.  Whenever I buy a new piece of clothing, I always picture the different ways it can be styled and the more of them, the happier I am.  And soon I had the opportunity to do just that.

One sunny Saturday, we were taking our abovementioned German cousins to un upmarket Italian eatery called Trattoria or as local call it Tratt for a Saturday lunch.  The restaurants sits right across the road from the famous Bondi Beach and offers a breathtaking view over the ocean glistening under the summer sun, surf and tanned and toned sunbathers sprawled on the white sandy beach.  The restaurant is a destination and is highly popular amongst locals and visitors alike.  Although it's within walking distance to the beach, you will never see anyone wearing bikinis or board shorts there.  People make the effort of dressing up for the occasion as the Italians do.  

I was thinking of wearing my new linen skirt (so Italian) but dressed it up for the occasion with the assistance of heeled sandals, a statement necklace and a "new" handbag.  

You have seen me wearing these shoes from Alohas before, same goes for the necklace.   As for the hand bag, it was my first foray into buying anything second hand.  I saw it in in the window of our local pawn shop shining so brightly that it was hard to miss.  I went inside and ask the shop owner if I can have a closer look.  Turns out it was made by Italian brand called Pinko and a lovebirds buckle is their official trademark.  This and a heavy white metal chain were the features that I really like about this bag.  It was hugely discounted as the second hand item should be and I bought it without any hesitation and it is now on a high rotation.

Quite satisfied with the result, I quickly grabbed a silk colourful scarf (one can never predict the wind factor when you are near the ocean) and headed for the door.

What do you think of this transformation?  How would you jazz up your casual outfit?  I enjoy reading your comments and suggestions so lease share your thoughts in a comment section below.  

Until then

Anna

xoxoxo

MY MOST FAVOURITE OUTFITS OF 2023

 Hello my dear readers, hope this post finds you well.

Although there is still a week and a bit until we farewell 2023, this is my last post of this year so let's sum it up.

I can't speak on behalf of you, but for me it went too fast for my liking.  I heard people saying it all the time but this year I really feel it and frankly, I don't like it.  But I should not complain even despite the fact that I had two more cancer spots on my face that needed to be removed, the one on my nose that I had in August was particularly problematic and still has not fully healed.

The biggest event that happened this year was my husband's 70th birthday that we celebrated in style by having 7 course seasonal festive dinner at Oncore run by 3-Michelin Star London renowned chef Clair Smyth followed by a big bash for our extended family and friends.

Also, this year we made our first overseas trip since 2019.  However, while in the past we would spent four to five weeks visiting several overseas destinations, this time it was just one stop trip to Bali, our all time favourite spot that we go to for a blissful time of total relaxation.

Other then that, it was business as usual: work, looking after grandchildren, going to the gym, movies, theatre, dining out etc, etc, etc.

So without further ado, let me bring up my and some of you, my dear readers, most favourite outfits of 2023:

This summer it was all about wearing a stripe shirt over white linen and this outfit was featured as the most favourite look on #WOWWEDNESDAY link-up party hosted by Gail from Is This Mutton fashion blog

I dare not to remember how many years these square checked pants have been dormant in my wardrobe until one day I decided to bring them back to life and believe or not but they scored the most favourite look of the week on #WOWWEDNEDAY link-up party hosted by Gail from Is This Mutton fashion blog.

I fell in love with this oversized jumper from Reiss in tangerine colour that featured as a favorite on #WOWWEDNESDAY link-up party hosted by Gail from Is This Mutton fashion blog

One of my most favourite purchases of 2023 was this dress from Marcs in deep pink colour that was featured on #ChickandStylish #Link-up hosted by Jacquie from Mummabstylish

In my last outfit of 2023, I raised the question of whether the women of certain vintage should wear short skirts and my answer was "YES"👍

On this high note, I would like to wish you all a very 

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!!

See you all in 2024

Anna

xoxoxo

MY NEW RED BLAZER AND A-SHAPE SHORT SKIRT OUTFIT

Hello my dear friends, hope you are all ok.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you might recall my last post which was about the return of the  colour red back to the fashion radar and if you missed it, you can catch up here.

It seems that I got caught red handed (pun not intended) as this post is also about wearing red but this time it is a blazer and mini skirt combo.  As previously, both were spotted and purchased from David Jones, proudly Australian luxury department store but from two different brands.

It started with the blazer from David Lawrence.  How can anyone miss such a bright bold crimson colour?  Definitely, not me.  Besides that, I like its flattering slim silhouette and contrasting black buttons at the front fastening and along the cuffs.  There was an option to buy a pair of pants made of the same fabric but having so many various colours and styles of pants and trousers at home, I chose to skip it.

My next stop was at Marcs (the same brand from which I got my latest dress, seen here), only this time I was after a skirt.  After scanning their racks, I found what I was looking for - an A-line mini skirt in gingham check of peachy orange and dark red that potentially would be a perfect match for my newly acquired blazer and when I put them on together and checked my image in the mirror, I knew I was right. 

I was contemplating wearing my new black Mary Janes shoes seen hear but thought that a pair of black chunky loafers are more suitable to wear with the A-line skirt and would complement the sharp silhouette of the blazer. 

Then it dawned on me that since I turned 60 three years ago, I have been often seen wearing skirts and dresses that were well above my knees and on the short side that some people would describe as age-inappropriate.   This hot topic has been discussed in the blogosphere by older women for years, trying to bring awareness that growing older does not necessarily equate to wearing dark boring dresses well blow your knees, thick shapeless cardigans, lipstick and make-up free and never set your foot in fitness club or a hair and nail salon.  

Yes, I am fully aware that with age our knees sag and the skin wrinkles but this could be easily rectified by wearing stockings and if you have nicely shaped legs, then why not? Some of us are genetically blessed with good legs, while for others it is a hard work to keep them in shape.  There is ever more reason not to hide them.

When I was young, I attended a ballet school that helped me to define the muscles and shape my legs but that was over fifty years ago!!!  Since then, I've invested a lot of time and effort to keep my legs in shape:  I go to the gym at least three or four times a week, I don't work on the machines but prefer group exercises like Power Yoga, Pilates, Barre and Les Mills Shape and Body Balance classes (I am a member of Fitness First club and the names and the routine of these classes are trademarked by it).  I used to run three times a week but lately was advised against running so now I go for a long power walks three times a week instead.

And let not forget to mention that a body positivity mindset and self-confidence play an important role in determining the answer to the question of what we should and should not wear.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below 💖.

Blazer - David Lawrence 

Skirt - Marks

Shoes - Neutralizer (similar)

Belt - Hermes

Have a great week.  Until then

Anna

xoxoxo

HOW I STYLED MARCS CAITLYN SHIRT DRESS

Hello dear friends, hope you are all well

Here is an interesting coincidence.  While we in Australia are stocking our wardrobes with summer clothes, the Northern Hemisphere is bracing itself for the cold months ahead but what makes us united is the fashion forecast for the trend colour of the upcoming summer/winter season (depends in what part of the world you are living) and it is RED.  We are saying good bye to Barbie pink, (to be honest, I wasn't into that one anyway) but am very happy to welcome the strong bold red colour into our wardrobes.

Every time the fashion wheel turns over and puts LRD (little red dress) back on a radar, it reminds me of our 2007 European honeymoon.  One day while exploring Rome, we came across a museum called Ara Pasis.  

Neither of us ever heard of it nor it was on our to do list but what caught our attention was a giant cube in red coloured glass with a white rectangular plinth underneath with the words Valentino A Roma plastered over one side of it,  placed in front of the museum's entrance.   Inside the cube we could see a mannequin clad in a beautiful red dress. Still not knowing what to make out of it but thoroughly intrigued, we bought the tickets and went inside.

As we stepped inside the museum, we were faced with a row of mannequins draped in white dresses flanked by two groups wearing red, Valentino's favourite colour. 

Further on we saw a group of mannequins wearing black and further on the last group were in multi-coloured dresses.  I have never seen anything more beautiful than this collection of sublime high-couture dresses. I was fascinated by the design, shape, the masterful skill of draping that Valentino is renowned for, the sheer elegance of every exhibit and his genius vision that he so artfully was able to transform into these marvelous creations.  I think I can honestly say that it was my first fashion moment.  If you have a moment, please read the whole account of this event covered in The New York Times Magazine .

Sixteen years ago there were no iPhones nor iCloud storage options, all the photos that I took,  had to be downloaded from my Canon camera into my PC.  Since then I have changed my PC twice but always made sure that I backed-up all my photos onto the hard-drive first, they are very precious to me and bring back such sweet memories.

Speaking of red dresses, let me tell you about mine.  I was in David Jones department store browsing through the dresses when I reached the Marcs section and saw it.  The first thing that draw my attention to this dress was its rich, bright and deep crimson hue.  I  also liked the shape of the softly puffed sleeves and the snap button front fastening.  The fabric belt helps to create a definition of the waist while an above the knee A-shape skirt visually slims the hips and elongates your legs.  The moment I put it on, I fell in love with its gorgeousness, it felt like it was meant for me.

On the way back to my place, I started thinking of what kind of shoes I should wear with it.  I definitely didn't want to try it with sneakers as I knew they will make it look too casual.  I needed the shoes that will complement the dress without taking away its centre stage.

  

In the ended I settled with a pair of low heels updated version of the classic Mary Jane style black suede shoes with a cup patent toe by Edward Meller.  They have quite an unusual detail -  the strap does not have a clasp and is made of two pieces - most of its length is leather with a short piece of elastic attached to it which allows you to slip the shoe on or off effortlessly.  The elastic is hidden behind a large faux pearl that adds to the shoe that instant uplift like a cherry on the cake🍒.

My accessories are quit simple: black hoop earrings and a ring and I chose to carry an off-white handbag rather than black one as I didn't want them to be too matchy-matchy.  

What is your take on a red dress.  I know that the prime red is not everyone's cup of team, however there are so many different shades of red that it is just a matter of  choosing the right hue that suites your skin tone, body shape or hair colour but most importantly is to stay true to your taste and aesthetic and look fabulous.