Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger for the over Fifties - What real women wear!

Thursday 31 January 2019

Vionic Josie Courts + Lace Bonmarche Dress #chicandstylish #linkup

Hi there - thanks for stopping by my over fifties fashion blog today.
The weeks seem to have flown by since Christmas with the safe arrival of my grandson, school run duties and a skiing trip to France I seem to have been on the go for weeks.  It's nice to now sit back and collect my thoughts.
I'm still having doubts about my blog though.  Am I the only one to question myself?  Am I doing the right thing, is my blog working, is it interesting enough?  Then there's the comparing, comparing my content, my style & my photography (when I take photos myself).  Shall I give up?  Shall I carry on? Should I change things? If so what should I change?  Gosh it makes me dizzy thinking about it all.  In truth I have to brush it off and give myself a good talking to.  I'm writing this blog for me, and if anyone joins me along the way then that's a bonus - right?  So that being said I'd like to say a big "Thank You" to all who do follow along and support Mummabstylish - I really do appreciate it. 💗
How do you tackle your uncertainty?

One thing I am 100% sure on are these Vionic court shoes.  I'd been ogling them on the website for months, and finally got my own pair a few weeks ago!

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments.

Let me tell you a few details about Vionic footwear.
Vionic merge fashion with their trusted biomechanics resulting in not only elegant and stylish footwear but shoes giving maximum comfort too (a very soft, but supportive insole). The secret being a footbed which is injected with a breathable man-made & microfibre sock - do pop over and check out all the detailed information providing help for heel pain such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
See my first pair of Vionic espadrilles that I wore nearly all the summer.

Being a big fan of animal print I've always been drawn to snakeskin, leopard or any of the other creature prints around, you can see just a few of my acquisitions here on a jumpsuit, here over a pencil skirt, also covering my cheetah print blouse.  So you see it was the obvious choice to pick the Josie kitten heel court shoe*. (I lingered over the leopard print version but stuck to my guns with my first choice)


By chance I already had this over-sized clutch bag which matched the courts quite well, therefore this outfit's accessories were matchy-matchy which I'm okay with.



Guess what?  The Josie kitten heal court* has been reduced to £60!! Apart from the fact they are so comfortable and supportive, come in 6 trend setting colours AND come in half sizes - yes you heard right.  Why can't more companies offer in-between sizes?? So what reason could there be NOT to buy them - lol.



I literally grabbed this dress last minute when buying some Christmas presents - it called me as I walked past the sale rale in my local Bonmarche, there it was in a 12! (do you remember I've lost weight and need to replace some of my wardrobe?)  Should I try? Would it fit? Without a second thought I popped into the changing room & slipped it on - it fitted beautifully, so feeling good knowing it was a size smaller than normal - I just had to buy it! 😊
I wore it for a works dinner/dance just before Christmas - but didn't manage to get any photos - too much dancing and drinking if I'm honest - ha ha ha!!

It has cute little cap sleeves which are so attractive, but the best thing about my LBD is the fish tail hem.  I've never been a liker of this style so wasn't sure if it'd be a winner in my eyes, but yes I loved it as soon as I put it on - it also gives just a few inches more length which I find more acceptable for an evening dress.  It has a full zip on the back and a flattering 'v' neckline that looked charming with my Happiness Boutique necklace - which I forgot to add when we took these photos - Derrr!!!



A simple plain black bangle and my latest faux leather jacket completed the outfit.  Do have a look at the Vionic collection - they also have a men's selection as well.







***********************************************************************************
Yay thanks for joining me today for the #Chicandstylish #Linkup.


Most favoured blog post from last week is Nancy wearing her Prairie dress from H & M.  I know Nancy has marvellous taste as this outfit shows.  I have the pleated skirt in this pattern, but seeing how lovely this looks I wished I bought the dress instead!  H & M usually carry a theme through their pieces making it hard to make a decision on what to buy - Nancy you get top marks for your pick.
See more from Nancy on her blog Nancy's Fashion Style.

Now let's start linking up.
Here are some guidelines.
Please follow your host on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Link up your fashion and beauty posts below - other topics allowed too!
We all like to get compliments, so please leave a nice comment when visiting a blog or two.
Also leave a link back to Mummabstylish blog page.
You could also share the love on social media.









Chuffed you stopped by today - I'd love you to leave a comment to let me know what you think.
With Spring just around the corner, I'm looking forward to seeing what you're all styling.  Isn't it exciting to see the new season's pieces emerging!
Photos c/o Esther Ruby - thanks Hun. X
Bye for now, catch you back here on Monday. X





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36 comments

  1. I so agree with you Jacqui - why don't more brands make half size shoes!!? Isn't it annoying when you forget an accessory you planned to wear - that's happened to me a few times! You look very glam - I love a lace dress xx Maria
    https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com

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  2. I rarely wear anything else these days but Vionics because they are so comfortable! Lovely dress Jacqui xx

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    1. Great aren't they Laurie, thanks for stopping by. x

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  3. Keepp up the good piece of work, I read few blog posts on this
    site and I believe that your web site is real interesting and has got lots of excellent
    information.

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  4. I really like Vionics too. I have those shoes in black and they do run big but when I tried the smaller size they were too small, a half size would have been ideal.
    I am always questioning my blog, what I'm doing, if I should keep doing it, etc. I guess it's the nature of the beast and we're all in the same boat!
    xo,
    Kellyann
    www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com

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  5. Jacqui, I do agree about blogging. Even more complex now due to this Ad business. I thought I didn't need to add ad as im gifted with no obligation but if we are given a list to select from then there is control by the party and its an Ad, from what i read. Grrrr. I might as well just write Ad at the top of each post but I'm a blogger not an advertiser. I don't earn money from this, its a hobby. signed rather fed up muttonstyle

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  6. You look positively elegant! I love the lacy detail on the dress, the print on your clutch and kitten heels. Too fabulous. As for the blog uncertainty, it's difficult because it requires so much time to be just a hobby, and yet, extremely challenging to make a good buck. Like you, I have to keep talking to myself and remember to be myself and make it about the people!

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  7. Jacqui, I love this outfit so much! That black lace dress with the moto jacket is super sassy! So my kind of style. And the snakeskin accessories really add some extra sass. You can’t go wrong with sass on sass! The kitten heel on the shoes is so perfect, too. And I hear you about questioning all things blogging. But you are right, if you continue doing it for yourself because you love it, then you are on the right path. That’s kind of where I am on this blogging journey as well! And you will always have a follower in me!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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  8. It's the kitten heels that are my faves....still a nice height of heel and so easy to walk in!! This is a beautiful outfit all around Jacqui.
    And we all question ourselves...it's the nature of the business I think!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  9. Those shoes are great aren't they - I have them in the leopard. Half sizes make such a difference. We all have doubts about blogging but it's such a fun and supportive community, I wouldn't want to stop.

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  10. This is such a fabulous outfit...love the leather and lace! If you love what you're doing with the blog then keep on with it! I write for myself and as long as I still love doing it I'll continue.
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.com

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  11. I have a pair of Vionic slides. They are so comfy and chic. I hadn't seen that they also have so chic pumps. They look great. Stunning outfit. Thanks for hosting the party.

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  12. This is a cute look, Jacqui. I like the mixing of textures and the moto jacket over the lace--Nice!

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  13. You look fantastic, Jacqui! I LURVE the dress – it's a me dress for sure lol. The shoes are dreamy too. There's nothing better than a pair of shoes that are so comfortable and stylish at the same time. Gorgeous <3
    Suzy xxx

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  14. I'm a huge fan of Vionic—I have several pairs of their shoes, and they're all so comfy (and stylish too)! I'm glad to see you can get them in the UK too, as they're based here in the Bay Area. Love the snakeskin print too!
    Cheryl Shops | www.cherylshops.net

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  15. Great look Jacqui. Love your lace dress and shoes :) Thanks for hosting.

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  16. What a perfect dress! It fits you so beautifully and I can't believe those shoes are so cute and so good for your feet! win win!

    Virginia | More to Mrs. E

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  17. I love those heels. Easy to walk with and do elegant. And the important thing about blogging is that you enjoy doing it. Don't question yourself, if you have fun writing, reading, editing etc.then it's okay! And what a surprise to be featured!! Thank you very much, I feel honored!

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  18. I love this dress on you and those shoes are so cool. They'll be super cute with jeans!!!

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  19. This dress is very elegant and you look lovely in it, Jacqui
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/

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  20. Hi Jacqui,

    I've been swamped lately and have missed your Linkup! It's nice to be back! You look lovely. Your dress is adorable on you and those kitten heels are so cute!

    I have doubts about this blogging thing all the time. I keep saying, well, I'll give it another 6 months and see if I get any more followers. It's a slow process and we are all hard on ourselves. I just keep blogging I guess cause I enjoy all the hard work! I think I would miss this creative outlet?

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. We are all there. Keep on styling--you look amazing.

    xx Darlene

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  21. You look wonderful Jacqui! I love the all black, the lace and those shoes! I would pick the same style. Love the snakesnkin and that the heel isn't too high, and they sound so comfy! Stylish and comfy are my middle names!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  22. That dress is perfect on you. I love the jacket, it gives it an edge. The snake print is my latest obsession and I love how you incorporated it in this look. :)

    Xx, Nailil
    thirtyminusone.com

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  23. Well nice outfit Jacqui, but I can't be much more help with the rest of your post as I'm going through the same doubt about continuing. Not because of the advertising regulations because I don't promote shopping, although it does seem to have shaken our little community. But I'm with you for all the other reasons you cite. You're coming up to your 3 year blogaversary and I've just had mine and we're at a crossroads. I think we feel with the effort we put in, could we be doing something more useful and enjoyable eh? I'm thinking about just using the platform as a private diary with pictures, because we do write these things for ourselves after all! But I'm scared to throw the baby out with the bathwater as I may miss it so much if I stop.
    So I'm probably throwing oil on to the fire here but I'm in the same place, sorry.
    Hugs, Mary x.
    thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com

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  24. This is such a stylish and chic outfit, Jacqui! I love the dress paired with the jacket and your accessories are gorgeous! I love how the bag complements your shoes so well! I certainly understand what you mean about blogging. Your question of "How do you tackle your uncertainty?" has really resonated with me. I don't actually have the answer to that yet, but it sure is food for thought! Thanks for the link up! Hope you're having a great weekend. XXX

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  25. Firstly, you look super in this outfit and the dress really suits you - I love the hemline too. And second, I think this happens to all bloggers, no matter how long you've been going. I recognise all of those thoughts. I would say, don't give up yet or make any radical changes. Your posts are really good, always chatty and interesting and I bet your readership reflects that. You're always bright and friendly and that can mean such a lot to someone who maybe is stuck at home due to health reasons or perhaps your life resonates with your readers. Who knows why we have the following we do? The main thing is that you still enjoy writing and putting these outfits together. If you fall out of love with it, then you can always take some time out to see how you feel. Good luck!

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  26. You look stunning in that dress, Jacqui and you know how hard it has been for me to look at these pictures!! Sharon xo

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  27. I love those shoes from Vionic! Styled beautifully too. I will join in starting tomorrow xx

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  28. Love the shoes and the dress! I'm guessing that any of us that have blogged for any amount of time have faced similar doubts. I know I have! As you said, I like to go back to my reasons for blogging and see if I'm meeting those needs. If not, what can I do differently? Thanks for linking up on #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I'll share on social media.

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    1. Many thanks for your support Christie - much appreciated. x

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  29. The matching set is gorgeous
    https://www.melodyjacob.com/2019/02/trendy-green-sexy-fitted-green-velvet.html

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  30. Don't get discouraged with your blog Jacqui. Your doing great! I know how it is. I started my travel blog almost a year ago, and it's a lot of work, but it's worth it when you enjoy it. The clothes you present are beautiful, especially the lace dress. I love heels but as a perpetual traveler I have to wear ones that are comfortable and that I can walk in. I love the kitten heels with the leopard print, that you showed. I'd have to get a wider heel for walking on the streets in Europe. Enjoyed your post, and I look forward to reading more.

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  31. Vionic shoes are so comfortable! I tried a few different styles at the Blogosphere festival. The arch support is fantastic for battered feet like mine. They sent me a pair of trainers but in the wrong size so I'm now eagerly awaiting them in the correct size :-) The classic snake print looks fabulous with the black lace dress! And please don't quit blogging...we all have those doubts, just focus on how far you've come and what you've achieved. If it's not you full time job there shouldn't be any pressure. You're doing a brilliant job. What we need is a blogger meet up...that always boosts motivation!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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  32. Your photos look fantastic !!!

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