Style Steal - #chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there lovelies.  What are you up to?
I feeling rather pleased with myself at the moment.  You see I'm following a diet and so far have lost a stone!!  I'm so shocked because I've never really managed to lose any weight on a diet.  Does this sound familiar, start the diet on Monday, do really well and stick to it until Friday - then it goes downhill with takeaways, prosecco, dinner out, prosecco and a big family roast dinner with more prosecco! 😂 Then I wonder why I've not lost any weight!!!  It's so obvious - you literally 'are what you eat'.  Trouble is I LOVE MY FOOD!  Now this diet I'm following is not actually difficult, you just have to stop eating and drinking the things you aren't allowed and eat what you should - it's not brain science, lol. It's all about accepting a different mind-set.
Anyway - so far so good and I'm chuffed pink with my clothes feeling looser and looking much better! I'll keep you posted how the diet goes.

Okay back to today's Style Steal.  It should have been presented Monday, but I decided to push it back by a few days, due to not having photos ready to use - Opps! Which reminds me I've still to use my voucher for a photography course!

Another way with my Red pleated skirt.

Hi there.

I'm very slowly getting back to normal and can't believe how a cold can knock you for six!
I came down with this unwanted ailment last week after retuning home on a high from skiing.  I managed to get all the washing done, except some ski gear and had even managed a cycle class!  then it all went to pot.  I knew I was getting something, but hadn't guessed the severity.  I wouldn't say I had the flu, but certainly was suffering a very bad cold that did necessitate me to stay in bed for a couple of mornings - dragging myself up to then just lay on the sofa - yes that bad!

I'm usually a very 'well' person, always seems to avoid the coughs, colds, and upset tummies that make the rounds most years, so when I am struck down I hate it!
I hate having no energy, no oomph to get things done, not wanting to eat and feeling tired - it's just not me and I'm glad to see the back of it!

MummaB - Style Steal.

Hi there, are you ready for another Style Steal?
I really hope you've been tuning into my monthly over fifty Style Steal, there's some great bloggers out there and I'm only too pleased to share them with you - maybe giving you some inspiration of styles you can duplicate.
You can view the past months offerings here:
October featuring Nancy,
September featuring Emma,
August featuring Rachel
July featuring Catherine.

Then let's wait no longer, here's November's number.

As soon as I saw this outfit I knew it was my sort of thing.  I really wanted to find something similar, so set about finding my 'steal'.   Only having two of the items in my wardrobe I had to search for the main attraction and search I did.  It didn't take me long to find a near copy of this Target jumpsuit.

Throw back Thursday - Sharing my Dresses.

Morning, how are you?

All good here with this over fifty fashion blogger.  Getting prepared for my week away, so trying (not very well) to get on top of the washing and ironing.  Sorting out what to take, what I need and what frivolous additions I can get away with (baggage weight and space permitting)!
I know to add a couple of pashminas or scarfs - they seem to be top of the list for being respectful, plus a couple of swimsuits, shorts and tops, oh and a few dresses & jumpsuits then the rest will have to follow as I start packing.

So I thought I'd take you on a little trip down memory lane to visit some of my favourite outfits from the past few months.

5Over50 Style challenge - Amazing Lace.

Good morning and a big welcome to everyone visiting today.
You've found me on the fifth addition of the 5 Over 50 challenge, & it just so happens to be my turn to set the challenge, I have to add I'm very impressed with their astounding offerings. Thanks girls you've all embraced my choice with style and variety.

5 Over 50
This month I've thrown down the gauntlet - challenging the ladies with Amazing Lace!
Are you a fan or lace or is it something you'd avoid like the plague?
I obviously love a bit lot of lace and have quite a few garments in my wardrobe that I could have used for this test, but settled on a black lace dress.

I picked this up in TK Maxx a few weeks ago - knowing it would fit my challenge perfectly.
the cross-over detail on the bust is flattering with wide straps covering enough shoulder to look good.  I'm happy with the lack of sleeve, I tend to get too hot atm so this style keeps me cool, should I need warming up, a cute little bolero or my cream cover-up from Bonmarche would do the trick nicely.

I love the length of the dress, midi styles suit me well.  Anything sitting below the knee/middle of the shin makes an outfit look very sophisticated and chic - striking for nearly all of us!
You can see my dress has an inner lining that finishes above the overall length making a see-through panel which I quite like.

I've worn these sandals a few times before and they are most definitely "car to bar" footwear!  These Zara sandals are suede & have a stylish ankle strap and three buckle detail across the top.  I feel slinky in these shoes, but I'm not sure I'd be dancing in them!

I've got plenty of necklaces that would fit the bill and look stunning, but I felt happy with this
mid-length bead - this has a slight glint to it - just enough to a little interest without over-powering my look.

This padded evening bag mixes well with my outfit. I like the fact you can have the bag hanging on the chic chain or it you tuck it inside a clutch has evolved.
Until I manage to get a Chanel bag 😏 this is satisfying my yearning for now!

Lets see what Gail, Laurie, Anna and Hilda have to share today........

Here's Gail the founder of 5Over50 & you can find her blog site here.  For today's challenge Gail is sporting a near all black ensemble, giving her outfit a dark and mysterious mood.  I hope that graveyard wasn't too scary for taking shots in Gail!  Catch more from Is This Mutton? here on Instagram.

Meet Anna from Anna's Island Style, she's harbouring a fun frilly and lacy look in her cream skirt and pretty 3d floral top, love this colour too Anna.  Find more from Anna on her Ig account.
You'll be greeted by her unique style and fabulous beach shots!

Laurie is looking lovely and elegant in her black & white outfit.  Catch more of her classic style on her blog, you'll be enchanted by her style and flair in effortlessly polished outfits.
Follow Laurie on Instagram here.

Finally introducing Hilda from Over the Hilda, her blog not only features fashion, but includes topics such as health and well being issues along with random thoughts and rants - check out her latest post about one of my favourite subjects ... Gin!
See more from Hilda on her instagram account.
Love that dress Hilda, those lace sleeves are so pretty and very flattering.
Welcome to 5Over 50, hope you have fun with these challenges.

Thanks girls for sharing your styles & for completing my challenge with grace and ease (at least I hope it was both of these things for you).  You all look stunning in Amazing Lace.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you've found some ideas from me and the girls .... I think we've proved you can wear lace in any outfit.

If you missed the previous challenges, you can view them here:
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue,
Marvellous Metallics,
50 Shades of Monochromatic,
Orange is the new Black.

My photos taken by Esther Ruby, great effort - I really appreciate all that you do. X

Bye for today - see you Thursday. X

Linking with Iwillwearwhatilike/StyleNudge/Meadowtreestyle/StyleSplash/ClaireJustine/StraightAStyle/The MummyChronicles

An alternative to a Christmas dress.

Morning.

Middle of the week already, and we're charging along into the festive period at speed.  I'm trying my hardest to jump on that train - where I can hang off grabbing cards, presents, food and drink that I'll be needing in the not too distant future!  Every year I try very hard to be one of those people who say by about the first of December "they're done" or "just one more present to buy", and every year I fail miserably.  You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be buying last minute bits and pieces on Christmas Eve, wrapping in the small hours after an afternoon/evening out, preparation of the turkey, veg, pate and setting the table through very bleary eyes - it's okay I know I'm not alone, lots of you will be doing it!  Why won't we learn lol!

Today I'm showing how you can wear black trousers and a stylish blouse instead of a dress to almost any festive occasion, obviously there are events when a dress is called for, but on the less formal parties and outings trousers are agreeable to many of us - giving comfort along with style and class.  They can be paired with all sorts of tops and blouses, shoes and boots.  Here's how I've styled mine.

Starting with these straight leg pants from Dorothy Perkins, for a steal at £16, these will set you up for Christmas, New Year and a host of other formal to casual events to either dress up or down.
I've chosen this beautiful black and gold blouse from Debenhams,  It's from the petite section by Ben de Lisi, and has a gold foil leaf detailing over the black chiffon blouse.  On offer now for a cool £24.50, but you're going to look hot in it!
Teaming this look with black patent court shoes, these are old favourites from Nine West in Debenhams, you simply can't go wrong with a black patent shoe, so worth splashing out for a comfortable pair that will last not only this season but many more!

 Such a beautiful location right on my doorstep - how lucky am I? 

Such a clever photographer my god-daughter is.  Capturing some amazing shots, however note to self - make sure you paint your nails next time, lol!

Favouring this Forever 21 Chanel style clutch bag. Check this out for a mere £9.99 here.  Great idea for a stocking filler for your daughter, sister, mum or your aunt!  Coming in two other colours maybe a cheeky present from you to you for this price!

Photographs c/o Esther Ruby Photography.

 How do you like the neck detail, very fashionable now choker style, and very flattering!
You can't really tell in these shots, but the pattern is gold leaf print and does shimmer in the light.

Black court shoes - perfect for almost any outfit. 

Linking with High Latitude Style.

Cheerio from an over fifty fashion blogger. Enjoy your Wednesday.  X

                   Jacqui B.