A New Teddy Blake Bag - Chic & Stylish Linkup

Hi there. 

Hope you’re all okay. 

Apologies again for a late post, life is so busy at the moment and I’m finding it hard to get everything finished!

In-between seeing the grandkids, going to my gym classes, doing my housework and ironing/cleaning the AirBnb I’ve been looking after my son’s dog. We’ve got Hallie for a week and it’s been lovely. She’s such a good dog and like most doggies doesn’t want much. I’ve been walking her every day which has been really nice. That’s one of the things I’ve missed since losing my little Candy and Roxy but I’m still not replacing them any time soon. Dogs are such a tie aren’t they!

I met an old friend today, she emigrated to Oz about 17 years ago and although I’ve seen her twice since she left it was lovely to catch up again. We went to a local pub with some other friends and had a super lunch washed down with a glass of spritz. Time soon ran away with us and we had to draw the lunch to a close before all of us headed off in different directions but I have to admit our chats were just like old days and ran smoothly as if we’d never changed! I had a delicious Caesar Salad which was just the right amount, I always cook in the evenings so didn’t want to have two meals! That would be greedy and would have filled me uncomfortably up!

Let’s talk bags. I have plenty hanging in my wardrobe but am always partial to a new style and this beauty touched a nerve, a nice one and I had to have it!

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

Relaxing in a maxi dress.

Hi there. 

How’s your world turning?

Hope you’ve had a good weekend, went too fast didn’t it!

Although I didn’t do much it was lovely. 

I’d planned to have a BBQ yesterday but the weather had other ideas! We ended up having a family roast which was brilliant. Having been on my keto diet for a few months therefore potatoes and other carbs have been off the menu (unless I’d cheated) so it was a delicious addition to have a couple of roasties along with a Yorkshire pudding with my roast chicken dinner. It’s been ages since all the family go together and although last minute everyone except my son and his family came round. It was a mad house though as the kids couldn’t really play outside (however they did at times)! Do you have big family gatherings? The best times aren’t they!

I was talking about how to slow down a busy life on Instagram last week. How do you like to relax and unwind?

Taking a walk in the countryside works for me when I’m a bit het-up and stressed, so last week and a busy few days I took myself off for a little stroll in this stunning dress. Swishing and swaying in this beauty did make me happy as the photos show. ☺️

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

Bright Pink Boots & Bag - Chic & Stylish Linkup.

Dear readers,

Thanks for joining me today.

How's the new month going? Busy again for me and the baby is due this weekend so I’m sure within the next few weeks I won’t know if I’m coming or going! Emily has got everything ready and we’ve decided to change my dressing room to another very small bedroom so she can have another space to use if she needs it. Her new build is in touching distance to being finished with most of the painting done, electrics fitted bar a couple of lights, the kitchen is due to be fitted at the end of the month as are the bathrooms & tiling - with carpets and flooring installed next week so before long there’ll be moving home and leaving me for the second time .. well that’s how it feels to me! I want them to have their new home and enjoy all the extra space, which has all the new fittings - but I know I’ll miss them all so much especially Max, he’s very much a proper little boy complete with a cheeky character to boot!  He’s only going to be down the road and hopefully will be of an age that he’s happy to come and stay with us, but at the moment he’s very much a Mummy & Daddy’s boy … let’s hope the new baby goes down well! 🤔

As I mentioned above my dressing room will be repurposed to a bedroom so photo opportunities might be a bit intermittent in the next couple of weeks, please bear with me my friends. I’ve taken some lovely photos over the past couple of days albeit drizzly weather, but still quite bright. Fingers crossed the weather will stay similar to this for the foreseeable future. 

I thought I might as well show you an outfit I wore yesterday. It’s a casual style and it’s a new way of dressing for me, colour wise I usually keep with similar shades, but here I wanted to mix pastels with brighter tones, let me know what you think. 

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

 

Wearing a Jenerique London Floral Dress.

Good morning. 

How’s your weekend gone?

Mine has flown by as per usual, it seems one minute it’s Friday evening and the weekend is stretched out in front of me and the next it’s Monday morning. But on the plus side it does mean I get to spend it with you!

Now don’t get too excited but ‘news flash’ I actually went out on Saturday night! I know, I know out two weeks in a row! It’s been ages but worth the wait. We celebrated St. Patricks day with four friends in our local pub. The drinks were flowing as were the laughs. I even had two or three shots of baby Guinness! Which were delicious and very ‘moorish’ so as you can imagine it was a slow day on Sunday with me not wanting to get out of bed to go watch my granddaughter play football. I’m pleased I did because it made me feel so much better and even though they didn’t win, Amelia managed to get another hatrick! Very proud Nan moment I can say. Home to a roast dinner for … wait for it … three! Yes not the usual riotous Sunday dinner and somewhat quieter than normal & all finished by a reasonable 4pm!! It was nice to have a bit more evening so I could slump in the chair and catch a few zzzz’s .. lol!

I’ve been starting to think about Spring weddings and special occasions and wanted the share this beautiful floral with you, even though I’ve not got any weddings this year, but if I had this would be top of my list! Do you have any events that this style might be suitable for?

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

Reviewing 3 Dresses from Matalan - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there.

How's it going?

I'm a tad excited as tomorrow I'm off the the French Alps for a weekend skiing.  I'm only going to be actually skiing on Saturday and Sunday and the other two days I'll be travelling.  It does seem a long way to go for only two days but if you know how much I LOVE to ski you'll know it'll be 100% worth it.

So with that being said, it's a short and sweet post today, I'm going to show you a trio of sweet dresses.  All from Matalan, and all suitable for special occasions you may have coming up.  I'm still on the hunt for a dress for the wedding I'm going to in June after sharing the two last week one being a non-starter and the other a possibility. These three are all fabulous, but not quite what I'm after for wedding guest!

March Review.

Morning everyone.

How are you?

April already, and I hope the old saying "April Showers" doesn't ring true, we've had so much rain already I want the sun now!  I've got some new skirts that I want to start wearing and I want to get out of my boots and into shoes too.

This week I've got to pack for my long weekend to Valmoral.  I know exactly what I'm taking so it won't be too much fuss - I just need to get into the loft to retrieve the ski gear I put away after the last trip, I didn't anticipate getting away again, so it's been a nice surprise. 

 

David and I like to take a packed lunch picnic with us for the drive down, so I'll be making rolls the night before and packing a few treats to enjoy on the drive.  I'm also going to take a flask of coffee to have on the Eurotunnel crossing, save getting something on the train, although we'll have rest stops as we go so will get fresh drinks and any snacks there.

It's the beginning of the month, so time to share my looks from last month with you.

Welcome to my March Review.

Talking of coffee, at the start of March I shared a new gilet with you and wore a latte inspired outfit to run some chores.  Do pop back for a quick read about my look - it's one I feel at home in and wear quite often. 

Style not Age - Spring Sweaters

Hi there everyone.

Glad you could stop by today.

You're just in time to see what the Style not Age collective have been creating from the prompt set by

Anna.

She made it easy for us with the challenge ....

Spring Sweaters.

Let me tell you a bit about my week.  I took charge of my Giveaway prize on Friday.  I was lucky enough to win a stylish lounge suit from Asquith London and I'm revelling in the comfiness of the two pieces - do pop over to IG to see them.  

Saturday night we managed to have drinks and food al fresco with our good friends - it was rather chilly so not a late and raucous night we would usually have - that will come, my friends that will come! 🤭

Another two birthday's celebrated over the weekend with my daughters on Friday and daughter-in-law's on Sunday - all celebrated outside I'm pleased to say but was bloody cold though!  There's another two this week and then a bit of a lul until the next three-in-a-row!!!  (I told you it was an expensive couple of months - lol) 

Styling a Cut-Out Blouse - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Good morning my friends.
Thanks for stopping by today.
What are your plans for the weekend?
Nothing much lined up for Mummabstylish this weekend, it's quite daunting to think of nothing happening at the weekend paired with horrible wet weather isn't it!  Bring back the sunshine please 🥺

Before the summer runs out I thought I'd better share this cute little cotton cut-out top with you.  I'd seen another blogger wearing an eye catching beauty and wanted to find my own - alas I couldn't find the right top (it was sold out) and found this pretty white cotton top was a good substitute.

July Review.

Morning my lovely friends.
How's was your weekend?

Can you believe it's August and we've still got the 'C' word hanging over us - like a big ugly headache that won't go away.  I'm keeping myself to myself and haven't ventured into any bars or restaurants - I don't want the hassle that might go with it. I don't want a two week lock-down as a result.  I know some places are and some aren't taking details, but it'd be just my luck to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I've shopped in town a couple of times, but honestly felt quite anxious when I did so won't be doing that too often.  Are you going out yet or happy to stay safe indoors?
One thing I am happy, really happy about.  I was lucky enough to be featured in Platinum Magazine.  I'm so impressed with the features and there's so much to read - hope you'll pick up a copy.

JJ's House, Pleats & Lace - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there my friends.
What's keeping you sane?
I'm getting my zest back for blogging, my enthusiasm always ebbs when I don't have any photos to use, but having met up with my god-daughter for a socially distanced shoot recently I've an abundance of photos to share with you and my juices are flowing.
Back in June my son was due to get married, but with the current situation this bloody Coronavirus had other plans so the wedding has been postponed - fingers crossed it will go ahead!  I've now to find a suitable dress for the in-between season of October.

Are you familiar with JJ's House  I've shared a couple of collaborations with them in the past which you can see here - in a bright pink two piece and here - sharing this elegant velvet dress.

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

Double Denim - Don't Care! - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my lovely friends.
Apologies for no post last Monday! Busy family times, and not one iota of inspiration is my defence your honor - lol
How are you all?
How scary to think it's nearly the longest day.  Being shut away these past couple of months has been very weird!  It's affected everyone in different ways I can't wait for it to be over.  With the reopening of a variety of non-essential shops and services I feeling quite positive about the next few weeks and what changes I can take advantage of.  Fashion shops will be open which makes me feel very happy, I can not wait to get shopping, and after all we need the economy to get up and running don't we!
I've got some birthday money to spend and have a long list of necessities.  Well to me they are much needed. 
You know I've taken up running so need some new leggings as mine are too big and start falling down when I jog, so I spend most of the run trying to pull them up - not a pretty sight!  I've seen a couple of pairs in my local Matalan, but online were sold out, I'll be popping in to see what they have and hope they might have gone in the sale! 😉
Back to my outfit today, these are very much available online.
You might recall I wore them last week when I shared these brilliant sandals from Vandal Shoes.  I hummed and arrhed whether to shorten them or not - I decided to go-for-it so chopped a good five inches off the bottom.  I pulled at the hem to make them fray which made them look older!  I'm really pleased with the outcome & having worn them two more times since their last outing they've become a firm favourite for the foreseeable future.  Now having said that I love to wear dresses!  But they just aren't all that practical are they, especially when picking up the grand-kids and crawling about on the floor with them. ha ha 🤣
Today I've gone down the double denim route.  How often do you hear "you shouldn't wear double denim" ?  Well I for one don't care!  It looks okay don't you think and it saves having to look for a suitable alternative jacket eh?  I like the fact it's not actually matching denim, the colours are different so It's not a complete suit is it.

Shades of Grey.

Dear friends.
Let me start by saying I hope you are all staying safe and well.  In these uncertain times we need to draw upon the strength of family, friends and loved ones all the more.  I'm so fortunate to have a wonderful family around me, and we all lean upon each other at different times.  I hope you are lucky enough to have such wonderful people around you. Let's pray this awful situation doesn't last long and we are back to some sort of 'normal' very soon. X
After having a rather unusual start to the week, as not only was I supposed to be away in Valmorel skiing but my daughter and family moved in with me lock, stock and barrel!  With another daughter self isolating due to suffering with Asthma, its be quite an emotional few days.  I felt yesterday's post was an unnecessary worry that I didn't need, so didn't even attempt it.  Today I'm feeling slightly more settled & feel continuing with blogging will take my mind off the situation - anything positive is a great help eh?

Let's try and lighten the mood, you may have seen me styling a pair of culottes recently.  I paired them twice with pale pink and also with lemon.
With so many other options to chose from I've had fun creating more styles. Plenty of you suggested 'all grey' pieces and that's what I went with today - shades of grey.

Grey Wide Legs with Red & Black - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning all.
How are you?  I'm currently enjoying my days on my skiing holiday, throwing myself down a snow covered mountain, stuffing my face with Italian pasta and prosecco along with enjoying some apres ski.  I'll share with you next week if I took my new camera with me and if I got any great shots!

I'm at a turning point with my winter wear, and don't want to buy anymore bits until the new Spring season clothes arrive.  I'm interested to see what will be top colours and styles for 2020 - I feel us bloggers pay a big part in pushing trends forward and have our own take with what's on offer - maybe dictate what's fashionable!
With that said, I'm not actually sharing anything new-in or cutting edge with you today - just an outfit style I'm happy to wear most days when I'm just popping out and about & are fed up with wearing jeans.  Wide leg trousers have always been a favourite of mine and having already shared my black version with you last Thursday I might as well flaunt another pair in front of you! Ha ha!

Camel Coat from Sosandar.

Morning all.
How are you my lovely friends?
I'm getting my bag ready to go skiing, I've got all my ski gear sorted and the only thing I need is a pair of goggles.  My old ones are well used and last year I knew I needed a new pair because they literally came apart - this doesn't help at all as they steam up making vision nigh impossible.  When I went to Valmorel last year it did prove tricky at times, but I survived the weekend and promised to get some new ones for my next trip.  I've spotted these on Amazon which I might get before I go, otherwise with plenty of local shops selling ski wear I'll buy some out in Italy.

Did you catch my Style Steal last Thursday?  I've been all over the show with my blogging over the Christmas and New year period & I'm really looking forward to getting back to normal and posting a new Style Steal once a month every third Monday - hope you'll stop by to join me, also keep sharing your lovely outfits as I get so much inspiration from you!
Esther and I had a fun afternoon taking photos last Thursday, the weather was very bleak and dreary with grey skies and rain in the air.  I know Esther will bring out the best in the shots, I just hope my outfits keep up their side of the bargain - lol.

Today I thought I'd better show you one of my Christmas presents.  I've wanted to add to my coat collection for ages, and actually have wanted a camel coat for years!  Neutral caramel shades are a 'must' for us all, and I bet lots of you have a camel coat lurking in your wardrobe somewhere!  You might recall I drop a few loads of hints prior to the big day in hope that I get exactly what I want (not that I'm fussy you understand). 🤣 So let's see if it worked!
Err ... shall I get back to the coat?  I have been seeing an awful lot about Sosandar on social media recently and wanted to find out for myself just what all the hype was about.  You can find out what I think about my latest coat further on .....

Hang in there!

Hi there fellow over fifty bloggers.
Did you notice my April Fools Day joke?  Well it wasn't really a joke but I missed posting on Monday!  Due mainly to a really busy weekend of fun and enjoyment.
Friday I was out all day and dancing in the evening, Saturday I was busy getting food ready for the evening get-together along with having brunch with the family.  We celebrated Mother's Day a day early at a local restaurant.  I got some lovely sentimental and meaningful cards, beautiful flowers and a classic knitted Co-Ord set that I'd been dreaming about - will be posting that in the next couple of weeks, it's ticking all my boxes so I can't wait to share it with you. Finally on Sunday I attended a wedding,  it was truly an emotional, memorable and beautiful day - I was totally worn out and gave into the fact I couldn't blog and shouldn't beat myself up that I wouldn't be posting on Monday - please forgive me being AWOL - It won't happen again!

Do you remember my leopard outfit last week, it was just hanging together and looked great, well another mixture caught my eye too, very similar but after the liberating feeling I had when producing my latest Style not Age creation my self confidence oozed so another mixed pattern has taken shape!

Check trousers from Krisp.

Hiya, how are you over fifty bloggers doing?
How's your Christmas shopping going?  Are you an 'I've got everything already' or 'I'm leaving it until Christmas Eve' person?  Me... I'm somewhere in between!  I've bought a few pieces already, but still have a mountain of presents to decide on, buy and wrap, although I'm making a concerted effort to get most of them done this week, I hate struggling nearer the time and vow every year not to put myself through a difficult run up to the festive period.  I'll keep you posted how I get on!

Tartan, check or plaid, whatever you call it, it's in fashion!  Everyone is wearing it in some form or another!  So I was pleased to receive these grey check trousers from Krisp recently.

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

Monochrome with my blue pleated skirt - #chicandstylish #linkup

Hi there, how you over fifty bloggers doing?

Do you recall I shared the fact I'd been dieting?  I've actually been on the Ketogenic Diet, now I know some of you will say it's not a good diet, but honestly it's the only one I've lost this much weight on.  It really is down to changing one's mindset.  I've been raised having carbs with every meal, sometimes carbs on carbs!  But all this stopped a few months ago and I'm really pleased with the results.  There's plenty out there on the web to point the right direction, with substitute recipes for almost everything.  This evening I had shepherds pie, the mash switched to cauliflower mash smothered with cheese.  I can still have the odd G & slimline T, and really the only things I've missed is a curry, rice & the odd prosecco!  I did have a cheat meal last Saturday and relished the takeaway I'd been hankering after.  So whilst I carry on finding these tasty meals and shed some more pounds I can feel happier & slimmer in my clothes and any that are too big I can enjoy shopping for new ones - win, win!! 😉


On Monday I featured my Style Steal, sharing a copied look from my blogging friend Anna.  Let me know what you thought of my bright version of her vibrant ensemble - I love hearing from you.
I mentioned I'd got another style waiting in the wings for my blue pleated skirt and here it is...

My monochromatic outfit was easy to style from picks in my wardrobe and fortunately the separates matched perfectly.  With the drape of the blue and white scarf I was good to go!

Cropped leg trousers at a bargain price!

Hello there, how are you?

I'm really, really getting excited now as at the weekend we have a big family wedding to attend.  Everything is finally in place now - the outfit is ready and waiting, make-up lady booked, spray tan arranged, hair trimmed and nails ready nearly varnished.  Praying for fine weather - so I'm outside doing the 'sun dance' as we speak!  Lol

Talking about the weather, I'm starting to take notice of the possible change of season!  With Autumn fashion not only starting to trickle into the stores, but is beginning to invade social media sites with some promising ideas floating about.  I for one have fallen head over heels (excuse the pun) for the peep toe boots I see everywhere.  I'm hoping to make them an addition to my wardrobe soon, it's just a case of finding the right ones!
But look what I did find in my local F & F store today - are you liking the wide legged trouser of the cropped variety?
Having to be really careful as to where on the leg these finish, an inch is the difference between a chic, polished outfit looking like you've out-grown your trousers!
I've been very undecided with these, and took a chance before the blighters could get away - so glad I did because they are really a fun, fashion item that's going to look great with so much already hanging in my wardrobe.  These are actually navy, but are looking decidedly black in the photos!
Today being paired with cream - and what's not to love about a lace top?  Elegant and stylish don't you think?
Recently seeing the lovely Mary from the Pouting Pensioner sharing her outfit that involved leg lengthening nude court shoes I adopted the same mind set and donned my own!

 
How about the ribbon choker?  A cheap trick don't you think?  Especially when it may belong  to one of your daughters friends!!

I'm going to have to let you all into my little secret ... the cropped leg wear costing an astounding £5 - so glad they found there way into my trolley yesterday!

Trousers from F & F.
Lace top from Next.
Nude court shoes from Lotus shoes.
Bag from Lotus shoes.

Looking forward to seeing you on Monday, I'll be sharing with you all a few photos from the wedding.

I'm off to get my nails beautifully polished, grab my confetti and a few tissues - there's bound to be a few tears on Saturday - firstly from me when I say "I remember when you were born" and then from my nephews when I say "give auntie a kiss" 💋 He he he. !!!

Thanks to Emily for taking these photos.

Catch you Monday peeps. X

Linking with Fake it until you Make it. Thursday Fashion Files, Not dressed as Lamb. The weekend blog hop!.