April Review.

Hi there,

Happy Bank Holiday Monday, it’s May Day in the UK. 

I’ve had a super weekend again, filled with family, fun, fizz and laughter. The weather played ball with warmer temperatures and some sunshine, sprinkled with a little bit of rain that the garden needed, but as soon as it arrived it was gone again. 

No plans for today. After a hectic couple of days I plan to do very little. I don’t think we’ll venture into town as it always gets so busy, especially if the weather’s fine. Have you anything exciting to do today?

It’s the first Monday of the month, so time to look back on April for the review. 

Do let me know what your favourite post was, I’ve featured a mixture of styles and admit finding it hard to pick the best. 

Welcome to the April Review. 

First post was based around a new knit I didn’t know I needed until it arrived. It was a purchase from Vinted and it’s a piece of the fashion jigsaw that completed loads of looks. Here I framed the M&S fine knit top, which has short sleeves with some old pink jeans, my recent purchase from Primark brought together with a pretty silky scarf. Head over to read all about my week at the beginning of the month here. 

Polka Dots with Style not Age.

Hello my friends. 

Hope you are okay. 

Last Monday of the month means the ladies gather together for the Style not Age challenge. 

This month’s prompt fell into the hands of Emma and she’s given us the topical challenge of … Polka Dots. 

I don’t have much in the way of spots in my wardrobe the only item I can really think of is a red and white spotty scarf. So I had to go looking and found this fab jumpsuit in Peacocks that looks stunning on. It’s one of those outfits you can dress up with heels and a fancy necklace for a night out or add flats or comfy sandals with a daytime bag and you’ve got an outfit suitable for a stroll to the club or family bbq. 

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

August Review.

Good morning everyone, great to have you here!

Welcome to September too!

I still can’t believe it’s the beginning of Autumn, we don’t seem to have had any Summer really!

This weekend has been hard work, David and I painted the whole of the outside of our new build. We want to get to the next phase which will be taking the scaffolding down and it’s within touching distance! All that’s left to do is put a couple of tiles on the tile hanging area along with some lead work and get the guttering and drainpipe put in place. So this weekends painting really seems like we’ve reached a milestone! Mind you I felt completely whacked out. I’m proud of the seriously difficult positions I got myself into - hanging from scaffolding and balancing on steps I’ve really quite surprised myself. It looks amazing and both David and I are rather pleased with what we’ve done. Do stop by Mummabbuilds_ to see more of our achievements. 

Remember I told you I ventured into town last week? Well I came home with a couple of nice pieces and was really happy with what was in the stores AND we have a new shop opened in the city along with a new restaurant (The Ivy) which is being constructed as we speak! I’m excited to try it out as soon as it opens after visiting one in London a few months ago. 

The new clothing and jewellery shop  - Oliver Bonas has taken up residence in the city centre and it was lovely to have a browse in the store and spotted loads of bits I wanted to take home with me, I’ll be sharing one I nearly bought on IG soon, be sure to look out for it. 

As it’s the first Monday of the month, it’s time to draw your chair up and grab a cuppa for a look back on what I wore and did last month for the …

August Review. 

Stripes are making headlines this season so this dress will be a winner for next month & beyond - maybe with another layer or two and some closed in trainers. Do have a peak back here and let me know what you think about this summery look. 

Styling a Stripey Dress - Chicandstylish Linkup

Wow, welcome August!

How on earth did that happen?  Way over half way through the year, we'll be talking about Christmas soon!

How's your week been? Mine's having a bit of a lull after a busy few weeks, I really need it though.

I went shopping with a friend on Monday, but have to say I was really underwhelmed by the shops in my local city of Canterbury.  So many stores have closed down making way for restaurants and eateries along with charity shops (nothing wrong with CS I might add) but all the big stores have gone from our town centres making it more like a ghost town.  M & S did have some lovely pieces (this skirt is on my wish list) and Fenwicks had lots of lovely dresses, sandals and shoes but with hefty price tags attached to them!

Needless to say I didn't come home with anything, but will be checking the skirt out online it’s got a cute little top to match it and I'll see what else they have to offer for home delivery too!

Today I’m actually going out with my mum and sister. We’re going to Hempstead House for lunch. I’ll let you know how it goes my friends. 

Today I’ll show a dress I bought when I popped out for a card!

Style not Age - This Old Thing!

Hello and welcome to the blog.

How's you week gone?

They seem to be flying by for me, I only seem to blink and it's Monday again!

Had another super family filled weekend.  It's was my eldest's birthday on St Georges Day (Saturday) and she had a little gathering of about 50 people.  It was lovely to all be together which has been much miss I can tell you. It ended up quite a late night for me, but totally worth it although we missed a lift home and had to walk (took twice as long as we were both a bit tipsy .. ha ha).

Have you managed a large family event yet?

As you can imagine Sunday was a slow day and I decided to not cook a big dinner.  Yes you guessed what we ate ... an Indian - my absolute favourite, followed by chocolate - I just had to finish the rest of my Easter Egg, I just need them gone!

I had little Max to look after but he was, as usual, as good as gold.

So do you remember me telling you I was going on a one-2-one photography course?  It was for three hours on Friday in Canterbury.  I didn't know what to expect, but took along my camera - making sure I remembered my SD card and that the battery was full.  The course started at 10 am and I met up with the lovely Tania by The Marlowe Theater.  We went back to her flat where she explained all sorts of details about exposure compensation, focus, camera settings and things like making the background blurry.  I can honestly say I couldn't remember everything that Tania told me, but she has since sent a brief summary of what she taught me along with general notes for the one day digital course. I will be doing lots of studying over the next few weeks.  I set the camera up for hubby to take photos (I'm sharing those on Thursday) and today's were the second lot he took - still not 100% but I feel it's a work in progress and as they say Rome wasn't built in a day was it?  I've just been working on one setting so far and feel it will be better to start on one thing and really learn that before trying anything else - any pointers greatly appreciated. X

Anyway back to the blog, it's the last Monday of the month which means it's time for me and the ladies from Style Not Age to share our takes on the prompt that Gail presented us with ....

...This Old thing!

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

Styling my Karen Millen Dupes.

Morning all, hope you've had a good weekend.
I've had a super one.  I had a catch up with my best friend on Friday and was surprised when she arrived with a big plate of tomato & mozzarella sprinkled with olive oil, salt & pepper - what a treat!  Chuffed she'd read my blog on Thursday about her tasty homegrown tomatoes. X

Yesterday we had all the family gathered for a big Sunday roast, we cooked leg of lamb with roast potatoes and all manor of vegetables.  My daughter supplied the desserts - mouth watering Biscoff cheesecake and Nutella brownies - yum, yum!  We also made room for cheese and biscuits - I literally couldn't move all evening and vowed to cut down through-out the week - let's see how that pans out - lol!

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.

Style not Age - Jewel Brights.

Hi there my friends.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and welcome to you all.
I'm literally just back from my weeks skiing in Sestriere.  Oh it's been fun, and I'm thrilled at how much I did - WITHOUT struggling with fitness, seems my spin classes have really paid off!
We've had so many laughs, perfect skiing conditions and lots of yummy food.  I've eaten way too many carbs, and drunk my fair share of prosecco.  Back to the diet me thinks, but not before a cheeky curry and a few brandy & cokes!!!


Today is the first Style not Age post of 2020 featuring my wonderful, style soaked friends Emma, Anna & Hilda.  Please do click on the links to visit their sites - if you've not visited them before there's plenty to feast your eyes on!
Anna had the job of setting this challenge - Jewel Brights - it's been erm .... interesting to say the least! 
As with many of our previous posts I had to google the topic and happily found what I'd been imagining in my head - an array of gleaming, lustrous tones that look opulent and regal.

How pretty is this F & F mustard dress?

Morning.
Thanks for joining this over fifty blogger today - Sharing a dress with you today, and a very nice one at that!
Whilst shopping in Tesco the other day, I just had to have a browse in F & F, like you do, and found this darling little dress.  I wanted a midi in a light colour, but saw & settled on this one instead. Well I couldn't turn down the colour of the year!  Mustard is one of my favourites at the moment, so as it was covered in dainty little blue, red and white flowers I liked what I saw and bought it along with my dinner ingredients!

Take one pleated skirt - Look I #chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there people - how's it going?
September is in full swing with a festive feel seeping in.  Well the weather has turned and the shops have started adding Christmas cards and wrapping paper to their shelves, yes really!
By the lack of comments on Monday's blog post about my new jumper, I figured it was a big fail & as I didn't like it either I took it back, let's see how today's #ootd fares.

Guess what I bought the other day?
I bought another pleated skirt, I just couldn't resist the colour - it was calling me!  Pleated skirts are so bloody flattering for anyone, screaming sophistication and elegance for whoever wears them.
I've got a handful already, and am so glad I added to my collection - this blue number is a keeper!

I love the feel of this pleated skirt all delicate, soft and flimsy,  I always feel very ladylike when I wear them, especially when it's with nice heels and a cute top.  Although just as good with pumps and a casual jean jacket too.

Style Steal - White, Denim & Tan, what better mix?

Hi there lovelies.
Thanks for stopping by.  Can you believe it's the middle of the year already?  Only a few days before we have our longest day!  I always feel rather sad when getting to this point in the year because although we have a long hot summer in July and August to appreciate (who am I kidding - lol), the nights gradually start to draw in, meaning we're heading towards cooler weather, shorter days and Winter.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves there's still plenty of warmer, sunnier climbs to enjoy. What's more I've got a whole mountain of summer clothes to wear, and a week in Ibiza too!
Here's my latest Style Steal featuring a look that screams summer - a white dress.

Who can go wrong with a white dress, a denim jacket, tan accessories and a pretty turquoise necklace?

Throw back Thursday!

Hi there,
Somewhat busy today as I'll be posting twice.
I do hope you can pop by later today or tomorrow to catch my co-hosting with another blogger from across the pond!

So for now I thought we could take a trip down memory lane (short term memory lane) that is - lol.
Lets re-visit some of my favourite looks from the past few months.
Starting back in February.  Wearing Jeans and a Jumper, Esther & I managed to grab a half hour on our local beach with the weather playing ball & producing a beautiful sunny day.  It was still rather nippy so I was glad I had the jumper and snood.  I'm looking forward to wearing these stylish boots again, however the weather here in the UK is just not consistent - one day it's boiling hot the next it's cooler with hints of rain!

Moving onto April, I was really made-up when I found My Perfect Chambray Shirt Dress.
I'd been searching for a denim dress, but hadn't found one suitable, that was until checking out what Matalan had to offer.  Knowing this would get plenty of airings it quickly became mine!  I came home and styled it with these neutral accessories.

Moving onto June, these two garments from Bonmarche became firm friends with me over the summer.  Giving me two staple pieces that my wardrobe had been crying our for.
Maxi dresses and Kimono's are the garments that make planning holiday outfits a breeze - fit perfectly into your case and as these both are iron-free items it's a big hurrah!!








You might remember this stylish Jumpsuit I wore at the beginning of this month.  This will be a god-send come the next few weeks, especially if the weather turns cooler (who knows???) I can layer it with clothes underneath as well as a cardigan, jumper of jacket - this jumpsuit is my hero.






I hope you enjoyed my little review of some past outfits.
If you get the chance please pop by later to see my second post of the day, my I have been a 'busy mumma bee'!!!!

Catch you later my friends. X

Linking with Thursday Fashion Files/Livingincolorblog

Update on my two new tops from Peacocks.

Morning to you all, glad you've spared the time to visit my blog -  I really appreciate it. X

If you saw my blog on Monday you'll see I was rather late publishing my Blog Post.
There is a very important reason and I'm so happy to share it with you - I became a Nanny again last week. 💗💗  I had the absolute pleasure of looking after my princess over the weekend which was awesome! My princess does take priority over everything. X

Back on track now, but in such a happy mood I'm hopping and skipping about like 'a dog with two tails' plenty of shopping in the baby section for mummabstylish!

But before any more shopping here's my #ootd featuring my recent purchase from Peacocks.  Have you seen black and white Gingham everything ... just about everywhere?
From OTS frilly blouses, to cute cropped trousers, I've wanted to 'check' out just how they'd look on me, I couldn't have been happier with the outcome - paired with turned up cigarette jeans and sling back sandals giving a Spring vibe that made me feel even happier - if that could happen!

My blouse is a real step out of the normal for me, I don't usually wear anything as elaborate as this split sleeve blouse, but I actually felt quite comfortable wearing it, maybe because it was warm and sunny - the loose fitting sleeve felt daring and sassy!  
The blouse is long enough to tuck in, which for me is quite flattering, giving a blouson effect.  I wouldn't want this top too fitted, it'd spoil the summery feel.
Oh did I mention the S word? Oh bring on the Summer!!!

I figured this gingham print could be enhanced by a squared bead necklace.  I've owned this for ages, but think it complimented the blouse really well.  I also love the bangles that jingled and jangled whenever I moved, these came from Evans a while ago 
I've a large wrist so need a bigger expanse to go over my hand, and if, like me, you struggle to find larger jewellery you'll be impressed with the huge selection in Evans, bearing in mind you can pick up cheap little gems in the sales, that will enhance a basic outfit to make it stunning!

You've seen my Forever 21 quilted clutch bag before, It's one of those bags that goes with so much!

The jeans are from Next and for only £12 worth having in your jean collection as they go with so much and look great as well.  I love the fact you can have a turn up on them, big or small which makes for a cooler look in the warmer climbes.
I've some great looks in mind for the coming months, and hope you'll pop back to view these and my other outfits either on a Monday or Thursday. X

You can just about see the sling back court shoes I chose, coming from the ever faithful Marks and Spencer.  These white with black dots became the perfect choice, great heel height for a casual day out.

**********

The second top I bought was pink which was the colour I shopped for, unfortunately not cerise pink, but pink none-the-less.  
Why when I make up my mind for a specific item or colour, I can never find what I want - so frustrating - does this happen to you?

I opted for the typical 'blogger' half tuck, I love the effect this gives - more flattering and thinning maybe??

I'm calling this pink colour 'watermelon' seems to be in the stores now Spring has arrived - cute!
Again with the flowery pattern I'm hearting now!  The bold white flower with a black outline is quite becoming, do you agree?
Do you like the split sleeve?  I'm getting accustomed to wearing these after my two Peacocks purchases so I might be converted!  You can keep the OTS styles, I'll choose split sleeves any day!
I paired these white cork peep-toe wedges, mainly because they're all I've got in my shoe collection - I say that tongue-in-cheek - but any others I might do own just weren't quite right! You can see where I first wore these beauts Supporting team Red last Summer.

 

Opted to go with white jeans with this blouse, tried the top on with a grey skirt, but wasn't really 'feeling' it, I'll give it a try another day - then let you see what you think! 
These  Matalan skinnies you've seen before when I wore my White Jeans in Winter and when I tried Two Ways with White Jeans.

 Playing hide and seek in the willow tree!

I've been cutting the grass so I could get some photos on the lawn, took me bloomin' ages and I'm exhausted now.  At least it's done for a few days now, time for a glass of fizz, that's long overdue and much needed!


Today Photography c/o middle daughter. X

Oh is that a baby needing cuddles?   In the words of George Michael   "I'm your man"  Nan!

Until Monday it's been a pleasure. X


'I can't promise my Grandchildren that I will be here for the rest of their lives, but I can promise that I will love them for the rest of mine" 💗

Pink - my favourite colour.

Morning, I'm having a super Monday after a great weekend.

You see I've had a very special person staying with me over the past few days, those who follow my IG might know exactly who I mean ... my princess, my one and only, my grand-daughter!  This might explain why I'm a tad late with the publishing of this blog - but better late than never - as they say!

I've had a fantastic time, had plenty of cuddles, lots of kisses and an abundance of love!
She keeps me young, playing imaginary games of shopping, tea parties, bouncing on the bed and playing with my hair rollers - what's that all about?  but never mind she's happy and that's all that matters.
I'd forgotten that things a nearly 3 year old like are quite often on repeat, from the Sausage Stew she's eaten every night for the past three  four nights, to asking what everyone's favourite colour is (mine's pink in case you don't know).  My Jacques Vert Pink Lace Dress is one example.

So with my favourite colour in mind, lets put the spotlight on pink!  Featuring it on today's Flat lay, there's a reason I've not had an #ootd today - but I'll share this later on in the week ;-)

With the weather being very typical to the UK atm, not knowing if it wants to be hot or cold!  Over the weekend we had stunning weather reaching, oh let's just say very warm, enough to wear a skirt (yes the legs came out - sorry who-ever caught sight of them) and no sleeves - yes I know can't believe some warmer weather has finally arrived.  Not sure how long the warmer climate will stay - but who cares! 

Popped into Peacocks today, literally flew in grabbed these two tops and sprinted to collect my princess.  Still haven't had time to see if they fit/look good, so dubious as to whether they'll be keepers or not! 
I'll have the answers by Thursday will it be yay or nay? - and I'd love you to check back with me then to see what the outcome is! 

Wanting bright cerise pink when I sprinted out today, but only found this little love in watermelon pink with white flowers all over it.  I can't wait to style this - will probably go for my grey skirt again, but I'm looking forward to playing around with all the matches it will make.

Pink Printer Split Sleeve Cold Shoulder.

£10

I've been wanting a black gingham top for a while now, but most I've seen have been OTS, which I'm not sure suit me, but I saw this today and knew I'd have to give it a try.  Really liking the tie detail on the arms and I can see this being worn with loads of separates - including my Grey Skirt, along with my White Jeans.  Looking forward to seeing what else I can pair it with - stay tuned folks!

Black Gingham Split Sleeve Top

£16

In the news today an Exhibition in Birmingham by Jodi Ann Bickley, with the theme being "A letter to my younger self; a letter full of hope to a stranger or a letter of guidance to a younger, lost you."
I've already done this AGES ago, if you'd like to read mine here that'll be super, and maybe a small piece of advice to younger bloggers!




Catch up again on Thursday, but I'd love to hear what you've been buying in anticipation of warmer seasons arriving, I'm wondering what you lovely bloggers will be wearing in the coming months!

Just to add, please pop over to see Jess at Elegantlydressedandstylish where she's featuring a beautiful Hand Painted Scarf.

Bye for today. X

What to wear hunting for fairies?

Morning, not long to go - the weekend is in sight!

Welcome March you've been missed! 
Looking forward to the weather warming up a little lot!
Do you remember I visited  the local Castle last week for a Fairy Scavenger Hunt?
It was in half term, so we decided to visit and indulge in some Fairy Hunting.  We should have realised when half term was mentioned that it would be full of children, and full of children of all ages it was!  Never-the-less we had such a great time, and more importantly Princess loved it!
Searching for the likes of Rosa and Ella's fairy Houses, fairy dust, toadstools and fairy circles had us walking all over the castle!  Princess was quite worn out, so happily rested whilst colouring and sticking jewels to make a fairy door. 

Rather a neutral looking outfit, an Aztec black and cream skirt, with a plain black fitted jumper along with my classic black coat.  Long black boots were so needed because it was rather chilly to be wandering about outside.

Don't you just love a pencil skirt - especially if it's got a stretch in it, good to just pull on and go.  You can't see from the photos, but I paired the skirt with a plain black jumper.  An easy to wear, casual outfit - plus long flat comfy boots.  I'm still on the look out for some new long boots, hoping to catch some cheapies in the end of season sales!

Do you believe in fairies? … If you believe clap your hands.James M. Barrie

That's it for today, catch up soon. X
                   Jacqui B.