A Navy Padded Coat for Winter - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and welcome to the blog.

Huge apologies for being so late today!

Wow 1st December has finally arrived and all I ask is "Have you finished you Christmas Shopping"?

I'm feeling smug as I'm getting it done slowly and surely.  This is the best I've done over the past few years, so I'm on target to get everything done in time to really enjoy the run up properly.  

I want to be enjoying the Christmas films in a relaxed state with a glass in my hand and wrapped presents under the tree.  The only thing I want to be worrying about is where to spend Christmas Eve lol!

I've been a busy bee this week as I'm away tomorrow.  I'm off to the Black Forest in Germany. It will be my first visit to this European country and I'm looking forward to enjoying the scenery of Baden Baden, visiting the Christmas markets and the savouring the Bratwurst and dare I say the Jagermeister (I love a Jager-bomb so will be sure to have one or three when I'm there 😏!!!)  What else should I be looking out for, do let me know so I don't miss out! 

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

My first proper go at pattern mixing! - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my lovely friends.

Thanks for stopping by today.

How's your week going?  I've got everything crossed that we come out of lock-down next week and have a bit more freedom.  I want to get my shopping sorted as I hate buying online (remember I told you that before lol).  

Mummab's household is looking rather festive with the installation of my Christmas tree and some outside lights.  I'm gradually adding to it and love how warm and inviting everything looks.  Have you put any decorations us yet?  I haven't bought any more ornaments this year (although it's still early - but don't tell the kids) but I have purchased some new lights.  My tree has been covered with three sets over the years, but with a set failing last year and the numerous plugs needed I thought I should be a new set.  Lidl have opened a new store down the road and I found 1000 lights for only £24 - bargain.  They have a few different settings and are a homely warm white which looks fabulous amid my gold and copper baubles. You can't purchase Lidl online, but here's some from Amazon that are very similar.

Now shall we take a look at my latest attempt at pattern mixing?  This is very adventurous for me as I don't feel this is my "thing" - but it doesn't look too bad does it, my friends!

Brighten up with cheery yellow.

Good morning my friends.
How are you all doing?
Can you believe this is my 500th blog post!!!  I'm actually amazed there's been so many, and having looked back at my first few posts I'm impressed at how far I've come!  I've toyed with the idea of deleting these awful early days but when would I actually start from because every day is a learning curve in blogging as in everything we do.  As humans we strive to be better, fitter, nicer and have more.  It's not a selfish thing it's natural.  Some can be happy with 'our lot', but there's plenty of us who want more - not just tangible things but things like experiences, learning and achieving.  For me being over fifty means I have the best of all worlds, I enjoy my family and friends, can spend a little more on clothes and makeup etc, have some wonderful holidays (with more to come) & enjoy learning to dance.  I still go to adult ballet once a week and have been going to ballroom dance lessons for over a year now - not only is it fun it keeps me fit.  Do you have any new hobbies you've just started?

Along with fashion I love learning about makeup & skin care. I love to watch YouTube videos sharing makeup ideas, skin care techniques and specific make routines - I've just found a wonderful lady who specialises in over 50's makeup, she deals with lots of issues from dry lips to hooded eyes and I'm so pleased I've found her.  If you're interested here's her link ... Shake Up Makeup.

With Storm Ciara taking hold this weekend taking photos has been a nightmare, double that because this was the first time I have used my new camera on a remote control setting - let's just say it's a 'learning in progress' situation.  So with the weather being very Wintery I wanted to brighted up my demeanor by wearing something bright - to be fair the sun has been out all morning, but that wind is still so strong!

Style Steal - Pale blue and pink.

Hi there, March Style Steal has arrived! 

Who's style have I chosen this month?  I'm really happy with how this copy looks.  These sweet soft pastels remind me that Spring is only round the corner - hurrah!

With awful weather in the cold winter months, the only thing that seems to lift everyone's spirits is some pretty spring-like colours, as well as a holiday if you're lucky enough! 😉



I do hope you stopped by last Thursday, my first linkup was in full swing, I'm so grateful for all of you who added a post - there were plenty to look through with some wonderful styles and informative blogs to peruse over.   Another #chicandstylish linkup will go live on Thursday - maybe you can stop by too. X

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